Every year, ANZAC Day is a time to remember, show respect, and honour the courage and dedication of our Defence personnel. It’s a moment to reflect on the service and sacrifices of those who have served in war and combat.
With deep connections to Australia’s Defence community, customer-owned bank Defence Bank and Australian Military Bank stand alongside the community year-round, going beyond traditional banking to provide tailored support that meets the unique needs of those who serve and their families.
Australian Military Bank
Originally founded in 1959 as the Navy (Civil Staff) Co-op, customer-owned Australian Military Bank expanded to serve both Army and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel. It celebrates 67 years of service in 2026.
“Supporting the Defence community strengthens the networks our members rely on and honours our veterans who have done so much for us as a country,” said Australian Military Bank’s CEO, Darlene Mattiske-Wood.
The bank operates 18 branches located on Defence bases across Australia, ensuring easy access to services for personnel wherever their careers take them. Staff are actively engaged in base life and the wider Defence community, helping them deliver relevant, personalised service.
Australian Military Bank also offers the Military Rewards Account, which helps support Defence charities. The account rounds up spare change from transactions and donates it, with the bank matching contributions dollar-for-dollar to one of four Defence charity partners.
Since the launch of this initiative, over $395,000 has been donated to organisations supporting serving, injured, and ex-service members.
The customer-owned bank also contributes to a range of community programs. One such initiative is support for Legacy’s annual ANZAC Rosemary Appeal, where staff help prepare and distribute rosemary sprigs to raise funds for families of veterans. This hands-on initiative reflects the organisation’s deep-rooted culture of care and ongoing commitment to the Defence community.
In addition, Australian Military Bank staff take part in Soldier On’s March On fundraiser each year, walking or running 96km in March to raise funds for veterans’ mental health services.
The March On 2026 campaign recently concluded with the Australian Military Bank team breaking its previous March On fundraising record to raise $8,242 for its charity partner. The team collectively covered an impressive 3,234kms during the month – an amazing 634 hours of marching.
Funds raised go towards providing vital services such as counselling, social support, and employment programs for veterans.
Learn more about Australian Military Bank’s services and deep commitment to the Defence community here.
Defence Bank
This ANZAC Day, Defence Bank proudly marks 51 years of serving the Australian Defence Force (ADF) community, reflecting on more than five decades of standing alongside those who serve – in uniform and beyond.
Established by Defence members for Defence members, Defence Bank was created to meet a simple but important need: banking that genuinely understands military life. From frequent relocations and deployments to the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, Defence Bank has built its products, services and support around the realities faced by ADF members and their families.
As a customer-owned bank, Defence Bank exists solely for the benefit of its members. Profits are reinvested into better products, fairer fees and more personalised support, ensuring members are supported not just financially but with care, respect and understanding.
“For over 50 years, Defence Bank has been part of the Defence community not just as a bank, but as a trusted partner through the ups and downs of service life,” said Defence Bank CEO Roberto Scenna.
“Our members are unique. They’re people who serve our country and the families who stand by them. We understand the complexities of their lives, and our role is to make banking simpler, more flexible and more supportive, no matter where Defence life takes them.”
ANZAC Day holds special meaning for the bank and its members, providing an opportunity to honour service while reaffirming its ongoing commitment, he added.
“ANZAC Day reminds us of the values that underpin Defence service – sacrifice, resilience and mateship. Those same values guide how we show up for our members every day, whether that’s to help them with a DHOAS home loan, invest in property, manage money while posted away, or plan for life after service,” Mr Scenna said.
Defence Bank offers specialised products like the Salute Account, which rewards ADF milestones such as deployments and years of service with bonus interest on savings.
Its support extends beyond banking, with long standing involvement in Defence related charities, community initiatives and partnerships that give back to the wider Defence community.
“As we mark our 51st year, our focus remains firmly on the future, continuing to listen, adapt and evolve so we can support Defence members and their families with banking that works for them, at every stage of their journey.”
To learn more about Defence Bank’s services, visit its website here.