We love introducing you to the faces behind Better Banking at Police Credit Union.
We recently welcomed Belinda Owen to our team in the newly created role of Platinum Relationship Manager, Nurses. We have proudly offered our Platinum Package to nurses and healthcare professionals for over 40 years, and Belinda’s job is to work personally with this special cohort to help them get the most out of their banking!
To help you get to know Belinda, we asked her some questions. Have a read…
What made you apply for this role?
Over the years, I have consistently heard of the trust and connection Police Credit Union Members have with their credit union, this is something I have rarely seen within any other organisations that I have come across. At the risk of sounding corny, it was something I wanted to be a part of. My background and expertise are in community banking, where members come first, and coupled with coming from a family of nurses, I knew this was the role for me.
How do you describe your role at Police Credit Union?
Put simply, to look after the financial needs of nurses and healthcare professionals. Many people do not realise, Police Credit Union has been proudly offering special benefits and discounts to health care workers and their families since 1978 as part of our Platinum package.
What are you hoping to achieve in this role?
My main goal is to make our Members’ everyday banking easy. Whether it’s understanding the basics of home buying, creating a budget, or managing your home loan – I’ll help explain the process in a straightforward and easy to understand manner, without any banking jargon. I want to share my knowledge and expertise with honest and dedicated personal service.
What excites you about this role? And why?
I’m passionate about helping our Members achieve their financial goals, through building financial knowhow and helping them take control of their financial futures – especially those who devote their careers to caring for others. I like the diversity of this role and how no two days will look the same, from presenting to groups of health sector employees, to facilitating Members’ home loan or personal loan needs, to assisting with budgeting and saving or even general insurance needs. Whatever the goal, my aim is to help you get the most out of your banking.
Do you have any highlights from working at Police Credit Union thus far?
Connecting with many of our nurses and frontline workers who have been working particularly hard over the last two years, whether its through their employer or directly with the Member. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for all their hard work.
Handing out thousands of KitKats as a small ‘thank you’ on International Nurses Day was fun too.
Where were you working before joining Police Credit Union?
Before Police Credit Union, I worked with Super SA (the SA govt superannuation fund for SAPOL and SA Health workers) where I specialised in helping members understand their super and live their best lives in retirement. Before this I worked as the SA/NT Relationship Manager at ME Bank (or Member’s Equity) looking after industry super funds, trade unions, employers’ associations and most importantly members. Prior to this, I spent many years as a BDM and Director of Sales in the accommodation and tourism industry before finding my passion in finance.
Tell us about your family…
I am a mum of a 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son, and 1-year-old turtle!
What are your hobbies and passions?
My family and friends pretty much top this list, but I’ve always been passionate about health and fitness. I’ve loved playing netball pretty much since I could walk, although I recently retired after fracturing a bone in my foot. I love coffee, wine and eating milk chocolate – I firmly believe none of the calories in any of these count. I also love to learn and develop my skills, along with a good conversation and helping others achieve their goals.
What is your secret hidden talent/superpower?
I’m a lateral thinker who can pretty much talk to anybody in any situation. I’m empathetic and can understand different people’s points of view. And I can juggle.
What are you binge watching at the moment?
Selling Sunset, The Girl from Plainville, Versailles and Moon Knight!
What do you like to do with your spare time or on the weekends?
With two passionate junior sportspeople in the family playing football, basketball, volleyball and every other sport known to man, my weekends are usually spent driving from one event to another! Although whenever I get the chance, you can find me walking along the beach, reading, or doing jigsaw puzzles and talking the head off anyone who will listen.
What do you consider to be the best product/service that PCU offers?
Our people! Also, that our products and services are all actually designed to add value, we understand the lives of our Members and the roles you play in our communities and offer products and services that are genuinely useful and helpful.