"Raymond Terrace has grown significantly since we first opened our William Street branch, and our local team has grown with our customers and their families, providing informed and friendly service while playing a big role in local community initiatives," Terry said.
Julie, current Branch Manager for the past four years, said it was easy to be proud of the local team.
"Each day our team helps to make life a little brighter for our customers, especially our local home lender, Tina Nikic, who with 22 years of experience helps to guide home loan customers through one of the biggest moments in their lives. It really is a pleasure to work with such dedicated people in a close-knit and warm community," she said.
The branch’s longest-serving Branch Manager, George Hostler, is now a Mobile Lending Manager in Port Stephens, and has helped generations of the same families to buy their homes.
"With only six Branch Managers over 40 years – and George in the role for 22 of them – we’ve all been lucky enough to really get to know our customers and their families. We’ve even provided home loans to multiple generations of the same family," Julie said.
Since it was established in 2003 as a gift to the community to celebrate Newcastle Permanent’s 100th anniversary, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has funded community projects for Riding for the Disabled Raymond Terrace, Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed, Raymond Terrace Neighbourhood Centre, Disability Services Port Stephens and Port Stephens Community Care.