CMCU CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Central Murray Credit Union (CMCU) celebrated fifty years of service in Yarrawonga last Monday, August 8, 2022.

The big, milestone anniversary was celebrated at its home of 48 years, 58 Belmore Street with CMCU Chairman John Gorman outlining the institution’s history including boards of directors, staff and rising to a strong financial position.

“It’s fifty years in business – that in itself is some achievement – if you Google you’ll find eighty to ninety year per cent of businesses don’t last more than five years,” he said.

“Here we are fifty years. We’ve been through thick and thin, remembering the 1982 drought and the recession under (Prime Minister) Paul Keating in 1991. Everyone’s doing it tough including the Credit Union.”

Mr Gorman has been chairman for 38 years, a mighty achievement in itself.

“Tony Fahey came and saw me to get me to join the Credit Union and go on the board and the next thing I know I was Chairman! And I am still in the role nearly forty years on!” Mr Gorman said.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be involved with the Credit Union over those 40 years.”

The CMCU Chairman said people here today are so important, giving special mention to Joan O’Bryan who was the sole employee in the beginning.

“Joan was fantastic” Mr Gorman said. “Joan was involved with ledger cards and passwords – all manual – now everything’s computerised. They were great days. I thank Joan and all our current staff. You all do fantastic work.”

But the chairman certainly acknowledged some key personnel and board members, whom some have unfortunately passed on.

“Tony Farey was amazing. He knew everything. He got it going. He was totally committed to the Credit Union. He is someone to remember the effort we all have to put into the Credit Union.

“Tony used to have this exercise book. When he had it in hand and coming towards you, you had to look out! He’d been educated and knew all about the Credit Union. He got it up and going.” Daughter of the late Tony, Sue Farey, appreciated the 50th anniversary and reference to her dad.

The work undertaken by previous staff including Joan’s offsider Carmel O’Kane, auditor Jeff Haebich, past and present committee and board members, the shire council and the community’s support were all praised by Mr Gorman.

Mr Gorman referred to the Credit Union’s annual substantial budget supporting the community for numerous organisations including sport and health-related groups.

It was a point taken up by Moira Shire Deputy Mayor Peter Lawless who said he witnessed first-hand – the annual Burramine Gift as just one example – the generous Credit Union donations over the years. “You’ve shown great leadership in that area,” Cr Lawless said.

“The bigger banks don’t always give you the personal touch. The Credit Union does.

“Congratulations to the Credit Union on a great achievement. I hope you go another fifty years.”

The welcoming attitude and personal relationships by the CMCU were endorsed by Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy.

“Every community needs a school, a hospital and the CFA but a good community has a community bank,” Mr McCurdy said.

The MP congratulated all involved and gave special mention to CMCU’s Chief Executive Officer John Pattison for “the role you play”, which has been 27 years to date.

An extremely proud Joan O’Bryan loved the Credit Union’s milestone occasion.

“It’s amazing how far it’s come in fifty years,” the near 88-year-old said.

“You’d loan $50 out and have it back in a few weeks!” Mrs O’Bryan recalled.

Mr Gorman concluded: “We have a very sound institution, operating in a strong manner and has strong backing.”