Wide Bay Australia shareholders have approved a change of name to Auswide Bank at a general meeting.

The Queensland-based lender will now seek consent from APRA to move to bank status from April 1. APRA’s consent is required before it can use the work ‘bank’.

Wide Bay chairman John Humphrey said the name change is an important part of the company’s strategic plan, and was pleased with the support shown from shareholders.

“We will make an announcement to the market about the progress of our application to APRA when appropriate in due course,” he said.

Managing director Martin Barrett said achieving bank status and rebranding beyond the current geographic name is an important step for the company.

“It supports our program of work to re-vitalise our organization and our desire to be seen as an attractive alternative to the big banks, which combines the strength of a listen, authorized deposit-taking institution with the service ethos of a mutual,” he said.

“It links back to our existing name, which will help ensure the continuity and recognition associated with the Wide Bay name is maintained.”

John can be contacted on 0749722081 or 0410433919. or email him at jwhitten@ihl.net.au or net www.ihl.net.au. John Whitten is a credit representative (CRN 399796) of BLASSA Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence No 391237).