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26/08/2024
Whether it’s hosting knowledge and networking events, Financial Skills Workshops or Business Management Programs, Rabobank’s Mount Gambier team recognises the value of supporting local farmers beyond the farm gate.
As a bank dedicated to agricultural clients, Kate Facy, Rabobank Head of Relationship Management believes it’s the diversity of opportunities Rabobank affords clients that sets it apart.
“We have a number of local farmers who have taken part in the Rabobank Executive Development Program, a leadership course designed to build strategy and commercial management skills for business growth,” Kate explained.
“The region also benefitted recently from a Rabobank Financial Skills Workshop in Keith, which provided producers with practical know-how on basic farm-specific cash flows, budgeting and accounting.”
Kate said it was always exciting to see clients’ embrace these upskilling opportunities, and that feedback was overwhelmingly positive, “Our clients regard these events as integral to the ongoing development and growth of their businesses.”
“Modern farming businesses are sophisticated and complex, and we’re really proud to be working with our clients to ensure they are supported with access to knowledge and skills, on farm and off.”
This month the RaboTruck, a custom B-Double mobile experience and multipurpose space, rolled into Frances, for an evening of knowledge and networking where Head of RaboResearch, Stefan Vogel provided a market update.
“It’s important to have these opportunities to come together to network and learn, particularly at the moment with such challenging seasonal conditions,” Kate said.
“Any way we can connect the community and get people off the farm is a positive, and to have the ear of the Head of RaboResearch is a valuable opportunity for our local farmers.”
A refreshed team to lead the future industry
With a recent ‘changing of the guard’ following the retirement of Bryan Hunt and career change of Joe Noonan, both long-term and well-loved Rural Managers, Kate said the team has been bolstered thanks to the expertise of recent recruit Joe Clements.
Joe joins Rabobank after a 36-year career in banking, covering regions from the Northern Territory to South Australia.
Originally from the Eyre Peninsula, Joe couldn’t resist the Mount Gambier region, making the move for the third time in 2006.
He is now thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Rabobank team.
“I’m excited to be working solely with ag-based clients – in my other roles I’ve worked across a diversity of businesses, and industries, so I’m really looking forward to a more specialised role in which I can combine my expertise and genuine interest in agriculture,” Joe said.
With over 30 years of experience working with agricultural businesses and community groups across the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria, Kate returned to her hometown in 2012.
A proud local, she said was attracted to the opportunity to work for Rabobank, thanks to its dedicated agricultural foundations and community focus.
"I have always had a keen interest in the sustainability of our rural and regional communities, and how we can best promote strong local employment to ensure our regions thrive."
"Our existing team of Rural Managers - Nick Tarca, who grew up on a property in the Naracoorte region, Lynn Fairlie, who runs a property in the Lower South East, and Amy Hawke, an experienced banker supporting producers in the region for the past 15 years - are equally passionate about agriculture."
Rural Managers are supported by newly appointed Rural Officer, Sharna Beck, along with long-standing Senior Relationship Analyst Mary Earl, Risk and Compliance Manager, Jacq Hardman, Credit Analyst Gary Robinson, and Analysts Jessica Byrne, Brad Adams and Gina McDonald.
A strong team boasting decades of combined experience, Kate said the Mount Gambier Rabobank branch reflected the diversity of the region, enjoying a range of ages, backgrounds and expertise.
Rabobank committed to community, and industry
Committed to ensuring the vibrancy of the Limestone Coast, Kate is a director of local community foundation Stand Like Stone, and as such, finds Rabobank’s community focus refreshing.
Recently, the branch has taken the initiative for two staff members to volunteer every month at Food Bank, and the local Rabo Client Council – a client-based volunteer group helping advise the bank on where to best provide support locally – is also extremely impactful.
The Rabo Client Council is a proud supporter of ‘George the Farmer’, with founder Simone Kain.
Rabo Client Council initiatives include providing ‘George the Farmer’ books to schools across the country, educating kids on where their food and fibre comes from, delivering complimentary Financial Skills Workshops directly into local communities, and supporting regional health initiatives such as the Pinnaroo Project.
“As a cooperative, Rabobank has genuine community values, which adds to a positive culture, and we’re always looking for opportunities to contribute locally, which helps drive an additional sense of purpose within the team, and supports the community and industry alike,” Kate said.