Bank profits build better community

WARBURTON Community Bank has handed out almost $120,000 to Upper Yarra community groups as part of its latest community grants program.
Twentyfour school, sports, arts, environment and community groups received grants at the bank’s annual general meeting in Warburton on Wednesday, 26 October.
School groups to benefit included Upper Yarra Secondary College which received $14,000 to fund a middle school band.
Warburton Primary School was awarded the Don Vickers Memorial Grant. The school received just under $10,000 to fund a range of projects including a new play group, and a Fruit in School’s program that provides each student with a piece of fruit on school days.
The Millgrove Environment Restoration Group received two grants totalling $7,000 to allow the group to buy tools for revegetation work along the Yarra River and to fund a survey and design plan.
The Yarra Valley Youth Theatre Group received $4,000 for workshop programs aimed at helping young people develop scriptwriting, circus, dance and theatre administration skills.
Warburton Community Bank treasurer and secretary Geoff Vickers said the funding round was the bank’s most generous yet.
“This round of grants has been the biggest in the bank’s history. In total the bank gave out $118,000 to 24 recipients, some of whom received two grants,” he said.
Sporting clubs were also big winners, with the Wesburn Junior Football club receiving $20,000 towards the cost of installing lights at its ground.
Other recipients include the Warburton Bowls Club who will receive $18,000 to fund new lighting for the club’s greens, and the Warburton Millgrove Football Club which was awarded $6,000 to set up a gym. Mr Vickers said the bank’s board, management and staff were honoured to be able to return profits to the Upper Yarra community.
“It is part of the bank’s charter to provide financial support to these groups who make up the fabric of our community and make the Upper Yarra such a special place to live,” he said.
“It is immensely satisfying to be able to make a difference and a privilege to be part of the bank’s grants program.”
Mr Vickers said community groups interested in applying for future grants should visit the bank to obtain details.
“It is a simple matter of coming into the bank and picking up an application form. Bank staff are always willing to offer assistance with completing the application,” he said.
Mr Vickers said the Warburton Community Bank runs two community grants programs annually. The next round of grants is due next February.