Bendigo Bank Nagambie celebrates 25th anniversary of Community Banking

Bendigo Bank’s unique Community Bank model is celebrating 25 years of community owned and operated banking in Australia.

The internationally acclaimed model has grown from a concept designed to empower communities at risk of losing face-to-face banking services to a network of more than 300 branches nationally with $20 billion in loans and $31.3 billion in deposits.

Founded in 1998 with branches in Rupanyup and Minyip, the secret to its success can be traced back to the profit-with-a-purpose model which sees a majority of the profits generated by each independently owned and operated Community Banks directed back into the community.

Bendigo Bank Nagambie Chair Natalie SheridanSmith thanked the Bank’s customers for their support, its team members for delivering quality service, local shareholders for backing their community and all the passionate locally based directors for their hard work and dedication.

“We would like to congratulate Bendigo Bank and Community Bank Rupanyup and Minyip on their 25 th anniversary. The important steps they took made it possible for communities like ours and many others to take charge of our future.”

“In Nagambie, we were delighted to open our own Community Bank in 2017 as an expansion of Community Bank Heathcote & District, building on the success of these early pioneer communities.

Bendigo Bank Nagambie together with Community Bank Heathcote & District has returned over $1.5 million in sponsorships, grants and scholarships to the community.”

Collectively, the Community Bank model is on track to return a total of $300 million in profits in its anniversary year since inception. Community Bank funding often attracts co-investors such as local, state and federal governments creating a multiplier effect on the capital raised which has enabled projects totalling over an estimated $1 billion.

Michelle Clark was among the Community

Bank model’s very first customers, visiting the MinyipvBranch with her daughter Emma and opening an account on 26 June 1998. Emma opened a savings account with $10 and her savings would fund the deposit on her first home 20 years later.

“Small communities like ours are loyal, we want to support our town and we do that by banking with Bendigo. To this day I still bank with Bendigo Bank. My granddaughter is just four months old and one day we will open her first account at the Rupanyup/ Minyip branch, just like her mother did.”

Bendigo Bank CEO and Managing Director Marnie Baker said the strength of the shared value model proved that Australians will support a genuine alternative to the banking oligopoly if you provided quality products and excellent, award winning service backed by a trusted financial institution.

“Bendigo Bank’s vision is to be Australia’s bank of choice and our purpose is to feed into the prosperity of our customers and their communities. The Community Bank model is aligned with both our vision and our purpose and we are immensely proud of its success.”

“I want to acknowledge the Board of Rupanyup/ Minyip and the local community for their hard work and the important role they played in piloting this unique model, showing communities nationwide what can be achieved when we work together towards shared goals.”

Community Bank National Council Chair

Sarah Franklyn said the milestone was a ringing endorsement of the profit-with-purpose, social enterprise model. Ms Franklyn thanked the Community Enterprises that operate the branches, as they continue working together to ensure the model’s future success.

“The internationally recognised Community Bank model has been embraced by more than 300 communities across Australia, where branches support economic growth and their grants and sponsorships underpin and strengthen the social fabric.”

“As the custodians of one of Australia’s most successful social enterprise movements, we are pleased to celebrate the amazing outcomes achieved in the last 25 years and look forward to working together to evolve and adapt this unique model for the next generation.”

“I especially want to thank our Community Bank directors, many of whom volunteer their time, for their hard work. The success of our Community Bank companies is a testament to their passion and commitment to the success of their local communities.”

Bendigo Bank and its community partners will mark the anniversary with celebrations at Community Banks around Australia.

Church News

POUR AND PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP: Nagambie Connect Faith will lead the P.O.U.R service on October 6th at the tennis club rooms. Noon.

ANGLICAN: Thursday, August 24. Central Goulburn Mother’s Union Mary Sumner Day and Wave of Prayer Service St John’s Nagambie 1.30 pm. BYO lunch.

September 14. Anglican Mother’s Union annual “Morning Melodies” fundraiser. Funds to be raised will go towards the Mother’s Union Gender based violence and domestic violence and climate change. Venue. Christ Church hall. Seymour. Entertainer will be well known local singer Noel Pearson. Whose specialty is rock and roll, ballads and music suitable for the 1960-2000’s music lovers. There will be a trading table, raffle, lucky door prizes and lots of fun. Bookings will be available soon.

