In the News: 2005 Archive
01 Dec 2005 - New Director to join Newcastle Permanent Board
Newcastle Permanent Building Society has flagged the appointment of a new director to its Board.
Mr Chris Sneddon, principal of Hunter-based accounting and business advisory service, Maxim Corporate, will be invited to join the Board. The appointment will be ratified at the Newcastle Permanent's Board meeting in February.
Chairman of Newcastle Permanent, Michael McDonald said that Mr Sneddon brings an excellent mix of skills and abilities to the Board.
"At 42 years of age Chris has more than 20 years experience providing accounting, taxation, commercial and business consulting services to a number of highly successful Hunter businesses.
"His contemporary views, sound understanding of financial matters and commercial focus will add to the already significant strengths of Newcastle Permanent's Board.
"His experience in business and commercial consulting will be invaluable as the Society enters its next phase of growth and development," Mr McDonald said.
The appointment brings to seven the number of Directors on Newcastle Permanent's Board. The organisation's Constitution allows for a minimum of five and a maximum of eight directors.
15 Nov 2005 - Newcastle Permanent's credit rating upgraded
Independent credit ratings agency, Standard & Poor's, has raised Newcastle Permanent's investment grade credit rating after a recent review of the Society's performance
Newcastle Permanent's rating is now BBB /Stable/A-2.
Standard & Poor's credit rating analyst Judy Kwok-Cheung noted that the ratings upgrade reflected Newcastle Permanent's sound financial profile, solid asset quality and very strong capital position.
In welcoming the upgrade, Newcastle Permanent's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fraser Read-Smith, said that this was an excellent achievement for a regionally-based financial services organisation.
"This upgrade means our credit rating is now equivalent to that of the major regional banks, all of which are much larger organisations than Newcastle Permanent, in terms of their operational base, assets and geographic reach.
"BBB /A-2 is also the highest rating that has been awarded to a building society.
"This clearly confirms Newcastle Permanent as Australia's leading building society and reinforces the high standing in which the Society is held, both in this region and in wider markets.
"While this new rating is mainly of interest to larger investors and wholesale funds looking for sound investment opportunities through the commercial paper programs that Newcastle Permanent is now operating, the news is also good for all members.
"Standard & Poor's have noted Newcastle Permanent's solid asset quality, strong capital position, competitive market position and sound prudential management strategies in their assessment." Mr Read-Smith said.
11 Nov 2005 - New Team Member for Mid North Coast Life Saving
Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast launched the new season on a high today with the announcement of a major sponsorship arrangement with Newcastle Permanent.
In a first for both organisations, Newcastle Permanent will become the branch's main sponsor in a deal that will see the familiar black and white logo become closely associated with surf life saving in the Hastings area, as it already is in the Hunter and Central Coast.
Announcing the sponsorship at Tacking Point Surf Life Saving clubhouse today, the Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Permanent, Mr Fraser Read-Smith said that the attraction that the region's beaches had for the local community and tourists alike, made surf life saving an important and integral part of the life of many people in the community.
"Newcastle Permanent has a long and proud tradition of supporting the community in the areas that we operate.
"This partnership with Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast aligns with our intention to be the financial services provider of choice for the people of the Mid North Coast, and as part of that role, to provide a significant level of support to the community.
"We are extremely pleased to be able to assist in the ongoing development of what can only be described as a vital resource," Mr Read-Smith said.
President of Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast, Mr Dennis O'Sullivan, said that the branch was delighted to have secured the support of an organisation of the calibre of Newcastle Permanent.
"Newcastle Permanent's decision to become a supporter of the branch means that the level of assistance that we can give to our clubs in training, equipment and many more important areas can be significantly increased, to the benefit of those clubs, their members, and of course, any person who uses our beautiful beaches.
"I know that Newcastle Permanent is a strong supporter of Surf Life Saving in the Hunter and Central Coast and I see today as a significant first step in the growth of what I believe will be a long and beneficial relationship for both parties.
"It is also an honour to announce that Newcastle Permanent Chairman, Mr Michael McDonald, and Deputy Chairman, Mr Michael Slater have agreed to become patrons of Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast, as a another dimension of the sponsorship arrangement," Mr O'Sullivan said.
