The Bank has returned more than $1 million in grants, sponsorships and donations to community organisations throughout the district, since opening in April 2012.
Daylesford District community Developments Limited, trading as Community Bank Daylesford District*(CBDD) is proud to announce a significant milestone.
CBDD was established under the Bendigo Bank Community Bank model. It was created to provide local banking services to generate profits which would be reinvested into the local community.
Over the past 14 years, CBDD has grown steadily, with the support of local customers, creating a sustainable source of funding for community groups, projects and initiatives, including this publication, the Wombat Post.
The CBDD Board commented collectively, “Achieving this milestone is a wonderful reward for all those who have contributed over the past 14 years.
“Our journey began when a Feasibility Study Committee was formed to investigate whether a Community Bank could be established in Daylesford. The outcome was positive and our original shareholders contributed $600,000 to establish the Community Bank. Since then, our branch and administration staff, volunteer Directors and Community representatives have all played an important role in building the success of the bank.
“Most important of all are our customers. Without their support and their decision to bank locally, none of this would have been possible,” said the Board
Since opening, more than $1 million has been invested in community infrastructure, events, education, health services, sporting clubs, emergency services, arts organisations and volunteer-led projects.
Branch Manager James Watson commented, “Our team sees first-hand the incredible difference these funds make on the ground. Whether it’s a small grant for new sports equipment, investing in essential safety gear, or a major sponsorship for a local festival, every dollar we give back is a direct result of our customers choosing to bank with us.
“While the people of Daylesford and surrounding areas choose to bank with us, I look forward to many more years of servicing our locals and supporting our community through grants and sponsorships,” said Mr Watson.
One organisation to benefit from this support is St Michael’s Primary School.
Principal Tim Hogan said funding from the bank had delivered lasting benefits for the school community.
“In 2023, money received from the Community Bank Daylesford District assisted us in purchasing a new defibrillator for our school. This has provided peace of mind for our school community and given staff members greater confidence participating in vital first aid training each year.”
The Bank’s impact can also be seen in the region’s arts and cultural sector.
Words in Winter Festival Producer Devon Taylor said the partnership had been critical to the festival’s success.
“The partnership with Community Bank Daylesford District is absolutely essential for Words in Winter.
“Their vital support ensures we can pay all our artists and keep tickets affordable, making the festival inclusive for everyone. By also funding our marketing and key initiatives like the Schools Program, this relationship allows us to deepen engagement and strengthen our relationships with our local communities and artists,” said Ms Taylor.
The Board said the bank’s purpose has remained unchanged since its establishment.
“When Daylesford District Community Developments Ltd was established, the vision was simple: to provide first-class local banking services, create local employment opportunities, generate funding for community groups through sponsorships and donations, and deliver a return to our local shareholders.
“Fourteen years later, that vision remains unchanged.
“Every dollar of community funding distributed by the bank has been made possible by local people choosing to bank locally,” concluded the Board.