Services: Christ Church Seymour. Sunday 9am. St John’s Nagambie. 11am.

St. Paul’s Avenel. 1st Saturday at 5pm and the 5th Sunday of the month 10am. POC Rev. R.Pennington. 0477 921 111.

CATHOLIC: ST. MALACHY’S - 150 YEARS: St Malachy’s Catholic Church in Nagambie is to celebrate its 150th anniversary on November 19.

Bishop, Most Reverend, Shane Mackinlay of the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst in Bendigo will say Mass at 10am..

The Strathbogie Shire Council’s Parks and Garden supervisor is to overseer the digging of the bed in the nature strip in the near future, and to prepare the bed for rose planting.

Since then 13 donors (includes some individuals also) have promised to donate a rose for this memorial. The roses were purchased and the steel stakes for the garden.

Thanks so far for support from Strathbogie Shire Council staff, Bob Slater, and donors Julie Cubbins, Go Nagambie (Nagambie Lakes Tourism and Commerce), Nagambie Primary School, Nagambie Lakes Men’s Shed, Nagambie Senior Citizens Club, Nagambie Lakes Community House, Nagambie RSL, Anglican Mother’s Union, Nagambie Football and Netball Club, Nagambie and District Historical Society, Kelvin Grove Village-Boyle family, Cathy Lawrence and Di and John Grant who have taken this royal project on board.

This will (weather permitting) take place on Friday, 18th August at the site near the water tower picnic area

I am calling for donor group representatives and any willing hands to come along and plant the roses in honour of their group from 11am onwards. There needs to be the hammering in of steel stakes alongside the roses. So mallets will be required for this task, and a spade for the planting. I will also ensure some seasol and water supplies will accompany the plants in the ground to sustain their transplanting from pots.

I hope that a plaque made by D.P.Jones Plaques of Kyabram will be available to be placed in the garden , and a dedication ceremony to be held close to the 1st year anniversary since Queen Elizabeth 11 passed away in September 2022. At which Rev. Richard Pennington will conduct the service and donors, families, and community folk will also be invited to attend this momentous community project dedication. The support received and feedback so far has been very positive.

Thank you

Diane Grant

To commemorate this anniversary Rhonda Robinson and Mel Arnold are writing the history of St.Malachy’s church and parish. They would like any information, photos and memorabilia for this project.

They would also like information about St Mary’s Avenel and St Patrick’s Moorilim.

Contact R.Robinson 0400 546 560 or M..Arnold 0400 610 455.

Catholic Services. Nagambie St Malachy’s. Mondays

10.30am & Wednesday noon Rosary. 1st and 3rd

Sundays 9.00am Mass. 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays 11.00am

Word & Communion. W.Keenan. 0459 595 908.

Avenel St Mary’s. Sundays 10.30am Rosary. 1st & 3rd

Sundays 11am Mass 2nd & 4th & 5th Sundays 11.00am

Word and Communion. G.Kenworthy. 0405 125 963. Parish priest Fr A.Hill. Euroa. 0439 033 029.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Nagambie St Andrew’s. 9am service 1st & 3rd Sunday and Seymour every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month. W.Day. 0429 933 116.

UNITING: Seymour & Avenel Uniting Church. During winter combined service at 10am Avenel. POC Rev. J. Payne. 0408 176 754.

NAGAMBIE CONNECT FAITH COMMUNITY: (Uniting Church) 2nd & 4th Sundays, 9.30am, Nagambie Senior Citizens' Clubrooms. R.Close. 0402 286 277

Council Meeting

The next meeting of Strathbogie Shire Council is scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 6pm at the Euroa Community Conference Centre. The gallery will be open to the public.

The meeting will be livestreamed at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au and we encourage community members to watch the meeting via this option.

The agenda for this meeting will be available on Council's website by close of business the Friday prior to the meeting. Hard copies of the agenda will no longer be available, however, a limited number of iPads with the agenda uploaded will be on hand for public use at the meeting.

