BY CHRISTMAS, the Rosewood and District Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank will have distributed more than $2 million back into the local community.
The significant milestone will be reached just ahead of the 20th anniversary year of the opening of the branch in new premises in John Street in December 2005.
Founding board members Kate Hillan and Eirys Heit were reminiscing about the time the idea was first discussed about forming a Community Bank in 2004.
Both remain actively involved – Kate as Chair of the board of the operating company – Rosewood & District Financial Services Limited – and Eirys as a board member.
“We are both excited about reaching the $2 million mark – all that money has been distributed through sponsorships, grants and dividends to local shareholders,” Eirys said.
They were talking about the work to get the Community Bank up and running at the recent annual board AGM and community grant and sponsorships presentations, where a total of $115,218 was distributed.
“The evening was stormy but the atmosphere inside the Rosewood State School Hall was very warm and welcoming,” Eirys reported.
“After the AGM of Rosewood & District Financial Services Limited trading as Community Bank Rosewood & District Branch Bendigo Bank, supper was enjoyed by shareholders and grant and sponsorship recipients were given a chance to speak with staff and directors regarding any questions or concerns.
Our Chair, Kate Hillan, had just announced another very successful year and a shareholder dividend would be paid on December 5, the bank’s 19th birthday.”
Eirys explained that grants were available to not-for-profit customers.
“This year, 13 grants and five sponsorships were given ranging from $600 to $12,000.
“We capped the grants at $12,000 to give everyone a chance of receiving funds.”
This year’s recipients of sponsorships were:
• Walloon SS P&C – $600;
• Rosewood Bowls Club Inc – $1,000;
• Rosewood Rays Swim Club – $3,045;
• Boys’ Brigade 6th Ipswich Company $6,990;
• Rosewood Golf Club Inc – $12,000
Groups who received grants were:
• Combined Churches Good Friday Service (Crosses on the Hill) $2,631;
• RADSc – Rosewood Women’s Group $2,640;
• RADSc – Rosewood Community Garden $2,998;
• Mount Walker Church of Christ $3,139;
• West Moreton Landcare Group Inc $3,227;
• RADSc – Men’s Workshop $3,345;
• QCWA Rosewood $5,000;
• UCA Rosewood Congregation – Goodwill Op Shop $9,350;
• Rosewood & District Kindergarten $11,253;
• Anglican Parish of Rosewood $12,000;
• Kokoda Youth Foundation $12,000 (Rosewood High recipients);
• Rosewood State School P&C Assoc. $12,000;
• RADSc – History Group $12,000.
And a reminder from Eirys: “Don’t forget to pick up your 2025 calendar, available in the branch now.”
