Major sponsorship for Ford Discovery Centre

Bendigo Bank today announced a major sponsorship of the Ford Discovery Centre, Australia's first automotive technology discovery centre.

The Bank will provide $100,000 over the next six years to FDC, specifically for the centre's educational activities.

FDC is expected to be a significant resource for schools as well as visitors from throughout Victoria, Australia and overseas.

It will showcase the past, present and future of Ford in Australia in an entertaining and educational way. The many interactive displays are expected to be a big hit with children. Bendigo Bank's sponsorship will fund the promotion of the centre to schools and the development of special educational exhibits and materials such as information kits. The sponsorship was presented by Bendigo Bank's managing director, Rob Hunt, to FDC director Stan Liacos at a ceremony on-site today.

"Bendigo Bank is only in business because people choose to support us and we believe we have an obligation to put something back into the community,"Mr Hunt said.

"We are delighted to be able to do this through our sponsorship of the Ford Discovery Centre, which is designed to become an important community asset."

Ford Australia president David Morgan said the FDC was pleased to have Bendigo Bank join other business and community organisations supporting the centre.

The centre is located in the former Denny's Woolstores building on the Geelong waterfront and will open to the public in mid-April.