Mutual banking is about people. So, when we heard of the passing of one of our founding fathers and our bank’s inaugural Chair in January 2025, we were sad, but also grateful that we had the chance to know Peter Leonard-Kanevsky.
Peter’s legacy is immense in the world of education and Bank First is indebted to him for his courage and vision in creating a bank that stands strong today in serving those in healthcare and education.
As a country primary school teacher in the late 60’s, Peter had an audacious idea to establish a credit co-operative for teachers. Alongside a group of like-minded educators, Peter was instrumental in bringing the Victorian Teachers Union Credit Union Ltd (now Bank First) to life. By day they were valued teachers and at night, bankers serving other teachers.
We are grateful that over the years, Peter hasn’t been a stranger. He has been a loyal member and advocate and has regularly visited and shared the story of our organisation. In his words one of the most worthwhile things that exists in the state of Victoria.
A humble man, a visionary and a true gentleman who will be missed.
His memory and his belief in putting people before profits is deeply ingrained at Bank First. It’s a legacy that we are committed to stay true to and to continue to honour.
