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About Big Sky
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Big Sky is a Credit Union that provides members with a different kind of banking. Big Sky is regulated under the same rigorous legislation as all financial institutions and is run on co-operative principles for the benefit of its members. Profits are used to benefit members in many forms including: lower interest rates on loans, a low cost fee structure, higher rates on deposits and personalised service.
Please take your time and look around the Big Sky web site. The information on Big Sky and our products and services should give you a considerable amount of information on which you can base your important banking, financial planning and insurance decisions. You are also welcome to call us on 1300 654 321 to discuss your needs or contact us via our feedback form or through our Service Centres.
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Our Vision
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To increase the involvement of existing members and attract new members by providing a complete, competitive financial service for the mutual benefit of all.
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Our Values
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In Pursuit of Excellence we support those values that are important to the way we do things at Big Sky.
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Member focus: We respect and value the mutuality relationship. We will deliver services and products to enhance the benefits of belonging.
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Empower staff: Our people are the interface with our members. Engaged and committed staff will be attracted, retained and supported through 'Best Workplace' practices.
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Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable to the members and Board of Big Sky, for a relationship built on honesty, respect and integrity.
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Teamwork: We strive for relationships, partnerships and alliances that foster valued team outcomes and support a shared vision.
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Our Constitution
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 Constitution
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What is a Credit Union?
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A Credit Union is a financial institution that is set up and run on co-operative principles for the benefit of Members.
Credit Unions distinguish themselves from other financial institutions by offering members 'a different kind of banking.'
Often the members of a Credit Union are drawn from the same community, social or ethnic group or the same industry or company. This is known as the membership bond.
In Big Sky’s case, the membership bond is current or ex-employees, contractors or service providers of BHP Billiton and BP Australia and their subsidiaries, affiliated or divested companies.
Family of these members as well as anyone who has an affinitiy with Big Sky are also welcome.
Once you become a member you are entitled to retain your membership regardless of any change in your employment or family situation, so you can enjoy the benefits of Big Sky for life.
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A Different Kind of Banking
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 Big Sky is proud to be part of the Credit Union Industry.
At Big Sky we provide a different kind of banking in various ways, including; a strong relationship with our host employers including BHP Billiton, BP Australia, Bluescope, OneSteel, RACV and CSC. Our membership bond, the additional product value and personal service that members receive, transparent and honest communication and the service and focus on remote communities. The term ‘banking’ has a broad meaning and encompasses; everyday banking, lending, investments, financial planning and insurance.
We hope you continue to enjoy belonging to a credit union that provides a different kind of banking.
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Credit Union versus a bank
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So if Credit Unions offer similar products, what is the difference between a bank and a Credit Union?
Credit Unions are owned by Members and run for their benefit. On the other hand, the owners of a bank are different to its customers. A bank, in offering services to its customers, is seeking to generate profits for its owners/shareholders.
The fundamental difference therefore is that a bank must have the interests of its owners, the shareholders, as its top priority. A Credit Union has the interests of its Members, who are also its customers, as its top priority.
Because a Credit Union is not driven by the imperative of paying dividends to its owners/shareholders, the result is that a Credit Union can pass on benefits to Members, usually through lower fees, better interest rates and personalised service.
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How does Big Sky Credit Union work?
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Big Sky Credit Union is owned and run by its Members. When you apply to join you buy a $2.00 Member share and become entitled to an equal say in the running of the Credit Union by casting your vote at meetings and participating in the selection of the Board of Directors. Amongst other things the Directors are responsible for overseeing the operations of the Credit Union and ensuring the interests of Members are protected.
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Banking where members benefit
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Big Sky is pleased to reveal an evolution in its brand with a new positioning statement.
Big Sky operates in a very competitive environment and it’s important that our brand can communicate what we do, and what our differences are.
Using the words ‘banking where members benefit’ succinctly demonstrates the difference of being a member of Big Sky rather than a customer of a non-mutual financial institution.
Many years ago the word “banking” would have been something to avoid. However “banking” is now a common phrase for the products that financial institutions including Big Sky and other Credit Unions provide. It is important to Big Sky that its existing and potential members see this as a simple and efficient way of describing what we do.
Of course, how and why we provide banking products is what differentiates Big Sky from our competitors. Big Sky is constantly striving to improve our service delivery to members and over the coming year you’ll see some significant changes take place for the benefit of all members.
Please help us spread the word to family, friends and colleagues about Big Sky – banking where members benefit of describing what we do.
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Related information
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