Banking isn’t always about profits. Bendigo Bank has made it their business to support First Nations people and serve local communities across Australia.
Banks get a lot of bad press, but Bendigo Bank does it differently. Their Community Bank partnerships have reinvested more than $320 million into local projects across Australia – from supporting emergency services to funding food banks, education, the arts, and social welfare outreach programs.
It was this that drew Emily Chapman to apply for a role at Bendigo – and she’s still there almost two decades later.
As a First Nations employee, Em is passionate about raising opportunities for and giving a voice to underrepresented groups. We caught up with her to find out more about how Bendigo Bank is the bank that gives back.
“Bendigo Bank creates a community and a workplace where everyone feels as though they belong. We all bring different thoughts, mindsets, beliefs, and strengths to the Bank, and this diversity of thought makes us stronger and better together.”
Combining personal growth and career goals
Em first joined Bendigo Bank as a personal assistant in the ‘profit-with-purpose’ division. Since then, she has held a variety of roles, rising to Senior Advisor for Change and Product Risk Oversight. Although Em has had a very successful career, she wasn’t always motivated professionally, and she credits a key member of the management team with igniting that spark within her.
“I had two babies early on in my career, so the idea of growing my career didn’t really start until one particular manager inspired me to grow my career with the Bank. She invested her time in me and gave me opportunities that opened my eyes to pathways I could take.”
Now, Em is able to combine career success with personal growth and her desire to help others – and she’s accomplished this with guidance and support at every step.
“The standout success for me has been the growth in my confidence and being able to find my voice. I’ve done this by being thrown challenges that may not sit within my remit but that my leaders know combine my passion, drive, and career goals.”
Emily participated in Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Women in Leadership program and credits this with growing her confidence at work.
Find out more about how Bendigo and Adelaide Bank supports its employees.
Representing First Nations people
Em is a founding member of Mob@BEN, a group representing First Nations employees that also speaks up on behalf of its First Nations customers.
“Mob@BEN creates a culturally safe space for people who have faced the same challenges and walk the same discoveries. We advocate, mentor, and support each other, no matter what. We are also called upon to be a voice on matters that directly impact or involve First Nations customers, employees, and communities. It’s important, as it empowers our Mob to feel heard and to have a voice in matters that may impact them or our people – ‘Nothing for us, without us.’”
Through Mob@BEN and the Risk DEI group, Em has been able to make a real difference in the work-life experience of underrepresented groups at Bendigo Bank.
“Being loud and proud of all things DEI, I became the communication specialist promoting key dates of significance and education around those dates. As a collective, we advocate, support, drive, and embed change across the division.”
As part of her work in DEI, Em recently hosted a podcast, A Yarn with our Elders, and in one episode, got to interview her 91-year-old grandfather:
“Having a yarn with my beautiful 91-year-old grandfather was an incredible experience. The podcast series was well received both internally and externally, and my peers and wider network reached out to say thank you. It’s a memory to cherish forever.”
You can bank on Bendigo
Bendigo Bank’s support for its employees extends far beyond career progression, as Em has experienced firsthand. In 2022, she had major surgery and now lives with a stoma.
Throughout her treatment and ongoing recovery, Em’s team has always been there for her.
“I was in hospital for quite a long period after complications, and there are still days where I can’t get out of bed due to chronic pain. My entire team and some of our Group Risk Senior Leaders are always reminding me to put myself first when I try and insist on pushing through. Having this support and flexibility is so important when you are feeling as though your world is crumbling around you, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Having started at Bendigo Bank, helping the wider community through their social programs, Em now helps her own community through her work in DEI. Helping others is how she measures her own success and continues to motivate her throughout her career.
“Being able to make a difference is what drives me. Whether in the work that I do, how I present myself, or how I guide those around me – that is what success looks like to me.”
And at Bendigo Bank, Em is set to achieve all the success she wants, wherever that takes her:
“I’m still trying to work out what I want to do when I grow up (at the age of 39!). Despite working in the risk world, I am incredibly passionate about the DEI space. Everyone deserves to have a voice, be heard, and be treated equally. I would like to branch out into leadership, invest in myself, and show that First Nations people can make good leaders.”
