“2020 has been a challenging year for our community,” said Michael Southan, Chair of the Board.
“As an essential service, we are proud of our staff who continued to provide our renowned customer service during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the branch remaining open, customers were able to access our services during the Pandemic and this has resulted in another successful year for our branch”.
This year marks the 15th year of operation for the Community Bank.
“Although we weren’t able to celebrate this milestone in person with you, we would like to thank our shareholders, customers, staff and Board for helping to keep our doors open and our business on track,” Bank Manager, Pat Italiano said.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, community engagement activity for the branch was restricted, however Community Bank North Ryde continued to support the community through sponsorships and grants, bringing the total returned to the community over the past 15 years to over $350,000.
They also managed to complete a major project by purchasing a mobile broadcasting van for local community radio station, 2RRR.
“As well as our usual activities supporting our local talent through mentoring programs, sports and art sponsorships, we responded to the Pandemic by introducing some new ways of connecting with our community and keeping them safe, such as providing coffee vouchers for our local teachers from a local business, and providing local schools with hand sanitiser and gifts for the Year 6 students who are not able to celebrate the end of primary school with the traditional school formal”, Mr Southan said.
“Bendigo Community Bank North Ryde has demonstrated its ability to respond to challenges over the past year, and as this year comes to a close, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year”.
