Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has announced a record breaking year of community investment at its AGM, with over $1 million injected directly into supporting more than 100 local projects and initiatives during the 2024/25 financial year.
This milestone brings this profit for purpose organisation’s total community investment to more than $5 million since opening its doors in 2005, reaffirming its long standing commitment to creating an enduring impact in the Sarina and district community.
Strong financial results also delivered a fully franked dividend of 15 cents per share to local shareholders.
“A record community investment and the partnerships we’ve built across the community this year are something we are extremely proud of,” said Community Bank Sarina Board Chair, Karen May.
“By choosing to bank locally, our customers enable us to reinvest profits into projects and initiatives that strengthen and sustain our community,” Mrs May said.
The $1 million of support for the community was delivered through Community Bank Sarina’s Community Engagement Program, which builds the capacity of local organisations, strengthens partnerships and supports initiatives that deliver direct social and economic benefit.
A key focus of this year’s program was supporting legacy projects with long-term benefits, designed to build resilience and create lasting community impact.
“Our goal is to deliver mutual benefits, supporting local organisations to grow and thrive while ensuring Community Bank Sarina remains strong and sustainable for years to come. Our ethos assures customers that we’re here for you and here to stay,” Mrs May said.
It was a record year for the community grants program, with $706,686 invested to directly support 15 organisations responding to local community need with significant legacy projects.
As a step towards addressing the region’s need for housing, the program included a $330,000 community grant to Wongabeena Sarina Aged Housing to construct four new units, increasing affordable housing options for low-income seniors in Sarina.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2026. Wongabeena President Kari Morphy said this investment from Community Bank Sarina has been transformative, laying the groundwork for a project that will improve quality of life for seniors in Sarina for years to come.
“These new units will give more local seniors the chance to stay in the community they love, close to family, friends and the support networks that make Sarina home,” Mrs Morphy said.
Other projects supported this financial year by Community Bank Sarina’s Community Engagement Program included essential health service upgrades, community infrastructure, technology upgrades and swim programs for local students, and more.
This year’s AGM also saw the re-election of Directors Karen May, Rainee Shepperson and Ann Fordyce, rejoining current Director Maree Franettovich, and acknowledged the retirement of Director Nicholas McDougall, recognising his contribution to the Board.
To learn more about Community Bank Sarina’s results and community support during the 2024/25 financial year, view the annual report at https://bit.ly/4oTeUqH.
Recipients of Community Bank Sarina’s Community Engagement Program across FY24/25 celebrating together at the recent AGM. Photos supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
