Community is what it is all about as Healesville heads into the next phase of owning its own community bank.
By Kath Gannaway
PROSPECTIVE shareholders in Healesville’s new community owned bank heard from three community organisations just how their investment will benefit their community last week.
The official launch of the share prospectus for Healesville and District Community Enterprise Ltd (H and DCEL), which will own and operate the Bendigo Bank branch franchise in Healesville, saw some $200,000 converted from pledge to investment.
In what was a true celebration of the community investing in itself, the crowd of more than 100 people were treated to a performance by members of Healesville High School’s music program, heard testimonials by community groups and were inspired by a tribute song created especially for the occasion by the RecLink Rocky Road Choir.
Healesville High School principal George Perini said the school had looked to the Woori Yallock Community Bank when it needed additional funds to elevate its annual production to a large-scale musical this year.
Debra Boland from the Victorian Animal Aid Trust in Coldstream said her organisation had been a recipient of support from the Wandin-Seville branch of Bendigo Bank as well as receiving a major grant from the Bendigo Bank Foundation for their recently completed learning centre.
Geoff Vickers has been involved with the Warburton and Yarra Junction community banks from the beginning as a steering committee member, director, volunteer company secretary and treasurer and now as an employee.
“I’ve had the pleasure of writing cheques to local community groups totalling $1,136,057,” he said.
He said that as a shareholder, investing in a local community bank ticked all the boxes from an ethical investment perspective.
“Because I live within the community that’s been the beneficiary of all this money, the return on my investment goes way beyond financial,” he said.
“Healesville’s own community bank branch will give this unique community additional capacity for self reliance, to reinforce existing strengths and create its own opportunities.”
H and DCEL chairman Gary Slater said the launch had been a great start to what was the critical part of the campaign.
“To get over $200,000 in the first night really is a great start and indicates the share offer won’t be out there for too much longer,” he said.
The share offer closes on 27 September.
Anyone who has pledged and could not get to the launch can drop their share applications and check into the bank site at 205 Maroondah Highway (currently the EACH shop) or post it in.
For those who have not received a prospectus and want to buy shares, information is also available at the shop site, at the community bank promotions at Coles and the community market, or from Mr Slater on 0421 319 640.
“As soon as we get close to the target that pushes the green light for beginning the fit-out of the shop and we are hoping that by the end of November we will be celebrating with the opening of the Healesville Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank,” Mr Slater said.
