In the News: 2006 Archive
23 Nov 2006 - Orthopaedic School gets in the swing with Newcastle Permanent
The Hunter Orthopaedic School at Waratah is a specialist facility that provides for the educational and developmental needs of children with severe physical disabilities.
In concert with the Kiwanis, the Friends of the Hunter Orthopaedic School have worked to raise funds for the purchase of playground equipment.
A $25,000 donation from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has now enabled the School to purchase a Liberty Swing, a new concept in playground equipment, designed and manufactured in Australia.
The Liberty Swing enables people with a disability, including those who are wheelchair bound, to safely experience the fun of playing on a swing. Medical research has also demonstrated that the Liberty Swing has significant therapeutic benefits for these people.
President of the Friends of Hunter Orthopaedic School, Tony Lavender, said that they were indebted to the Kiwanis, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and the Variety, The Children's Charity's Liberty Swing program who have made the provision of the swing possible.
"The Liberty Swing is symbolic of the aims of our group. The benefits and enjoyment that this equipment brings to the students of the School, and to other children with disabilities, is evident in the smiles on their faces."
His comments were reinforced by Principal of the Hunter Orthopaedic School, Jan Butcher, who said that students and staff were excited about the Liberty Swing.
"We can already see that most of our students, whether in wheelchairs or not, will benefit greatly from having ready access to this wonderful piece of equipment."
"We can't thank Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation enough for their generosity in helping us to make this equipment available for people with a disability in this area."
Chairman of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, Michael McDonald said that the Foundation recognised the need that would be met with the Liberty Swing.
"The Foundation is pleased to be able to make such a positive contribution to the quality of life for this group of people. The Orthopaedic School assures me that the swing will provide benefits for many people now and for many years to come.
"This represents an excellent outcome for all concerned," Mr McDonald said.
23 Nov 2006 - Charitable Foundation assists Central Coast's disadvantaged people
The Donnison Street Outreach Restaurant in Gosford provides meals for homeless and disadvantaged people, without question.
The restaurant is run by Central Coast Shelter and their philosophy is that anyone using the facility has a need for the service provided even, if it is only for the company of other people.
With one in three households in the Gosford area living on an income of $400 or less per week, and housing affordability on the Central Coast at half of the national average, the need for a service like the Donnison Street Outreach Restaurant continues to grow.
Central Coast Shelter, recently applied to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for funding to enable them to increase the scale of the restaurant's operations.
Prior to their application, the restaurant was providing 200 meals a day. With demand for their services growing, Central Coast Shelter had little choice but to seek additional funding to enable them to meet that demand.
Chairman of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, Michael McDonald, said that the Foundation was pleased to be able to assist the restaurant.
"The concept of the restaurant is an excellent example of the type of need that the Foundation was established to meet.
"The value of Central Coast Shelter's work through this facility is immeasurably valuable to the individuals in need, as well as to the wider community.
"Besides helping these disadvantaged people to better manager their lives, the restaurant is also working to positively address a range of other serious social issues that sadly, increasingly afflict all communities.
"This is an invaluable service that the Charitable Foundation is proud to be associated with," Mr. McDonald said.
22 Nov 2006 - Newcastle Permanent awarded A Grade investment rating
Newcastle Permanent has achieved the distinction of becoming the first Australian building society to achieve an A grade deposit/issuer investment rating.
The long terms issuer and deposit rating of A3 was recently awarded by Moody's Investor Services, a leading global provider of ratings, research and analysis.
In their ratings assessment Moody's noted Newcastle Permanent's low-risk loan book, strong capitalization and liquidity, and a sound degree of financial flexibility.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith said that the Society was delighted to have received an A grade investment rating.
"This means Newcastle Permanent is the first Australian building society to have received a joint (deposit and issuer) A rating.
"This outcome places us ahead of most major regional banks, which is a significant achievement for a mutual.
"Moody's also commented favourably in their report on the diversified nature of our funding structure, something that Newcastle Permanent has deliberately pursued in recent years.
"They also noted that Newcastle Permanent's cost to income ratio compared very favourably with other financial services operators of a comparable type.
"At Newcastle Permanent's AGM in October we reported on a strong performance for the 2005/206 financial year. This has continued into the first half the 2006/2007 year.
"Moody's rating assessment is a further reinforcement of the current strength and future potential of Newcastle Permanent," Mr Read-Smith said.
