Posted by on
11/08/2025
Joe Clements describes himself as a ‘well-travelled banker’ and from Alice Springs to regional South Australia, his 41-year career has afforded a platform to explore the country, and immerse himself in a variety of communities.
Joe, a Senior Rural Manager in Rabobank’s Mount Gambier branch, is a familiar face across the region where he and his family are now settled, yet he’s grateful for the learnings of a more transient early career.
“Personally, I think one of the greatest aspects of banking is the opportunity to move around,” Joe explains.
“You meet so many great people over the years, some communities are easier to immerse yourself in – sport is always a great way to connect with the community, and it gives you a real insight into the different cultures across regional Australia.”
Kimba born and bred, Joe has worked most of his career across South Australia, from Whyalla to Waikerie, with a few stints in Mount Gambier along the way – as well as two postings in Alice Springs.
“When you get out of your comfort zone there’s so much to learn, and we’ve met lifelong friends who we continue to visit, ensuring that engagement in our former hometowns – however brief – continues.”
Joe began his career as a 16-year-old in Kimba, admitting working in a local bank branch was a chance to fill in time before he worked out what he wanted to do.
Over four decades later and there’s no other industry he’d rather be a part of – and it’s a sentiment he tested during a four year break away from banking.
“I think at the end of the day a banking career provides a really fulfilling future, and there’s no greater privilege than sharing in someone’s financial growth aspirations.”
Joe joined Rabobank 12 months ago, inspired by the opportunity to focus solely on agricultural clients.
“I have always been happiest dealing with agricultural clients, so to be able to specialise in this space at this stage of my career, and in a community my family now call home, is appreciated”
“Rabobank has always been an agri banking leader, and always on my radar, and now that I’m here there’s just so much additional value our clients receive that I really wasn’t aware of.”
From RaboResearch to the bank’s strong community values, Joe has been continually impressed by Rabobank’s offering to its clients.
“A dedicated RaboResearch analyst team provide really valuable markets insights, and this knowledge is very generously shared – it’s great information that really helps guide on-farm decision-making,” he said.
“I also had no idea about the Rabo Client Council, which are groups of client volunteers who work with the bank to advise on where community funding is most appropriate.”
“It’s a really practical and meaningful initiative that puts the control back into the community’s hand, which is refreshing.”
The strong client relationships Rabobank managers enjoy is also a point of difference, and Joe said there’s nothing better than getting out on-farm and sharing in his client’s business vision, and help making that a reality.
“I spent my first 12 years on a family farm, and we sold after some really trying years in the Kimba district, so I have a genuine firsthand appreciation and empathy for the challenges of farming, as well as the opportunities.”
It’s a timely sentiment considering the dry season the region has endured, yet it’s during such times that Joe believes his purpose is stronger than ever.
“It’s heartening to be working for Rabobank and know that as an agri specialist, it has a deep understanding of the cyclical nature of agriculture.”
“There’s definitely an inclination across the whole bank that this is the time to really step up and make sure we’re helping clients navigate the current challenges.”
“People trust us into their lives to help manage their livelihoods, and it’s a responsibility no one at Rabobank takes lightly – we all want to see the very best for our clients, in the good times, and the not so good.”
