A big cheque event – thanks to the community!

The San Remo, Cowes and Grantville Community Banks enjoyed a very successful sponsorship information session last Tuesday night at the Phillip Island Bowls Club in Cowes.

“We had a terrific turn out and lots of information was shared,” says Peter Paul, Chair of the San Remo, Cowes and Grantville Community Banks.

“It was great to see so many community groups supporting the Community bank, as it means we can support you and your projects. A big thank you is also due to Chris Fricke and the PI Bowls Club for their support and allowing us to use their fantastic venue.”

Peter said the main aim of the night was to help groups apply for sponsorship by supplying information as to what may be approved and what doesn’t fit the sponsorship criteria.

Tanya Donnan, Community Bank Assistant Manager, spoke about alignment cards and how everyone can support the Community simply by banking with the Community Banks.

“When people do their everyday banking with us, it has an incredible flow-on effect to the Phillip Island and surrounding Community – it means we can give money to all the fantastic volunteer groups we have here,” Tanya said.

Caroline Talbot, Company Secretary and Sponsorship Committee convener, delivered an informative and helpful speech about what may or may not be approved in applications, and how to have the best chance of being successful.

Melanie Mumford from Bass Coast L2P, a learner driver program run by Mitchell House, then spoke beautifully about the impact the Community Bank sponsorship had, helping young drivers in the area get their licence when otherwise they may not have had the opportunity.

Robin Blackman from the Phillip Island Jazz Club also gave a stirring speech about the importance of sponsorship for his group.

Greg Thompson from PICAL then took the microphone to speak about the work PICAL does and how it wouldn’t be possible without sponsorship from local organisations such as the Community Bendigo Bank.

The Community Banks will also be holding a grants information night for their 2022 Grants Program at 6pm on Tuesday, May 3, again at the Phillip Island Bowls Club.

Trish Madden, from the Bendigo Community Foundation that runs the annual grants program, will be the special guest speaker and will field any questions groups may have.

So what is the difference between Community Bank sponsorship and the grants program?

“The easiest way to distinguish the two is to say grants are generally for a one-off, large item, like a shed for PICAL or team shelters for the Phillip Island Breakers Soccer Club,” Peter said.

“A grant is usually supplied for an asset. Sponsorship can be a one-off event or it can be ongoing, such as our annual sponsorship of sporting groups.”

Indeed, Chris Ross from Phillip Island Football Netball Club (PIFNC) was the lucky recipient of the customary Bendigo Bank big cheque, with big money – $15,000 for the year. The group will also be getting a new defibrillator.

“We sponsored PIFNC, Kilcunda and Dalyston footy clubs $15,000 each this year. We couldn’t do that without the support of those who bank with us.

“The more people that bank with us on the island, San Remo and Waterline, the more we can do in the community,” Peter concluded.

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