Heritage is building on its strong foundation of cultural diversity and inclusion with a helping hand from BEST Employment.

In a first for the bank, Heritage has appointed two Community Liaison, Member Growth Officers to provide additional banking support to the Syrian and Iraqi community in the Darling Downs.

New recruits Waleed Samoua and Basel Deglawe are combining their fluency in Arabic, understanding of Yazidi culture, and growing knowledge of the banking and finance industry to help new migrants feel more at ease when dealing with banks.

The news roles are part of Heritage’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive workforce and offering personalised, culturally respectful and inclusive banking service.

Danielle Bermingham, Heritage Talent and Diversity Manager, said, ““The core of Heritage has always been about people, and putting their needs first.

“As part of this we recognised an opportunity to better connect migrant communities with banking services in an accessible and approachable way. 

“We did a lot of research into visas and immigration, and gained some really useful information through a focus group organised with assistance from BEST Employment.

“As a direct result of BEST’s involvement, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome Waleed and Basel to the team.”

David New, Team Leader Toowoomba BEST Employment, said, “BEST Employment is delighted to have an open partnership with Heritage Bank.  We were able to connect them to the local Syrian and Iraqi community in Toowoomba to gain a better understanding of their needs in regard to employment and banking services.

“Like Heritage, we are a community focused organisation so it’s really encouraging to see how they are taking action to build an inclusive workforce and provide additional services to support migrant and refugee communities.”

Waleed Samoua said he was excited to be one of Heritage’s first Community Liaison, Member Growth Officers at Heritage.

“It’s a different experience having someone who not only speaks your language but also understands your culture and experiences,” he said.

“It helps people to feel comfortable, especially when you’re explaining banking language in their language."

Basel Deglawe agreed, “It feels really special to be a part of Heritage’s first steps into offering these kinds of multicultural services to members.

 “We’re really happy to be a part of such a people focused organisation and we look forward to helping provide people with great banking experiences.”