Bank celebrates growth

By Kath Gannaway
WANDIN Seville Bendigo Bank Community Branch is five years old.
At a party for shareholders and staff in June chairman Kevin Parker took the opportunity to talk about how the bank has progressed and the community benefits, which have flowed from the commitment made five years ago.
He said the bank was established in response to community demand.
“You then backed us up by buying shares and then bringing your banking business to us.
“Growth has been steady and now we have in excess of 3000 accounts and $66 million in funds under management,” Mr Parker said.
He said along the way the bank has sponsored local sporting clubs, education and historical facilities and various other community organisations and projects.
Projects have included providing a new PA system for Wandin Yallock Primary School, an interest free loan for Wandin North Primary School following a fire at the school, funds for Life Education caravans, a CFA smokehouse and an air conditioner for the CWA hall.
“We recently installed an ATM in Wandin IGA which is performing very well and meeting customers’ needs,” Mr Parker added.
Mr Parker said the bank was now operating in cumulative profit and had repaid the loan from the Shire of Yarra Ranges, which had helped get the bank started.
“We are in the process of purchasing the bank premises to secure our fitout expenditure and home base,” Mr Parker announced.
Thanking shareholders for their patience, Mr Parker also announced that shareholders would be paid a fully franked dividend early in the new financial year.
“We are now moving into a new era with many challenges and rewards in the future,” he said.