Bendigo Bank backs WIINSA’s ‘female leaders of the future’

Women In Innovation SA (WIINSA), South Australia’s peak association for female innovators, is pleased to announce that Bendigo Bank will be the organisation’s Principal Partner for a further two-year term.

WIINSA President Nicole Swaine said that she and her Board warmly welcomed working with Bendigo Bank as the organisation continues its focus on supporting and skilling up the female leaders of the future.

“As women in business, we know that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ – the example set by our growing list of successful Winnovation alumnae encourages young girls and women to pursue rewarding careers, whether in the public or private sector, as business founders or within their chosen field,” Ms Swaine said.

“The wonderful support and commitment of our Principal Partner Bendigo Bank and our other sponsors has enabled us to develop a program of events throughout the year, culminating in the Winnovation Awards.

“We are in inclusive organisation that encourages both male and female membership and speakers.  Our goal is to generate though provoking discussions that represent the issues facing our members and to provide members with opportunities to further their own careers through networking and collaboration.”

Paul Mertin, State Manager SA/NT of Bendigo Bank, said the bank decided to continue its support as part of its vision to be Australia’s bank of choice.

“Women In Innovation is an inspiring organisation which we have watched blossom over the past two years,” Mertin said. “We are always amazed and humbled by the talent and technologies on show at the annual awards, and we look forward to seeing what 2019 has to offer.

“Embracing diversity and inclusion is important to the success of our Bank, our people, and our partners, customers and communities. Bendigo Bank sees partnering with Women In Innovation as a fantastic opportunity to help promote new thinking, break down the barriers women face in rising to the top, and ultimately open more doors for women across the State,” said Mertin.

Women make up 65 percent of all employees, 45 percent of all managers almost 40 percent of Bendigo Bank’s board and executive management, including Stella Thredgold, Executive Technology and Business Enablement, Bendigo Bank.

Ms Thredgold said Bendigo Bank was a living example of an organisation that aligns with the purpose and values of Women In Innovation – to “educate, elevate, inspire and connect” innovative women in South Australia.

“At Bendigo Bank, we have a clear purpose to feed into prosperity and we like to make great things happen,” Ms Thredgold said. “A diverse team, supported by an inclusive environment, is the foundation for diversity of thought and innovation, and a key driver of our success. Throughout our Bank’s history, we have helped a number of female entrepreneurs to successfully start and grow their own businesses and have supported many women employees to achieve their goals.

“I have a long history with the Bank, starting many years ago as an accountant, and have been presented with many opportunities to grow and develop a variety of technical and soft skills. Our inclusive culture and commitment to diversity has meant that gender has never been a barrier to my career progression. Today, I hold the position of Executive Technology and Business Enablement and I have felt very supported and encouraged along the way to try new things, stay authentic and continue to achieve my goals.

“We are delighted with the continuing partnership and know that between Women In Innovation and Bendigo Bank, we are encouraging South Australian women to think innovatively and pursue their passions and life goals,” concluded Thredgold.