14 Nov 2006 - Maths Competition Winners Awarded
The winners of the Newcastle Permanent 2006 Primary Mathematics Competition were presented with their awards today.
The Competition is open to all primary school students in Years Five and Six and marked its 26th consecutive year with nearly 16,000 students from 239 primary schools participating.
Outside the Department of School Education'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, Catholic and Independent schools throughout the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast.
Overall winner was year Six student McKenzie Pickering from St Phillip's College Waratah. Second place was shared by Nicholas Dunstan and Grace Ormsby, both from New Lambton Public School. Clare Harrison from Bolworra Public was placed fourth.
In the Year Five division, Rhys James from Empire Bay Public was the winner, Jin Jin from New Lambton Primary was second and Leo Frost,. St Joseph's Primary Merewether was third.
Awards were also made to Year Five and Six students who performed strongly within the six Department of Education and Training (DET) Divisions: Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Gosford and Taree.
Announcing the winners and presenting their awards, Chief Executive Officer of the Newcastle Permanent, Mr Fraser Read-Smith, congratulated all participants on the high standards that they had achieved in a challenging paper. He also praised the efforts of teachers and parents for the way they had prepared the students for the challenge.
"The Society is delighted by the enthusiasm that primary school students 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 numeracy against what now has a reputation as a highly challenging mathematic paper."
In confirming the Newcastle Permanent's ongoing commitment to the Primary Schools Mathematics Competition Mr Read-Smith said that while it was one of many initiatives supported by Newcastle Permanent, the fact that the Maths Competition was specifically for the young people of the region made it a special project for the Society.
14 Nov 2006 - Newcastle Permanent delays rate increase
Newcastle Permanent announced today it will delay passing on the increase in mortgage interest rates to its members until 1 December 2006.
The Reserve Bank increased official rates by 0.25% on 8 November and all the major banks have already passed on the increase to their home loan customers.
Newcastle Permanent, Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said that while the Society would be passing on this increase, it will not apply until December.
"When official rates rise, it is Newcastle Permanent's policy to delay passing on that increase to our borrowers for as long as possible.
"This delay is designed to ensure that our members receive extra value from choosing Newcastle Permanent," Mr Read-Smith said.
"From 1 December our basic variable mortgage rate (Real Deal) will be 7.44%. The rate change means that borrowers will pay an extra $16 per month on $100,000 loan taken over 25 years.
02 Nov 2006 - Newcastle Permanent opens in Forster
Newcastle Permanent, Australia's largest and financially strongest building society, has further expanded its operations on the Mid North Coast with the opening of a new branch at Forster.
Located at Stockland Forster, the branch will provide the local community with award winning 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 fourth branch on the Mid North Coast and we are confident that the community of Forster/Tuncurry 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 Forster/Tuncurry through that support, as well as becoming their financial services provider of choice," Mr Read-Smith said.
02 Nov 2006 - Newcastle Permanent joins the Forster/Tuncurry Community
Financial services provider Newcastle Permanent opened its Forster branch this week with the announcement of a sponsorship that is set to benefit the wider community in the area.
The sponsorship deal with Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast is a first for the area and will see Newcastle Permanent's black and white logo featured on patrol shirts on all of the Lower North Coast's beaches.
The announcement was made at a function held to mark the new partnership and launch the Forster branch.
Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Permanent, Fraser Read-Smith, said that Newcastle Permanent was delighted to be able to form this partnership with Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast.
"We recognise the attraction that the local beaches held for the community and the many visitors to the area. This makes the role of Surf Life Saving an extremely important one for the community, not only in patrolling these beaches, but also in education and awareness programs that they conduct throughout the year.
"By assisting the branch to better support their clubs is a practical way of demonstrating our support for the community of the Lower North Coast, and is consistent with a long and proud tradition associated with Newcastle Permanent.
"This latest partnership also means that Newcastle Permanent is now associated with Surf Life Saving in the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North and North Coast.
"Besides helping to keep 50 of the State's beaches safer for users, we are also providing an opportunity for young people to develop important life skills through participation in Surf Life Saving."
President of Surf Life Saving Lower North Coast, Judith Spicer, said the partnership with Newcastle Permanent represented an important step forward for Surf Life Saving in the area.
"Newcastle Permanent's financial support means that we can now increase the level of assistance that we provide to our clubs in training, equipment and resources and for Junior Development.
"This will have immediate and long term benefits for the clubs, their members and for the community.
