Growth Through Partnership: Your union, Your Credit Union

The Maritime Workers of Australia Credit Union has been providing financial services to members of the MUA and their families since 1970 and in late 2002 membership eligibility was extended to members of the Mining and Energy Division of the CFMEU and their families. This expansion to include the CFMEU was a natural progression in light of the close relationship shared by the two unions.

The MUA and CFMEU have had a long history of solidarity. During the waterfront dispute in 1998, the CFMEU formed the backbone of support for the Maritime Union Pickets nationwide. The Patrick's dispute, the Battle for Pilbara, the Gordonstone Mine Dispute, and many more too numerous to list have cemented the close relationship between the two unions. The inclusion of the CFMEU in the membership of the credit union is recognition of this bond.

It is now 4 years since membership was extended to include members of the Mining and Energy division of the CFMEU and their families. In this time we have seen fantastic growth in this area. In January 2004, Diane Saroglia was appointed as a business development officer in regional Queensland, and the tremendous support of the CFMEU has meant that we have recently been able to further expand on Diane's work and open a full service branch in Moranbah. With our new branch, Diane now has the resources to further service areas in regional Queensland and provide support to both CFMEU and MUA members in the Mackay and Townsville regions. Following the tremendous success in Queensland, we have recently appointed Lee Sutherland as a Business Development Officer for the Hunter Region of NSW.

As we continue to grow, the core ideals of the credit union continue to reflect those of both unions. The growth in the credit union is a great example of the benefits being generated through the close alignment of the MUA, the Credit Union and the Mining and Energy Division of the CFMEU.

Your Credit Union is the only financial institution providing a full range of banking services exclusively to workers in the maritime, mining and energy industries and their families. So for all your financial needs, why not use the extensive range of products and services from the Credit Union for Maritime, Mining and Energy Workers. For information on our products and services, please call 1300 36 2000, go to www.maritimecu.com.au or visit one of our branches.