The bank that gives back: Queensland Country Staff clock 1,500 hours of community volunteering
This Friday, Queensland Country Bank is celebrating International Volunteer Day by shining a light on the people who make communities stronger: its own staff.
From Townsville to Stanthorpe, Cairns to Ipswich, Queensland Country Bank employees have quietly contributed more than 1,500 hours of hands-on volunteering over the past financial year, supporting causes close to home, heart, and country.
Queensland Country Bank's commitment goes far beyond corporate partnerships. Alongside its new sponsorship of Volunteering North Queensland (VNQ) and its Good for Good community grants program, the Bank runs a standout Community Volunteer Program, giving every staff member two paid days a year to volunteer for local charities and not-for-profits.
With 430 employees, that's hundreds of extra hands, thousands of hours, and a whole lot of community spirit invested across Queensland every year.
"Our employees contributed over 1,500 hours of local volunteering in 2024–25, supporting causes close to home and heart," said Queensland Country Bank CEO Aaron Newman, who spent his own volunteer days this year at Ronald McDonald House in Brisbane.
"Some of the places our team has supported include Ronald McDonald House, where Queensland Country is a major partner, as well as charity events across the state, the RSPCA, Queensland Garden Show, Mission Australia, NAIDOC Festival, Ipswich Little Theatre, Beaudesert Show, Lifeblood, Lifeline, and local sporting associations. The list is long, and it brings us enormous pride."
He said volunteering has always been part of the Bank's DNA.
"Community engagement has always been central to Queensland Country Bank. We're committed to encouraging employees to make a direct and practical difference in the communities where we live and work. Our Community Volunteer Leave Program gives employees the chance to understand how not-for-profit organisations operate and to lend practical support."
Just two weeks ago, Queensland Country Bank deepened its commitment by partnering with Volunteering North Queensland (VNQ). As part of the partnership, the Bank will cover membership fees for all Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) across North Queensland for the entire 2025–26 year, ensuring community groups and charities stay connected to VNQ's vital training, events, and celebrations without worrying about the cost.
VNQ President Anne Camplin said the support comes at a critical time. "This is such welcome help for our current members, many of whom are feeling the pinch with rising costs," Ms Camplin said.
"To have a major local business like Queensland Country Bank step up and support the volunteers who hold our communities together really means a lot. It was a hard call to introduce paid memberships this year, but it was the right one, we needed to keep delivering training, events, and ongoing support. The demand for volunteers is stronger than ever. This year alone we've referred more than 800 volunteers, and that number keeps growing."
ABOUT Queensland Country Bank
Queensland Country Bank is a Member-owned bank that started in 1971 in Mount Isa, and offers a uniquely enriching banking experience by integrating exceptional customer service with deep community engagement. The bank supports over 100,000 Members, employs 430 Queenslanders, and has given back $3 million to local communities through its Community Good for Good grants program since 2005. The team at Queensland Country Bank prioritises simplicity, speed, and personalisation in their services, supported by digital tools and knowledgeable staff across a 29-branch network across the state. For over 54 years, the bank has proudly invested in the regions it serves, offering a combination of financial expertise and unwavering support for local development.
