Heritage Bank is Australia’s largest customer-owned bank, established in 1875 and with a 58-strong branch network in Queensland.
Heritage extended its network outside Queensland for the first time when it opened a branch in the Castle Towers Shopping Centre in October.
CEO Peter Lock said Heritage had taken the historic decision to choose Castle Hill for its first interstate branch after extensive research on numerous options.
“Castle Hill is a wonderful area that fits Heritage perfectly and we’re absolutely delighted to become part of the community,” Mr Lock said
“Heritage is a customer-owned bank that is renowned for providing outstanding value and service to its customers.
“Our ethos is people first, so we’re different to other banks, because we focus on the best interests of our customers rather than making massive profits.
“Unlike other banks we’re opening branches rather than closing them, because we know how much people value being able to come in and talk to someone face-to-face.
“We’ve chosen Castle Hill for our first branch outside Queensland because it’s an area with great community spirit, a strong economy, and the kind of people who can really benefit from the products and services we have to offer.”
Sydney Hills Business Chamber Chairperson Nigel Rayner welcomed Heritage to the region.
“We are proud to have Heritage Bank, Australia’s biggest customer-owned bank, selecting The Hills to open its first branch outside of Queensland and becoming a member of the Sydney Hills Business Chamber. This move clearly shows a vote of confidence in the ongoing growth of the economy within The Hills and Western Sydney,” Mr Rayner said.
“Having Heritage Bank establish a bricks-and-mortar branch located within The Hills will provide easy personal access for local business owners and residents to face-to-face financial resources, advice and support.
“We look forward to Heritage Bank becoming entrenched in the community within The Hills and being an active member and supporter within the Sydney Hills Business Chamber.”
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, also welcomed Heritage.
“Our Council is a big supporter of local business. It’s great to see a new business opening here in The Hills, and providing quality financial jobs for residents who choose to work locally,” she said.
“The Hills Shire Council has some of the lowest council business rates in the state and will continue to support local business.”
Heritage’s Castle Hill branch design includes a number of features that are unique.
Inside the branch is a “Community Wall” which allows community organisations to promote local events on a customised interactive map.
There is also a Life Events wall an interactive touch screen that helps people identify the banking products and services best suited to those big financial decisions we need to make in our lives.
The Life Events identifies seven major life events, like buying a first car, refurbishing for a growing a family, or retiring. Customers can then look up the products Heritage offers for people at their stage of life.
Heritage Bank will celebrate its Castle Hill launch with special offers for new customers.
These include the opportunity for people to get their hands on a limited-edition HOVA – a wearable payment band that was the first in Australia to link directly to the user’s transaction account.
The HOVA is like having a credit card in your wrist, allowing you to pay for purchases from your transaction account simply by swiping your wrist over a payment terminal.
The Heritage Bank Castle Hill Branch is located at Shop 263A in the Castle Towers Shopping Centre.
