St George & Sutherland Shire Leader

Never a better time to build a career in regional Australia

Never a better time to build a career in regional Australia
Never a better time to build a career in regional Australia

This is advertiser content for CommBank.

  • CommBank investing in increased business bank capability in regional NSW and ACT
  • Mid-to-senior roles offer blend of career opportunity and lifestyle

A dramatic change in the way Australians work means the opportunity to build a meaningful career in a regional area is greater than it has ever been, according to CommBank's General Manager Regional and Agribusiness for NSW and the ACT, Vanessa Nolan-Woods, who is looking for experienced staff to fill a number of roles.

Vanessa says Australia is on the cusp of a powerful regional renaissance, and the barriers to creating and progressing a career in a regional location are falling away.

"There have always been genuine career opportunities in regional Australia, but there have been some challenges, too," Vanessa said.

"For example, regional Australia has sometimes been seen as well-suited to early and mid-career roles, but recruiting experienced and highly skilled staff has been much trickier because highly qualified people don't just have themselves to think about.

"They want to know they can access a great role but they also need to be sure there is room for career growth, and, critically, they often have a spouse or partner who has their own career to consider.

"The difference now is that thanks to rapid uptake of remote working, if one partner takes a role in regional Australia, their partner can almost certainly continue to work in their chosen career, too.

CommBank's General Manager Regional and Agribusiness for NSW and the ACT, Vanessa Nolan-Woods.
CommBank's General Manager Regional and Agribusiness for NSW and the ACT, Vanessa Nolan-Woods.

"It's the best of both worlds where singles, couples and families all have the opportunity to access and experience the benefits of living in wonderful regional communities with lower housing costs and real work life balance.

"There has scarcely been a time when Australian agriculture has been better positioned, and that in itself is driving a strong regional sector," she said.

"On top of that, we're seeing a major uptick in domestic tourism underpinning many other regional businesses, plus a broad shift of people out of metro areas and into regional hubs.

"It's a fantastic time to head to regional Australia, where the lifestyle is relaxed, and house prices are affordable but also rising, so it's a great time to invest."

Importantly, Vanessa says a career with CommBank give team members a real opportunity to stretch themselves and make their mark.

"We're looking for people with skill and experience, but more than that we want people who have passion and ambition.

"We want people who are ready to own their career, immerse themselves in a community and make the most of what's on offer," Vanessa said.

Never a better time to build a career in regional Australia
Never a better time to build a career in regional Australia

"We have a diverse and exciting range of business customers across regional NSW and ACT and many are telling us that they are thinking about growth and investment.

"CommBank is expanding our capacity in key areas to ensure we can continue to provide the level of insight, support and accessibility that our customers need in order to achieve their goals.

"I am proud to say that my team is an exceptional, committed group and I am excited to bring some new talent on board."

Data from the Regional Australia Institute shows that job vacancies in regional Australia are already close to pre-Covid levels, and that most vacancies are for mid- to high-skilled professionals and trades jobs.

"If you're a skilled and experienced career person who has been thinking about the benefits a regional lifestyle might offer, there really is no better time than now to look for opportunities," Vanessa said.

Interested in opportunities with CommBank?

At present, CommBank has roles available in NSW and ACT ranging from analyst and relationship executive through to regional manager, in locations including the Hunter region, Newcastle, Canberra, Illawarra/Wollongong and central areas of NSW including Dubbo, Orange and Bathurst.

For more information about specific roles or to submit an application, visit www.commbank.com.au/careers

This is advertiser content for CommBank.