09 Nov 2005 - Newcastle Permanent opens Port Macquarie branch
Newcastle Permanent Building Society, Australia's largest and financially strongest building society, has taken the next step in an expansion of its operations on the Mid North Coast with the opening of a new branch at Port Macquarie.
Located at 83-85 Horton Street Port Macquarie, the branch will provide the Port Macquarie community with over-the-counter financial products and services including home and personal loans, insurance and investment products, plus the convenience of day-to-day financial services.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said the Mid North Coast was emerging as one of the State's dynamic regions.
"This is our second branch on the Mid North Coast and we are confident that Port Macquarie will appreciate the quality of products and services that Newcastle Permanent offers," Mr Read-Smith said.
"These include lending and investment products, a number of which have been recognised with national awards, as well as the day-to-day financial services available through our branch.
"In spite of the rapid development of electronic options for financial transactions, people still appreciate being able to visit a branch to conduct their business making this an important initiative for Newcastle Permanent in the region.
"We also have a strong commitment to supporting the local community in which we operate and this coming Friday, Newcastle Permanent will be formally launching its first major community initiative for Port Macquarie with a major sponsorship arrangement with Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast.
"Newcastle Permanent will become Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast's main sponsor in a deal that will see the familiar black and white logo become closely associated with surf life saving in the Hastings area, as it already is in the Hunter and Central Coast.
"We look forward to building close associations with the people of Port Macquarie and to becoming their financial services provider of choice."
08 Nov 2005 - Record Participation in Maths Competition
The winners of the Newcastle Permanent 2005 Primary Mathematics Competition were presented with their awards today.
The Competition is open to all primary school students in Years Five and Six and has celebrated its 25th year with a record number of participants. More than 16,500 students from 249 primary schools throughout the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast sat for the competition paper.
Outside the Department of Education and Training's Basic Skills tests, the competition is one of the largest and most successful of its type in the region, drawing participants from the State and Catholic Education systems, and other non-government schools.
In the Year Six Division Didi Zhang from New Lambton Public School was the winner. Equal second were George Ashworth from New Lambton Public School, and James Banks from St Joseph's Primary, Taree.
In equal third were Saxon Edwards and Benjamin Lawrence from Glendore Public, Dylan Griffiths from Adamstown Public and Trent Wallace from Merewether Heights Public.
In the Year Five Division, Nathaniel Leonard from Wirrenada Public was first, Nick enderson, Muswellbrook Public and David McLean, Jewells Public, were equal second and Genevieve Fair from Macquarie College was third.
A strong overall performance by New Lambton Public School students in the Year Six Division saw that school also win the Newcastle Permanent Shield, which they now hold for 12 months.
In recognition of the increasing number of students from diverse number of areas now participating in the competition, Awards were also given to students who placed in the top three in their particular educational district.
These districts, based on geographic boundaries, are; Gosford, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Newcastle, Muswellbrook and Taree.
Announcing the winners and presenting their awards, Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Permanent, Mr Fraser Read-Smith, congratulated all participants on the high standards that they had achieved in a challenging paper, in particular the Year Six winner, Didi Zhang who scored 100%.
He also praised the efforts of teachers and parents for the way they had prepared the students for the challenge.
"Newcastle Permanent is delighted by the enthusiasm that students and teachers alike have for this competition, and by the outstanding results which they continue to achieve," he said
"Equally pleasing is the continuing growth in the number of students and schools who are taking up the challenge of the competition, and testing their ability against what now has a reputation as a highly challenging mathematic paper. Schools clearly see the competition as being an excellent opportunity for their students."
"Because of the specific contribution that this Competition makes in helping to promote and develop the vitally important skills of numeracy in our young people, Newcastle Permanent values this sponsorship very highly."
04 Nov 2005 - Newcastle Permanent Account offers high returns
Newcastle Permanent has announced the availability of new type of investment account offering money market rates combined with at call availability of funds.
Known as the Platinum Account - so named because of the rare, exclusive and desirable qualities of that metal - it offers investors with amounts of $500,000 or more, a high rate of return, and ready access to their funds. In short, the best of both worlds.
Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Permanent, Mr Fraser Read-Smith said that the new account met the needs of a wide range of customers with fixed terms ranging from 21 days to five years.
"Whether your funds are already invested in a fixed term account, or are being held in anticipation of a purchase, the Platinum Account allows you to gain maximum return from those funds.
"The at call feature of this account also means that if, or when, the funds are required, they are accessible by the investor without the limitations that often apply to fixed term deposits.
"An added feature of this account is a dedicated phone link to our Treasury team. Account holders can call for further information, to arrange for redemption of their funds, or an extension of the investment term."
"All Newcastle Permanent investments are backed by our Standard & Poor's attributed credit rating of BBB/A-2, which means that account holders have peace of mind about the security of their funds." Mr Read-Smith said.
Further information about the Platinum Account is available from the Newcastle Permanent Treasury Team on 02 4927 4563.
28 Oct 2005 - Newcastle Permanent set to build on strong performance
Newcastle Permanent Building Society announced its ninth successive year of strong growth, with a profit result of $34.1 million for the year ending 30 June, 2005.
Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said that the Newcastle Permanent also recorded strong results in lending, deposits and asset growth for the 2004/2005 financial year, reinforcing the Society's position as the financially strongest building society in Australia.
"As well as significant growth in lending and deposits, our total assets increased by over 19% to stand at $4.3 billion at the close of the financial year. This is a significant achievement for a regionally based mutual.
"During the 2004/05 financial year the Society generated $45.29 million in benefits for members and customers in the form of better interest rates on deposits and loans, lower fees and charges and extensive community support.
"We call this the 'mutuality dividend' and it represents the value that our members and customers receive through their association with the Newcastle Permanent. Nearly 60% of the economic value generated by the Society was made directly available to members and customers in the form of the "mutuality dividend" in the 2004/2005 financial year."
"These strong results and the mutuality dividend are the true measure of the performance of the Newcastle Permanent in 2004/2005, Mr Read- Smith said.
In speaking to the results, which were announced at the Society's annual general meeting today, Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith also noted that the Newcastle Permanent was well placed for future growth.
"The quality of the Newcastle Permanent's lending products has also been recognised nationally in Personal Investor magazine's Awards for Excellence in Financial Services, and by Mortgage Choice magazine in their annual assessment of mortgage products.
'Independent finance industry consultants Cannex have rated 13 of Newcastle Permanent's lending products as 5 Star - placing these products in the top 2% of those available in Australia, and was ranked second in Money Magazine's Home Lender of the Year Awards.
"The Society is now well positioned to build on its strengths and to play an increasingly important role in the economic development and growth of our core area of operation, the Hunter and Central Coast which also continue to be two of Australia's most dynamic regions," he said.
"We have also embarked on an expansion of our operational area with a branch now operating in Taree and branches in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour opening in the near future, and have already embarked on becoming closely involved with the communities in those regions, as we already are in the Hunter and Central Coast."
04 Oct 2005 - Premium Package for home loans
Newcastle Permanent today launched a new home loan package offering a range of benefits and discounts on residential mortgage loans over $250,000.
The new Premium Plus Package offers a 0.7% p.a. discount off the Premium Variable Home Loan rate as well as a range of other exclusive benefits.
According to Newcastle Permanent's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fraser Read-Smith, the new package provides excellent value for any one in the market for a housing loan of more than $250,000 and includes many of the standard features including a redraw facility and the ability to make additional payments.
In addition to the interest rate discounts, Premium Plus Package holders will receive the following benefits:
- Access to a 100% Mortgage Offset Account;
- No application fees on Car and Personal Loans;
- Discounts on a range of insurance policies; and
- Additional interest on a Newcastle Permanent Rapid Saver and Statement Savings Accounts.
The loan is available to borrowers wishing to purchase, build, renovate or refinance their home or investment property with Newcastle Permanent.
Mr Read-Smith said that the new Premium Plus Package is a welcome addition to Newcastle Permanent's portfolio of home loan products.
"Newcastle Permanent already provides highly competitive variable home loans, however the added discounts and benefits will make it very attractive for people in the market for cost-effective home finance.
