Ideas ready to spark

COMMUNITY Bank Buninyong has announced the finalists of its SparkTank initiative which will see up to fifty thousand dollars distributed to community groups across one night.

The event, to be held Tuesday 12 November at the Buninyong Town Hall, will see finalists pitch live on stage to a judging panel.

The ten organisations selected to pitch on the night include Babies Above, Ballarat Police and Citizens Youth Club, Heartbeat Victoria Ballarat Branch, Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault, and Bunanyung Landscape Alliance.

Ballarat Pony Club, Buninyong Primary School, York St Church of Christ Reverse Advent Calendar, Leigh Catchment Group and Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre were also chosen.

“In Ballarat, many individuals face food insecurity and are already concerned about what Christmas will look like for their families,” said Heather Luttrell from Reverse Advent Calendars.

“Reverse Advent Calendars is more than just an act of giving, it’s about fostering connection and support within our community. We encourage everyone to come out, attend the pitch event, and show your support for all these amazing initiatives.”

The evening will be compèred by Power FM’s Lara Jean Marshall and the panel of judges will include George Fong, Ellen Jackson and Debbie Rybicki.

“We wanted to cast the net further and appeal to groups in the greater Ballarat region that we haven’t supported before,” said Community Bank Buninyong’s partnership lead Kelly Bevan.

“At the same time, it was time to bring some new energy to the program and see how we could mix it up.”

More information can be found on the SparkTank website.