Our proposed merger with Hume Bank – Your vote matters! 

 

Member Information Document           Notice of Special General Meeting            Proxy Form              Summary Booklet

 

Geelong Bank is pleased to invite members to vote on the proposed merger with Hume Bank following preliminary approval from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).

Members can vote by proxy or at Geelong Bank’s Special General Meeting of Members at 5pm on Thursday 19 March, 2026.  

Why we need a stronger foundation to support our members 

While Geelong Bank is a strong and successful institution, the banking environment is becoming more complex and competitive. We want to offer our members a wider range of products and services than what is feasible for small mutual banks with limited resources.  

In Hume Bank, we have found a merger partner that shares our commitment to customer ownership, strong member relationships and community outcomes. If approved, the merged bank will bring all the benefits of a larger bank while keeping its community focus and commitment to regional areas. 

Everything you have today — plus more tomorrow 

Geelong Bank members will form a meaningful part of the future organisation, automatically becoming members with voting rights and member obligations. Your ownership, your voice, and your access to services will remain, as will the Geelong Bank name, branch and staff. 

In addition, Geelong Bank members will have more choice and value with access to physical and digital credit cards, business accounts, bank guarantees, bridging finance, line of credit loans and insurance products.

Why Hume Bank

As an organisation created by and for the community, Hume Bank is about being more than a bank. As a 100% customer-owned bank, everything Hume Bank earns goes back into making their products the best they can be. Everything Hume Bank earns goes back into making their products the best they can be. Established in 1955 in Albury Wodonga, the bank uses the power of banking to have a positive impact on the communities they are a part of, whether it’s through sponsorships, grants or other means. As other banks close their doors, Hume Bank opens more. They are proud to have the largest network of branches in their region with 15 branches throughout North-East Victoria and Southern New South Wales.

Your vote matters 

To help members make an informed decision, we urge you to carefully read the following materials: 

  • Notice of our Special General Meeting on Thursday 19 March, 2026. 
  • Our Member Information Document and easy-to-read summarised booklet that explains everything about the merger. 
  • A Proxy Form so you can vote if you cannot make it to the SGM. 

How to vote 

Eligible members can vote on the merger in these ways:  

  • Attend the SGM at our branch (Suite 69-71 Moorabool Street, Geelong) at 5pm on Thursday 19 March, 2026. 
  • Fill out the attached Proxy Form and send it in by 4pm on Tuesday 17 March, 2026. 

Next steps for members 

  • Please read the Member Information Document and attachments before deciding how you wish to vote. 
  • If you have any questions about the merger and what it means for you, please join our upcoming member information sessions - keep an eye on our website for the times and dates of these sessions
  • You can also reach out at any time via AskUs@geelongbank.com.au or call us on 1300 361 555. 

After a detailed process of due diligence, consultation and strategic assessment, both Boards are unanimous in their recommendation: we strongly encourage you to vote in favour of this merger

We believe that the merged entity will provide greater resilience, capacity to invest, and ability to deliver on what members need now and into the future. 

Reach out with any questions

If you need help with further questions, go to geelongbank.com.au or contact us at any time via AskUs@geelongbank.com.au or by calling 1300 361 555.

In the meantime, our team remains focused on delivering the outstanding banking experience you have come to expect.

Learn more and read our FAQs:

See our latest FAQs

 

Click here to see our previous communication regarding merging with Hume Bank