On November 5, Bendigo Bank Trafalgar hosted a presentation evening at the Trafalgar RSL, celebrating the community investments that they had made into local sporting clubs, events, schools and community organisations.
Across the successful recipients, over $37,000 was awarded, bringing the total Bendigo Bank has reinvested into the local community to $2.1 million.
Community engagement advisor Moriah Taylor described the evening as “a special occasion.”
“It is a moment to reflect on the difference local support can make when it is backed by a bank that genuinely cares,” she says.
Recipients Tom Mackenzie and Maddie Kennedy from Thorpdale Netball Club, feel grateful for the funding received. They plan to use the funding to upgrade the netball dresses and general equipment at the club.
“We are excited for hopefully what this money can do for our netball club,” says Mackenzie.
Highlighting the pride taken in seeing students thrive in their pursuit of further education, Bendigo Bank sponsored eight scholarships for students in University and TAFE.
Trafalgar High School graduates Poppy Susa and Keeley Lewis-Ryen were present to accept their scholarships.
Poppy, now pursuing a career in medicine, says that she feels “very privileged” to have received the scholarship.
“To attend university and move to Melbourne is very expensive, but I guess it [scholarship] allows me to spend a bit more time studying and getting involved in extracurriculars,” she says.
Throughout the year, Bendigo Bank has worked to support “over 40 local clubs and organisations and funded projects such as youth development, mental health, sport, arts and environmental sustainability,” says branch manager Torina Johnston.
“It is really rewarding as a staff member to know that the work that we are doing is able to support local community groups and to see local community groups thrive off the back of our efforts is so satisfying.”“I would like to thank our local customers for their support in helping us be successful which then lets us return profits back into the community,” she says.
Bank Director Edwin Vandenberg (second from left) & Branch staff member, Mel Kemp (right).
ates Poppy Susa and Keeley Lewis-Ryen, and the Community Bank Board Chair Debbie Di Sisto.
