WHEN she joined the bank, Margaret Therese Brown thought that all there was to banking was being a Teller and ensuring that customer's accounts were up-to-date.
"How wrong I was!" says Margie as she is commonly known.
Margie did more than just Telling at Westpac, and when she did finally become a teller 43 years ago, the bank had to modify the teller box.
"As I was a bit short for the counter, the Bank had a special platform made for me," said Margaret with a giggle.
Having worked for 43 years, today, Margie is the oldest serving employee at Westpac. Margie is the Regional Facilitator for Westpac Pacific Banking, a job which draws on her vast working experience with Westpac. Margie provides training for Westpac employees not only in Fiji but across the Pacific Islands where Westpac has a presence and is something she thoroughly enjoys.
"What I like about my current role is that I can continue to make a difference in people's lives not only here in Fiji but in our neighbouring countries as well."
"I remember my days as a Batch Clerk, Teller, an Accountant and Team leader or working on special projects, this all helps me when relating to staff and the challenges they face"
"I worked in a time when Fiji used pounds, shillings and pence as a currency and had manual ledgers. A lot has changed in the Bank with improvements in technology. Now, with Internet banking and ATMs people don't even have to come to the bank."
"I am grateful to Westpac for providing me the training and support plus the many exciting experiences to help me reach my potential. For many years I have been sharing my knowledge with other employees to help them develop and grow within Westpac, just as I have," said Margaret.
She has many fond memories of the bank, and admires how Westpac is one big happy family, a bank that cares for their employees and is an employer of choice for many!