Quick response community grants open all year

Don’t forget our $1000 Quick Response Grants are now open year-round, and approval is by the CEO ensuring they are quick and accessible. The funding pool for Event Grants has also increased from $30,000 annually to $50,000, with event organiser able to apply for up to $5000. For more information head to our website.

Come celebrate our Tank and Tobin magpie sculpture!

Are you ready to celebrate? Because we are too!

On Friday, August 11 our giant Tank and Tobin magpie sculpture is being installed and we want you all there for the unveiling.

Head to the Seven Creeks Park from 4pm to 5pm for the official opening, followed by the Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce’s party from 5pm to 7pm. There will be food trucks, music, drinks vendors and more.

Read more at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au.

Looking for a local club or group?

Did you know one of the features of our website is a community directory. It’s a listing of clubs, community groups and businesses in the Strathbogie community.

You can search through local listings, or list your club or business. It’s really simple just head to www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au and click on the ‘find a business, club or group’ button.

New Emergency Management Plan

A new Municipal Emergency Management Plan was approved for Strathbogie Shire by the Hume Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee.

The plan provides an overview of previous emergencies that have taken place in the shire and sets out Council’s role at the local level in the context of regional and state emergency management planning.

A copy of the plan can be found at www. strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Jubilee Park Play Equipment –Official Opening

You’re invited to join us for the official opening of new play equipment at Jubilee Park in Avenel. It’s our opportunity to thanks the local community and children for their help in choosing the best equipment for our community. We’re grateful for the positive community input that has ensured better outcomes for the Avenel playground and community.

Join us to celebrate on Thursday, August 10 at 12.30pm.

Work with us

We’re looking for talented people to join our team:

• Procurement Assistant. Permanent Part Time (16 hours per fortnight). Band 4 - $31.34 per hour + 11% super. Applications close 9am, 7 August 2023

• Revenue Administration Officer. Permanent Part Time (50 hours per fortnight). Band 4 - $31.34 per hour + 11% super. Applications close 9am, 7 August 2023

• OHS Officer. Permanent Part Time (46 hours per fortnight). Band 6 - $39.93 per hour + 11% super. Applications close 9am, 14 August 2023.

• Risk Officer. Permanent Part Time (30 hours per fortnight). Band 6 - $39.93 per hour + 11% super. Applications close 9am, 14 August 2023.

Visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au for further details and instructions on how to apply.

Strathbogie Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and a Child Safe organisation. We value diversity in our workplace and will consider flexible working arrangements.

Tenders now open

The following tenders are now open at Strathbogie Shire Council:

• Request for quotation provision of (Used) 5T mass minimum excavator. Lump sum (Contract Number 23/24-09). Closing: 16/08/20230

• Request for tender consultancy for the delivery of Municipal Settlement Plan (Contract Number 23/24-04). Closing: 09/08/2023.

Request for tender roads reseal program (contract number 23/24-02). Closing 23/08/2023).

Strathbogie Shire works within Procurement Best Practice guidelines. All questions MUST be directed in writing through the online portal. Tenders can only be lodged online through the Tendersearch portal.

13

Carrick Crescent, Nagambie

3 2 2

This three-bedroom brick veneer home offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Situated on a generous land area of 882 sqm, this property is perfect for families and individuals alike. Located in a quiet location, this property is walking distance to local schools, kindergarten, shops, and Lake Nagambie.

Step inside and be greeted by a spacious and well-designed interior. The house features a range of desirable attributes including ceiling fans and built-in robes to all bedrooms with a walk in robe to the master bedroom, floorboards throughout and Mitsubishi split system air conditioning in the main living area and master bedroom.

The exterior of the property includes a fully fenced yard with rear access gates, irrigation system and a large 10mx6m shed offering ample storage space for all your belongings. In addition, the property includes solar hot water, reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying the benefits of energy-efficient living.

Sadly, another councillor has resigned. Kristy Hourigan submitted her resignation, effective immediately. Kristy was a great representative, and she will be missed for her insightfulness, integrity and her ability to question and contribute to discussions. We have lost a good one. Locals are being urged to show their support for Strathbogie Shire Council’s campaign for funding to deliver the waterway manager role which keeps the waterways safe and the region thriving.

