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27/02/2023
The longevity of any rural or regional business is worth celebrating, and with Rabobank’s Mount Gambier branch recently notching up 25 years, it was a win the whole community was able to share in.
A crowd of almost three hundred gathered to mark the branch anniversary, which featured a ‘Q&A’ panel discussion on topics such as carbon and investment in community, and offered an opportunity for guests to relax and mingle.
Coonawarra and Limestone Coast wine producer Frank DiGiorgio raised a congratulatory glass, and as one of the branch’s foundation clients, paid tribute to the Rabobank team for their unwavering support.
Supporting local growth
As one of the bank’s original clients at the time when Rabobank took over Primary Industries Bank of Australia (PIBA), the DiGiorgio family run a diverse operation that includes sheep and cattle production, viticulture, and a winery, across a number of regions.
“We started out in the 1950s when my father immigrated from Italy. He developed a successful sheep and cattle business and in the late 1980s we diversified into viticulture and later, the winery business in 2002.”
“During that time we also ran a horticulture property growing spud and carrots, plus a packing shed.”
“We were particular from the get-go that Rabobank understood our vision and what we were trying to achieve.”
“They were very keen to support us in growing a diversified business portfolio, and here we are 25 years later with our vision a reality, and the team our genuine friends.”
Having worked with just three rural managers over the past 25 years, Frank said this was further testament to the bank’s long-term outlook and focus on forming strong client relationships.
The late Phil Porter, no stranger to the community, was the DiGiorgio family’s first rural manager, and his legacy continues to shine.
“Phil was only a small guy, but he was a giant of a man for everything he did for his rural clients.”
Kym Inglis partnered with the family before handing over to Senior Manager Michael McCrea who is their current manager.
“It’s reassuring to be supported by a bank that is focussed purely on agri – other banks have to deal with all sorts of distractions, but with Rabobank committed to agriculture, we definitely feel that extra level of service.”
“Michael is a lovely guy, and a very experienced banker with an impressive background. His business insights and focus on ag give us so much confidence, and we’re really thrilled to have his support.”
A celebration worthy of the Mount Gambier team’s milestone
Frank applauded the opportunity for the region to come together and celebrate as a community and industry, and said the range of speakers provided valuable insights throughout the evening.
“With discussions surrounding the current banking environment and the rural markets, there were some really interesting take aways,” Frank said. “The beauty of Rabobank being solely ag focussed is that they understand the vagaries of the weather, or international markets, and how this will impact decision making for farmers on the ground – not just at a national or regional level, but right here at a local level.”
Nikki Kirkland, together with her husband Richard, runs a mixed farm in the district, and praised the Mount Gambier team on their strong commitment to their clients, and the community.
“Our manager Joe Noonan is so supportive of our operation, and takes the time to come out on-farm to regularly visit, have a look around and get a real feel for what we’re doing,” she said.
Nikki is also a member of the South Australia and North West Victorian Rabo Client Council, a group of client representatives from across the region helping guide the bank on where community funds are best spent.
Supporting farmers, staff, and the communities in which they live
Dedicated to developing meaningful grass roots initiatives to support agri education, rural health, sustainability and to help bridge the urban/rural divide, Nikki said the concept had her immediately intrigued.
“As an educator of 30 years I was very curious to learn more about the Rabo Client Council’s role in relation to education and mental health, and subsequentially very happy to sign on and help contribute.”
Last year the local client council donated ‘George the Farmer’ books to schools across the state, and regularly deliver Financial Skills Workshops across the region.
“It was wonderful to attend a workshop recently and see so many young farmers, all embracing the opportunity to learn and develop skills to make their business stronger – these are the sort of workshops that make a real difference to our communities, and industry.”
Nikki gave a short presentation to the crowd on the role of the Rabo Client Council, and said the event was a great opportunity to really showcase the depth of Rabobank’s contribution in the region.
There was also plenty of discussion, she said, after a Q&A panel on carbon accounting, and the evening was one that got everyone thinking.
“It’s so important to have these opportunities to come together to network and learn. There were lots of conversations, lots of laughs, and I think we’ll all be keep our eye out for what opportunities we can look out for after such an insightful evening.”