12 February 2004

Rabobank's commitment to rural Western Australia has been confirmed with the official opening of its Moora branch, the seventh in the state and the 40th in Australia.

Addressing the function at the Recreational Centre in Moora last week, Rabobank's deputy general manager rural Australia, Berry Marttin, outlined the bank's long agricultural history and the nature of its co-operative structure.

"Born out of agricultural crisis, this co-operative was crucial to the support and development of the sector and ultimately the communities that it served," he said.

Rabobank is the world's leading food and agribusiness bank and one of the largest lenders to rural Australia.

The bank has shown a strong commitment to rural Western Australia, opening branches in Albany, Merredin, Bunbury and Moora over the past 12 months. These locations joined its existing branch network in Esperance, Geraldton and Perth.

"When you consider we have opened four branches here, and will add Narrogin to the list in 2004, this is a significant achievement," Mr Marttin said.

Mr Marttin also highlighted Rabobank's investment in its staff throughout Australia.

"Rabobank employs staff who have extensive experience and knowledge in the agricultural sector. Our people are a long term investment, with a high standard of education and training being maintained to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our clients," he said.

Contact

For further information please contact Simone Luckhurst, State Marketing Manager WA (Tel: +61 8 9325 5566) or Denise Shaw, Public Relations Manager (Tel: +61 2 8233 8744) or email on sydney.mediarelations@rabobank.com.