By KATH GANNAWAY
‘BIGGER Than a Bank’ is more than a slogan for the board and staff of Healesville’s Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank.
Now in its fifth year, the bank provides a community-owned option for businesses and individuals in the district to tap into a competitive bank and, through their banking, support community groups and initiatives.
Manager, Wilma Gibson, said bank staff were delighted with the latest initiatives from Bendigo Bank which recently lowered interest rates on a number of its most popular credit cards.
“These rate reductions will be welcomed by existing customers or anyone looking for a better deal,” she said.
The bank offers a range of credit cards with rates and benefits designed to suit different needs – from the award-winning “Basic Black” to the Just Business MasterCard for savvy business owners.
The bank was crowned Roy Morgan’s Business Bank of the Year for the fourth year running, a great recommendation for any business looking to tap into a better business deal, and contribute to their local community through their banking.
Wilma said it was also a great time for anyone looking to buy a home, or to renegotiate a home-loan, to call in and have a chat.
Insurances, including home, car and travel, are another area where Wilma said the bank offered an excellent product and rate.
Board chairman, Gary Slater, said the profit share model of community banking had proven itself in communities across the Yarra Valley, and Healesville would see even bigger benefits once the bank was in profit.
“Our focus right now is on growing our business so we can invest even further in our community,” he said.
The bank has supported many community organisations and events over the past four years thanks to the Bendigo Bank’s marketing fund which provides sponsorship dollars based on the banking business at the Healesville Community Bank.
Mr Slater said most recent community investments were with the Badger Creek CFA, Healesville’s 150th celebrations, the Badger Creek Men’s Shed and the Mountain District Car Show, which is on this weekend.
“These sponsorships were made possible by the banking business that Wilma and our experienced and friendly staff are building every day in Healesville,” he said.
“Whatever it is, a home loan, insurances, a credit card, they will be happy to talk banking business.”
The Healesville branch is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings from 9am to noon.
Call in or contact Wilma or one of the bank’s friendly staff on 5962 1011.
