Our Projects
Connection Through Digital Inclusion
October 29, 2026We are pleased to have provided new portable computers to Burke & Beyond. The not-for-profit disability service provider, empowers people with disability to build confidence, independence and meaningful community connections. Through personalised day programs, outreach support, life skills development and employment and volunteering opportunities, the organisation helps participants achieve their goals while fostering inclusion and…
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Together, Supporting Local Families
October 29, 2026Our ongoing support for The Edge Community Fund helps children in Ashburton, Ashwood and Chadstone access the everyday building blocks of childhood, playgroups, kinder, school camps and sport, that some families would otherwise have to go without. “As the Edge Community Fund enters its 21st year of operation, we would like to acknowledge the unwavering…
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Opening The Door To Independence
October 29, 2026We funded the entire construction of a self-contained two-bedroom house on site at Alkira in Mont Albert. Our investment in this transitional home marks a defining milestone in our commitment to creating lasting community impact. As the largest project we have ever funded, it will provide more than a place to live, it will open…
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Supporting Communities Through Crisis
October 29, 2026When devastating bushfires impacted communities across Victoria in 2026, we proudly contributed to the Bendigo Bank Bushfire Appeal to help those affected begin their recovery. While the fires were beyond our local community, supporting the appeal reflected our commitment to standing alongside Victorians in times of crisis. Together, we helped provide vital assistance to individuals…
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Supporting The Hubs that Hold Our Communities Together
October 29, 2026We launched a pilot program to strengthen the sustainability of local Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres, recognising that these organisations are often the first place people turn when they need support. By investing in additional staffing and management capacity, we enabled centres to expand programs, increase their reach and respond to growing community needs. This…
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Supporting the heart of our local precincts
October 29, 2026“Vibrant local shopping villages are the heart of a connected community, but many are facing increasing pressure in the current economic climate. Our ongoing support of local traders’ associations helps bring these precincts to life through community events, festivals and initiatives that attract visitors, support small businesses and create places where people want to gather….
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Supporting Better Health Outcomes for Our Community
October 29, 2026One of our largest commitments this year went to Eastern Health, reflecting how central public healthcare is to a thriving Inner East. Our funding covers new equipment as well as longer-term investment in research, innovation grants and workforce training, support designed to strengthen the health system well beyond this year’s budget. Through one of our…
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2025 -2026 Snapshot
October 29, 2026In the past 12 months, we have proudly reinvested almost $1.5 million into the local community through 220 projects and initiatives, helping strengthen our community and create lasting positive change. Every investment reflects our commitment to supporting the people, organisations and initiatives that make our community stronger, more connected and more inclusive. From grassroots sporting…
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2025 Dick Menting Community, Sports Club Award – Peter Knox
November 13, 2025Over more than 30 years, Peter Knox has transformed Mont Albert Cricket Club into a central hub of the local community. His contributions have strengthened community ties, provided educational pathways for young people through sport, and supported hundreds of individuals by fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant environment. Peter’s motivation has always been clear: to…
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2025 Dick Menting Community Champion Award – Mary Muirhead OAM
November 13, 2025For over 20 years, since co-founding Learning for Life Autism Centre, Mary Muirhead has been a tireless advocate for autistic and neurodivergent children. Her leadership, generosity, and quiet determination have shaped not only our organisation, but the lives of countless families across Victoria. Mary’s deep belief in the power of connection – our “village” –…
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2025 Dick Menting Community Champion Award – Rochelle Anderson
November 13, 2025Rochelle’s unwavering dedication to community wellbeing is evident not only in her capacity for leadership but in her willingness to pursue innovative, practical solutions for those in need. Rochelle was the initiator and a co-founder of You Matter in 2019, an organisation that was created to assist women and children escaping domestic violence by establishing…
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Partnership with Sport and Life Training (SALT)
October 31, 2025Through our partnership with Sport and Life Training (SALT), we’re helping to build stronger, healthier sporting communities from the ground up. Over the past 12 months, SALT has delivered transformative programs to several local sporting clubs, addressing the many factors that influence mental health and wellbeing. Thanks to our support, clubs are able to access…
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Nurturing Community Spirit Through Grassroots Sport
