The Rural Bank of New South Wales was established in 1933 with the intention of lending and dealing primarily with farmers and other primary producers. In 1982 its name was changed to the State Bank of NSW. It's mandate was also officially realigned at this time to that of a standard commercial bank (although it had been operating in this way for some years).
In the mid-1930s the Rural Bank became involved in filmmaking, co-producing several short semi-fictional documentaries - including Conquest, Home and Mother Earth. The latter film, released in 1938, coincided with an essay-writing competition promoted by the bank. The various levels of prizes also included scholarships.