Pictured: Greg Sanderson, Brendan Hendry, Hugh Pavitt, Mike Bickford, Ros Bickford, Janelle Slavin, Cathy Sanderson, Sharon Hawkins, Caron Cantrill, Sue McCarthy, Lisa Dean and Aisling Bermingham.

 

Janelle Slavin has this month celebrated her 15-year anniversary at the Harden Bendigo Bank Branch.

Starting at the bank in February 2007, it is a wonderful achievement for Janelle, showing her dedication and loyalty to the workplace.

Janelle explained to The Times how she started her career with the Harden Bendigo Bank all those years ago.

“I used to work at the Commonwealth Bank in Harden, Yass and Young and then I left there and was a stay-at-home mum for many years,” Janelle said.

“Then I worked at the Shire for a few years, and then I thought I might go back to banking. So I put in for the Bendigo Bank job and I got it.”

Janelle got into the industry when she became tired of school and ultimately left it before joining the banking sector.

The Harden Bendigo Bank branch opened in 2007, and Janelle has been on the journey for the whole time, an impressive achievement which she is proud of.

“I obviously like the job, I’m still here. I’m not one to swap and change jobs,” Janelle continued.

“I’m a homegrown Harden person, so I’ve stayed here and brought my kids up here.

“I’ll be here at the bank until they kick me out.”

Since starting at the job, Janelle has worked under various managers, with the original manager Ralph Hawkins unfortunately and unexpectedly passing away in January 2013.

Janelle said that it has been the greatest challenge in her career so far while working at the Bendigo Bank.

“Ralph’s passing was a big blow to us. He was very passionate about banks, so I think that was in the back of my mind to stay because this was his baby and he started with me,” Janelle said.

“We had to pick up the pieces as best we could. I wasn’t loans trained or anything like that, but we got through together as a team.”
Janelle mentioned that her favourite part of the job is having fun at work with her team.

“It’s an enjoyable environment, the staff are great. Sarah has been here with me for about 14 years, and manager Lisa Dean has been here for three years now.”

“The highlight of your day is the staff that you work with. We are here that long together and see them more than our families, so we do become very good friends.”

Well done to Janelle on a fantastic career and here’s to the 20th anniversary!

Tim Warren