"We look forward to building on this relationship and hope to see Newcastle Permanent's name associated with Surf Life Saving in this area for many years to come."
01 Nov 2006 - Newcastle Permanent enrols at University
Newcastle Permanent today opened the second of three new branches planned for its Hunter network.
Located in the Union building at the University of Newcastle, the new branch will provide a full range of financial services and products for staff and students at the campus.
As well as over-the-counter service, the branch has an ATM which will be accessible to users outside the branch and the Union building operation hours.
Newcastle Permanent's Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said the University branch would help to meet the needs of the many thousands of people who attended the University campus each day.
"The University of Newcastle is a sizeable community in its own right, when you consider the number of people who work at or visit the campus each day.
"It therefore makes sense to provide a financial services outlet for its population.
"In recognition of the significant number of overseas students who now study at the University, Newcastle Permanent will also provide foreign exchange and money transfer services as well as day to day transaction services, lending and investment products, Value+ credit card, and insurance.
"As part of our plans for the University campus, we are also investigating the possibility of installing a second ATM in the popular Bar on the Hill venue.
"We are sure that students and staff alike will come to appreciate the value that Newcastle Permanent's products represent, and the quality of customer service whether they are from the Hunter, elsewhere in Australia or even overseas."
27 Oct 2006 - Newcastle Permanent records sound financial outcome
Newcastle Permanent has posted a record before tax profit result of $54.5 million and a 5.7% increase in total income for the financial year ended 30 June 2006. These results were highlights of the Society's strong financial performance that was announced at the Annual General Meeting held in Newcastle today.
Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said that Newcastle Permanent had achieved a number of advances during the financial year ended 30 June 2006, including improving its cost to asset ratio and delivering an increase in overall member value.
"As well as significant growth in lending and deposits, our total assets increased by over 19% to stand at $5.16 billion at the close of the financial year. This is a significant achievement for a regionally-based organisation."
Mr Read-Smith said that as a mutual, the true measure of Newcastle Permanent's performance is in the benefits delivered to members.
"We define this as the mutuality dividend - and it takes into account the many above-the-line benefits that members receive, such as better interest rates on deposits and loans, lower fees and charges and extensive community support that Newcastle Permanent provides.
"During the 2005/06 financial year the total value of the mutuality dividend was $53.1 million. This amount is nearly 60% of the overall economic value generated by the Society and is provided directly to members in the form of benefits accruing from the products and services that each member uses.
"These strong results and the mutuality dividend are the true measure of the performance of the Newcastle Permanent for 2005/2006," Mr Read-Smith said.
In speaking to the results, Mr 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 consultant Cannex, has also rated 11 of Newcastle Permanent's lending products as Five-Star, placing these products in the top 2% of those available in Australia, a result that was only bettered by one other lender in the country.
"Throughout the year Newcastle Permanent also invested in enhancements to our business capability, helping to make the Society even more competitive at a time of growing pressure on operating margins within the financial services industry.
"These include the opening of four new branches, the introduction of the Value+ credit card and enhanced lending and deposit products.
"The Society is now well positioned to continue to build on its strengths and significant asset base and to play an increasingly important role in the economic development and growth of the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast which continue to be among Australia's most dynamic regions," he said.
Read the 2006 Annual Report.
25 Oct 2006 - Surf Life Saving North Coast welcomes major sponsor
Surf Life Saving North Coast is set for a bumper season in 2006/2007 after the announcement of a major sponsorship deal with financial services provider Newcastle Permanent.
In a first for both organisations, Newcastle Permanent will become the branch's main sponsor in a deal that will see Newcastle Permanent's black and white logo become closely associated with surf life saving on the North Coast as it already is in the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast.
Announcing the sponsorship at a function 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 communities in which we operate.
"We opened our Coffs Harbour branch at Park Beach Plaza in March this year. At that time we demonstrated our commitment to the region by assisting Council to purchase seven defibrillator units for use on the region's beaches as part of the Towers of Strength project.
"This new partnership with Surf Life Saving North Coast aligns with our intention to be the financial services provider of choice for the people of this region.
"We also believe that assisting in the ongoing development of such a vital resource as Surf Life Saving is a practical way of further demonstrating our support for the community of the Coffs Harbour area," Mr Read-Smith said.
President of Surf Life Saving North Coast, Ms Kerry Clancy, said that the branch was delighted to have secured the support of Newcastle Permanent.
"Newcastle Permanent's decision to become a sponsor 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.
