Project ideas sought for community bank legacy project

The Barwon Heads Community Bank has contributed more than $250,000 to various community groups since opening its doors six year ago.

BARWON Heads Community Bank is asking locals to put forward ideas and proposals for projects that would benefit the people of the seaside town.

The BHCB has contributed more than $250,000 to various community groups since opening its doors six year ago, but the Board has now recognised a need to look at a legacy project that gives back to the whole community.

BHCB chair Bruce Symons said the Barwon Heads Community Bank would provide seed funding to help enable the delivery of a project that leaves a lasting legacy on the town.

“Often all a project requires is initial seed funding to kickstart the project, and it can then be supported and funded by local, state and federal governments,” Mr Symons said.

“We really want to encourage a range of ideas and as a Board we are genuinely excited about this initiative and look forward to the community input.

“As such we are asking our community members to put forward proposals for projects that would provide an overall benefit to the Barwon Heads community.

“The board will then assess these proposals and provide initial funding and assistance to deliver to one or more worthy community projects.”

Mr Symons said there had been legacy projects supported by community banks that ranged from basketball stadiums, swimming pools, and parks and playgrounds.

“But we certainly don’t want to limit your thinking,” he said.

“Environment, sport, education and health have been historic themes but keep your thinking broad and remember it must benefit the Barwon Heads community.”

Available funding is between $100-200,000 depending on the project.

Other projects supported have often ended up being 10 times or more than the initial seeded amount contributed by the community banks.

Download an online application form at bendigobank.com.au/public/community/ourbranches/ barwon heads/sponsorships-and-grants – complete and submit it no later than July 19 2019.

The board will then review the applications and ask those deemed appropriate to present at a “community forum” LEN Talk 4 on August 28.

Feedback from those present on the night will be considered by the Board in the final decisionmaking process.

The project winner/winners will be announced in September.