Mr Oswell took over as branch manager at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with his primary concern to ensure the bank was there for its customers and community.

Mr Oswald said his first 12 months had "flown by" with staff and customers making him feel welcomed into the job.

"I feel the transition into the team and community has been seamless," Mr Oswald said.

"All the customers I have met and other people across Lake Bolac and Willaura have been so welcoming which has made everything incredibly easy. I look forward to it continuing into the future".

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Willaura Lake Bolac Community Bank board member Emily Anderson said Mr Oswald's understanding of business and rural issues "has been well received by the local community".

Chairman Rowly Paterson said Mr Oswald had "brought a can-do attitude to the branch".

"He came from the Hamilton branch and plays footy for Glenthompson/Dunkeld. Jack has brought a refreshing, can-do attitude to the branch," he said.

"Through further training Jack recently achieved the level where he can lend up to $500,000 and has a great relationship with our partner Rural Bank. This is a significant achievement in both lending education and capabilities.

"We look forward to a long and fruitful time with our committed customers and new customers coming on board to support the local community and have a great banking experience."

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