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09/03/2023
All passionate about agriculture and the vibrancy of rural Australia, Moree’s Rabobank team believe there’s no better place to live and work than on the highly productive black soil plains.
Area Manager and Moree local Felicity Taylor said she was continually inspired by the vision and innovation amongst the region’s producers, and proud to support some of Australia’s leading farmers.
A bank dedicated solely to agriculture, Felicity said Rabobank enjoys a long history in North West NSW’s rural banking landscape, and that the Moree branch continues to go from strength to strength, reflecting the optimism and opportunity within the local farming community.
“As someone who grew up in Moree, and as a team all passionate about our community, we also know how important it is to have local face-to-face banking service – a bricks and mortar branch for employment, accessibility and sponsorship of local events.”
With over 110 culminative years of agribusiness banking experience, Rabobank’s dedicated Moree team share significant industry expertise alongside clear passion for the community.
A recent addition is Senior Rural Manager Sophie Clyne, whose experience in corporate banking, coupled with her strong local knowledge, are a win for the branch.
On her decision to join the Rabobank team in 2022, Sophie has been long impressed by the unique way Rabobank interacts with their clients.
“Building and maintaining long-term relationships, and supporting our clients to achieve their goals is at the heart of Rabobank, and it’s exciting to be part of a team that is so passionate about value-adding to farmers’ business strategy.”
“This depth of the client focus is unique, and makes for a really meaningful career.”
Joining the Moree team three years ago, fellow Senior Rural Manager Rob De Gruchy brings to the team 33 years of experience in the corporate agribusiness sector.
Rob and his partner, a teacher at Moree Secondary College, relocated to Moree from Sydney – the tree-change inspired by the opportunity to apply his skills on the forefront in a rural community.
“I would visit Moree a couple of times a year in my previous role, and was always impressed by the productive soils and innovative farmers, but it’s been a real eye-opener seeing what this country can do over the recent wet years.”
Rob has embraced the country lifestyle, and concedes the cycling is much more enjoyable on the North West Plains compared to Sydney’s bustling inclines.
A commitment to community
With half of Moree’s Rabobank team proudly raised in the area, and all hailing from rural backgrounds, Felicity said contributing to the social fabric of the community was close to heart.
“As an agricultural bank we have a clear focus on environmental sustainability, but we’re also dedicated to social sustainability, that is, helping support the longevity of our region and rural communities.”
“Businesses like this inject people into our town, people who live here, shop here, support local schools, and it’s something we take a lot of pride in.”
In 2023 the branch will sponsor 20 events from Wee Waa through to Mungindi to further contribute to the vibrancy of these communities.
Moree local James Maunder, plus Linda Galagher, hailing from Wee Waa, and Emm Bambling, originally from Gayndah, complete the team.
And it's a team that continues to grow.
With two positions currently available in Moree, Felicity said it was the perfect time to join a vibrant team supported by a wealth of resources – both locally and globally.
Genuine support for local clients
A strong customer focus and a large team embedded in the community underpins a unique empathy towards clients, one Felicity believes can only be achieved when sharing the same rural lifestyle as the client base.
“We want nothing more than to see our clients succeed, in life and in business. The highlight of our role is without a doubt regularly visiting our clients on-farm, often across generations of a family, and seeing their visions become reality.”
“Every client has a dedicated rural manager and relationship analyst who intimately understands their business. Beyond this, clients have access to specialists in market and interest rate risk management, land and water appraisals and the global RaboResearch commodity analyst network, providing insights and updates to help our farmers make the best possible decisions with their precious resources.”
While Rabobank prides itself on big-picture strategic thinking, she says access to help when needed with day-to-day banking is also key to the service.
“Our Moree branch is open five days a week, all day, with a call centre available 14 hours a day for any further assistance,” Felicity said.
Additionally, over the counter banking facilities can be accessed via any Australia Post outlet, increasing ease for smaller communities such as Rowena, Garah and Wee Waa.
“We’re proud to call Moree home, and helping our great local farmers achieve outstanding results is, without a doubt, an extremely rewarding privilege.”