Community Bank Mission Beach Marks 15 Years

Bendigo Bank

THE Mission Beach Community Bank is this month celebrating 15 years of providing banking and financial services to the local community in the Mission Beach district.

Officially opened on July 22, 2008, the branch is the last remaining bank or financial institution to provide in-person services to its customers in the Mission Beach area.

Mission Beach Community Bank Board Chair, Andrew Cripps, said directors and staff were very proud of the 15-year milestone and looked forward to a positive future.

"The Mission Beach community worked hard to secure the support required to establish their own bank and for 15 years, it's been a community asset," said Mr Cripps.

"Other banks and financial institutions have all left Mission Beach, but as a community owned branch, we continue to focus on our customers and serving them."

"I want to pay tribute to the original steering committee that drove the campaign to establish the branch and the volunteer directors who have since served on the board."

"I was proud to be a foundation shareholder of the Mission Beach Community Bank, so to be part of the board celebrating 15 years of trading is very satisfying indeed."

Mr Cripps said while the Mission Beach Community Bank branch was owned by local shareholders, it operated under a franchise agreement with Bendigo Bank.

Mission Beach Community Bank Branch Manager, Stefanie Raiti, said staff were proud to provide friendly, professional face-to-face banking services to customers.

"We pride ourselves on giving our customers access to the services and products of a major bank, with the personal touch of a community-owned branch," Mrs Raiti said.

"The branch employs local staff, who have worked in their own businesses, owned farms, and raised families, so they understand the needs of our customers."

"We are also fortunate to have a supportive board, loyal shareholders and great customers, all of whom have helped keep our community branch going since 2008.

"Over the last 15 years, Mission Beach Community Bank has provided over $267,000 in donations and sponsorships to local community organisations and events," Mrs Raiti concluded.