October 31, 2025Over the past 12 months, we proudly supported 68 sporting clubs across 16 different sports- reinforcing our ongoing commitment to grassroots and sport and helping ensure participation is accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. We’ve supported local clubs with vital resources- from uniforms and equipment to coaching development, facility upgrades, and wellbeing…
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Helping Young People Reach Their Potential Through Education
October 31, 2025Over the past 12 months, we increased our support for the education sector- funding vital projects that make a real difference in the lives of young people. Our investment in Education is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable future for students of all abilities and backgrounds. We provided Belmore School with essential equipment to…
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Building Confidence and Inclusion for Local Children
October 31, 2025Our funding to The Edge Community Fund is helping ensure every child has the chance to belong, grow and thrive. By supporting local young people in Ashburton, Ashwood and Chadstone, the fund provides access to vital developmental opportunities- from playgroups and kindergarten to school camps, sports, and community activities- helping to build confidence, connection, and…
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Expanding Fair Access for Children with Autism
October 31, 2025Our significant funding contribution to the Learning for Life Autism Centre this year has played a vital role in ensuring that children with autism- and their families- receive the support they need, when they need it most. Through our support, Learning for Life has been able to expand their Fair Access Program, which directly removes…
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Building Inclusive Spaces to Reduce Social Isolation Among Older People
October 31, 2025Our support enabled Balwyn Evergreen Centre to establish the Evergreen Connections Cafe- a welcoming social hub designed to reduce isolation and foster connection among older community members. This safe, inclusive space encourages social interaction beyond structured activities, strengthens community ties, and provides access to vital information through peer support and guest speakers. The cafe is…
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Helping Women Reconnect, Rebuild, and Re-enter the Workforce
October 31, 2025We provided funds for the Go Girls Work Ready program. The program supports women from all walks of life- whether long-term unemployed, recovering from illness, survivors of domestic violence, teen mothers, migrants, or those facing other challenges- are empowered to rebuild their confidence, re-enter the workforce, and embrace leadership opportunities. The program supports women to…
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Empowering Local Clubs to Drive Positive Change Across Our Community
October 31, 2025We supported several Rotary and Clubs, recognising the valuable role these organisations play in fostering community spirit and building meaningful connections among members. Through their volunteer efforts and local initiatives, they contribute to a wide range of charitable projects, social activities, and community development programs. By backing these clubs, we help strengthen their capacity to…
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Investing in Local Traders to Build Thriving, Connected Communities
October 31, 2025We continue to invest in local Traders Associations, recognising their role in driving economic activity, fostering local pride, and creating vibrant community hubs. Our support extends to a variety of initiatives- including multicultural events, seasonal festivals, and marketing campaigns- all designed to attract visitors, celebrate cultural diversity, and strengthen the visibility of local businesses. In…
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Supporting Local Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres
October 30, 2025We strengthened our support for local neighbourhood and community centres, recognising the vital role they play in supporting residents- particularly those facing hardship. These organisations deliver essential services such as food relief, disability advocacy, and assistance for the vulnerable groups. Our investment in these centres reinforces our commitment to social equity and local resilience, ensuring…
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Strengthening Health Services in Melbourne’s Inner East
October 30, 2025In Partnership with Eastern Health We made a landmark investment in Eastern Health, driven by a deep commitment to strengthening public health services across Melbourne’s Inner East. Our funding will deliver immediate, measurable benefits- such as critical new equipment- and support long-term advancements through Research and Innovation Grants and workforce training. This investment empowers Eastern…
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$1.3 million – Community Investment in the past 12 months
October 30, 2025Over the past 12 months, we have invested more than $1.3 million into initiatives that deliver real benefits to our local communities. Our support spanned four key areas- Community Support, Community Welfare, Education, and Sport. In total, we awarded 180 grants and sponsorships to local organisations, helping to drive meaningful change where it’s needed most….
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$10 million Community Investment
March 3, 2025Thanks to our shareholders and customers, we have provided $10 million in sponsorship and grants to this local community since the opening of our first branch 22 years ago. Your banking has helped support the clubs, projects and organisations at the heart of our local community. More than 400 local community organisations have benefited from…
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