Five years to bank on

THE WOORI Yallock and District Community Bank celebrated five successful years over the weekend.
The celebrations started with a party for shareholders and staff on Friday night and continued on Saturday morning with a community barbecue and birthday cake at the bank.
Among a number of highlights of the Friday night celebration was entertainment by community bank fan and entertainer Denise Drysdale, the presentation of certificates of recognition and appreciation to the bank board and staff members and the presentation of a cheque for $5400 to the Woori Warriors Basketball Club.
Bendigo Bank regional manager Alison Burr congratulated the board, staff and everyone involved in what she said were five fantastic, successful years which had seen rewards flowing to shareholders and to the community.
Listing a number of achievements she said 2005 saw the start of sponsorship initiatives including donations to local schools, sporting clubs, the Shedfest festival and a charity golf day.
She said in its fifth year business was at $55million plus and the bank was achieving significant profits.
“Last year those profits were $164,000 before tax, contributions back to the community stand at $75,000 and shareholder dividends at $63,000.”
She said the bank, in a joint initiative with other Community Banks in the region, had supported the Ban The Bulb Campaign providing a further $120,000 to local fire brigades in the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
“So, do you think you as shareholders have been rewarded … and your community? Absolutely!” she said to appreciative applause.
Branch manager Rick Tolsher said the branch was growing on a daily basis and added his thanks to the 3700 account holders, the shareholders, the board and to his staff who he said were instrumental in the success of the bank on a day to day basis.
“We’re now paying tax, and that’s important because it means we’re making money,” he said.
Mr Tolsher announced the Bendigo Bank franchise had been renewed for another 15 years.