Community groups, schools and clubs throughout the Meander Valley District have much to celebrate this month as
they share in more than $43,000 in funds from Deloraine & Districts Community Bank® Branch.
Partnering with Bendigo’s Community Enterprise Foundation – the philanthropic arm of the Bendigo Bank – Deloraine
and Districts Community Bank® Branch has returned more than $43,000 to 13 community groups, schools and
individuals at a ceremony held at the Rotary Pavilion in Deloraine on April 17.
Community Bank® Board Chairman, Lynn Hayward said projects that had received funding included:
Rohan’s Wheels – new wheelchair for young man with a disability
Hagley Agricultural School – school garden program
Westbury Primary School – music band program
Westbury Working Together – Westbury Week
Chudleigh Cricket Club – equipment and grounds facilities
Meander Suns Football Club – club room facilities
Deloraine Creative Studios – pottery kiln
Uniting Aged Care Westbury – community garden program
Arts Deloraine – Uptown project for Tasmanian Craft Fair
Toddle Inn Child Care Centre – infrastructure improvements
Whitelion Inc – visitation and mentoring program Ashley Centre
Young Parent Support – personal development program
Deloraine Basketball Assc. – First Aid equipment, cold storage for community use
“We are very proud of our community’s projects-they show that this community is committed to developing its
capabilities and strengths, in ways which will benefit the whole community. Improvements to childcare, first aid
resources and clubroom facilities will be available for the benefit of the wider community. Accessible garden programs
contribute to the future health and well-being of our kids and provide enjoyable and beneficial activity for our senior
community members. What could be more important than that?” Mrs Hayward said.
“Last year we returned nearly $20,000 through this program; this year we have been able to more than double the
funds available. And with the community’s continued support of our local bank branch, we will be able to continue to
grow our support to the community,”
Deloraine and Districts Community Bank® Manager Darren Rumble also paid tribute to the people behind the
projects.
“We thank our community members, particularly those volunteers whose dedication and commitment to the local
community makes such an impact,”
” This round of grants brings the total community returns to more than $150,000 over the past three financial years,
with planning already well-advanced to set more aside for the next round” said Mr Rumble.
“We see this as an absolutely tremendous outcome. Who would have guessed that nearly seven years ago, when the
bank opened, that profits from our community’s banking would see such a significant amount pumped back into local
infrastructure, project development and local events?” Mrs Hayward said.
“We will shortly open an agency in Westbury to provide Community Banking services there, as another example of our
commitment to our community in Meander Valley,”
“The Community Bank model is sending out a message to communities that we can strengthen our sustainability by
working together to keep banking profits in our community for the benefit of all community members.” Mrs Hayward
said.
Penny Hickman, Bendigo Bank
