This week, the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine celebrates 12 years of serving the Whitsundays community.
The locally owned and operated Branch opened its doors 5 June 2012 and is one of 322 community banks across Australia.
The Bendigo Community Bank model is unique.
“Our success is based on our profit-with-a-purpose model which sees around 50 per cent of the profits generated by our independently owned and operated Community Bank branch invested back into the community” said Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine Chairman Mark Henry.
The establishment of the Branch was backed by local shareholders who saw the value of the Community Bank model and raised $800,000 locally to establish a branch in the Whitsundays.
This journey started in 2009 where a passionate group of locals formed a Steering Committee to undertake work to assess the feasibility of establishing a community bank and help raise necessary local investment. This group worked tirelessly delivering flyers, newsletters, hosting information stalls at local supermarkets and cafes, canvassing businesses and community groups, holding public meetings, and conducting media interviews to gather support.
In 2011 the Whitsundays Community Enterprises Limited (WCEL) formed and appointed owner-operator of the Branch, with Jeff Law appointed the inaugural Chair, Anton Yuskan Secretary, and Krys Halsey Treasurer.
Today, the WCEL Board is Chaired by Mark Henry (since 2019) along with long-standing Treasurer Krys Halsey and Board members Cait Fleming, Ross Hughes, and Kim Porter.
“We thank our shareholders for backing the Whitsundays community and providing an essential banking service, and all the passionate local Directors past and present for their hard work and dedication,” said Mark.
This year the Branch welcomed Amanda Anderson as its new Branch Manager.
“She is a welcome inclusion for our Branch team – joining Chantelle, Danica, Kristy, Kareen, and Natasha – and we look forward to their contribution in 2024 and beyond,” said Mark.
Over the past eight years Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine has invested just over $201,500 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and culture events, conservation initiatives, and community prizes.
Most weekends Whitsunday locals will also see the Branch’s fully equipped Community Trailer and BBQ out and about at sporting and community events.
Applications for sponsorship and the Community Trailer are now open. Email the Branch’s Board Secretariat on secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au for more information.
Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine’s Board: Ross Hughes, Mark Henry, Cait Fleming and Krys Halsey. Photo supplied
Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine’s dedicated team: Kirsty, Kareen, Amanda and Danica. Photo supplied
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