BCU members have many reasons to feel a part of something special this month with International Credit Union Day on Thursday (October 21) and the organisation currently celebrating its 40th anniversary.

BCU Chief Executive, Lyndon Kingston, said International Credit Union Day was a way to acknowledge the success of the credit union movement which brought an alternative banking option to more than 187 million members in 97 countries.

“In keeping with this tradition, BCUCU was founded on the ideal of providing a fair go banking alternative to members,” Mr Kingston said.

“We are extremely proud of our origins and the tireless work and contribution made by the banana growers who started our organisation,” Mr Kingston said.

He said in the early seventies, when BCUCU was in its infancy, the founders of the credit union worked long hours, often meeting with people to accept loan applications at their homes and workplaces.

“They worked hard because they believed that their colleagues and the people in their community deserved a fair go,” Mr Kingston said.

“These were people who were running their own businesses at the same time – the work and time they put into meetings and serving the needs of the early members is something to be remembered as we celebrate International Credit Union Day and our 40th anniversary.”

Mr Kingston said today, BCUCU’s purpose was still to provide a fair go to business owners and residents across our region from Port Macquarie to South East Queensland.

“It is only through the work of our founders, the banana growers, and the ongoing support of our Board, our staff and our members that we are now able to spread our reach and provide banking services to thousands of BCUCU members,” he said.