"This represents the start of a new era for the branch and provides an ideal platform for us to build from as we head towards hosting the Australian Championships in 2010.
"I know that Newcastle Permanent is a strong supporter of Surf Life Saving in the Hunter and Central Coast and Mid North 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 organisations.
05 Oct 2006 - Newcastle Permanent lending products the best available
Newcastle Permanent is leading the field when it comes to delivering the best deal for borrowers with the latest Cannex Mortgage rating report recognising 11 Newcastle Permanent lending products as being in the top 5% of those available in Australia.
Those Newcastle Permanent products have been awarded a Cannex 5-Star rating, meaning that the particular loan product is in the top 5% of the more than 2000 that are assessed by Cannex for its star ratings.
On the basis of that achievement Newcastle Permanent ranks second in terms of the number of 5-Star rated products. The nearest major lender has just eight.
Cannex is an independent financial services research group that regularly assesses mortgage products on the basis of the value they offer the borrower. 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, as well as any fees that may apply over the life of the loan.
The news is good for owner occupiers and investors alike with the following Newcastle Permanent products rating 5-Stars:
- 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
- Real Equity 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.
"The 5-Star ratings independently confirm the value that Newcastle Permanent delivers to its borrowers, and also highlights the true value that members 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 they are being offered, or that they actually may already have, really is as good as it looks," Mr Read-Smith said.
26 Sep 2006 - Newcastle Permanent expands branch network
The opening of an additional Newcastle Permanent branch at Waratah Shopping Village today is the first of three planned for the Newcastle area in the coming months. The expansion program will cement the Society's position as the provider of the largest financial services network in Newcastle and the Hunter.
While Newcastle Permanent has already opened new branches in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree and Woy Woy in the past 12 months, the Waratah branch represents the first addition to the Society's Newcastle branch network in some time.
Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Permanent, Fraser Read-Smith, said that expansion of the Newcastle branch network was in response to growing demand from members.
"Besides Waratah, Newcastle Permanent is planning to open branches at the University of Newcastle and at John Hunter Hospital in the near future.
"In each case the branch will meet a very definite need for our members, and most likely attract new members who will appreciate the convenience of our 9 to 5 and Saturday morning opening hours.
"Our aim is to have the best positioned and most convenient network in the region.
"While many people now use electronic channels to conduct their day-to-day financial transactions, our research shows that these complement our over-the-counter services.
"Most of our members balance their use of electronic channels and branch services depending on their time constraints and the nature of the service that they wish to use at any particular time.
"These new branches are part of a larger program which will see older Newcastle Permanent branches refurbished in line with the latest thinking in how best to deliver over the counter financial services," Mr Read-Smith said.
"The Jesmond branch has undergone a makeover and work is starting soon on the Jewellstown Shopping Centre and King Street branches.
"In the next 12 months many of our older branches will be upgraded, providing greater efficiency and a better quality of experience for members and staff alike.
"Newcastle Permanent's branch network is a key part of our brand proposition and service offering to members, and we will continue to investigate opportunities for its expansion in the Hunter, the Central Coast and beyond."
18 Sep 2006 - New sponsor for Music in the Podium
The popular Warners Bay community event, Music in the Podium, is set to entertain and delight audiences on Friday evenings yet again, starting in November with the beginning of daylight saving.
The event's coordinator, The Warners Bay Chamber of Commerce, is promising bigger and better things for the upcoming season with the news that they have secured a new naming rights sponsor.
A long term Warners Bay resident, Newcastle Permanent, has become the naming rights sponsor of the 2006/07 Music in the Podium series on the Warners Bay Foreshore.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said that the Society had formed an alliance with the Warners Bay Chamber of Commerce to support this popular entertainment series.
"The partnership brings together two organisations that play a significant role in the business and community life of Warners Bay.
"The popularity of this concert series provides another excellent opportunity for Newcastle Permanent to make returns to the wider community.
"Newcastle Permanent is also a proud sponsor of the Lake Macquarie Half Marathon, and the Christmas Carols concert held in Speers Point Park, both of which are enjoyed by a broad cross section of the community.
"We are delighted to be assisting the Chamber to present this concert series," Mr Read-Smith said.
The event will commence its eighth season on Friday, 3 November with popular band the Heartfelt Rodneys. Make sure you put this free concert date into your diary now!
Newcastle Permanent Facts
Newcastle Permanent's origins can be traced back to 1903, when a mutual cooperative building society was formed by a few far sighted people. The purpose of this building society was to assist people on low incomes to achieve home ownership.
