Geelong groups benefit from Beyond Bank's funding

GEELONG organisations will share the benefits of a $700,000 financial commitment from the recently merged Beyond Bank and AWA Alliance Bank.

Announced yesterday (Wednesday, September 4) by Beyond Bank, the AWA Alliance Bank’s community partnerships will be extended until 2027, with recipients including Give Where You Live, Geelong Connected Communities and Geelong United Basketball.

Lazarus Community Centre, a local charity that supports those facing homelessness and disadvantage, will be the first new organisation in the region to benefit from the merger, receiving a $20,000 Beyond Bank Foundation grant.

The money will help the centre continue to provide laundry facilities, meals and inclusive activities for those who are socially isolated.

The grant was provided by the Beyond Bank Australia Foundation, which was established in 2007 and has supported many suburban and regional not-for-profit organisations across the bank’s national network.

“Beyond Bank, as one of Australia’s largest and most respected customer-owned banks, has always played a central role in local communities, and in Geelong, we were very keen to get involved quickly,” Beyond Bank chief community and strategy officer Peter Rutter said.

“This grant underscores the Beyond Bank Foundation’s commitment to addressing housing affordability and supporting those in need.”

L-R: Beyond Bank chief community and strategy officer Peter Rutter announces the $20,000 grant to Lazarus Community Centre, as Lazarus board member Matthew Le Maitre looks on.

AWA Alliance Bank and Beyond Bank legally merged in March, and AWA customers will switch to Beyond Bank services later this month.

The Geelong branch in Malop Street will have a makeover featuring the purple branding of Beyond Bank, and AWA Alliance Bank Stadium in Belmont will become Beyond Bank Stadium.

During the event at The Wharf Shed on Geelong’s Waterfront, Beyond Bank chief executive officer Jake Bromwich spoke about the strategic alignment and future vision of the merger.

“Our focus remains on enhancing financial wellbeing for our customers and their local communities and this merger will ensure that the people of Geelong will benefit from our combined resources and expertise,” he said.

“As an organisation founded by people looking for a way to help others, we have always been mindful of the role we should play in building stronger communities and that extends to our presence in Geelong, Portland, and the surrounding regions.”