Opening of the new Deakin University Community Bank® Customer Hub to celebrate second birthday on campus
Australia’s first university Community Bank® - Deakin University Community Bank® - has unveiled a new customer hub at the celebration of its second birthday on campus. The design was inspired by one of Deakin University’s students, who won a student design competition for the new-look service centre, located on the Burwood campus.
Deakin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane den Hollander AO said the Deakin University Community Bank® was moving to the Burwood Central Precinct, one of the busiest parts of the campus.
“In keeping with a long line of firsts in this banking partnership, the design of the new space was inspired by one of our students from the School of Architecture and Built Environment, James Embry,” Professor den Hollander said.
“Our new Bank has been transformed into a stunning, customer-focused space, which is eye-catching and inviting. It’s a fabulous concept and by our students, staff and alumni banking through Deakin University Community Bank®, the profits are being reinvested into the Deakin community through a range of scholarships and projects.
“In under two years, the bank has found itself in a strong enough position to offer four scholarships, which will be open to Deakin students, commencing in Trimester 1 next year.”
Bendigo Bank Chairman Robert Johanson said: “Deakin University Community Bank®has enjoyed tremendous support from Deakin’s staff, students and alumni. The model is based on Bendigo Bank’s community banking model, which has delivered more than $200m back into Australian communities since 1998.
“In declaring the Customer Hub open for business, I’m also pleased to be able to announce today that Deakin University Community Bank® expects to invest up to $100,000 back into the Deakin community in the next 12 months. This follows on from last year’s first birthday celebration, where we committed $50,000 to be reinvested to fund a range of projects of benefit to students and staff.
“These funds have already been allocated to groups including Deakin TV, the Deakin Community Garden, the Nomad Teddy Bear Hospital, Deakin Debating Society to name a few,” Mr Johanson concluded.
