Conference in the Capital
Canberra hosts Bendigo Bank ACT/NSW Community Bank® State Conference
On 16, 17 and 18 May, more than 200 Bendigo Community Bank® directors and staff from around the State will converge at the QT Hotel, Canberra as the ‘epicentre of ideas’ for the 2017 Community Bank® State Conference.
The Community Bank® Conference theme for 2017 is: Working to our strengths >> Realising our potential >> Harnessing our power >> Sharing our successes
Bendigo Bank State Manager, Kylie Douglass said: “Community Banks have returned more than $165 million to fund local projects around Australia and we’re here in Canberra to showcase our banking capabilities, share ideas and experiences and to learn how we can build on our foundations.
“NSW/ACT is a growing force in Bendigo Bank’s commitment to providing retail banking services in Australian communities and I look forward to greeting representatives from our Community Banks around the State.
“Our conferences are always a two way exchange and a highlight will be the opportunity for several of our senior executives to see presentations from directors and staff who will detail successful and significant locally funded projects in their communities.
Bendigo Bank Executive, Engagement Innovation, Robert Musgrove said: “The continuing feedback we get from conference delegates is that they value hearing about initiatives from within their State, the time spent networking and workshopping with peers and hearing from both internal and external experts in their fields.
“The content of the State conference has a localised focus, with community companies receiving tangible and practical support, advice and guidance that they can take away and utilise back within their own communities. This year, we have an outstanding Keynote Speaker, Darren Hill, Behavioural Scientist, author & Executive Director at Pragmatic Thinking.
“The Community Bank® point of difference is the financial return back to community. Every time a customer banks with one of our 313 locally owned branches around Australia, a percentage of revenue stays in and benefits the local community and the organisations and projects they’re involved with.
“Looking beyond the dollars and cents, the conference is a terrific opportunity to share some of the inspiring community success stories that underscore the true value to all those connected with this unique banking model.
“The Community Bank® story began in Victoria back in 1998 when Bendigo Bank partnered with the Victorian rural communities of Rupanyup and Minyip to establish a banking pilot to return banking services in those towns. Since then, the model has been exported to WA and the other States and Territories and has been embraced by hundreds of communities across the nation.
“Next year will see us celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the Community Bank®model with even more stories to share about strengthening and empowering local communities with unmet need,” Mr Musgrove concluded.
