Gold Coast turns into community banking central

In 2001, Biggera Waters opened Queensland's second Community Bank^® branch,  owned by 300-plus local residents, traders and business people with a  commitment to return profits back to local projects.

It was a gamble by this community which raised more than  $440,000 in shareholdings to open a new style of banking in partnership with  Bendigo Bank, a relatively unknown banking brand in the State.

Six locals were appointed as volunteer directors to the Community Bank^® company and five  people were employed to work in the branch.

But it was a gamble that has paid off for this community  with a second branch open in nearby Helensvale, providing local employment for another  three locals.

Significantly, the local Community Bank^® company has returned more than $300,000  in grants, sponsorships to community projects and organisations and shareholder  dividends.

Current Chairman and local business consultant, Robert  Knight joined the board as a director in 2007.

"Initially it was about returning a traditional bank  branch to the Biggera Waters shopping centre," he said.

"At the time, Bendigo was the only bank that was  prepared to take a chance on our community and if we could prove that we had  the community spirit and commitment to raise the capital, Bendigo Bank was  prepared to partner with us in opening a bank branch.

"The clincher for us was the fact that as our banking  business grew, so too would the benefits that would flow back to our community.

"I don't think any of us realised how significant those  benefits and returns to the community would be.

"It started out with us supplying drink bottles for  local sporting groups and has grown to developing a community app for  Helensvale so locals and visitors have access to information about all things  Helensvale."

"Look around our community and you'll see the Community Bank^® footprint on  most projects and community events, both big and small."

The Gold Coast will become Community Bank^® central on Wednesday and Thursday when  200 Community Bank^®  volunteer directors arrive for the annual  two-day State Community Bank^® Conference.

These people aren't bankers. They're Mums and Dads,  retirees, local business people, public servants, students, teachers, musicians,  artists, accountants, lawyers … and the list goes on.

The one thing they do have in common is their love and  commitment to their local community and a drive to make it a better place to  live and work.