CBA team pictured at AgQuip, Gunnedah
This week, the CommBank Tour marked its first official stop at AgQuip – Australia's largest agricultural field day - in Gunnedah.
“AgQuip is an important opportunity to connect with customers, hear what’s top of mind for them and understand how we can better support their ambitions while also seeing the latest in farming technology. It’s a time when we can come together as supporters of agriculture, to exchange insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector,” Nick Abraham, CBA General Manager of Agribusiness said.
“It was also the perfect place to launch the CommBank Tour – a national initiative that reaffirms our commitment to regional Australia. The tour brings financial education, tools, and immersive experiences directly to regional towns, helping Australians take steps toward improving financial wellbeing. It’s a showcase of cutting-edge technologies and entrepreneurial spirit that drives regional Australia - values that align perfectly with our mission.”
“The region has demonstrated incredible resilience this year with record flooding across northern NSW in May and recent heavy rain and snowstorms. We’ve had a great few days at AgQuip but with further flooding in Gunnedah and surrounds, we’re staying close to our customers on the ground and are ready to support,” Simon Plummer, Executive Manager, Regional and Agribusiness, Tamworth said.
“In times of severe weather, the strength of our community coming together really shines. Whether it’s through providing financial relief or hands-on help, we’re committed to standing with our customers and community.”
Speaking at a panel discussion at the customer forum, Vanessa Nolan-Woods, CBA General Manager, Regional & Agribusiness for Northern NSW, highlighted the bank’s enduring relationship with the region, which spans over a century.
Customer event at the historic Goonoo Goonoo Station
“CBA opened its first Tamworth branch in 1915, one of the first seven branches in NSW,” Ms Nolan-Woods said.
“To this day, Tamworth represents immense opportunity and potential for growth, not just for this community, but for the wider economy.”
Ms Nolan-Woods was joined by Tamworth Mayor Councillor Russell Webb, Merrilong Pastoral Company Director Gordon Brownhill, Beef Australia Vice Chair and Myanbah livestock company Director Jess Webb, as well as Spring Ridge and Pine Ridge owner-operator Andrew Wilmot, who spoke about the opportunities and challenges for producers and the region more broadly.
(From Left to Right: Vanessa Nolan-Woods, Russell Webb, Gordon Brownhill, Jess Webb and Andrew Wilmot)
Councillor Webb spoke to Tamworth’s continued evolution to a vibrant diversified economy, with major infrastructure to support sports, music, agriculture and processing - including a new $500 million poultry facility.
While the local economy continues to diversify, agriculture remains a cornerstone, with more than 300,000 hectares of prime agricultural land in the Tamworth region contributing significantly to NSW agricultural output.
CBA Agri Economist Dennis Voznesenski delivered a presentation to the forum’s attendees, highlighting how seasonal forecasts, commodity prices, production in other countries and trade conditions could shape agribusiness decision-making.
Panellists also pointed to the rapid uptake of agtech as a key enabler of productivity and sustainability. From rotational grazing platforms and remote monitoring to carbon farming projects, technology is increasingly central to the sector’s ability to adapt to climate and market volatility.
The first stop on the CommBank Tour is just one part of a larger journey to strengthen relationships in regional communities and connecting with customers where they live and work.
“Regional Australia has always been a centre of innovation, community strength and opportunity,” Ms Nolan-Woods said.
“As farming families and regional business continues to evolve, we’re committed to working alongside our customers to support their ambitions, manage risk, and ensure regional communities thrive into the future.”
CBA team on the ground, celebrating the region
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