Live Local Shop Local | South West Slopes Credit Union - Servicing the community

SWSCU is a "local loan" specialist across residential housing, investment properties and personal loans, as well providing all other banking services including deposit and savings accounts.

At its first meeting in 1972, the initial 78 foundation members were all employees of the Boorowa, Burrangong, Demondrille, Murrumburrah and Young shire councils and employees of the South West Slopes County Council.

Chief executive officer Andrew Jones said credit unions came about through the inaction of banks towards some members of the community.

"In the early 70s the working class man struggled to gain support from the larger banks and so the concept of a credit union became popular," Mr Jones said.

"Each member's wages were collectively used to make loans to other members and workers, thereby giving fellow working men a 'fair go' in regards to obtaining finance."

SWSCU remains community focused, with profits reinvested into producing better services and products for members or given back to the community via grants and sponsorships.

"The larger banks are increasingly focused on the major cities and as such are seen to be reducing the services they provide on a one to one basis in regional areas," Mr Jones said.

"This trend highlights the importance of SWSCU as a local banking institution that is here solely to service and support our members."

SWSCU has 33 employees - from front line member service officers and operation support staff to loan experts - across its four branches in Cootamundra, Temora, West Wyalong and Young, with three agencies operating in Harden, Boorowa and Grenfell.

SWSCU and its employees provide support, sponsorship and community grants to many local organisations.

"Our people make our business special," Mr Jones said. "SWSCU is wholly owned by its members and as such our staff are dedicated to providing an excellent member experience.

"All of our staff live locally and involved in community activities which encourages a great sense of pride in who we are and what we do."