YOUR STORIES

Sue & Rob - Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses

In the beautiful Burringbar Valley, just north of Byron Bay, sits a family owned business, Tweed Valley Whey Farmhouse Cheeses. Owned and operated by Rob and Sue Harnett, along with Rob’s sister Sue and husband Pete, the farm is the home to a dairy herd of over 100 cows which helps produce A Grade quality milk and gourmet artisan farmhouse cheese, butter and yoghurts.

“It’s a pretty good life, we can’t complain too much,” said Sue.

The Harnetts have been with Summerland for over 20 years and during that time they’ve been lucky enough to have the same Business Development Manager, Kaylene. “It is pretty special as she knows our business since we first started,” said Sue.

“When we decided to go down the path of an agri-tourism venture, where we built a cheese factory, a retail outlet and a café, we got the plans drawn up and got Kaylene to come and see us. We sat on the veranda and went through the business plan we had - she was really supportive from day one” said Sue warmly.

“And there were a lot of unknowns then, where we had no idea of some of our costs. Kaylene helped us do a budget, and she did say ‘you’ll blow the budget from the start’, which we did,” laughed Rob.

“But it was nice to have that warning in advance. We were prepared for it when it happened,” added Sue.

The couple emphasised that had Kaylene and Summerland not taken a chance with their business, they wouldn’t be where they are today. “Summerland have definitely helped us grow our business. Through small steps, we’ve got where we are today.

“They gave us the options to move our business forward, even when we were going through hard times,” said Sue.

Nevertheless, Rob wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’m really glad we’ve done what we’ve done and I am proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

John Wilcox - Nimbin Hills Real Estate

John has been in the real estate industry since 1980 and is the Licensee at Nimbin Hills Real Estate. “I get a lot of satisfaction helping people move. There’s nothing better than seeing a young couple coming in and then getting their first home.”

When John first started his business, he had to find a shop, recruit staff and secure funds. Fortunately for John, Summerland were able to help give him the opportunity to kick start his business.

“I feel like Summerland and I are partners because when I opened the agency, they lent me the money and have taken an interest in how the business is going,” said John.

Due to this experience, John has always looked to recommend Summerland to friends, with most of his staff also banking with the organisation. “Summerland are fantastic; I’d give them a 100 per cent endorsement,” commented John.

However, John’s recommendation of Summerland goes beyond just helping him start his business, the staff are genuinely keen to celebrate his agency’s successes, he says. “When we won an award recently, all the staff from Summerland came down to congratulate us - you don’t get that kind of interest from any of the major banks.

“What I like about Summerland compared to some of the big banks is they’re small enough to know you personally, but large enough to give you all the services you’d ever want.”

Chris and Renea

Living in the beautiful Northern Rivers has its benefits. Not only can Chris and Renea enjoy their rural family lifestyle, they’re only a short drive from their favourite beach; which is ideal with two kids.

Before Chris and Renea bought a block of land, they asked Summerland for their advice on how they could go about building their dream home, so they could secure their family’s future. They also wanted to live comfortably, but at the same time didn’t want “so much money tied up in our home loan that we can’t do things we want to do.”

Summerland were able to advise the family on the best way forward, so they could live the lifestyle they wanted. “Knowing that our home loan is in good hands means that we can financially afford to go on a holiday or go overseas,” says Renea.

Alongside the financial advice from Summerland, Chris and Renea appreciate having a good relationship with the staff at their local branch and the rapport the staff have built with their children.

“We went there last week, and a staff member sponsored our son in the fun run - it was fantastic,” commented Renea.

“Its very family orientated there,” added Chris.

For those that are wanting to enjoy the Northern Rivers lifestyle, Renea has one piece of advice. “Shop around and see what sits well with you - everyone is different, but choosing Summerland was the right choice for our family.”

Luke Vassella

“I think this is the best place and the best country; what’s not to love?”

Luke Vassella is a singer-songwriter who has been making music in the Northern Rivers for over 20 years. He has released nine albums to date and has written many songs in support of a CSG free Northern Rivers.

“I was 12, when I first started playing the guitar, so music has been a big part of my life. To quote Tim Freedman, 'if I had three lives, I’d be a musician in two'... maybe!”

It is Luke’s environmental stance and his passion for ethical banking that strengthens his connection with Summerland. “I appreciate their ecological priorities and the ethics behind the organisation.

“I’m not impressed with what the big banks have done in this country, so I am proud to be a part of a local institution like Summerland,” Luke added.

Having been a customer of Summerland for 13 years, Luke says it is the strong relationship, an understanding of what he needs, plus Summerland’s local knowledge that has kept him coming back. “The staff know the area, they live here, and they reinvest their profits into the community.

“When the time came for us to reapply for a loan, Summerland were able to help us. They knew our situation –  I really appreciate the connection I have with them.”

John Ede - Reel Fishn

After a beautiful day of fishing, the smell of freshly caught fish cooking, “doesn’t get any better than that” according to Reel Fishn’s John Ede. As the number one charter boat company in the Tweed, John has been running fishing and whale watching trips for almost 25 years.

However, when John first wanted to start a fishing business back in 1996, it wasn’t common for a financial institution to back a business in the marine industry. “They could see the business had potential and with their support and financial backing, here I am.

“If Summerland hadn’t given me the start I needed, I wouldn’t be in business today, it’s as simple as that,” John added.

Like all businesses though, there have been difficult times. “Even when we’ve had floods, cyclones and things were tough, the team at Summerland have supported me, which I’ll always be grateful for,” said John.

Whenever John wanted financial support from Summerland, be it a loan or an overdraft facility, he was always impressed with the turnaround time. “24 hours would have been the maximum time I would have had to wait - a decision was made almost instantaneously.

“They know my business so they can tell me very quickly if ‘yes we can do this’, or ‘no we can’t’. To date, they’ve always said yes,” John commented.

John is someone who values relationships, and this is no different with the staff at Summerland. “I walk into the branch and they know who I am. The staff ask me how the fishing is going, and they show a genuine interest in what I do – you just can’t walk away from a relationship like that.”