Bendigo Bank State of the Nation Dinner

In the wake of the Federal Election, this event will deliver timely economic insights and unpack what the new political landscape means for business confidence, investment, and the broader economy.

Moderator Colin Shearing - Executive Officer - Business Victor Harbor

Keynote Speaker - David Robertson - Chief Economist and Head of Economic and Markets Research - Bendigo & Adelaide Bank 

David Robertson joined Bendigo Bank 23 years ago as Head of Financial Markets, and today is Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Chief Economist and Head of Economic and Markets Research. He has previously worked in a range of senior roles in Treasury for the State Bank of NSW, First Chicago, and Commonwealth Bank. David’s regular economic commentaries draw on decades of economic research and his unique and fresh style of delivery has garnered a loyal following for his regular YouTube segments.

David will be joined by Bendigo Bank business banking specialists - Julian Sakowski and Brooke Pettit 

Julian Sakowski is a seasoned banker with a career spanning ~35 years across commercial, corporate, and institutional banking. Julian has held senior relationship and leadership positions in multiple domestic and international locations. His current role is the Regional Manager for Bendigo Bank’s Business Banking division in SA and WA. Julian holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide.

Brooke Pettit is the Head of ESG & Sustainability at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. She leads the management of the bank’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach through its enterprise-wide ESG & Sustainability Business Plan, Climate & Nature Action Plan and oversees sustainability disclosure. Brooke has extensive experience in sustainability and community investment through leadership roles at IAG, Foxtel, and LendLease. Prior to joining the corporate sector, Brooke worked in Indigenous Affairs at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence and Reconciliation Australia and has experience in running national community engagement and advocacy campaigns. Brooke was included in FS Sustainability Magazine’s ESG Power 50 List in 2023 and 2024 and was awarded the Women in Banking and Finance’s ESG and Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award in 2024.