QUEENSLAND Country Bank has been formally accepted as a participant of the United Nations Global Compact initiative, a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices.
Maleny Branch Manager, Jodie Nolan, says she is extremely proud to join the growing number of companies globally who have committed to taking responsible business action to create a more sustainable future for the next generation. Companies across the world align their operations and strategies with the Ten Principles in areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
“I’m personally thrilled that our member-owned organisation would seek to align their operation, values and strategies to support sustainability principles and socially responsible practices,” Ms Nolan said.
“It is one thing to preach you are focussed on members and their overall well-being, however it’s another thing to actually ‘walk your talk,’ so I’m pleased our bank has committed to the UN Global Compact initiative and see it as a win-win for our communities too.”
Ms Nolan says joining the UN Global Compact will provide Queensland Country Bank with a framework and accountability practices to think globally while acting locally.
“We can have a significant impact as an organisation to ensure our supply chains support fair work conditions and sustainability initiatives, but real progress happens when we all work a little each day at home and work towards achieving a better world for future generations,” she said.
Ms Nolan said that within the Maleny Branch, staff separate waste from recycling, and even recycle any food scraps to one of their staff member’s chickens.
“Our ‘containers for change’ are donated to the Witta Rec Club and unwanted cardboard boxes and cylinders go to local childcare centres and schools to be used for craft projects.
“We opt for paperless as much as possible, use eco-friendly cleaning products and support local businesses wherever possible.”
“Queensland Country has been caring about our people and communities since our inception fifty years ago, and has already begun transitioning our fleet vehicles to electric and hybrid electric, installed solar in our owned locations, increased our electronic record keeping processes and implemented new software to reduce our paper usage,” Ms Nolan said.