CUA opens shared community space
CUA has opened a unique shared space in Toowoomba for banking and community use.
It is a national first for Australia’s largest credit union in its network of more than 50 branches.
The CUA Community Hub at Walton Stores was officially opened yesterday by Member for Groom John McVeigh and CUA representatives as part of a community celebration.
The event also featured Brisbane Heat players Jimmy Peirson and Delissa Kimmince.
The hub was co-created with more than 120 local residents and 40 community groups with member and community feedback helping to shape the design.
More than half of the 250sqm community hub-style branch will be devoted to community use.
In addition to being a unique space for the local community, members will be able to access comprehensive banking, insurance and health solutions under one roof.
CUA chief sales officer Andy Rigg said the new branch layout reflected the member-owned organisation’s important role in making a difference to the lives of members and communities.
“People matter to us and we’re committed to working together with our members and communities – both to help them navigate their changing financial needs at different times in their lives, but also to achieve a positive social impact, for the mutual good of CUA and the community,” he said.
“The co-designed space has created a unique environment where local groups and individuals can create, share, learn and belong.”
CUA Community Hub local area manager Andria Harrison said the Community Hub design was providing a unique and inviting experience and delivering value back into the Toowoomba community.
“We’re here to help members and guests. We’re excited to invite the community into our shared space and make them feel right at home,” she said.
“Being able to offer local groups use of the space free of charge for one-off events is a great way to give back to the community, while establishing CUA as an important connector between community groups, charitable causes and local residents.”