Community Bank Monbulk and District recently held their annual Community Awards Night. The event was attended by volunteer members from over 50 local clubs and organisations, Federal MP Aaron Violi, State MP Daniela De Martino and representatives from Yarra Ranges Council.
The evening celebrated funding to local clubs through the ‘in branch’ Tokens of Appreciation program and recent successful grant and sponsorship recipients from across the district. The evening was accompanied by live music from local artist Kieran Galloway and guest speakers Belinda Young from Mums of the Hills, Clare Pritchard from Yarra Ranges Yoga and Jeremy McLeod, award-winning Australian Architect. Joost Bakker presented the branch’s first ever Community Recognition Award to Ray Yates for his decades of service to the local community, Joost had some wonderful stories to share about Ray.
The evening focused on working together to support our town. Announcements included ongoing funding from Community Bank Monbulk and District to support the local L2P Program in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council and TAC. This program allows a car to be based in Monbulk, helping young people reach their P plates. Funding towards a local Trauma Yoga Support Program in partnership with MADCOW, created and run by Yarra Ranges Yoga, and the purchase of a further 5 defib machines to be based in the town, in support of Monbulk being a heart-smart town and the Good Sam initiative.
Community Company Manager Aimee te Boekhorst said as an accredited social enterprise, Monbulk & District Community Enterprises Limited are focused on finding opportunities to enhance our community impact.
“Since 2012, Monbulk and District Community Enterprises Limited has reinvested profits from their Community Bank partnership with Bendigo Bank into the local community through revenue from loans and deposits,” she said.
“Our commitment is to support community organisations that serve those in our community and to back grassroots, community-led initiatives that promote meaningful change at a local level. We aim to create a purposeful impact in our community and contribute to the overall prosperity of our town.”
At the event it was announced by Branch Manager Charlene Peters that since opening 13 years ago, Community Bank Monbulk and District has contributed over $1.45 million to the local community through grants, donations and sponsorships, funding programs within the community, including community wellbeing and mental health support.
“This is a fantastic milestone which would not have been possible without the support of Community Bank Monbulk & District’s customers, shareholders, branch staff and volunteer board of directors,” she said.
“Our staff are passionate and put the customer at the heart of everything we do. It is a privilege to work everyday in the Monbulk community.”
If you would like to bank locally and support your community at the same time, contact Community Bank Monbulk and District on 9752 1130 or drop in and see us at 70 Main Road Monbulk.
