19 highlights for 19 years in business

Our region is home to a highly unique business, known as a community bank. The community bank model is based on profit for purpose – where anyone can choose to be a customer, and a percentage of the profits are re-invested directly back into the local community. One of just 322 community banks across Australia, our very own Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is celebrating 19 years of business this June – and over $3.8 million invested back into our local community.

Providing a full suite of banking services and advice to individuals, businesses and community groups, Community Bank Sarina is renowned for its dedication and support for our community. This is only possible thanks to the people who choose to bank with them – which is easy to do! The Community Bank Sarina team are there to welcome you – whether in person, in branch, online or they can even come to you.

There have been many highlights along the way – and many more to come. Community Bank Sarina is truly here for you, and here to stay. A snapshot of some key milestones to date:

2005 – Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank open for business
2008 – First Community Grants and Sponsorships awarded
2009 – First dividends paid to local Shareholders
2011 – Became major sponsor of Sarina Bowls Club
2012 – Higher Education Scholarship Program with CQUniversity launched
2012 – Commenced support for Sarina District Schools Chaplaincy Committee
2015 – Hosted Queensland’s Community Bank State Conference in Sarina
2016 – Charmaine Matsen appointed as Manager of Community Bank Sarina
2016 – Inducted into Community Bank Network National Hall of Fame for outstanding community impact
2017 – Sarina State High School (SSHS) Scholarship Program launched
2017 – Hosted Community Strengthening Conference with Rio Tinto Hail Creek and Mackay Regional Council
2018 – Inaugural naming rights sponsor for Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Run
2019 – Scholarship Program extended with CQUniversity to include Apprentice Scholarships
2019 – Inaugural SSHS scholarship recipient Josie Dahtler commenced employment with Community Bank Sarina
2019 – Community Impact Award launched
2022 – Hit the $3 million mark in community investment (which today has exceeded $3.8 million)
2023 – Supported QCWA Sarina Branch and Koumala State School in their centenary milestones
2023 – Achieved certification as a Social Enterprise with Social Traders
2024 – Hosting Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner with guest speaker Shane Webcke

The latest highlight is still to come – and you can join in! All are invited to Community Bank Sarina’s Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner – to be held on Saturday, 8 June 2024 at the Bob Wood Cultural Hall. Featuring food, music, fun – and Shane Webcke – it will be a night to remember. Tickets close 12 May and are available for purchase at $90pp now at bit.ly/communitydinner2024.

Community Bank Sarina Board Directors Nicholas McDougall, Ann Fordyce, Karen May, Maree Franettovich, Rainee Shepperson and Ted Malone with Manager Charmaine Matsen.

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