Three years of bank support

The local community bank has shared a little love just in time for its third birthday celebrations.

GIVING BACK: The local Bendigo Bank has supported a new round of community groups with donations. Picture: Contributed

THE local community bank has shared a little love just in time for its third birthday celebrations.

Last Thursday, Bendigo Bank representatives held an evening in which they distributed grant money to local groups.

Bendigo Community Bank board member Leeanne Puglisi-Gangemi said they gave away more than $20,000 on the night.

"Last year we had our applications come in around October. We received quite a few applications,” she said.

"We asked on the night that those lucky recipients give a one-minute speech about what they've done with the money and it was just fantastic.

"I think some might have only received $250 but what they've done with that is fantastic, whether it was one of the little schools or the sporting organisations.

"Giving that money back is what the community bank is about, trying to support the community any way we can.

"Doesn't really matter if it's big or little, depending on the organisation it can make a real difference,” MrsPuglisi-Gangemi said.

The evening was held at the RSL with close to 80people in attendance.

The next funding application round will open in October.

To date, the Stanthorpe bank has gifted more than $70,000 to local bodies.

"We'd like to say thank you to the community for continuing to support us (and) a thank you to our wonderful staff who've helped grow it over the last three years,” Mrs Puglisi- Gangemi said.