Bendigo Banks back community footy and netball clubs

Country football and netball clubs punch well above their weight when it comes to community impact.

Participation in football and netball promotes physical health, but also provides a place to connect and talk.

Clubs give young people structure, mentorship, and a reason to stay connected, while leadership roles build confidence and responsibility.

Community sporting clubs are run almost entirely by volunteers-coaches, trainers, committee members and canteen workers.

This fosters a culture of giving back and builds local leadership capacity that spills into other community projects.

Match days bring in crowds that support local pubs, cafes, and shops.

Sponsorships from local businesses circulate money within the town.

Events like finals or tournaments can be significant local economic boosts.

And when a crisis hits, clubs become hubs for fundraising, coordination, and recovery efforts.

The San Remo, Cowes and Grantville Community Bendigo Banks have long recognised this critical connection between our footy/netball clubs and the well-being of their local communities.

"We have sponsored the Kilcunda-Bass club since 2004, the Phillip Island club since 2006 and the Dalyston club since 2009," said John Matthews, Chair of San Remo, Cowes and Grantville Community Banks.

"Over this time we have contributed over $838,000 to these clubs - supporting them directly and their broader communities.i

"I am delighted to note that this sponsorship now includes support for women's footy through the banks' support of the Bass Coast Breakers.

"These clubs' contribution goes far beyond sport. They are at the heart of their communities.

"So we want to help them, help others. This has grown from just providing grants and sponsorships to a strong partnership between the banks and their local clubs.

We want to see this continue well into the future."

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