By Jessica Micallef
Community and sports groups across the Macedon Ranges have a million reasons to be happy.
With its latest round of community funding, Gisborne Bendigo Bank has passed the milestone of making more than $1 million worth of grants to the area.
Branch manager Sarah Barton said she was thrilled the bank was able to support many local initiatives.
“It is so exciting to be able to give back to the community and help so many groups deliver their projects,” she said. “Our customers should feel very proud as it is their banking that has made this amazing result possible.”
The money has helped more than 100 community groups deliver more than 250 projects in Gisborne, Macedon and Riddells Creek. They have included a mental health hub at Macedon Ranges Health, an electronic scoreboard at Gardiner Reserve in Gisborne, new playground equipment at Riddells Creek Lions Park and lighting upgrades at Tony Clarke Reserve in Macedon.
More than 10 projects were awarded funding last month, taking the total community contributions by the bank branch to $1,040,000.
Branch chairman Graham Stewart said he had his sights set on reaching $2 million.
“The next major community investment milestone could be reached in a few years,” he said.
