Fosterville bolsters Be.Bendigo partnership

CANADIAN gold producer Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville Gold Mine has strengthened its commitment to the region’s business community by joining Bendigo Bank and Red Energy Arena as a Platinum Partner of local chamber of commerce Be.Bendigo.

The gold mine has been a corporate partner of Be.Bendigo for several years, sponsoring initiatives such as the Community Minded Award at the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards, as well as past and current mentoring and leadership programs.

It also sponsored the ‘That’s Gold’ lounge at the awards gala last year and hosted a Be.Bendigo ‘After 5’ networking event.

With the new partnership, Fosterville’s support is expected to play a vital role in Be.Bendigo’s ongoing mission to deliver impactful programs, resources and events that empower local businesses.

New Be.Bendigo CEO Hayley Tibbett expressed her gratitude for the deepened collaboration.

“Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville Gold Mine has long been a champion of our local business community, supporting programs that foster growth, leadership and innovation,” she said.

“Their decision to become a Platinum Partner reflects their unwavering commitment to Bendigo’s economic future.

“We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support and look forward to working together to create even greater opportunities for our members.”

Lance Faulkner, the mine’s general manager, emphasised the importance of the partnership.

“As part of Agnico Eagle, one of the world’s largest gold producers, Fosterville Gold Mine brings global expertise to Bendigo,” he said.

“What drives us is our local connection; we’re part of this community.

“We believe in the power of Bendigo’s businesses to innovate, thrive, and together, drive long-term economic growth.

“Our partnership with Be.Bendigo is about sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and opening doors to global networks that can help local businesses to flourish.”

Situated 25 kilometres east of Bendigo, Fosterville is the largest gold producer in the state and employs more than 800 people, most of whom are locals.

As of the end of 2023, it had extracted over 4.2 million ounces of gold since beginning operations in 2005.

Since 2005, its community grant program has awarded $595,000 to 287 local community groups.