With over 40 years in member-owned banking, David is leading FSCU into its next chapter — continuing our focus on personalised service for firies and their families.
Dear Members,
I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself to our wonderful SA Fire and Emergency Services family.
This note is coming a little later than I’d planned, but the transition following our previous CEO, Trish Ireland, was a busy and important time. It was essential that we took the right care to ensure a smooth handover and a strong foundation for the next chapter of FSCU.
I’ve been involved in credit unions and member owned banks for over 40 years, spending most of my career in smaller, community focused organisations. My most recent roles included 17 years as CEO of the Shell Employees’ Credit Union and close to 10 years as General Manager of Sales and Service at Unity Bank, both based in Sydney.
FSCU really is something special. We’re one of the last remaining truly “bonded” credit unions in Australia, proudly focused on Fire and Emergency Services personnel and their families. While we’re one of the smallest credit unions in the country, we offer the same range of products and services as much larger organisations. The big difference is how we do things — we know our members, we know your stories, and we provide a level of personal service that’s becoming harder to find elsewhere.
FSCU continues to serve our Members thanks to the dedication and hard work of our staff and Board, and I want to especially acknowledge Trish Ireland for her leadership over the past 16 years as CEO. Trish is highly respected across the Fire Services community, and her contribution to FSCU has been significant and lasting.
Over the coming months, I’m really looking forward to getting out and about — visiting stations, attending gatherings, and meeting members face to face. If you see me around, please feel free to say hello. I’d genuinely love to meet you.
Finally, I want to say how fortunate Fire and Emergency Services are to have a credit union that exists purely for you. FSCU has stayed true to its core purpose — supporting firies and their families — rather than expanding into other markets or the general public.
My one request is simple: when you’re thinking about any financial needs, please consider FSCU first. That might be a home loan, investment property, car loan, savings, insurance, or financial advice. You may be pleasantly surprised by what we can offer.
I look forward to serving you and making sure FSCU continues to provide the high level of service you deserve.
Warm regards,
David Gilbert