The Warners Bay branch of Newcastle Permanent opened in April 1981. Newcastle Permanent has played an important role in the development of the community and the economy of Warners Bay since that date.
Today, Newcastle Permanent is a modern financial services provider that offers a complete range of day to day financial services for retail customers - including individuals, businesses and organisations.
Newcastle Permanent has a mutual structure. This means we are not a company listed on the share market - all account holders, who Newcastle Permanent refers to as members, are 'shareholders' in Newcastle Permanent.
Subsequently we return 'dividends' to our members in the form of:
- lower rates on lending products;
- low or no fees on transaction accounts;
- highly competitive features on our lending and investment accounts;
- an extensive branch network open 9 to 5 on week days and 9 to 12 on Saturdays;
- our new credit card which features a highly competitive rate of just 8.99% and most importantly,
- through an extensive sponsorship and charitable donation program that is focussed on supporting the communities where we operate.
24 Jul 2006 - Newcastle Permanent credit card is value plus
In a move destined to cement its position as the region's premier financial services provider, Newcastle Permanent has announced the launch of its own branded credit card.
The Newcastle Permanent Value+ credit card features a distinctive look and style, and is backed by VISA, the world's biggest and most robust electronic payments system.
Announcing the launch of Value+ Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fraser Read-Smith, said that the occasion marked an important step in the development of Newcastle Permanent.
"The Value+ card is an excellent addition to Newcastle Permanent's product range and will serve to further enhance our reputation as a provider of high quality retail financial products and services.
"The card has a highly competitive interest rate of 8.99% and an annual fee of just $38. This fee will be waived for members who apply in the next six months.
"Importantly Newcastle Permanent owns the card and processes and therefore will have control over the terms, conditions and administration of the card.
"This is essential to ensure that our high standards apply to our service levels for all products, at all times," Mr Read-Smith said.
"It offers a highly competitive interest rate, as well as features such as wide acceptance throughout Australia and overseas, up to 55 days interest free credit on purchases and Internet and phone access.
"The card is available to Newcastle Permanent members who can apply through their local branch. As with any credit product, there are some conditions applying to eligibility and staff at Newcastle Permanent branches can explain these to any member who is considering applying for a Value+ card."
To find our more or apply for a Value+ Credit Card.
04 Jul 2006 - Newcastle Permanent arrives on the Peninsula
Newcastle Permanent has expanded its service offer to residents and businesses on the Central Coast with the opening of a new branch at Woy Woy.
Located in the newly completed extension of Deepwater Plaza, the branch is adjacent to the new Railway Street entrance to the shopping centre.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, said that Newcastle Permanent was delighted to become part of the Peninsula's community.
"This is our seventh Central Coast branch and we are confident that the Peninsula community will appreciate the quality of products and services that Newcastle Permanent offers," Mr Read-Smith said.
"These include day-to-day financial services, business banking, as well as lending and investment products whose value and quality have been recognised with national awards."
"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."
"Newcastle Permanent has always maintained a strong commitment to its branch network. This is the fifth new branch that we have opened in the past 10 months with more to follow."
"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 the Peninsula."
"Therefore we thought it appropriate that we should mark the occasion of this opening by announcing that Newcastle Permanent has become the major sponsor of the Central Coast Football Association's (CCFA) Schools Program."
To celebrate the announcement, members of the Central Coast Lightning team and CCFA coaches will be at Deepwater Plaza from 9.30am on Saturday 8 July. They'll be conducting a shoot-out competition inside the Plaza, opposite the new branch.
Newcastle Permanent will also be providing a free morning tea for anyone visiting the new branch from 9am on the same day.
Newcastle Permanent's Woy Woy branch will be open for business from Tuesday 4 July.
07 Jun 2006 - Money Magazine Awards
We are pleased to announce that we've stepped up again to receive major awards for our loan products.
Money Magazine have awarded Newcastle Permanent with the top award for Investment Lender of the Year.
We've also received awards for being runner-up in the Building Society of the Year and Home Loan Lender of the Year Categories.
Newcastle Permanent continues to deliver excellent value to our members.
These awards are recognition of that fact and reinforce that our products, services and pricing strategies are market leading.
You can rest assured when you're with Newcastle Permanent.
For further information visit a branch or call our Member Support Centre on 13 19 87.