"Beyond the mortgage rate savings, the benefits will allow customers to receive additional real savings on their financial services," Mr Read-Smith added.
12 Sept 2005 - Newcastle Permanent opens Taree branch
Newcastle Permanent Building Society, Australia's largest and financially strongest building society, has taken the first step in an expansion of its operations on the Mid North Coast with the opening of a new branch at Taree.
Located in the former Medicare office in Manning Mall, the branch will provide the Greater Taree community with over-the-counter financial products and services including home and personal loans, insurance and investment products, plus the convenience of day-to-day financial services.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said the Mid North Coast was emerging as one of the State's dynamic regions.
"This is our first branch on the Mid North Coast and we are confident that the community of Greater Taree will appreciate the quality of products and services that Newcastle Permanent offers," Mr Read-Smith said.
"These include lending and investment products, a number of which have been recognised with national awards, as well as the day-to-day financial services available through our branch.
"In spite of the rapid development of electronic options for financial transactions, people still appreciate being able to visit a branch to conduct their business making this an important initiative for Newcastle Permanent in the region.
"We also have a strong commitment to supporting the local community in which we operate and we look forward to building close associations with the people of Greater Taree and to becoming their financial services provider of choice," Mr Read-Smith said.
To celebrate the opening of the branch, Newcastle Permanent will provide a free morning tea for visitors to Manning Mall from 10am to 11.30am on Wednesday 14 September.
26 Aug 2005 - Newcastle Permanent's Award-Winning Performance for the second consecutive year
Newcastle Permanent Building Society has achieved national recognition for quality products, receiving two awards in the annual Personal Investor Magazine Awards for Excellence in Financial Services.
Newcastle Permanent has been judged joint winner in two categories:
- 'Deeming Account of the Year'
- 'Fix Rate Home Loan of the Year'
The Society is the only Hunter-based financial institution to receive an award. Newcastle Permanent's Deeming account, the Special Monthly Interest Account, is available to customers over 60 years, working or retired, or on a pension.
It provides a top strata interest rate of 5.5%p.a. (for amounts over $37,200), 0.5% higher than the industry standard. The standout features of the Fixed Rate Home Loans are the competitive interest rates and no application or ongoing fees. Newcastle Permanent offers fixed rate loans that can be combined with the Society's other loan packages. The Fixed Home Loan rates are for one, two, three, four and five year periods.
The Personal Investor Magazine Awards now in their seventeenth year, are the most comprehensive, independent evaluation of investment, insurance and banking products.
The Society's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fraser-Read Smith, said Newcastle Permanent has long been committed to providing its customers with high-quality products and services, for which The Society is delighted to be receiving national industry recognition.
"When developing products and services we always put the interest of our members first. It is important that we deliver products that make banking and finance affordable and easily accessable," Mr Read-Smith said.
"These latest awards reaffirm our belief that our products and services are among the best in Australia."
These latest awards follow the excellent results achieved in the 2005 Money Magazine Consumer Finance Awards announced in June when Newcastle Permanent was named runner-up in the Home Loan Lender of the Year and the Building Society of the Year 2005 categories.
05 Aug 2005 - Charitable Foundation Calls for Funding Submissions
The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is encouraging community groups from across the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast to submit applications for funding prior to Friday, 12 August.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive, Mr Fraser Read-Smith, said that the Foundation would like to hear from any community-based organisations especially those targeting cultural, environmental, employment, education or sporting related projects.
"The Foundation has received a large number of medical and health related submissions over recent months but is also seeking submissions from non-health related organisations looking to improve the quality of life for people within their communities," Mr Read-Smith said.
Since its launch 12 months ago, the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has already donated more than $1,000,000 to a range of organisations supporting disadvantaged youth, the disabled, health services, education, the arts and sporting programs.
"The foundation's aim is to support those activities and groups that provide long-term benefits to our community," Mr Read-Smith said.
"Funding for programs is a constant battle for community groups as they work to support those people that don't necessarily have the opportunity to lead a safe, happy and health life that many of us take for granted.
"Many groups have undertaken outstanding projects that benefit the community. We recognise that financial assistance through the Foundation, would help them fulfil the next stage of their initiatives."
