Community Projects
Investing in the Community
$3.8 million over 25 years since opening in 1999 has been invested back into our communities and we couldn’t be prouder!
We have funded over 175 community groups in the communities we serve, through our grants and sponsorship programs. Arts, music and film festivals, community buses, defibs at schools, respite homes, new playgrounds, driver training for L-plate drivers, as well as solar panels and water tanks are just some the projects funded by the Maldon & District Community Bank.
More than $100,000 has gone to local emergency services to purchase new fire engines, forward command vehicles, upgrades to their facilities, defibrillators and training their volunteers. Local sporting clubs benefit from the bank’s presence, receiving funding so they can stage tournaments, kit out players in new uniforms and upgrade ageing facilities. The region’s preschools, primary and secondary schools receive much needed funding for innovative programs and resources.
Here’s just a snapshot of some of the projects and programs funded by the Maldon & District Community Bank:
Defibrillators for local primary schools
The communities of Maldon, Newstead, Dunolly, Harcourt, Castlemaine and surrounds can now access a defibrillator any time of the day or night at their local primary schools thanks to Community Bank Maldon & District. Public access defibrillators have been installed at 12 local primary schools in an initiative to give back to the community from the Bank.
“When our team discussed a way we could say thank you to our community for their ongoing support, providing this expensive technology clearly aligned with the values of our Community Bank.” – Branch Manager at Maldon, Paul Simmons. Chair Ross Egleton said the defibrillators were one of the most important investments the bank has ever put into the community.
“Over the next 10 years, if even one of the defibrillators can be used to save one life, it will be well worth all the money we’ve invested”.
Banking on safer drivers
The Maldon & District Community Bank has contributed over $400,000 since 2003 to run a hands-on driver training program. This funding supports learner drivers to participate in a tailored 5-day intensive program. The participants drive in a group of three, with a qualified instructor, in a range of different environments and traffic conditions, including un-sealed country roads, highway and city driving, as well as defensive driving.
“We are so incredibly proud of reaching the feat of over 400 graduates. We established this program in 2003 after a series of accidents and near misses involving young drivers in our region,” said Branch Manager Paul Simmons. “The program equips learner drivers with skills and exposure to a variety of driving experiences; to ensure their safety and the safety of everyone on the roads. This flagship course for Maldon & District Community Bank is just one of the ways we support our community, and in particular our youth.”
The course is highly valued by the participants and their parents and carers. One of our graduates Jasmine explained the benefits of participating in the five-day course:
“I want more kids to do the course. I wasn’t that interested in the course at first, it was Mum that wanted me to do it. I just wanted to hang out with my friends, but I actually made two new friends by doing the course.The course was the best thing. I thought I was a good driver, with over 90 hours in my log book, but I learnt new skills and refined my driving.”
Contact the Maldon Branch on 5475 1747 to find out more about the program. Register your interest by completing this form: Application form – Learner Driver Training Program (2020-21) MDCB and returning the form to one of our branches in Maldon or Dunolly; or via email: maldonmailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au.
There is a charge of $150 per participant, and graduates receive a reward of a $50 bank account with the Maldon & District Community Bank when they complete the course. If you already have an account with the Community Bank, we’ll add $50 to your balance as your reward.
Community Stories - Short Film Project
As part of our 2019 20th birthday celebration as well hitting an incredible milestone of investing $3million back to our communities, the board commissioned a series of short films to tell the stories of the people behind some of the amazing projects happening as part of our $150K 20th birthday grant program .
To produce the films, they engaged local creative team Independent Creatives, Newstead’s very own agency, who specialise in helping not-for-profit and purpose-led organisations with their communications, branding and messaging.
Simon, who directed the films said, “We’ve been really inspired by the dedicated people who run these projects. Their hard work has a positive impact that spreads through the whole community and that’s the idea behind the films. The message is keep your money local and you’ll see the benefit on your doorstep!”
You can see each film below, as well on the Maldon & District Community Bank Facebook page.
Enjoy!
Dunolly Community Garden and The Dunolly Kindergarten joined forces to find the the perfect spot to grow their fruit and veg. The kids love it, the gardeners love it and the community loves it!
Maldon Fire Brigade has been keeping our community safe for 150 years and we’d like to say thank you to volunteers across the generations!
Nalderun Aboriginal Services – Led by our local Aboriginal Elders, Nalderun educates and supports our community.
Castlemaine Secondary College – Music Support Group is a bunch of committed parents who help music staff to put on events and extend the range of activities and opportunities for the students. Helping with student engagement and confidence.
Tertiary Scholarships (Uni, TAFE, other accredited training)
Local tertiary students have received a helping hand thanks to scholarships from the Maldon & District Community Bank branch.
The scholarships provide support for local students undertaking university, TAFE studies or other accredited training. The recipients are selected on the basis of personal qualities, challenges to study and need.
The Maldon & District Community Bank branch is delighted to assist young community members with their tertiary studies. The annual scholarship program was launched in 2018. In 2021 the Community Bank added additional scholarships in response to the demand for support.
“The money from this scholarship will help not only financially by covering technological costs and text books required for my course but also relieves me of the stress’ surrounding finding a way to cover these costs resulting in me being able to prioritise my studies instead of having to find part time employment”. Ethan Freemantle, preparing for 1st year, Bachelor of Ag Science at Charles Sturt University.
MASARG Respite House
New instruments for brass band
“We are committed to having every member, including our learners, playing a quality instrument. We used the bank sponsorship to purchase two new Yamaha cornets as part of the band’s instrument replacement program.”
Supporting local footy / netball clubs
“We’re proud of our sponsorship of local clubs in the communities we serve. It’s a great community investment for our bank to make, and lots of banking business comes our way from club members and supporters – so it’s a win-win.”
