Rabobank team:  Live, work and play the Dalby way

Being an active part of the local community, providing genuine service, and developing strong client relationships have led to Rabobank’s successful growth in Dalby.

Rabobank's office in Dalby today boasts seven staff, but just three and a half years ago when the doors first opened there were just two - Michael Webber and Justin Harrison.

For Michael and Justin, joining Rabobank was a natural synergy – the philosophy of Australia's leading food and agribusiness bank sat nicely with their own personal philosophy – good client relations and quality service.

As the branch manager Michael believes the focus on clients is the reason Rabobank Dalby has been so successful.

“The staff of Rabobank are dedicated to agribusiness and dedicated to their clients,” Michael said. “The philosophy of Rabobank clearly focuses on clients and providing services – it is a good partnership.”

This approach has seen Rabobank Dalby become the third largest branch in Queensland, and the eighth in Australia in just three short years.

Rabobank has bought a whole new dimension to the rural banking sector, offering clients more than just another financial institution.

And according to the latest Kondinin Groups 2006 National Agricultural survey on rural banks, the approach by Rabobank has rated highly with rural communities.

The Kondinin survey released in the April edition of ‘Farming Ahead’ saw Rabobank dominate the ratings with an 87% approval rating on the local front.

The independent survey also said that on a national scale during the past five years Rabobank has consistently rated higher than other banks.

Certainly being part of the local community is paramount to the Rabobank success story.

As the branch manager Michael leads by example having spent a number of years as President of the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as being on the coaching team with the local Rugby League Club.

Both rural managers Richard Brown and Chris Ellem are also active members of the community.

Richard is treasurer of the Dalby Rugby Union club and Chris is heavily involved in the Dalby Clay Target Club.

“With Rabobank we really do live where we work, our whole office is part of the local community,” Michael said.

Another Rabobank success story is Justin Harrison who was instrumental in working with Michael to get the Dalby branch up and running.

Justin has recently been appointed Queensland/NT State Manager for Rabobank recognising his efforts on a higher level. 

The success of Rabobank in such a short period and the success of the Dalby branch clearly demonstrate that the timing was right – people were looking for a change.