16 May 2006 - Rapid Saver Winners
The April draw of the Rapid Saver Competition was conducted earlier this month and the winners were:
- Peter Wright from Rutherford
- Majella Murray from Kurri Kurri
Each winner won a Jet Fighter Flight with the International Fighter Flight Centre and a pack full of merchandise. The competition was run during the months of March and April. Keep watching for more promotions in the future.
Offer Expired 30th April 2006. Authorised under TPL 061684.
05 May 2006 - Newcastle Permanent supports Towers of Strength
Financial services provider Newcastle Permanent, who recently opened a new branch at Park Beach Plaza, has wasted no time in demonstrating their commitment to the local community.
At a function held at Coffs Harbour Surf Lifesaving Club today, Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Read-Smith, presented Coffs Harbour Council with seven new defibrillator units for use on the city's beaches.
In making the presentation, Mr Read-Smith said that as a mutual, Newcastle Permanent had a long and proud tradition of actively supporting the communities in which it operated.
"Prior to opening our branch here in Coffs Harbour we met with Council to gain a better understanding of the community and its needs. They identified the Towers of Strength project and in particular, a need for these defibrillators as a vital piece of first response equipment for use primarily on the city's beaches.
"With over 550,000 people using the seven patrolled beaches each year, the value of this project was clear. Newcastle Permanent is delighted to be able to provide this equipment.
"As well as being available for the council's lifeguards when they are patrolling the beaches, volunteer life savers will be trained in their use and also have access to the defibrillators during weekend patrols.
"The coast and beaches are a primary attraction for both the local people and the many thousands of tourists who visit Coffs Harbour each year. While it is our sincere hope that they will have minimal use, the availability of such resources adds immeasurably to the quality of the service available to all beach users.
"Newcastle Permanent's slogan is Here for good. This is a first step in our demonstration of support for the Coffs Harbour community and we will work to grow this support and our presence as the preferred financial services provider for the people of the Coffs Harbour area."
04 May 2006 - Newcastle Permanent promotes Port Macquarie's Heritage
During the refurbishment of Newcastle Permanent's Horton Street site, workers discovered a close link with Port Macquarie's history.
That remnant of the town's past has been preserved and, thanks to a joint project by Newcastle Permanent and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, is now able to be viewed by the public.
The original building on the Newcastle Permanent's site was thought to have been built during the 1860s, and at some stage to have been owned and used by the Litchfield's, one of Port Macquarie's earliest entrepreneurial families.
A section of the building's original brick walls, fireplace, roof framing and shingles, were revealed during the refurbishment. The brick work was concealed by wall cladding and the shingles and framing had been overlaid with corrugated iron at some later date, helping to preserve them from deterioration.
Consultation with the Council through their Heritage Officer has resulted in glass panels being installed in the wall and ceiling of Newcastle Permanent's branch to allow these historic remnants to be seen. Two interpretative panels have also been placed in the branch to provide an explanation for interested visitors.
Newcastle Permanent's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fraser Read-Smith, and Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor, Councillor Rob Drew, today officially unveiled the historical display.
Mr Read-Smith said that Newcastle Permanent valued the preservation of Port Macquarie's heritage and was delighted to provide the community the opportunity to view history first hand.
"Newcastle Permanent's own history can be traced back over 100 years. As a result, we have an understanding of the importance of history in illuminating and informing the present.
"Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is very proactive when it comes to preserving and promoting history and as an organisation with a commitment to genuine corporate citizenship, we view this as an important contribution to the community," Mr Read-Smith said.
Councillor Robert Drew noted that the two interpretative panels are the first in a new On this site series by Council.
"This series identifies and provides information about buildings that were once prominent in the streets of Port Macquarie and that were not directly associated with the convict settlement.
"We are extremely pleased that Newcastle Permanent has agreed to partner the Council in preserving this valuable piece of history and agreed to incorporate the viewing panes and interpretative panels in the branch."
Newcastle Permanent is located at 83-85 Horton Street, Port Macquarie and is open for business 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to midday on Saturdays. The interpretative panels and viewing pane are incorporated in the main public area of the branch.
28 Mar 2006 - Newcastle Permanent opens Coffs Harbour branch
Newcastle Permanent, Australia's largest and financially strongest building society, has further expanded its operations on the Mid North Coast with the opening of a new branch at Coffs Harbour.
Located at Park Beach Plaza, the branch will provide the Coffs Harbour 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 third branch on the Mid North Coast and we are confident that the community of Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour through that support, as well as 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 Park Beach Plaza from 8am on Tuesday 28 March.
