Bendigo Bank renovates and recommits
As Cooroy prepares for the closure of the Commonwealth Bank on November 29, locals continue to look at other banking options available to them. What’s clear is the Bendigo Community Bank network is planning on growing and strengthening its relationship with communities across the region.
Sunshine Coast Community Financial Services Limited (SCCFSL) operate the Cooroy, Marcoola, Tewantin Noosa and Pomona Community Bank branches of Bendigo Bank, and Chairman of the SCCFSL Board, Rick Cooper remains committed to making Bendigo Bank the local bank of choice.
“We have a lot to celebrate. As other banks in the region close their doors, more of ours continue to open and we’re expanding our investment in Noosa,” Mr. Cooper said.
Since its establishment 21 years ago, the Community Bank model has returned more than $229 million to Australian communities just like Cooroy.
“In 2002, our Cooroy Community Bank branch opened after our community said it wanted its own bank. Locals funded it and as thousands of our local customers and shareholders know, that same branch is now part of a success story that is part of a bigger, national success story that is changing the banking landscape,” he added.
“It’s a wonderful story and we’re only just getting started. As the fifth largest retail banking network in the country, we exist to give back to the customers and community that support us. Our board and staff are committed to continuing the work that has seen our Noosa branches combine to give back more than $1.1 million to community groups, clubs and schools. Our Cooroy branch is about to add a new chapter to this story,” Mr. Cooper shared.
Bendigo Bank has ten branches on the coast, three in Noosa alone. Unlike other banks, the Community Bank model is based on a 'profit-with-purpose' philosophy, which means profits are returned directly to the local community that helps generate them. Now, 324 Community Bank branches around Australia deliver a full range of banking services locally, but also generate profits that enable significant community investment and strengthening.
Plans have been in place for months to renovate the Cooroy Community Bank branch from December 2, to transform the branch into new and vibrant space. The branch will re-open for business on Tuesday, December 10 at 9.00am.
Cooroy and Pomona Branch Manager, Simone Flavelle said: “Apart from the obvious visible improvements to the Cooroy branch, our customers will enjoy new hi-tech conveniences.”
“Like our Tewantin Noosa Community Bank branch, the first thing everyone will notice will be the size of our new branch. It’s basically a going the be a community hub with a bank in the middle of it,” she added.
“We’re all really excited for our customers. Apart from being a full-service bank with industry leading customer service, our new Cooroy branch will be a custom built, customer-focussed branch. Our customers can talk one-on-one with specialist members of the branch team in a comfortable sit-down environment,” Simone added.
During the renovation period, the Pomona Community Bank branch will be open from 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday, December 2 to Monday, December 9 inclusive at 3 Station Street, Pomona. The ATM at the Cooroy branch will remain operational with the Cooroy team in a pop-up site in front of the branch to work with customer needs where they can. The Tewantin Noosa branch will also be available and open 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
“Our team is really excited about what the new branch will soon offer our customers. Whether it’s a chat about their business, a home loan, savings account, term deposit, credit card, insurance or investment, we’re keen to talk about the difference anyone’s banking can make to where we live. Most of all, we’re here to stay,” Simone concluded.
