Gallery: Woombye Community Bank gives back $58,500 to local groups
Community Bank Chair Stephen Marshall with special guest Mayor Rosanna Natoli.
The spirit of community giving was alive and well at Nambour Cinema & Events Centre on November 6 when the Woombye & Districts Community Bank presented $58,500 in cheques to local groups at its Giving Back to Woombye evening.
More than 100 guests attended the celebration, which recognised the bank’s ongoing investment in local schools, clubs, and not-for-profit organisations before a special screening of the new Australian film Kangaroo.
Director Stephen Marshall told the audience the community-owned bank had now contributed or earmarked more than $730,000 for local projects since opening in 2009.
“Good education is vital to the future of our nation,” Mr Marshall said, outlining the launch of the bank’s inaugural scholarship program and its commitment to expanding it in future years.
He also highlighted the installation of four automated external defibrillators (AEDs) around Woombye — a project delivered in partnership with local businesses and community groups. “These can be lifesaving,” he said. “We’re also offering free first aid courses in November, because first aid training can indeed be lifesaving too.”
Branch Manager Hayley Saunders said the evening was about celebrating the community’s success and encouraging more locals to support their local bank.
“Only 1.2 per cent of people in our catchment currently bank with us,” she said. “From that, we’ve given away $730,000. Imagine what we could do if we could double that.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, who opened the event, praised the commitment of local volunteers and the community bank’s role in fostering connection and generosity.
“The Sunshine Coast is more than a place — it’s a feeling,” Cr Natoli said. “Woombye is all the better for the work you do in our community.”
Woombye bank proves the value of keeping business local
Woombye Community Bank manager Hayley Saunders says the results of community banking are clear – local customers help fund local projects.
Speaking at the Giving Back to Woombye evening at Nambour Cinema and Events Centre, Ms Saunders said the community-owned branch had contributed or earmarked more than $730,000 for local initiatives since opening in 2009.
“Only 1.2 per cent of people across the 4559 and 4560 postcodes bank with us,” she said. “From that, we’ve given away $730,000. It shows how powerful the model can be, and how much more we could achieve with greater local support.”
Ms Saunders said the bank’s structure meant profits stayed with the community. “Up to 80 per cent of our profits are returned to the community through sponsorships, donations, and scholarships,” she said. “It’s a simple model – local customers support the bank and, in turn, the bank supports local organisations.”
She said the Woombye branch offered full banking services with decisions made locally and an emphasis on personal contact.
“We employ local staff, our phones are answered in-branch, and we make decisions here, not interstate,” she said. “That’s something people still value.”
Ms Saunders said many residents were unaware of the scale of community investment made possible even with a small customer base.
“The money funds things like scholarships, defibrillators, sporting groups and community events,” she said. “These are things that make a difference to everyday life in Woombye and the surrounding districts.
“Every dollar that stays local helps build stronger communities,” she said.
“That’s really what this evening is about – recognising what’s possible when people back their own town.”
Ms Saunders encouraged locals to consider switching their accounts to the community bank as a practical way to support Woombye’s growth.
“If you want to do more for your community, you don’t have to volunteer or run for office,” she said. “You can change your banking. That one choice helps fund local projects, schools, clubs, and emergency equipment.”
