CHRISTMAS just came early for more than 55 community groups in Warrandyte and surrounding areas.
They all received a share of $400,000 in grants and sponsorships thanks to the Warrandyte Community Bank’s Community Investment Program, which sees up to 80% of its profit returned directly to our community.
To celebrate, the bank held its Annual General Meeting and Grants Presentation with more than 100 volunteers and community leaders on November 13 at the Warrandyte Sporting Group clubrooms.
Staff and Directors heard first-hand how grant funds will be spent over the coming year.
Aaron Farr, Chairman of Warrandyte Community Financial Services, the company which operates the Warrandyte Community Bank Branch, said the grants would be used to carry out improvements to local infrastructure, resources and projects which will benefit the entire community.
“This year’s grants ranged from $850 to more than $56,000; $400,000 has been committed for the year, with $2.8 million reinvested in the community since we opened in 2003.
“It is really rewarding to see the Warrandyte clubrooms full of people, many volunteers who work hard with the greater good of their community at heart and all benefitting because the community banking model ensures funding is directed at a local level,” he said.
Grant recipients include local CFA’s, environmental and arts groups, schools, kinders, sporting groups, community services and church groups.
The Park Orchards Pettet Family Foundation gratefully accepted sponsorship of $5,000 to support its work in the local community — the Foundation provides crisis intervention for children and their families.
Foundation Director Graham Whiteside said: “we are continually striving in our efforts to increase our reach and are consciously expanding our horizons when caring for those in need in our community.
“There are a lot of people who have been assisted by the Foundation and this is due, in no small part, to the funds you make available to us.”
Veronica Holland told guests what Christmas Hills Fire Brigade will be doing with its grant of $16,995, which will ensure the replacement of the brigade’s manual bi-fold door.
Operation of the existing door is slow and arduous, it can take up to 20 minutes to be opened, requires two personnel and the brigade’s Tanker can barely pass under safely.
“The bi-fold door on the south station is old, warped, pernickety and tired, much like many of the firefighters,” said Veronica.
She went on to say “getting an automated push button magical door is going to make us all very very happy”.
Sports Chaplaincy Australia (SCA) was awarded the banks’ inaugural Strengthening the Community Philanthropic Award.
Warrandyte Community Bank Director Lance Ward made the surprise presentation sharing his thoughts on the significant impact of sports chaplains and how in times of crisis our young people need options to turn to that might not be their mum and dad, medical professionals or their teachers.
“It’s so important for young people to have someone to talk with when times get tough.
“The chaplains from SCA work alongside the young people in our sporting clubs and are making a genuine and far reaching impact in the everyday; that is, when things are going well and in times of need, this is both unique and special.
“On behalf of the Warrandyte Community Bank, the Directors and Chair Aaron Farr, we want to say thank you to the men and women of SCA for serving so selflessly in our local community,” Lance said.
The presentation night was showered with stories of change, hope and inspiration and on the back of a national Bendigo Community Bank “BE THE CHANGE” ad campaign, where customers are asked if they would like to see what difference their support makes.
In a sum up of the night, you may not think who you bank with matters — but it does, and for Warrandyte Community Bank customers their banking is making a real difference.
Every day customers help provide facilities, resources, community programs and change lives simply by banking with our local branch.
Their home loans are refurbishing pre-schools and supporting our CFAs, creating sporting facilities and providing classroom resources.
Personal loans, business banking and credit cards are funding rescue boats, conserving and rehabilitating native bushland, supporting the arts, festivals, Christmas Carols, the aged and relieving the hardships of those in need.
Everyday banking is providing all this and more.
In fact, $183 million has been returned to communities and initiatives Australia-wide via the community bank network.
Do you need a bank to give you the products and services you need?
Warrandyte Community Bank provides a full suite of banking products at competitive rates.
You can make a real difference in your community simply by banking locally.
To find out more contact Cheryl and the team at 144 Yarra St, Warrandyte or phone 9844 2233.
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