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Stronger, together.
Welcome to our Merger Information Hub, your go-to source for all the latest updates, details, and resources about the merger between Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank.
What the merger on 1 July means for you.
From 1 July, Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank come together to build a stronger future for regional Australia.
We’ve taken this step because we believe our members and communities deserve more — more access, more investment, and a better overall banking experience, while staying true to what matters most.
Since members voted to support this merger, our focus has been simple, to make sure the transition on 1 July is clear, steady and well supported for you.
Stronger together.
With customers voting in support of our merger, Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank are coming together to build a stronger, more sustainable future. This partnership expands our ability to support customers and local projects, while keeping the same people and personalised service at the heart of everything we do.
What the merger means for you.
Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank are moving forward with a merger that will deliver more for our customers, communities, and regional Australia. This partnership is grounded in our shared values and a strong commitment to local service, innovation, and sustainability.
More local branches
A combined network of 49 locations across NSW and beyond.
More supportive staff
Over 450 team members ready to help you thrive.
Better banking
Enhanced products and digital convenience.
Stronger communities
Increased support for local initiatives and sustainability.
No branch closures or job losses
All branches will remain open, and no staff will be made redundant.
We'll continue as a B Corp
Keeping people and the planet at the heart of what we do.
The merger story.
Summerland Bank CEO John Williams and Regional Australia Bank CEO David Heine discuss the shared vision behind the merger. They talk openly about what brought the two banks together, how this partnership will benefit customers and communities, and their commitment to building a stronger, purpose-driven future.
What does customer owned banking mean?
The merger with Regional Australia Bank will continue our shared focus to be a customer owned financial institution.
Questions & Answers
From 1 July – what you need to know
The most important thing to know is that nothing changes for you from 1 July.
- Your accounts, cards and fees stay the same
- Your everyday banking continues as usual
- Your local branch and team remain in place
You can continue banking as you do today.
What does the merger on 1 July mean for me?
From 1 July, Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank come together as one organisation.
This is an important step in building a stronger, customer-owned bank for regional Australia — with greater capacity to invest in better services, technology and community support.
For now, your day-to-day banking remains the same.
Do I need to do anything?
No. You don’t need to take any action.
Your accounts, cards and access remain unchanged, and you can continue banking as you normally would.
Will my accounts, cards or details change?
No. Everything continues to work as it does today.
Your:
- account numbers
- cards
- direct debits and payments
all remain unchanged.
Will my fees change?
No — there are no changes to fees for existing Summerland customers as part of the merger on 1 July.
If anything changes in the future, we will let you know clearly and well in advance.
Will my branch stay open?
Yes.
Your local branch remains open, and your local team will continue to support you.
We know how important local service is, and that continues to be a priority for us.
Will I still see the same people?
Yes.
The people you know and trust remain in place, continuing to support you in your branch and through our contact centre.
Will online banking or the app change?
No.
There are no changes to online banking or the mobile app from 1 July.
You can continue to log in and bank as usual.
Can I use Regional Australia Bank branches?
Not yet.
At this stage, systems are not connected, so Summerland customers will continue to be supported through Summerland branches and channels.
We will keep you updated as this changes over time.
What happens next?
From 1 July, your banking continues as normal.
Over time, we will bring the two organisations together in a careful and considered way. This will allow us to:
- invest more in services and technology
- expand support for regional communities
- strengthen our customer-owned model
If any changes affect you, we will let you know clearly and early.
Are you still the same bank?
Yes.
Summerland Bank remains committed to:
- being customer-owned
- supporting our communities
- putting people first
This next step allows us to strengthen what we do, while staying true to our values.
What is the Community Partnership Program?
In the coming weeks, Summerland customers will begin to see the introduction of the Community Partnership Program.
This is a long-standing Regional Australia Bank program that supports local clubs, schools and community groups through everyday banking.
It will expand opportunities for communities across the Northern Rivers and beyond.
What are the benefits of the merger?
Over time, this merger will allow us to:
- invest more in better services and technology
- strengthen support for local communities
- provide a broader range of products and capabilities
- continue to grow as a strong customer-owned bank
What if I have questions or need help?
We’re here to support you.
- Call us on 1300 728 728
- Visit your local branch
- Email info@summerland.com.au
We appreciate your patience if wait times are a little longer as we support customers during this time.
Will I be kept informed?
Yes.
We will continue to keep you updated as we move through the next phase.
If anything changes that affects you, we will communicate clearly and in advance.
Another important step forward - APRA approval marks a key milestone.
29 August 2025: We’re pleased to share that the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has approved the proposed merger between Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank. This is a key milestone in the process, paving the way for our customers to have their say at the upcoming AGM in November. With this approval, we move one step closer to creating a stronger, community-focused bank that can deliver greater value for our customers, staff, and regional communities.
A new milestone in our journey with Regional Australia Bank.
22 April 2025: Following months of thoughtful planning and a comprehensive due diligence process, both our Board and Regional Australia Bank’s Board have now given their support to
recommend the merger to members. This due diligence process identified significant
synergies and benefits for members and is a major milestone in our shared vision to
build a stronger future for our customers and communities for generations to come.
An important update on the future of Summerland Bank.
22 October 2024: Summerland Bank and Regional Australia Bank are pleased to announce our shared intent to merge and are now moving towards undergoing due diligence to investigate the merger’s feasibility and benefits.
Our combined long-standing customer owned model would expand market share and presence across Australia’s regional populations and unify our common goal to build strong communities through a member owned banking model.
We want to hear from you.
We’re committed to keeping our customers informed and involved as we progress with our merger plans. Our updated merger hub now includes a Customer Feedback Form, where you can share your thoughts, ask questions, and let us know what matters most to you.
This page continues to be your central source for updates, timelines, and answers to frequently asked questions. We encourage you to visit regularly and use the form to stay connected with us throughout this journey.
Do you have any feedback or questions about the merger?
Provide your details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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