Community Bank Bellarine through the years

• 1998 The Bellarine loses its last Big 4 bank

In 1998, the Commonweath Bank announced it would close its branch in Portarlington by the end of the year. Two public meetings in December followed the announcement, and found there was enough support in the local community to start negotiations for the establishment of a Bendigo Bank Community Bank in Portarlington, as a way of retaining services in the region.

• 1999 Bellarine Community Bank officially opens

The working committee secured financial support from local residents and started a feasibility study into the viability of the bank operating. Study costs were shared by the City of Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore committee.

After determining the area could generate sufficient banking, an interim board was established in July and given the task of setting up the Bellarine branch. October 30 saw the main street of Portarlington close for a grand parade in celebration of the branch opening on November 1. The parade included vintage cars, horse-drawn carts, the Bendigo Bank “Piggy” mascot and a Town Crier. On November 1, 1999, the Bellarine Peninsula Community Bank branch officially opened to the community.

• 2005 The first round of grants programs open

In 2005, the bank opened its first grants program, providing funding to Bellarine Landcare, Portarlington Bowls, Rotary, the CFA, adult strengthening classes, Bellarine Community Health and more. Many of the recipients from the first round of grants are still supported by the bank today.

• 2009 Bellarine Community Bank expands

2009 saw the bank’s expansion into Drysdale, initially set up as an agency before becoming a branch. The growth into Drysdale signified a sense of trust within the bank and a massive step forward for the community.

• 2020 Drysdale gets a purpose-built building

After outgrowing the Drysdale branch in the village, the bank started construction on a purpose-built branch in 2020, officially opening in 2021. The new branch in Murradoc Road has some unique features including a rotating display of paintings and artworks from local artists right through the branch.

• 2024 A new look for the Portarlington branch.

The Portarlington Branch underwent a refurbishment earlier in the year, bringing a modern and contemporary look to the branch with a more open design. The refurbishment included adding inviting meeting areas and new digital displays showing existing banking initiatives to create a more customer-friendly and inviting space.