Bank Australia loves birds – here’s the proof

Australia is home to some of the most majestic bird species on the planet, from kookaburras and rainbow lorikeets to the endangered Carnaby’s black-cockatoo. As a customer-owned bank working towards a nature-positive economy, we’re taking action on behalf of our customers to nurture and protect our native feathered friends.

Over the years, we’ve built a range of initiatives, partnerships and policies that aim to support healthier ecosystems, stronger conservation outcomes and a better future for Australia’s birdlife. Here’s how we’re making a difference.

Supporting Australian Bird of the Year 

This year, we’re supporting Australian Bird of the Year 2025. This biennial poll, run by BirdLife Australia and the Guardian Australia, is arguably the nation’s favourite avian event, and one which generates some serious buzz. This initiative sparks national conversations about the importance of bird conservation, shining a spotlight on species like the Superb Fairywren, Swift Parrot, and the Tawny Frogmouth. It’s also the subject of some seriously heated bird-themed debate here at Bank Australia HQ. You can vote for your favourite bird now. 

Protecting habitat on our conservation reserve

Through our Impact Fund, Bank Australia helps care for a 2,117-hectare conservation reserve in western Victoria. After all, birds can only thrive if they have safe, healthy habitats, and conservation helps support this goal. It’s an area we’ve protected and restored for more than a decade now, in partnership with Trust for Nature, Greening Australia and Traditional Custodians from the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples, represented by Barengi Gadjin Land Council.

The conservation reserve provides critical habitat for many bird species: about 113 at last count, including the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and threatened Diamond Firetail. Through replanting projects and habitat restoration, we’re actively rebuilding ecosystems where birds can feed, nest and flourish. It’s a long-term investment in biodiversity that benefits birds, along with plenty of other native animal species. 

Customer grants: from cockatoos to wildlife rescue

Our community customer grants have supported a number of grassroots conservation organisations across the country, many of which help protect native birds. One notable example is WA’s Katanning Landcare, which received a grant to help protect the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo. These iconic birds are sadly in decline, but by helping fund artificial nesting boxes and watering stations, we hope to give Carnaby’s a fighting chance.

Some other and earlier grant recipients that are making a difference for birds: Barossa Wildlife Rescue, a volunteer-run organisation that rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, including countless birds, and The Forktree Project, a habitat restoration charity in SA that’s providing safe haven for native birds and wildlife. 

A strategy for nature and biodiversity

We know isolated projects aren’t enough. Protecting native birds requires a holistic, strategic approach. It’s a big issue for our customers, too. In 2023, 87% of you told us you wanted to see us take action on biodiversity loss. So we listened, and we’re acting. 

We’ve developed a Nature and Biodiversity Strategy that guides how we manage our operations, investments and partnerships. This strategy commits us to measurable actions that align with global biodiversity goals, ensuring we continue to have a positive impact on ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

Responsible banking and animal welfare policies

Supporting Australia’s birdlife means addressing the broader ways banks can impact animals and the environment, including when it comes to farmed animals.

Our responsible banking policy rules out lending to harmful industries including intensive animal farming, live animal exports and fossil fuels. Instead, we direct customer deposits into areas like our customers, the clean energy transition, affordable and accessible housing, and conservation initiatives. These choices aren’t just good for birdlife; the aim is to create positive impact for all species.

Here’s more about how we consider animals in our responsible banking policy.

Leading the way on nature-related disclosures

In 2023, Bank Australia became one of the first banks to voluntarily sign up to the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This global initiative has developed a framework for organisations to report and act on their nature-related risks. 

By committing early, we’re trying to show leadership and transparency in understanding how our activities affect biodiversity. It’s about better understanding our impact, and integrating nature into our everyday strategic decision-making. We hope other banks join us. 
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Our team loves birds just as much as you do

Supporting Australian Bird of the Year has sparked plenty of excitement among our staff, many of whom have their own bird-loving stories to share.

‍"My mum has been adopted by a beautiful pair of King Parrots. I love that she doesn’t mind them eating her geraniums! Birds are the best, so I was one of many delighted team members when Bank Australia decided to support Australian Bird of the Year. A highlight has been getting to join a learning session with Sean Dooley from BirdLife Australia. He’s a font of knowledge and his passion for protecting our precious native bird species is inspiring.’"— Lucy Berry, Marketing

The Aussie Bird Count is on now! Take 20 minutes to count the birds in your backyard, local park or favourite nature spot and help build a national snapshot of Australia’s birdlife. Head to birdlife.org.au to get involved before it wraps up on Sunday 26 October.

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