Like many who had missed the opportunity to network and earn CPD face-to-face over the past two, pandemic-impacted years, he was keen to be at an in-person event.
John was eager to take part in the session where APRA, ASIC, AUSTRAC and the RBA highlighted their upcoming priorities and had taken an executive from the group that he Chairs, to our signature event.
The lifelong banker – who joined FINSIA forerunner the Australian Institute of Bankers in 1964 – spoke to InFinance about his career journey and why he is still such an active member of FINSIA.
“The reason I have stayed with FINSIA for so long is because I like to keep learning,” said John.
“That’s why FINSIA is important. It’s a vehicle for continuous learning.
“Being a member has always been about developing a set of moral and social values.
“Even now, there are lots of great articles and webinars that are excellent learning opportunities.
“I participated in a lot of webinars over the past few years to keep up with my learning. That’s all we were able to do when we were isolated at home due to COVID.
“So being able to go to The Regulators was a great opportunity to get back to face-to-face sessions.”
John’s long career in banking started at the Commercial Banking Company (CBC) when he left school at 15 in 1963, with the offer of jobs at four different institutions. He picked CBC because it was the bank his parents banked with. John stayed there until he retired – excluding his two years of National Service with the Defence Force, in the late 1960s.
As John reflected on his career history, it is clear that his career path was very different to many entering the financial services sector today.
On-the-job training, along with moving between branches and head office departments, were key to progression. While John worked in most corners of New South Wales and in all areas of the bank, it was an era when moving interstate – let alone internationally – was rare.
Along with branch management jobs, he managed the CBC’s Savings Bank legal area and was also involved in the bank’s Organisation and Methods department. It wasn’t until he was 30 years old that he commenced university, “sometimes finishing coursework at two or three in the morning as I was working full time and we didn’t have computers, so I relied on the post office and couriers for submitting assignments.”
The course, which was a Bachleor of Business (Majoring in Banking and Finance), took eight years to complete, but is one of the most satisfying parts of his career and an indication of his commitment to continuous development. Indeed, his role with the newly merged NAB saw him appointed as State Manager of Work Study at the organisation.
Subsequent management roles based in regional areas of the state, including Orange, Dubbo and Tamworth, eventually led John back to Sydney where he worked in various roles, before managing the establishment of the small business division for the greater Sydney region.
“I had a very rewarding career with the bank, and although I had many different roles, I had one employer who provided me with wonderful opportunities to travel, grow and learn. This is not the
case these days, with many graduates pursuing opportunities to grow and develop in various organisations – resulting in regional, national and global roles.” he said.
John made what sounds like an unsuccessful attempt to retire in 1999, as he was back working within 12 months for another 10 years. Even now, he is President of CHRG (Castle Hill RSL Group) with a diversified portfolio of assets that includes Castle Hill RSL Club, Club Parramatta and Lynwood Golf and Country Club, as well as Castle Hill Fitness and Aquatic Centre. Over the next five years, the group is also set to deliver more than 250 independent living units on the Castle Hill RSL club site.
John is also Trustee for the Castle Hill and District RSL sub-Branch where he oversees the management of a $12 million charitable fund that is used for the benefit and betterment former and current service men and women.
While John he is not very hands on, Board colleagues recognise his background in banking “pretty busy” and regularly seek his insights. John enjoys sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years, which is why he took his Chief Financial Officer to The Regulators.
