New Bendigo Bank branch continues community support

TORQUAY Community Enterprise (TCE) has welcomed Torquay’s Bendigo Bank moving down the street to a new location, as it will allow the bank to keep supporting TCE’s projects.

These include TCE’s 2021 grants program, which will close for applications in less than two weeks.

Bendigo Bank’s Torquay branch is relocating from 17 Gilbert Street to the “branch of the future” at 2/2-4 Gilbert Street.

Senior branch manager Damien Foster said the new site would be a “significant investment in the local community”, with new Bendigo Bank branding, and was scheduled to open on June 22.

Three staff will be employed at the new branch, and Mr Foster will manage both the Torquay and Ocean Grove banks.

“Bendigo Bank is investing in Torquay and here to service the local community in the long term,” TCE board chair Andrew Crowley said.

“TCE is an independent company which receives funding from the Bendigo Bank, to support community projects. This is part of Bendigo Bank’s community banking initiative.

“When a person in the 3228 postcode banks with the Bendigo Bank branch in Torquay, they can ‘tag’ their account to TCE at no cost.

“This means that Bendigo Bank will direct a portion of its profits (interest earned) to TCE.

“TCE then is able to distribute those funds to local groups through grants and support programs.”

Charitable and not-for-profit organisations with an ABN can apply for a TCE grant, for projects targeting the Torquay, Jan Juc, Bellbrae, Connewarre or Freshwater Creek areas.

Projects and activities must offer clear public benefit to our communities, building social capital and supporting community welfare, and grants will have a $2,000 cap.

Grant applications close at midnight on April 26.

For full eligibility guidelines, more information or to apply, head to torquaycommunityenterprise.org.au/grants-program.