Anglesea Community Bank celebrates 20 years in town

TWENTY years have passed since the Anglesea Community Bank opened its doors, a milestone that reflects the town’s enduring belief in the power of local investment.

Founded by a group of passionate local residents determined to bring banking services back into town, the branch first operated out of Jacko’s old butcher shop in the main street in 2005.

The community bank model has since delivered plenty more than just bricks and mortar.

One of its most significant achievements has been its pivotal role in the development of the Anglesea Fire Station.

The bank contributed $100,000 towards the project, which opened in 2013, and brought together the CFA and state government to secure the facility.

 

The environmentally friendly facility was the CFA’s first zero net emissions fire station.

Over the past two decades, the Anglesea branch has also contributed $50,000 towards a digital scoreboard for the Anglesea Football Netball Club, $20,000 to support the B Green upgrade at the Anglesea Bowls Club and more than $50,000 for the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club.

Senior branch manager Jeremy Morris said the 20-year milestone was proof of what local commitment could achieve.

“We’re incredibly proud of the investment the bank has made in Anglesea and equally proud of the community’s belief in what we do,” he said.

“Imagine the town without this partnership. Community banking has helped make sure that what’s earned here, stays here, and gets reinvested into what matters.”

The community bank has also helped get multiple local clubs and groups off the ground, including the Anglesea Men’s Shed.

Shed member Simon Clark said the bank had been a “magnificent contributor” to the Anglesea community.

“The Community Bank [has] played a very important role and has continued to provide financial support to help grow our group with new equipment and our extension,” he said.

More than $4.7 million has been returned across the Surf Coast through the community bank’s branches in Anglesea, Winchelsea and Lorne.

For more information, head to bendigobank.com.au/branch/vic/community-bank-anglesea-district/