Community
7 June, 2024
Community Bank nears 10th birthday
THERE is something extra special, and rewarding, about the opportunity to be able to give back to your local community.
Just ask Nicole Dwyer and the many locals who raised their hands almost a decade ago in support of working towards establishing a community bank in the heart of Port Fairy.
Today they all stand tall and proud of what they have managed to achieve – not only for their town’s residents, but for the many and varied community groups, sporting clubs, schools, charity organisations and countless others who have benefitted from donations from the now-thriving Community Bank (Port Fairy and District).
“I was one of the original steering committee members who committed to the idea of establishing a community bank in our town,” Ms Dwyer said.
“Back then we had three major banks in Port Fairy and while we weren’t focussed on shutting them down, we did want to offer a banking alternative; one that would give back some of its profits and keep our dollars in our town.
“It was certainly quite a tough slog; at times it was even very challenging and uncomfortable. We needed to go door to door and rally support for the idea; we needed a certain number of people to commit to the community bank before it would even be considered.”
From that initial meeting, held in a local café, support for a community bank fast grew momentum and it wasn’t long before the committee realised their dreams could become reality.
“The bank needed to know it had the support to survive in Port Fairy and we, the residents, needed a bank that would support the community,” Ms Dwyer said.
“It’s a win-win all round. We have a great banking facility right here in town and 50 per cent of all profits are filtered straight back into the local community.
“It would certainly take a lot of raffles, sausage sizzles and various other fundraisers to be able to keep our schools, health facilities, clubs and groups thriving. Our community bank is a vital lifeline for many.”
Having lived in Port Fairy with her husband and their two children since 1999, Ms Dwyer is all too familiar with the financial pressures placed on educational and health facilities, sporting clubs and other organisations to ensure their ongoing operations.
“As we approach the Community Bank’s 10th birthday, we are also nearing almost $1 million in donations over that period – and that’s pretty amazing.
“It’s something we can all be very proud of; not just the committee but the entire community. We’re extremely grateful that our original concept came to fruition and that the bank is now thriving in our coastal town.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating 10 years with the community.”
