COMMUNITY Bank branches across the Macedon Ranges have reached a milestone after collectively contributing more than $8.5 million to local community groups, clubs, schools and initiatives.
The Gisborne, Lancefield, Romsey and Trentham branches have supported hundreds of local projects since 2001, with contributions distributed across a range of community organisations and initiatives throughout the region.
The four branches are operated by locally owned community companies under franchise arrangements with Bendigo Bank. Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises CEO Jo-ann Irwin said the contributions were aimed at supporting the broader community.
“We’re thrilled to have collectively reached this $8.5 million contribution milestone,” Ms Irwin said.
“Our aim has always been to ensure the Macedon Ranges is a place where local people and communities can thrive.”
The branches’ contributions have included support for education, sporting clubs, community services and other local initiatives.
Community Bank Gisborne has awarded 78 scholarships since 2014 to young people and adults across the region, supporting tertiary and TAFE study as well as community leadership programs.
The branch is also trialling financial literacy and digital safety initiatives in primary and secondary schools. Community Bank Lancefield and Romsey has contributed almost $78,000 to Woodend Lifestyle Carers Group’s Macgregor’s Farm facility since 2022.
Funding has supported projects including fencing, a memorial garden gazebo and furnishings for the facility’s new Day Care Cottage. The cottage is currently hosting weekly coffee mornings ahead of its full opening and is expected to provide respite and support for dementia carers across the Macedon Ranges.
Community Bank Trentham has also provided funding to local sporting initiatives, including the Woodend Cricket Club Girls Cricket program.
The initiative included a Sport and Life Training session and a Double Header match focused on raising awareness of gender-based violence.
The project was later expanded through a partnership with Zonta Club Kyneton, creating pathways between girls’ cricket and women’s cricket.
Ms Irwin said the contributions had reached people across the region through a variety of community organisations. “Our contributions touch the lives of nearly everyone in our region, through a sporting club, community service organisation, school or event – whether they realise it or not,” she said.
The $8.5 million milestone comes as the Community Bank branches continue their community investment across the Macedon Ranges. Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank model has contributed more than $416 million in grants, donations and scholarships to communities nationally since 1998.
