Albury Wodonga News

“We are delighted to welcome Darlene to the bank and look forward to her leadership building on our substantial steps forward in digital innovation and member experience” says Brooks.

Most recently Deputy CEO for People’s Choice Credit Union since 2016, Ms Mattiske-Wood brings over twenty years’ experience in executive leadership to Australian Military Bank with fifteen years’ experience in the Mutual sector.

Ms Mattiske-Wood has extensive Strategic, Operational and People and Culture expertise.  She has also held several Board positions including current director with COBA (Customer Owned Banking Association) and previous Chair of Mutual Market Place representing People’s Choice in the Joint Venture Procurement Company between CUA and People’s Choice.

Commenting on her appointment Ms Mattiske-Wood said, “We are member-owned, our purpose for being is ‘our members’ and we have a tremendous contribution to make to the financial wellbeing of our ownership.  There is no confusion about our key objective or which stakeholders we serve.  We are member-first and this clarity will be informing all dimensions of my leadership of Australian Military Bank” says Ms Mattiske-Wood.  

“I can see many opportunities to build on past success” she continues, “Last month the bank announced impressive half yearly financial results that provide a strong basis for the banks future growth through its digital-first strategy.  Further, the bank is in the first phases of participation in The First Home Owners Deposit Scheme as well as its on-going participation with Department of Defence as one of only three approved Defence Housing Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) participants” she says.

Ms Mattiske Wood assumes executive control of Australian Military Bank following its recent 60th anniversary celebrations.  She concludes, “The chance to serve our members is a privilege not a right and I regard a legacy of 60 years’ service and our members trust as our most valuable asset”. 

About:   

Australian Military Bank is a member-owned Mutual bank that has been helping Australian Defence personnel and their families make the most of their money since 1959. As Australia’s longest serving Defence financial institution, Australian Military Bank specialises in service and products that integrate into the unique aspects of life in the armed services. 

As a mutual organisation, Australian Military Bank is run for the benefit of members who are also our shareholders.

Australian Military Bank; Timeline:  

1959: Founded as the Navy (Civil Staff) Co-op. Ltd.
1971: Membership extended to civilian employees of the Army and RAAF in NSW 
1983: We merge with Army Defence (NSW) Credit Union and rebrand as Australian Defence Credit Union (ADCU)
2008: Selected by Department of Defence as one of three DHOAS home loan providers 
2014: Achieve in excess of $1 billion funds under management 
2015: Membership exceeds 50,000 and vote passed to change our name to Australian Military Bank
2018: Launch of new Core and Digital Banking offerings 24/7  
2020: 56,000 members, 4 million+ logins