Newcastle Permanent established the Charitable Foundation with a commitment of seed funding of $20 million over a five-year period. These funds will be used to provide up to $1million each year for distribution in the form of grants to initiatives, projects and organisations that give support for the community.
In its first 12 months the Charitable Foundation has supported 38 community organisations covering a diverse range of fields throughout the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter and Mid-North Coast Regions.
Community organisations from across the region are again encouraged to apply funding through Newcastle Permanent's Charitable Foundation.
04 Aug 2005 - Newcastle Permanent leads with super low four year fixed rate
Current mortgage holders, and anyone in the market for a new loan, would be well advised to take a close look at the most recent offer from the Newcastle Permanent, the region's largest provider of housing and investment finance.
The Newcastle Permanent is offering a four year fixed rate of just 6.59%, available to both existing and new borrowers and for fully drawn advances for business customers.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fraser Read-Smith, said that the four year fixed product had been introduced to meet customer demand, and at 6.59% was very competitively priced.
"Our new four year fixed rate is one of the best rates available for this type of mortgage in Australia.
"It represents and excellent opportunity for borrowers to lock in a known repayment amount for the next four years, and to do so with a product that is one of the best available in the market.
"Independent ratings agency Cannex has already rated our one, two, three and five year fixed rate products as five star - which means they are rated amongst the top 2% of loan products available.
"This new four year offer carries the same features as our other fixed rate loans, with an even more competitive rate. The fact that there are no fees attached to this loan means that the headline rate is very close to the true rate, saving even more money fore the borrower.
"That should provide confidence for borrowers, while the new four year rate of 6.59% will allow families to budget with confidence for a significant period into the future," Mr Read-Smith said.
26 Jul 2005 - New playground equipment proves popular
Children who attend the Early Childhood Intervention program at the University of Newcastle's Special Education Centre now have an extra special reason to get to their classes on time, thanks to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
The playground at the Centre has had a complete makeover, including new play equipment and a chalkboard purchased through a grant from the Charitable Foundation.
The playground was officially opened today by University Vice Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders and Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fraser Read-Smith.
Special Education Centre Director, Associate Professor Bob Conway, explained that since 2003 Firstchance, the charitable organisation that supplements funding for the program, has been attempting to raise funds to replace the pine log outdoor play equipment in the Centre's playground.
"The original play equipment had to be removed due to safety concerns. Since then we have been unable to provide the range of outdoor activities to support the needs of the children who attend the Centre.
"The new equipment is purpose designed to provide challenges that extend the skills of the children physically, socially and sensorially.
"Play is extremely important in children's development, regardless of their physical or intellectual abilities. For us to now be able to provide a challenging and safe outdoor play experience will significantly benefit the children that attend the Centre.
"As a small charity attempting to raise a large sum needed for this equipment, over and above our normal budget, we faced a huge task. We are very grateful for the generous assistance provided by the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation," Professor Conway said.
Speaking at the opening, Newcastle Permanent CEO, Fraser Read-Smith said that the Firstchance playground project was an excellent fit with the aims of the Charitable Foundation.
"We are delighted to assist Firstchance in this way. With more than 180 children attending the centre each year and a waiting list of 130 children, long term benefits for our community will be realised for many years to come," Mr Read-Smith said.
"On behalf of Newcastle Permanent, I commend Firstchance for the work that they do. We are delighted to partner with them in delivering this outcome."
8 Jun 2005 - Newcastle Permanent performs well in finance awards
The quality and value of Newcastle Permanent's products and services has been recognised nationally in Money Magazine's Consumer Finance Awards 2005.
Newcastle Permanent took second place in the Home Lender of the Year category, and second in the Building Society of the year category.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said that the Society was delighted with the two awards and they served to highlight that you don't need to be based in a capital city to provide outstanding products.
"This is an excellent result for a regionally based organisation, especially in the Home Lender of the Year category where we are ranked against all other national mortgage providers, including the major banks.
"Both awards highlight the excellent value that Newcastle Permanent's products and services offer to the customer and provide an independent endorsement of the competitiveness of Newcastle Permanent.
"The Home Lender awards are based on information from Cannex, Australia's leading independent financial products and services analyst and ratings agency. The criteria include the actual interest rate applying to the loan and the various features that the particular loan product offers."
