The cornerstone of a Bendigo Bank community branch is supporting local community projects through community grants and funding.
Last year, the Galston community branch of Bendigo Bank allocated almost $300,000 to local community activities.
So far the effort to establish the Norwest Branch has been supported by flagship community groups in the Hills, including Norwest Disability Services and Oakhill College.
The Steering Committee would now like to invite other Hills based community groups to support its efforts in securing community support for the branch by collecting pledges for investment and/or banking business.
In return for their support, the new branch will commit to funding the participating community groups with up to $5000 per year through its community grants program, for an agreed period of time.
This kind of funding is invaluable to sporting clubs, local charities like Hills Relay for Life and Men In Action and community groups such as the Seniors Dance Groups and The Day Club, each of whose organiser’s spend a lot of time and effort fundraising.
John Mason, Chairman of the Norwest Steering Committee, says, “We have found that local community groups are generally supportive of having a local Bendigo Bank branch in the area.
We think it is worthwhile for community groups to consider supporting us with our pledging effort in exchange for receiving an annual grant as this benefits both parties.”
To enquire about how your local community group can contribute to supporting a Bendigo Bank in Norwest, contact Nic Baines, Secretary of the Steering Committee, on 02 9894 8682.