Bendigo Bank delivers $2 million boost to Bendigo businesses
Bendigo Bank is poised to inject more than $2 million into the local economy this week as over 600 Community Bank Delegates converge in Bendigo for a three-day conference.
The economic boost has arrived as Bendigo Bank CEO and Managing Director Marnie Baker revealed the Bank’s unique Community Bank model has distributed over $320 million in profits back into the communities they operate in through sponsorships and grants since inception 25 years ago.
“Over financial year 2023 alone, Community Bank branches have generated a record $32.9 million and funded 6215 local projects. There are 309 Community Bank branches delivering banking services right across Australia and we are proud of the social and economic impact our Community Bank model has achieved in each of these communities,” Ms Baker said.
Bendigo Bank Chief Economist, David Robertson estimates the influx of visitors attending the national conference will deliver a $2 million cash boost spread across accommodation costs, meals, coffees, venue and equipment hire, and incidental items, such as clothing, keepsakes and forgotten toothbrushes.
Ms Baker, a long-time resident, says she’s looking forward to catching up with familiar faces and making new connections with those who have joined the Community Bank network since the last national conference was held in 2018.
“The history of our organisation goes back 165 years to the goldfields. Our longstanding purpose of feeding into the prosperity of our customers and communities is well known. Our customers know we are a bank with heritage and heart,” Ms Baker said.
“This conference celebrates our one-of-a-kind shared value, Community Bank model. I’m looking forward to getting everyone together, to celebrate 25 years of the model and to work together on ensuring its success for the future.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the big influx of people into Bendigo, so look out to Bendigo’s fantastic local businesses – there’s quite a few people coming your way,” Ms Baker concluded.