15 Mar 2006 - Children's Hospital Benefits from Charitable Foundation
Hunter children in need of specialist paediatric care can now breathe a little easier thanks to a donation from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
Funding from the Foundation has enabled the John Hunter Children's Hospital Kid's Club to purchase an additional ventilator for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
According to Kaleidoscope's Director of Newborn Services at John Hunter, Dr Chris Wake, the state of the art machine, known as a Stephanie Ventilator, provides a range of ventilation types to meet the need of sick babies from 23 weeks gestation onwards who are in need of respiratory support.
"This new machine improves the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit's capacity to care for babies with this specific need.
"One of the most exciting features of the ventilator is that it allows us to make upgrades as the technology changes, meaning that babies we treat will continue to have access to the highest level of care in the years to come," Dr Wake said.
Chairman of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, Mr Michael McDonald said The Foundation was delighted to assist the John Hunter Children's Hospital Kid's Club with a grant of $82,000 to purchase the new paediatric ventilator for the neonatal intensive care unit.
"This ventilator will help to extend the capacity of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to support newborn children. Based on current statistics, up to 200 babies a year could require the use of this equipment during their treatment.
"We all sincerely hope that the usage is zero. However, having the resource available, if and when it is required, provides a level of comfort for families and medical staff alike and that is something we are proud to have helped to realise.
"Besides the comfort for families there is an additional benefit in that now there is a significantly reduced chance that the child will have to be moved to another neonatal facility in the services network if this type of treatment is required.
"The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has been operational for just over 18 months. In that time we have allocated more than $1.8 million in funding to a diverse range of organisations throughout the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast.
"In every instance the funding has assisted the recipient to improve the quality of life for the section of the community they represent or work with. This type of support by Newcastle Permanent complements the provision of high quality financial services by nurturing the spirit of community," Mr McDonald said.
13 Mar 2006 - New look and feel for www.newcastlepermanent.com.au
If you are reading this, you'll see that Newcastle Permanent's web site has undergone a transformation.
Our new site features greater functionality, more intuitive navigation and a refreshed look and feel.
We think you will find that it is easier to use and quicker to find the information that you are looking for.
Many of our members are now regular users of online banking services. Both personal and business Internet Banking links will be accessible from anywhere within the site. Your username and password, and all other details remain unchanged.
Apart from the new look, the main change for regular users will be the need to update their favourite Newcastle Permanent page bookmarks to ensure that one click continues to take them to the section they want.
The Charitable Foundation section of the web site will also be changing. While access to this section will still be from the home page at www.newcastlepermanent.com.au it will feature a completely new look.
If you have any concerns or queries about our new site, please contact our Member Service Centre on 13 19 87.
07 Mar 2006 - Rapid Saver Winners
The March draw of the Rapid Saver Competition was conducted today and the winners were:
- Brendan Byrnes from Broadmeadow
- Robert Cronin from Charlestown
Each winner won a Jet Fighter Flight with the International Fighter Flight Centre and a pack full of merchandise. A further draw will be conducted after the end of May. The competition is open until the end of May. Visit any branch to find out how you can be eligible to win.
Offer Expires 30th May 2006. Authorised under TPL 061684. Terms and Conditions available on request.
03 Mar 2006 - Executive Management Appointments at Newcastle Permanent
The Executive Management team at the Newcastle Permanent is committed to delivering enhanced member services, improving branch functions and operational efficiencies.
The Newcastle Permanent has recently appointed two additional Executive Managers to compliment the existing team.
The appointment of Michelle Jarvie as General Manager, Corporate & Operational Services, in December 2005, and Sharon Waterhouse as Head of Direct Distribution brings a diverse range of strategic business management skills to Newcastle Permanent.
Michelle's role is to the lead the strategic direction and drive the performance of the operational function areas of the Society including Loans Assessing and Member Administration, Information Technology, Human Resources and Property. Michelle has been a Chartered Accountant for over 20 years and held senior roles with KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Michelle brings strong analytical, financial, project management, risk and compliance skills to the executive team.
Sharon has been appointed as Head of Direct Distribution for Newcastle Permanent to focus on improving the Society's offering to members through electronic and contact centre channels. Sharon has worked in a range of senior business roles in the financial services industry across sales, strategy, major projects, call centres and eBusiness. Sharon has a Bachelor of Economics, Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management.