Spoils shared around
BABINDA Kindy, St Rita’s Catholic School Babinda and Babinda Task Force plan to put $1000 in community dividends to use wisely.
The three organisations were the recipients of funds from the Babinda Community Bank, an affiliation of Bendigo Bank.
Babinda Community Bank chairwoman Desley Vella said the money was presented to representatives at the organisation’s 11th annual general meeting on October 26.
The Babinda Community Bank was established in 2006 when 350 local community members raised about $600,000 in share purchases to establish a bank in the Babinda township.
Ms Vella said since then shareholders had received more than $167,00.00 in dividends on their community investment and community clubs, schools, not-for-profit organisations and events had received $560,000.
“It is a really special part of this job where we get to give back to those in the community who are doing wonderful things,” she said.
More than 40 guests heard representatives of Babinda Hotel St Fair 100-year anniversary, Christmas in Babinda, Babinda Harvest Festival, Babinda Fishing Club, Babinda RSL, Seniors’ morning tea, Pyramid Polocrosse, Babinda State School Sportsperson of the Year, Babinda Lawn Bowls Club Ladies’ and Men’s competitions and the Innisfail Babinda Cane Services Award.
Babinda Kindy will use their money for a train and bus excursion to reinforce travel safely awareness and St Rita’s Catholic School Babinda will invest in Lego and robotics.
Babinda Task Force will use its portion to host the 2017 Christmas in Babinda festival next month.
A shop local competition was also launched on the night with $1000 up for grabs Productivity for supporting local businesses. The prize will be drawn on December 2 at the Christmas in Babinda event.
The event also included recognition for the voluntary work three community bank directors who had served for 10 years.
Bendigo Bank Queensland state manager Gavin Holden and regional community manager Ross Growcott presented awards to Desley Vella, Laurel Cottone and Kitty Anning.