Warwick Credit Union’s Allora branch turns 30 on 14 August, marking three decades of service to the community. To celebrate the occasion, they’re looking back at the valued staff that have made their time in Allora possible.
Their long and proud history in Allora began with an agency run out of Pat McVeigh’s butcher, located where Amy’s Café now is. The agency was open for six months and Dorothy Rubie did all the work manually, garnering enough community support that on 24 October the agency turned into a small branch inside the butcher.
Dorothy’s excellent customer service led to even more support and so on 14 August 1992, Warwick Credit Union was able to open a branch in its own building at 66 Herbert Street.
Allora locals will remember many familiar faces serving them throughout the years who contributed to the branch’s success.
Avelyn Sparksman worked at the branch from August 1992 to January 2013, and is remembered fondly by staff as the majority of new tellers were sent to Allora to learn the ropes with her and remember her as a very kind and patient person and a hard worker.
Caroline Ridgeway was employed from September 2006 until September 2019 and is remembered for being very passionate about her work and going above and beyond for her customers daily. Jill Doyle then serviced the customers and looked after the branch from September 2019 until Sally Gerrard was employed on 10 January 2022.
Warwick Credit Union has been the go-to local bank for Allora locals for 32 years now. It is proud to be the last bank in the town and will be continue to serve locals for years to come.
A spokesperson said they are proud to have Sally Gerrard and Ian Tate at Allora to continue the good work.
“Please pass the word to your family and friends,” they said. “The only way to make sure Allora has a bank is to support it.”
