Rabobank appoints new area manager for Western Downs and South West Queensland

Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank has appointed Rupert Backus to lead its Dalby, Goondiwindi and Roma teams, with responsibility for continuing to strengthen local engagement and support farming clients across the Western Downs and South West Queensland.

Announcing the appointment, Rabobank state manager for Queensland Polly Saraiva said Mr Backus brings extensive leadership experience, backed by a strong understanding of agriculture and regional communities.

“Rupert is an experienced leader who understands the importance of empowering teams, developing people and maintaining strong connections with the agricultural sector,” Ms Saraiva said. “His leadership capability, combined with his practical industry experience, positions him well to guide our local teams and help deliver meaningful outcomes for clients across the region.”

Rabobank area manager, Western Downs and South West Queensland, Rupert Backus.

Mr Backus said he was “excited and proud” to lead Rabobank’s teams in Dalby, Goondiwindi and Roma, and looked forward to spending time with clients and communities across the region.

“Rabobank has experienced and highly skilled people based in these communities, and I’m looking forward to working alongside them to understand what matters most to local producers,” he said.

Mr Backus brings 16 years’ experience in agribusiness and commercial banking, including leading teams across Queensland.

Before beginning his banking career, he worked for agricultural chemicals and crop protection company Nufarm across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Having grown up around feedlots in New South Wales and Queensland and worked on remote cattle stations, Mr Backus said he had a “genuine connection” to Australian agriculture and the regional communities it supports.

“Agriculture has shaped my career, and I understand the importance of trusted relationships, local knowledge and practical support,” he said. “Helping farming families and rural communities thrive is incredibly rewarding.”

Mr Backus said Rabobank’s long-term commitment to agriculture and its active support for local events and initiatives across the Western Downs and South West Queensland were key attractions to joining the bank.

“Rabobank specialises in agriculture and takes a long-term view,” he said. “Clients also benefit from research and analysis tailored to their sectors, backed by a deep understanding of agricultural cycles and the opportunities and challenges facing farming businesses.”

Mr Backus said producers across the Western Downs and South West Queensland were continually looking for ways to strengthen their operations and position their businesses for the future.

“There is a real sense of energy and resilience across the region, driven by producers who embrace innovation, adapt to changing conditions and support one another,” he said. “I’m looking forward to listening to producers, understanding their priorities and working with our local teams to help farming businesses build on their strengths and pursue new opportunities.”

Mr Backus takes over the role from outgoing area manager Troy Frizzel, who is moving into a new position with the bank as a senior Major Agribusiness Client manager for Queensland.

Ms Saraiva thanked Mr Frizzel for his dedication, leadership and hard work over the past two years leading Rabobank’s Roma, Dalby and Goondiwindi teams.

“We are excited to see Troy move into a new role with the bank, and we thank him for his contribution to clients and colleagues across the region,” she said.

To contact Rupert Backus directly, call 0476 358 737. Rabobank’s local teams can also be contacted through the Dalby branch on (07) 4660 8700, the Goondiwindi branch on (07) 4677 8300, or the Roma branch on (07) 4624 4100.

Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is a part of the international Rabobank Group, the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 125 years’ experience providing customised banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and operates in 35 countries, servicing the needs of more than nine million clients worldwide through a network of more than 1000 offices and branches. Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is one of Australasia’s leading agricultural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the region’s food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 87 branches throughout Australia and New Zealand.