INAUGURAL chairman of the Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Peter Marke is retiring after 18 years of leading the community banking enterprise.
The company started in 1998, when the Upwey township was left without a bank.
In his capacity as chairman of the Upwey Village Consultative Committee, Peter Marke and representatives of the affiliated Traders Association – Tony Thompson and Julie Edwards – approached Bendigo Bank to set up a community bank in Upwey.
The local community enthusiastically supported this initiative, pledging $212,000.
The Upwey Branch opened only six months after the former Commonwealth Bank site closed in March 1998.
Only 18 years later, the initiative has been an overwhelming success, with the company expanding to four branches throughout the Dandenongs and with an impressive effort of more than $4.2 million being given back to the local community through grants, sponsorships, scholarships, dividends and pledges to major projects.
Mr Marke said he was proud of the successes.
“I have been most fortunate over the 18 years to have had the support of a great board and management team,” he said.
“Our senior manager Mike Fleming has been with us since day one, along with our Belgrave manager Charmaine Jeffery, our Upwey supervisor Tracy Pollard and customer service officer Lorraine Coward.
“This has provided leadership stability and continuity of our customer service commitment.
“I have also been very proud of our achievements, which gained national recognition within the Community Bank network.”
Regional manager of Bendigo Bank Mark Nolan made special mention of Peter’s contribution, saying he has been integral in the success of community banking.
Incoming chair John Waters has been with the company for 15 months.
Mr Waters has 40 years’ experience in the banking and finance industry with two major banking institutions, specialising in compliance and risk management.