8 Jun 2005 - Rapid Saver Winners
The June draw of the Rapid Saver Competition was conducted today and the winners were:
- Diane Hoare - Mayfield
- Lizabeth Campbell - Williamtown
- Suzanne Hattander - Belmonth North
- Louise Pateman - Berkeley Vale
- Tracy Hall - Valentine
Each winner won a $1000 deposit into their Rapid Saver account.
6 May 2005 - Rapid Saver Winners
The April draw of the Rapid Saver Competition was conducted today and the winners were:
- Neville and Joan Skelly - Adamstown Heights
- Lee Anne Powell, Eleebana
- Barbara Lee, Lambton
- Ashlee Gunther, Stanford Merthyr
- Anthony Foot, Cardiff
Each winner won a $1000 deposit into their Rapid Saver account; a further draw will be conducted for May.
13 Apr 2005 - Newcastle Permanent's new insurance offer delivers good value
The Newcastle Permanent has announced an exciting offer making its already competitive insurance products more appealing than ever. Pay for 12 months of insurance and, for a limited time, you will receive 15 months of cover*. The offer is available to new insurance customers for home, contents and landlords insurance.
Prices are very competitive and 'on the spot' quotes can be arranged by ringing or visiting one of the Newcastle Permanent branches. As an intermediary body for CGU Insurance, the Newcastle Permanent offers insurance cover for car, home, contents, travel, landlord's residential property and domestic workers compensation.
Features of products available include the option to pay-by-the-month at no extra cost, new for old replacement, a 24 hours a day/7 days a week claims assistance service and policy backing from an award winning claims service.
The Newcastle Permanent cares about its customers and offers a range of personal insurance products to suit a wide range of people. Different levels of car, home and contents insurance are available to ensure that the needs of each individual are met.
*Home, Contents and Landlords Insurance are all issued by CGU Insurance Limited ABN 27 004 478 371. An IAG Company. Newcastle Permanent Building Society Ltd. (ABN 96 087 651 992) acts under its own Australian Financial Services Licence :238273 and under an agreement with the insurer CGU Insurance Limited. You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement which is available at any branch, or by phoning 13 19 87, when deciding whether to acquire or to continue to hold this product. Offer only available to new insurance customers and expires on 31/05/05.
13 Apr 2005 - Rapid Saver Winners
The March draw of the Rapid Saver Competition was conducted on Friday 4 April 2005 and the winners of the first Rapid Saver draw were:
- Patricia Mathwin - New Lambton
- Hayley McCluskey - Raymond Terrace
- Adam Constable - Millfield
- Samantha Frost - Yarrawonga Park
- Natalie O'Malley - Jewells
Each winner won a $1000 deposit into their Rapid Saver account; further draws will be conducted for April and May.
8 Apr 2005 - Newcastle Permanent sets the pace in delivering value
Newcastle Permanent is setting the pace in delivering value for borrowers with the latest Cannex Mortgage rating report recognising 13 Newcastle Permanent lending products as being in the top 5% of those available in Australia.
Newcastle Permanent has achieved a 5 star rating in each of Cannex's 11 categories, and in total has an outstanding 13 products now with a 5 star rating.
Cannex is an independent financial services research group that regularly assesses mortgage products on the basis of the value they offer the borrower.
A five star rating means that the particular loan product is in the top 5% of the more than 2000 that are assessed by Cannex for its star ratings. In determining the rating that a particular loan receives, Cannex takes into account all of the factors that affect the borrower such as the true rate and the features that the loan offers. The ranking also factors in any fees that are payable over the life of the loan.
The news is good for owner occupiers and investors alike with the following Newcastle Permanent products achieving the 5 Star rating:
- Real Deal Home Loan
- Real Deal Investment Loan
- 1 Year Fixed Rate Home Loan
- 1 Year Fixed Rate Investment Loan
- 2 Year Fixed Rate Home Loan
- 2 Year Fixed Rate Investment Loan
- 3 Year Fixed Rate Home Loan
- 3 Year Fixed Rate Investment Loan
- 5 Year Fixed Rate Home Loan
- 5 Year Fixed Rate Investment Loan
- 1 Year Discounted Variable Rate Loan
- Real Equity Loan
- Real Option Home Loan
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said that the latest Cannex ratings underlined the value that Newcastle Permanent products represented for borrowers.