Council made the decision to consider exiting the role of waterway manager if funding to fully cover the cost of delivering the service is not provided. The waterway manager role was now costing up to $200,000 to deliver and is another example of cost shifting by the government to council and ratepayers.

Local management is important. Our waterways need to be safe, and they are a tourism drawcard, but again we can’t keep throwing money at a government responsibility.

Council has created a proforma letter people could use to send to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny, which can be located on the website. I have received a lot of correspondence from concerned residents regarding the lack of a crossing supervisor at Nagambie Primary School. Be assured I am as concerned about this issue as many others are and I will be advocating on your behalf that it be resolved quickly, if only for the short term.

Upcoming special shire events include the Jubilee Park Play Equipment opening at the Avenel playground on Thursday, August 10 at 12.30pm. The other special event is the giant magpie sculpture unveiling, to be held on Friday, August 11, at 4.00pm, at the Euroa Seven Creeks Park, followed by music, food and drinks.

A big shout out to Mahony Fothergill who played her 100th game of netball recently. While I’m at it, well done to the Lakers football team in their recent big win over Shepparton East. This now places them one game clear as the ladder leaders.

Until next issue, stay safe.

Reg Dickinson

Online Auction: September 6th, 2023

Mark Boyer 0418 941 628 Nagambie, Vic

BREWER Y AN D DISTILLERY

Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) approved Strathbogie Shire

A new Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) has been approved for Strathbogie Shire.

The plan was approved in May this year by The Hume Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee, setting out the local arrangements for emergency management.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said everyone in the community had a part to play during emergencies.

“The MEMP assists Council to meet its emergency management obligations to Strathbogie Shire residents,” she said.

“It provides an overview of previous emergencies that have taken place in the shire and sets out Council's role at the local level in the context of regional and state emergency management planning.

“The MEMP identifies legislated emergency management roles of Council officers and the establishment of Council’s Critical Incident Management Team which will be set up to coordinate recovery efforts.” The next major review of the plan is scheduled for 2026.

The MEMP was prepared by the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee which is made up of a cross section of agencies, both response, relief and recovery and we thank the committee's efforts in the development of this plan. A copy of the plan can be found online.

Kristy Hourigan | Resignation Statement

It is with mixed emotions that I have resigned from my role as a Councillor at Strathbogie Shire Council in the Seven Creeks Ward.

It has truly been a privilege to serve the community and contribute to its growth and development.

I am proud of the work we have achieved in the past three years. We now have:

• A new (and impressive) footbridge across the Seven Creeks

• One (soon to be two) pedestrian crossings in Binney St, Euroa and upgraded streetscapes

• A splash park in Nagambie

• A new website

• A 2021/25 Council Plan and Community Vision developed with community at the heart

• Delivered capital works in the tens of millions that included:

• Toilet upgrades at the Friendlies

• Sewer at the Euroa Tennis Club

• Pathway upgrades at the Euroa Farmers Arms Museum

• Footpath Upgrades

• Truck wash for Euroa Saleyards

On top of this we have changed the way we engage with the community to ensure that their input is welcomed and heard. In 2021/22 alone we engaged on 51 projects and received 4215 community contributions.

It was important for me to make sure the community was always informed, and they were able to openly express their opinions in all decisions I was making.

I have worked hard to represent the best interests of our community and to advocate for positive change.

I publicly called and held the state government to account over there lack of flood recovery funding during a time that we will all suffering.

I have faced many challenges. Being a Councillor can be a thankless task – both inside and outside the chamber – and more recently the in-house political bureaucracy has taken its toll.

We need to work together. To support each other through the wins and the disagreements.

We are a small rural shire with many challenges – this isn’t a secret – but we need to work together, to respect each other, to ensure we continue to thrive.

I hope Council can create a respectful and inclusive environment where all voices are heard, and concerns are addressed constructively. We cannot continue to feel the gender bias that sadly still exists.

In my resignation, I would like to say thank you to the community and my fellow (former) Councillors, CEO, and Council staff.

I am committed to continuing to be strong advocate for our region and our community.