Commonwealth Bank has recently appointed Simone Kenmore as executive manager of Indigenous business banking, to lead the development of tailored, culturally appropriate financial products and services for First Nations businesses.
With a wide-ranging experience leading and developing Indigenous Australian strategies and designing community initiatives across health, aged care, disability, and community services, Kenmore, along with CommBank’s team of culturally accredited business banking specialists will support the bank’s significant portfolio of diverse First Nations business customers – from small businesses in metro areas and remote community health services to large agricultural businesses in regional Australia.
“We know that by strengthening First Nations businesses, we strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities more broadly,” Kenmore said. “CommBank’s priority is to support the growth of more First Nations peoples to lead and drive organisations in their communities. Taking a leadership role is critical to self-determination.”
Kenmore, who has familial ties with the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in South Australia, said the Indigenous business sector has tremendous strength and resilience as well as expertise in a wide range of sectors including health, agriculture, and community services. The Indigenous community’s intimate understanding of caring for the country and waterways in another exciting opportunity, she said, the bank is keen to provide specialised support.
“When we listen to community and work together, we can do great things,” she said.
Whether starting from scratch or developing an existing business, CBA has a range of services to help First Nations businesses expand, diversify, or innovate, Kenmore said.
“At CommBank, we have an experienced Indigenous leadership team and Indigenous advisory council who are connected to First Nations communities across Australia and will make sure we are accountable to the communities we serve,” she said.
Kenmore’s first approach is to “kulila” – a Pitjantjatjara word for “listen.” The CBA team recently attended the Garma Festival of Traditional Culture in north-east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, where they were able to connect with so many people, in particular the Yolngu people and the Gumatj clan of Gulkula.
“The team at CommBank are so very grateful for the cultural exchange and we return home with full hearts and open minds,” she said. “Listening to the Yolngu Leaders and the keynote speakers has given us greater insights to the need for self-determination, truth-telling and a voice to Parliament. For me personally, Garma taught me the need to respect all voices, especially as we move towards a referendum. As a Yankunytjatjara woman, for the first time in my life, I feel hopeful for a better future. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities know the way forward for improved outcomes. It is time we listened.”
