Community Bank update for 2026

For the Community Banks of San Remo, Cowes and Grantville, banking is our job, but community is our purpose.

The first half of 2026 has been a busy one, with our volunteer board directors and dedicated staff actively supporting community groups, events, students and sporting clubs across our region.

This year we have proudly sponsored and/or attended a range of community events, including the ASPIR Easter Art Show, the Corinella & District Community Centre Annual Art Show, the San Remo Channel Challenge, the Cowes Classic, the Mother's Day Classic at Berry's Beach, the Rhyll Phillip Island Angling Club Whiting Classic and the Bass Coast Breakers Pride Match.

We have also continued our annual support of organisations such as the Phillip Island Cricket Club, the local football and netball clubs and the Phillip Island Jazz Club.

Supporting young people remains a priority.

In April we welcomed 21 scholarship recipients and their families to a special afternoon tea to celebrate our scholarship program, which provides Year 10, 11 and 12 students with $1000 annually to help support their learning journey.

We have also been proud to stand alongside our communities at ANZAC Day services in Cowes, Bass and San Remo, recognising the service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation.

Community investment extends beyond sponsorships and events.

In recent months we continued updating our community room, creating a welcoming space that local not-for-profit groups will be able to use in future for meetings, workshops and community activities.

We also hosted a grants information night to assist community organisations in preparing applications and exploring funding opportunities.

One of the highlights of the year was visiting Melaleuca Lodge to see the new coffee station made possible through a $23,000 grant awarded in 2025.

Seeing projects come to life and witnessing the positive impact they have on people is one of the most rewarding aspects of community banking.

These are just some of the ways your Community Banks continue to invest in local people, local projects and local organisations.

Every time a customer chooses to bank with us, they help create opportunities that strengthen our communities.

Together, we are building stronger communities across Phillip Island, San Remo, Grantville and the Bass Coast region.

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