"We are delighted to have achieved this milestone with our lending products and also very pleased to be able to offer such high quality products to the market.
"The 5 star ratings confirm the value that Newcastle Permanent delivers to its borrowers, and also highlights the true value that customers of Newcastle Permanent enjoy.
"The value of the Cannex star ratings system for the customer is that the analysis of what the mortgage will actually cost you is being conducted by people who thoroughly understand mortgages.
"Using the ratings as a guide, the customer can assess whether the deal offered really is as good as it looks," Mr Read-Smith said.
24 Mar 2005 - Newcastle Permanent Tsunami Appeal realises $1.25million
The Appeal launched by the Newcastle Permanent in late December 2004 to raise funds for the victims of the Indian Ocean rim tsunami has raised over $1.25million.
The Appeal account was officially closed on Tuesday 22 March with a final figure of $1,262,503.85
All funds have been donated to Australian Red Cross, enabling them to fund immediate aid for the tsunami affected areas and ongoing restoration and reconstruction of the many villages and towns that were devastated by the Boxing Day disaster.
Chief Executive Officer of the Newcastle Permanent, Mr Fraser Read-Smith, said that the response by the people of the Hunter and Central Coast to the plight of the tsunami victims had been overwhelming.
"The generosity and compassion of the people of this region has been demonstrated many times before. However, being closely involved in this campaign provided a true insight into the humanity of this community.
"The fact that by far the greatest portion of the $1.2 million came from individuals and that the call for assistance came during the Christmas/New Year when people are often focussed on relaxation and recreation only serves to highlight their generosity.
"I would also like to make special mention of the Newcastle Permanent's staff who contributed over $20,500 - an amount that was matched by the Newcastle Permanent, in addition to the $30,000 that the Society contributed to start the Appeal.
"The region can be justifiably proud of their contribution to the alleviation of suffering and the restoration of normality for the tsunami victims, and the Newcastle Permanent is similarly proud to have been able to provide a means for that generosity to be directed to where it will realise the greatest benefit."
9 Mar 2005 - Newcastle Permanent Steel Magnolia Award 2005
Every day throughout our region people are helping to make a difference in someone's life. Much of this work is unrecognised and unrewarded, save for the appreciation of those who benefit.
The Newcastle Permanent Steel Magnolia Award was inaugurated by Lifeline Newcastle and Hunter in 2004 to provide a means of recognising the work of a 'woman of greatness' who has battled adversity in her own life, yet still helped to make a difference in the lives of others.
CEO of Lifeline Newcastle and Hunter Pam Tierney says the award was inspired by the valuable work of Lifeline.
"Lifeline's 24 hour counselling service provides a vital service for women of the Hunter to find support and comfort during times of crisis," says Mrs Tierney.
"Stories of great adversity and strength from those callers have provided a valuable insight into the adversity many women face and the level of responsibility they shoulder."
The winner of the 2005 Newcastle Permanent Steel Magnolia Award was announced today at a special award lunch attended by over 300 people at Newcastle Town Hall. The life story of the 2005 winner highlights the importance of such an award and the value of the work that so many people in our community perform on a voluntary basis.
Robyn Cotterell-Jones has served the community in a number of ways over the past 40 years. After 14 years of escalating physical violence in her marriage, Robyn was so badly beaten on one occasion that she spent months in a wheelchair, her face was barely recognisable by her own children. Frustrated with the legal system and its failure to protect her rights and safety, Robyn joined VOCAL - Victims of Crime Assistance League - as a volunteer, and in 1998 she established the VOCAL Victims Support unit which she now manages.
Robyn's motto is "Victim, survivor, thriver, inspirer". She has changed and positively affected the lives of countless people in the Hunter and beyond, by providing a generous, inspiring service to people in need and she remains determined to speak out against injustice.
Presenting the Award to Robyn Cotterell-Jones, Newcastle Permanent's Head of Marketing, Margaret Ellis, said that the life experiences and subsequent achievements of Ms Cotterell-Jones were both inspiring and humbling.
