News from WA......Community Banking spreading to the West
The Bendigo Bank has been pleasantly surprised at the level of support in rural Western Australia of the community Banking concept.
This follows a visit to Bendigo Bank at Bendigo pre-Christmas by Western Australian politicians and the Department of Commerce and Trade. This
resulted in an invitation to visit the west to speak to communities who have suffered from withdrawal of banking services.
The first trip in February resulted in six meetings and the following trip planned in late April has identified another eight meetings.
Communities have formed committee's and started fund raising towards their own community bank. These include Kulin, Perenjori, Kellerberrin, Brookton, Meekatharra, Tambellup, Cranbrook, Cervantes, Goomalling, Wyalkatchem, Nungarin and Trayning.
Another eight sites are at enquiry stage and the Bank expects more to commence fund raising in the near future.
The Bendigo Bank is committed to providing service and support to the development of these community banks so much so it's appointed Simon Cornwell to manage the Western Australian project, and he will be relocating to Perth in June 1999.
Further information can be obtained by calling Simon, on 03 54339350.
Russell Jenkins
Project Head Community Banking
