REGIONAL Australia Bank has celebrated its Community Partnership Program by handing out donations to more than 40 different community groups during an event at Bennetts Beach on 23 September.
The Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving clubhouse was packed to capacity as recipients celebrated sharing a total of $29,530.63.
“Regional Australia Bank is not an investor-led bank, meaning the bank does not have shareholders or dividends, which enables us to give back to our local communities,” explained Sabrina Bowden, RAB Regional Manager – Customers.
The Myall River Junior Rugby League Club received a special mention for going from joining the program three years ago to receiving over $2000 as the result of its efforts in mobilising the community.
Gingerlily Shelton, speaking on behalf of the surf club, said their donation “will help with the first aid and gear shed”.
Bob* from the Men’s Shed also thanked the Tea Gardens Branch of RAB for helping them with a new accounting system.
Les Bailey, RAB’s Chief Risk Officer, said the Community Partnership Program is delivering $2.8m to 3000 community organisations this year.
“This type of community investment is critically important in regional Australia because we have some big issues to deal with,” he said.
“But tonight is our opportunity to celebrate your stories, your hard work, your commitment to community.”
Regional Australia Bank is in the motions of a merger with fellow regional institution Summerland Bank.
Mr Bailey addressed the venture to quell concerns.
“The bigger we become, the more we are able to help our members and their communities, the more services we can provide, the more branches we can build and the more money we can reinvest into our communities,” he said.
“The more we can offer an alternative to the majors, the less exposed we all are to the behaviours of the investor-led banks.”
“The DNA of a customer-owned bank is fundamentally different, it’s our job to find the good that money can do.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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