"Having had to confront and overcome considerable horrors in her own life, rather than succumb, Robyn focused her energies and determination into helping other women who found themselves in similar circumstances.
"What Robyn has achieved, personally, and for the betterment of the lives of others is a true testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and makes her an especially appropriate recipient of this award", Margaret said.
"The Newcastle Permanent is proud to have its name associated with such a prestigious award and sees this as a natural extension of the support that it provides for the benefit of the community."
Guest speaker at the awards luncheon was Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, who is an inspiration in her right for the contribution that she has made to the improvement of social infrastructure in Australia.
Among her many achievements Dr Galbally was awarded an AO for her work with the community.
Proceeds from the Newcastle Permanent Steel Magnolia Award Luncheon will support the Lifeline Newcastle and Hunter 24 hour telephone counselling service.
11 Jan 2005 - Newcastle Permanent's Tsunami Appeal reaches $1million mark
The response of Hunter and Central Coast people to the tsunami appeal launched by the Newcastle Permanent last week has been overwhelming.
In just 10 days more than $1 million has been deposited into the appeal account through Society branches across the Hunter and Central Coast.
To mark the achievement of the milestone, Newcastle Permanent Chairman, Mr Michael McDonald, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fraser Read-Smith today presented a cheque for the $1million to Australian Red Cross Hunter Regional Manager, Ms Lyn Wickham.
In presenting the cheque Mr Fraser Read-Smith thanked the people of the Hunter and Central Coast for their generosity and prompt response to the call for assistance.
"The regions' response has been truly overwhelming and has served to highlight the warm and generous spirit that is so often remarked upon by visitors to our area.
"On behalf of the Newcastle Permanent I wish to publicly thank the media for their valuable assistance in promoting this appeal and in helping to keep the issues in the forefront of people's minds during a time when we are usually focussed on relaxing and enjoying ourselves.
"I also wish to assure all people who have donated, or who are intending to do so, that every cent deposited through the Newcastle Permanent for this appeal will go to Australian Red Cross. There are no charges on any deposits or transactions associated with this appeal and the Society will also absorb any related incidental costs incurred.
"This donation does not mark the close of the appeal. We felt it was important to publicly mark the achievement of this significant milestone and to acknowledge the generosity of the Hunter and Central Coast.
"The Newcastle Permanent will keep the appeal account open for donations for as long as is deemed necessary," Mr Read-Smith said.
4 Jan 2005 - Generous Response To Tsunami Appeal
The people of the Hunter and Central Coast have responded magnificently in their support of the Newcastle Permanent's launch of an appeal for the victims of the South East Asian earthquake and tsunami.
Since the launch of the appeal on 29 December the Newcastle Permanent has received more than $600,000 in donations.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fraser Read-Smith said that people had been greatly moved by reports of this humanitarian disaster.
"Each hour we are confronted with new information and images which reinforce the fact that this is indeed the greatest natural disaster, in terms of loss of life and destruction of property that we have seen in modern times.
"The immediate and long term impact on the lives of people in the affected areas is impossible for us to fully comprehend.
"We are beginning to realise that the need for funds to rebuild these communities and in some cases whole countries, will be enormous.
"Local people and businesses are responding by making generous pledges and donations to the Newcastle Permanent's Appeal.
"In terms of the inflow to the appeal, this is the most overwhelming response that the Newcastle Permanent has ever received, and as people return home from holidays that they too will contribute to the growing total - something that is extremely important for the task that the aid agencies face in assisting in the recovery of these communities.
The Newcastle Permanent branches received donations today at a rate of around $27,000 an hour.
"We would also like to publicly acknowledge and thank NIB Health Funds for their generous donation and for allowing their branches to also accept donations to this appeal.
"The local response shows that the people of the region are only too aware of the consequences of natural disasters, and as we have seen so often are extremely generous and caring for their fellow human beings." Mr Read-Smith said.
All money donated to this appeal is going to the Red Cross specifically to assist them in the work they are doing in all countries affected by the earthquake and tsunamis. Donations can be made at any branch of the Newcastle Permanent or NIB Health Funds.