COMMUNITY members will today help mark a significant milestone for Community Bank Bright, which is celebrating having returned over $1million to the community, supporting local projects, groups and organisations, since opening in 2006.
The bank has a unique giving model, owned by local shareholders and overseen by a volunteer board who are committed to investing more than 80 per cent of profits back into the community.
From funding life-saving defibrillators, sponsoring sports clubs, funding essential equipment or facility upgrades and supporting community events that embody the unique characteristics of our region, over 500 local community groups, events or initiatives have benefitted from a Community Bank Bright grant or sponsorship in the past 18 years.
Community Bank Bright chair, Kim Murrells, said the branch’s commitment to investing in the community is a core value to its operation.
“These community contributions are more than just financial, they are a commitment to our branch’s belief in the power of community and the importance of supporting local initiatives," she said.
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"Through this investment, the branch is dedicated to nurturing the growth of a resilient, thriving and sustainable community in Bright, Myrtleford and surrounds."
With the upturn in bank branch closures across many rural areas of Australia, Ms Murrells said the local Bright branch and Myrtleford agency are an important part of the community, and that people continue to value face-to-face banking.
"Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering, as is our commitment to having a physical branch presence for our local region,” she said.
“For our customers, Community Bank Bright is more than just a place to manage finances, it’s a trusted partner on their financial journey.
"From the moment you walk through our doors, you’re greeted by our team with a warm smile and personalised service to help you meet your financial goals.”
One of the branch’s flagship initiatives, is the ‘TAC L2P Learner Driver Program.’
Made possible through a collaborative partnership with the Alpine Shire, the branch invested $40,636 to purchase two new hybrid cars to be used as practise vehicles.
The program connects disadvantaged local young people with a volunteer driving mentor and vehicle to obtain the 120 hours of supervised driving needed to get their licence; increasing their access to education and connection to family and friends.
To date, 148 learner drivers have achieved their P-Plates through the program.
Other significant projects include a $60,000 contribution towards the Bright Splash Park upgrade, $36,531 towards installing life-saving defibrillators for local community venues, $30,000 towards the Alpine Health Outdoor Fitness Equipment Project at Riverside Park, Porepunkah and a $27,500 investment in the Alpine Outreach Mobile Health Unit initiative, providing skin cancer checks to farmers.
The Harrietville Hall Committee of Management also received a grant in addition to funding from the Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation and the Victorian Government to complete the works on the Harrietville Hall Upgrade.
The branch is holding a special, private celebration event today in Bright to mark the $1 million milestone, to be attended by Indi Independent federal MP Helen Haines, community partners, shareholders and community funding recipients.
