Cyber security with a human heart

As Senior Manager of Cyber Security at Bank First, she brings 18 years of experience across banking, government, telecoms and retail. Here, she has found an environment where her expertise is valued, her ideas are welcomed, and her career is truly hers for the making. 

Protecting the people behind the numbers 

Over her 18-year career, Anya has watched cyber security transform dramatically - from the days of simple usernames and passwords to the complex challenges of an AI-driven world. But through every shift, one thing has never changed: her belief that behind every device, account and transaction, there’s a person worth protecting. 

It's that people-first outlook that drew her to Bank First - and she noticed the difference from her very first interview in 2024. Meeting with both the Head of Technology Tony Francis and CEO Michelle Bagnall, she immediately sensed an energetic, supportive culture that was professional without the politics. 

"The positive vibe I received from them made my decision to choose Bank First an easy one," Anya says. "I have found it to be a very collaborative environment. There are no dramas, no politics. Everybody is motivated to do the right thing." 

For Anya and her team, doing the right thing means safeguarding Bank First’s members - the teachers and nurses who care for our community. And because they’re trusted to use their judgement, the team’s impact often reaches beyond what you might expect. 

"We recently noticed a security vulnerability on a member's personal device at home," Anya shares. "Even though it was completely outside Bank First, we took the initiative to reach out directly, explain the risk, and help them reset their passwords. We want to be at the forefront for them to ensure they're safe from scams." 

Where good ideas are heard - and acted on 

At Bank First, cyber security touches every corner of the organisation, and collaboration is key to how Anya’s team makes its impact. From managing security risks and user access to collaborating on digital projects, they work alongside every team with a shared security mindset - making sure the whole bank stays sharp on cyber risks.  

"I am a strong believer that cyber security is an enabler, not a blocker," Anya says. "It's about understanding what the business needs and wants to achieve, and then making sure we support them to do it."

That proactive mindset is valued at every level, and it's something Anya doesn't take for granted. Across the industry, one of the most common frustrations among her peers is being heard. 

"The biggest hurdle most of my peers struggle with is justifying the role of cyber security," Anya explains. "Everybody understands it is important, but it rarely makes it onto the agenda until an organisation has actually been hit by an incident."

Anya says that hurdle doesn't exist at Bank First.  

"Right from the Board of Directors to the senior executives, they understand and value cyber security. Our board members ask sharp questions about recent global trends. Sometimes I think, 'Wow, you read that in the news and wanted to ask about it.' My team knows their efforts are understood and appreciated, and we have the support we need to do things right."

That culture of trust meant that when Anya spotted an opportunity to make Bank First an even better place to work - well outside the world of tech - she felt confident speaking up. She proposed letting new parents work 75% of their hours while receiving 100% of their pay during their first month back from leave. 

"Leadership took the feedback on board immediately and built it into our offerings. Now, parents across the bank benefit from that gentle, supported bridge back to work. It shows the genuine care Bank First has for its people."

Purpose, balance and belonging 

For Anya, Bank First's culture is worth going out of her way for - literally. She commutes from Ballarat, making a four-hour round trip on the days she's in the office.  

Outside of work, she's a busy mum to three young children and a passionate advocate for cyber security, regularly speaking at conferences and STEM programs. Bank First's flexibility makes juggling all of this possible. 

"The organisation is so supportive of personal commitments. If I need to work from home unexpectedly or leave early, there are no dramas."

For those considering a move into purpose-driven banking - especially in cyber security - her advice is clear: 

"If you want to make a difference in somebody's life, in particular for teachers and nurses, this is the right place. Your voice will be heard, your ideas will be valued, and you’ll be supported every step of the way."