Bank’s big boost for community groups

A dozen community groups across Moreton Bay have been given a helping hand, sharing in more than $700,000 thanks to Pine Rivers Community Finance.

Among those to benefit from the $714,000 in funding are the Dayboro and Samford Area men’s sheds, A Brave Life and the Centre Against Domestic Violence.

Pine Rivers Community Finance board chair Malcolm Frizzell says the organisation is thrilled to support local groups through the inaugural major grant program.

“We are passionate about supporting our local communities because we are part of the local community, and we know the vital roles that community organisations play in supporting our communities,” Malcolm says.

“To be able to reinvest our profits into some incredible projects and programs that make a genuine difference to people in our region is a great outcome for our bank.”

Giving back to the community

A certified social enterprise, Pine Rivers Community Finance owns and operates Community Bank Samford, which operates as a franchise of Bendigo Bank.

Profits are returned directly to the community through sponsorships, grants, dividends to community shareholders, and funding to eligible non-profit organisations in the Samford, Pine Rivers and Narangba region for projects that are deemed to benefit the wider community.

Primarily focused on initiatives that support families, youth, health, education, environment, and the arts, Community Bank Samford’s major grant round has taken financial support to the community to $2 million since 2002.

Making a difference

“One of the aspects of the program we are most proud of is the diversity of organisations we support,” Malcolm says.

“In this round, we are supporting 12 community organisations, ranging from the Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade, which will receive funding to convert a ute into a rapid response ‘Light Attack’ rescue vehicle suitable for rural terrain and the Pine Rivers Catchment Association, which will receive funding for the first comprehensive water quality monitoring project in the Pine Rivers area.”

Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade First Officer Don Schouten says while the unit receives public finding, the specialised capabilities essential for the community rely heavily on additional funding.

“The Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade is deeply grateful for the unwavering support from Pine Rivers Community Finance,” Don says.

Meet the recipients

• Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade: funding for the construction of a new light attack vehicle
• The Pyjama Foundation: funding for a one-year Pine Rivers Pyjama Angel Placement Push
• Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA): funding for Changing the Story, healing relationships through positive parenting after domestic and family violence.
• Dayboro Men’s Shed: funding for storage shed and recreation room renovations.
• Guide Dogs Qld: funding for kitchen upgrade and support for therapy, training, and group classes for unfunded clients.
• A Brave Life: funding for Living a Brave Life – Young Mothers Pilot Program.
• Samford Area Men’s Shed: funding for Integrated Dust Collection System.
• Blind Bats: funding for a Beeping Cricket Ball.
• Samford Community Kindergarten: funding for disabled access improvements.
• The Nest Community: funding for Stitch Together program.
• Queensland PCYC: funding for The Youth Space – creating a useable, ‘fit for purpose’ space.
• Pine Rivers Catchment Association: funding for Pine Rivers Water Quality Monitoring Program.