Hundreds of bcu members attended information events across the Coffs Coast region as a general meeting to decide on the proposed merger with P&N Bank draws near.
More than 500 members attended 11 events hosted by bcu board members to discuss the proposal and learn about the lower fees and improved services that the merger would provide.
bcu chair Steve Targett thanked members for their “well-informed and important” questions and said it had been a vital step in the merger process.
“It was fantastic to meet so many of our really engaged members face-to-face and hear their thoughts on the proposal,” Mr Targett said.
“It was a great opportunity to put some fears to rest and share some of the attractive benefits the merger would provide.”
Mr Targett said there was particular interest from members about local control and the existing identity of the much-loved bcu brand.
“The questions about this from members reinforced to us the importance of bcu’s heritage in local communities,” Mr Targett said.
“I can assure members that the bcu brand will be retained, that there will be no store closures as a result of the merger, and that all employees will be offered a role in the continuing entity. We will also support local decision-making, including establishing a bcu advisory council.”
Proxy voting on the proposal is now open. A member booklet and an independent expert’s report are available at www.bcu.com.au/vote.
For more information, members can speak with their local store team, call bcu on 1300 228 228 or visit www.bcu.com.au/future.
Important dates
- Proxy form deadline: October 20
- bcu general meeting: October 22
- P&N Bank general meeting: October 23