Bank supports community groups
Drouin and District Community Bank distributed $41,320 in grants at its recent quarterly presentation, while also announcing a challenge grant for the Warranor Junior Football Club.
The challenge grant will assist the club in installing an electronic scoreboard at Logan Park. After 56 years the club finally has a home ground and they are now working to improve the facility for themselves and other user groups.
The bank announced continued sponsorship of Drouin Dragons Soccer Club, Longwarry Cricket Club, Drouin Bowling Club, Drouin Golf and Country Club, Drouin Recreation Reserve (auspiced by Drouin Football Club) and the Hallora Marathon.
The Hallora Marathon is a fun run, walk or cycle which aims to raise funds for Peter Mac Cancer Research. Participants can choose from a number of different course lengths ranging from 5km to 42.5 km. Event organisers were pleased to report participation numbers almost tripled this year.
Other sporting clubs to receive sponsorship were the Warragul Football Netball Club, Warragul Cricket Club and Warragul Riding for the Disabled.
Warragul Riding for the Disabled has 21 riders ranging from five years to over 60 years of age. Participants learn and practice skills which help to build self-esteem and confidence and for many it also enables mobility.
The Hallora community hall committee will use its grant to assist installing a water tank to service the hall. The Hallora community hall is regularly used for community events, fundraisers and workshops as well as for private functions and can cater for up to 70 patrons.
Warragul Bonsai Group will use its grant to help cover the costs of the signage and banners used to promote their Gardivalia festival event.
Drouin Primary School will use its grant to buy 30 science lab coats for its senior students.
The bank also continued its sponsorship of Warragul Camera Club’s national photographic exhibition.
The Drouin branch of the Country Women’s Association will use its grant to hold a special afternoon tea to mark its 80th birthday.
The eastern group of the Vietnam Veterans of Australia will put its grant towards its annual weekend event at Glen Cromie.
The bank will sponsor Baw Baw Arts Alliance’s Ficifolia Festival art show for the first time. The show allows the local community to view art in all its forms in the one place with the 2018 event attracting 226 works.
The bank will also continue its support of the Ficifolia Festival and events such as the skate park competition.
The Drouin Combined Service Clubs will receive assistance for its Australia Day activities.
The bank will also continue sponsorship of the Longwarry Heritage Truck and Vehicle Show, which also includes an evening dinner, market and family activities.
Warragul Community House will use its grant to assist with the cost of a defibrillator and associated training.
Marist Sion College received sponsorship for its senior cricket team that recently contested the Marist cricket carnival in Adelaide.
The Modella Community Christmas party also received sponsorship.
The bank used the event to welcome new directors Vanessa Marsh, Brett McKellar, Martin Sayers and Sean Walsh.
In the 2017-18 financial year $176,880.52 was distributed via grants and community investments, bringing the total for the past four financial years to $948,893.37.
The bank has distributed $65,248.60 this financial year.