Youth-produced book available in Branches
Bendigo Bank's national network of 277 retail and Community Bank® branches will from today sell the book that tells the Community Bank® story.
Banking on Community Spirit: 22 Australian Communities using Common Cents for Local Benefit is a spirited book produced by youth who have grown up in 22 pro-active towns where Community Bank's® have been established.
The power of collective community spirit is demonstrated in the narratives which detail the hard work put in by Australian mums and dads to return banking service to their towns.
Customer service officers at all Bendigo Bank branches across Australia will be able to order the book for customers from today. The book is retailed at $19.95.
From the colourful descriptions of town locals - the battlers who were going to make a difference to their town come ‘hell or high water' - to the compelling foreword by television-great Ray Martin, Banking on Community Spirit is spiced with a distinctive Australian flavour.
It is an uplifting record of the example bush and suburban communities have set through pooling their resources.
Lead On Australia, coordinator of the project, is a leading regional Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making a difference in the lives of young people. Banking on Community Spirit which has prompted communication between young writers and the leaders of their towns in its making, is a prime example of the work Lead On is excelling at in its 11 branches.
A detailed introduction from Bendigo Bank's Managing Director, Rob Hunt, about his innovative future vision for small towns is also included.
“This remarkable book has evolved from combining two unique Community Enhancement projects – Bendigo Bank's Community Bank® model and the Lead On Youth & Community Leadership Program,” he said
“The Community Bank® initiative (around which the stories in this book revolve) has proven to be a catalyst for many communities around Australia to deal with the challenges facing their districts.
“The people portrayed in this book are ordinary people who have demonstrated the extraordinary strength of communities who work together towards a common goal.
“They represent the true spirit of Australia – embracing innovation and improvisation – believing that the slow death of their communities is simply not an option,” he said.
Published by Potentially Famous the 132-page soft cover book can be inquired about at all Bendigo Bank branches and is also available nationally at all good book stores.
