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25/06/2024
The Goulburn Sydney branch, supporting farmers across the region, and beyond
It’s one of Australia’s most dynamic regions, where city meets country and agriculture’s rich history merges with modern agribusiness.
And it’s an equally vibrant team that leads Rabobank’s Sydney and Goulburn branch.
Area Manager Virginia Croker is a proud Goulburn local, having grown up on a local family farm, and now raising her own three children in the region.
This connection to community, she believes, underpins strong client relationships, plus a genuine passion for agriculture and seeing local farm businesses thrive.
It’s a sentiment shared across the entire team.
“Reflective of the diversity of this region, our Sydney and Goulburn staff each benefit from a background that brings something different to the table,” she explains. “We share a common passion for ag, with the team strengthened by fresh perspectives and new ideas.”
Matilda Flanery is a team member well-versed in farming, with this Rural Officer hailing from a local family grain, livestock, and cherry operation.
Having previously worked in the Rabo Client Council team, Matilda also has an acute understanding of rural communities and how the bank can best provide support at a grass-root level and at the farm business level.
Rural Manager Paul Millett has enjoyed a global career working in finance, and says he is continually energised by the active role Rabobank takes in the agricultural industry.
Supporting clients in the Sydney office, as well as being an enthusiastic contributor to his local Taralga community, Paul and his young family run a small Angus beef cattle enterprise and enjoy the lifestyle spoils of the region.
Rabobank Manager Paul Millett with Mark Silm of Cedar Creek Orchard, Picton.
Laura Clements is one of the branch’s latest recruits, the former solicitor now six months into her role as an analyst.
Sixth generation to grow up on her family’s Southern Tablelands prime lamb and wool operation, her rural background, coupled with her legal expertise, provides a valuable, and broad, experience base.
“The combination of my legal and rural background has only served to enhance my experience with Rabo so far and I’m thrilled to be able to have reconnected with the agriculture sector in this way.”
“There is a certain sensibility that comes with being a rural person, and this makes connection with clients and indeed other staff across the region, seamless.”
Relationship Analyst Kaye Paterson has been working in banking for almost 50 years, and having grown up on a dairy farm in the Gloucester region, also enjoys a strong background in ag.
And she’s continually grateful to work in the tight-knit team.
Senior Rural Manager Alex Hunt grew up on a family farm at Gundagai, and has supported Rabobank clients for the past 12 years - eight locally and prior to that two years in Wagga, and two years in Dalwallinu Western Australia.
He believes there’s no better career path for contributing to agriculture, and being part of a shared goal.
“It’s extremely satisfying being a valued stakeholder in our clients’ businesses, helping them achieve production increases, wealth creation, and business transition to the next generation.”
Senior Relationship Analyst Rob Dickinson has also enjoyed an exciting decade of career progression with Rabobank, having joined the bank’s call centre fresh out of university after studying finance.
Sydney-born and bred, Rob didn’t have a traditional agricultural background, however, worked in various operational roles within Rabobank before joining the Sydney Goulburn branch in 2021.
“What I have enjoyed about the role is being able to get out on the road and see different parts of NSW,” he says. “It’s immensely satisfying speaking with clients about their businesses and learning more about agriculture – it’s a fascinating industry, and getting out on the road is a great way to continue building my expertise.
Area Manager Virginia Croker with sheep and wool producer James Milson, of Yarra.
No stranger to the industry, Rural Manager Christian Lazarou grew up on a mixed farming operation in the Cowra district, and moved to Rabobank after a successful investment banking career.
“I was very much drawn to the opportunity of working with like-minded people in ag-based businesses, and getting out on farm visiting clients remains the highlight of my job.”
“It’s been five years now, and I’ve loved getting to really understand my clients’ businesses, and becoming a valued contributor to their decision-making – we support our clients through everything from their succession planning to their growth aspirations, it’s a privilege, and one none of us take lightly.”
Traditional meets modern agriculture
From its traditional wool-growing roots to a more modern wave of agricultural clients out of Sydney, the region straddles two worlds, all with the same goal – to produce more with less, and build strong farm businesses.
Managing a diverse portfolio of rural producers across the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, South Coast, and the Monaro, Virginia says there’s nothing the team enjoys more than getting out on farm and helping clients achieve these aspirations.
“The individual agricultural background of all our staff provides perspective, which, coupled with our understanding of the nuances of farming is very difficult to replicate.”
“Our managers are regularly on-farm, and are highly motivated to “move quickly when necessary”, and she believes the team’s relationship with its clients is unique.
“Our clients feel comfortable calling us on our mobiles or welcoming us into their homes, and that’s because our boots are on the ground – we understand the industry, we are here for the long-term future of agriculture.”
“The passion and shared focus of the team contributes to the vibrancy of the workplace and community in which we live and work.”
A focus on community
With a commitment that extends well beyond the standard nine to five, each team member is heavily invested in strengthening the community.
“From local shows, industry or interest groups, sporting groups through to school P&Cs, finding time for contribution is important and something Rabobank places great value on.”
“It’s important to find balance and give back to the community – this is where we’ve chosen to live, work and raise our families, which underpins genuine engagement.”
Bold in its creativity, Virginia says it’s also inspiring to work for a bank that’s not afraid to think outside the box.
“Recently we had the RaboTruck – a purpose-built mobile knowledge-sharing hub – visit Cooma,” Virginia explains. “Hosted by Mel and George Haylock at "Old Springfield", the day included an update on the livestock sector and markets, and guest speakers Skye Manson, Bea Litchfield and Skye Ward held a thought-provoking conversation around the strength and resilience of regional communities.”
“We held dairy outlook events along the coast towards the end of last year, and most recently a regional webinar on the rural land price outlook.”
Podcaster Skye Manson, guest speaker at a recent RaboTruck event held on-farm at Cooma.
A recent client dinner held in Gunning also afforded livestock producers first-hand insights from RaboResearch Senior Protein Analyst Angus Gidley Baird, and Group Executive Country Banking Australia Marcel van Doremaele.
“These knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities are an interactive and welcome opportunity for our region to connect, learn, and be inspired – helping contribute to a strong ag industry and community. I am proud of the role we play in connecting people, experiences, knowledge and ideas,” Virginia said.