GOULBURN Murray Credit Union (GMCU) is marking a major milestone this month, with the local member owned credit union celebrating 70 years of operating across the region.
Chief Executive Officer Richard O’Nians said the milestone reflects a long-standing commitment to supporting local people as the region has grown over the years.
“This milestone is about our members – it’s their loyalty, trust and belief in local banking that’s built GMCU into the strong and community focused organisation it is today,” Mr O’Nians said.
“We owe our success to generations of members, staff and community members who chose to back a local credit union and helped us grow as the region grew.
“As GMCU marks this milestone, we reflect proudly on its history and look forward to continuing the tradition of member first banking that has shaped the communities we operate in for decades,” he said.
GMCU’s origins began in 1955 with the establishment of North East Credit Union, built on the belief that local communities thrive when they have access to fair, cooperative financial services.
The idea quickly spread as neighbours, parish groups and local leaders championed community and member owned banking, showing how when communities pool small contributions, together they could help others access what they needed.
This spirit of collaboration fuelled a growing movement, with Seymour, Shepparton, Kyabram, Numurkah and Rich River credit unions forming over the following decades. In 1985, the six regional credit unions united to form what is today, GMCU, representing more than 17,500 members across the Goulburn Murray region.
Today, GMCU continues to invest in banking, loans and insurance products and services; digital banking support and personalised service – with a focus to ensure that communities across the region can access local banking, now and into the future.
GMCU members, community partners, staff and directors – past and present – will join local dignitaries and gather at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution at 5pm on Thursday 26 February to celebrate.
