Bendigo Community Bank Opens in Record Breaking Style

By Sophie MacGinley and Kathleen Mooney Journalism Students Bond University Varsity Lakes’ first community bank opened its doors with one of the highest recorded initial balances of $10 million on the books. The Bendigo Community Bank started trade at the end of last month, however the branch’s official public opening was held on 11 October.  Federal Member for McPherson Margaret May cut the ribbon and declared the bank officially open. Branch Manager Stephen Foster said attendees were treated to a free jazz band and sausage sizzle. “The first 100 children that came into the bank on Saturday had $10 put into their accounts to get them started,” he said. At the last board meeting local members voted to use their surplus profit to purchase a sailing boat for Varsity College. “We will look to support any groups in the community, such as football teams, surfing clubs and schools,” Mr Foster said. “Any charity events in the community, we will look at supporting them.” To find out more about Bendigo Bank you can contact them on (07) 5562 0755 or you can look on their website which is www.bendigobank.com.au.