Amy Hume
CLUBS and organisations across the Mitchell Shire have been given a boost thanks to funding from the Wallan Community Bank.
More than $24,500 was donated back to the community at a special presentation ceremony at the Wallan Community Centre last Thursday.
There was plenty of applause for the ongoing support that the bank is providing for Wallan Secondary College.
Wallan Community Bank is donating $36,000 to the school over a three-year period, and handed over a progressive payment of $12,000.
The ongoing sponsorship will see new netball courts built on the school grounds for the use of the students, as well as the wider community.
The bank will also be one the school’s major sponsors at its annual awards night to be held in December this year.
Wallan Community Bank branch manager, Kevin Hannam presented the cheque to Wallan Secondary College principal, Wendy Caramarco, and school captains Jayden Wright and Katelyn Scott.
“Wallan Community Bank has been incredibly generous in the community and we’re very fortunate to have its support,” Ms Caramarco said.
“I know the bank will go from strength to strength and will continue to offer its support to many groups within the community.
“Wallan Community Bank sets a great example for our students and the children in the community with ‘paying it forward’ and giving back to the people.
“I have the greatest admiration and respect for your organisation,” Ms Caramarco said.
Kilmore SES received $6000 towards the purchase of a new rescue vehicle.
Mr Hannam congratulated the unit’s volunteers on their dedication and support for the community.
“They always do a fantastic job,” he said.
“Whatever time of night, whatever the situation, if they are needed they are always there.”
Kilmore SES Unit controller Peter Brennan said the funding would see the replacement of 26-year-old vehicle that had seen better days.
“We are very appreciative for everything the bank has done and without its support would mean cooking another 15,000 sausages,” he said.
Funding for groups
The bank has returned $31,435 to the community in the past year and more than $62,000 since opening in July 2007.
The Mitchell Rangers Soccer Club also received a generous donation of $2500 to assist in paying for uniforms;
Wandong/Heathcote Junction Community Group received $1699 towards a marquee to provide protection from the elements while putting on events;
Wallan District Cricket Club received $1450 towards promotion, club equipment and uniforms;
Seymour Apex Club received $1000 for a trailer to transport its barbecue to fundraising and social events.
The Wandong Country Music Festival committee received $1000 towards booking artists, production equipment and advertising;
Wallan and District Basketball Association received $1000 towards uniforms for the junior teams;
Wallan Primary School received $1000 towards its new garden program;
Kilmore resident, Natalie Bingham, received $750 from the bank’s Youth Development Fund to support a humanitarian trip to Fiji where she will volunteer her time to teach at a school;
The Wallan Mechanics’ Institute received $735 for the purchase of candles for the Wallan Carols by Candlelight event;
Wallan District Junior Tennis Club received $500 towards the set up of a club tournament;
Mitchell Photography Club received $500 in vouchers to assist with the club’s photography competition that starts at the Kilmore Show; and the Wallan Play Group received $242 to pay for a sign to promote the group.
Supporting the community
The bank has returned $31,435 to the community in the past year and more than $62,000 since opening in July 2007.
The bank is always looking for ways to assist and better the community and give back to the people it serves.
Mr Hannam said the more people that support the bank by opening an account, the more it can grow and give back to the community.
The bank supports various groups and organisations throughout the Mitchell Shire by offering grants for projects and equipment.
For more information on Wallan Community Bank, or how to apply for funding, visit the Bendigo Bank branch at, 51 High Street, Wallan, or contact Kevin Hannam on 5783 2763.






