Barwon Heads bank surpass $1m in donations

Community groups are celebrating the bank's huge $1 million milestone. Photos: NATHAN RIVALLAND

COMMUNITY Bank Barwon Heads says it is “incredibly proud” to have surpassed $1 million in total donations over the past 11 years.

The local establishment officially ticked over the $1 million mark in January, a huge milestone in its commitment to community support.

Since 2012, the bank has donated up to 80 per cent of its profits back into the community, providing a huge cash injection to sponsored groups and projects in the area.

The Tin Shed in Barwon Heads, Barwon Heads Primary School, Barwon Heads Little Athletics, Ocean Grove Rotary Club, Barwon Heads Community Garden, Fine Music Society, the Geelong Patchwork Quilters and 13th Beach Boardriders Club have all benefitted from its support.

From left, Community Bank Barwon Heads chair Damien O’Malley, Chilli Finding (Barwon Heads FNC), Maddie Monaghan and Sienna Clarke (Barwon Heads Scouts) and Brian Cook (1st Barwon Heads Scouts).

The community’s support of the bank has seen it grow its customer base to include Armstrong Creek and Charlemont and led to a recently renovated branch and team expansion to meet growing needs.

Bank chair Damien O’Malley said the Community Bank Barwon Heads could not be nearly as successful without the support of customers choosing to bank locally and invest in their community.

“Our achievement of this financial milestone is a testament to our Branch team, volunteer board members and the broader community.

“It is a source of great pride that together we can have such a positive impact on our communities.”

Community Bank Barwon Heads is located at 70 Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads.

For more information about the Community Bank model, head to bendigobank.com.au/community/community-bank/