That’s a wrap – Community Calendar 2026 Competition Winners Announced

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Congratulations to the Winners of Our 2026 Community Calendar Competition!

What an incredible year it has been for our annual Community Calendar Photo Competition. A huge thank you to everyone who entered and helped make this year’s competition our biggest yet. We received 94 entries, including 20 from talented photographers under 18, and an amazing 1,500 online votes. The passion, creativity, and love for the Upper Yarra truly shone through every image.

And the Winner Is…

We’re excited to announce that the Judges’ Choice Winner for 2026 is:
Eastern Spinebill, My Birding Spark by Finn Saurine
Finn’s beautiful photo will feature on the cover of the 2026 Community Bank Calendar—congratulations, Finn!

Celebrating Our Talented Community

Of course, Finn isn’t alone in the spotlight. Congratulations to all our winners featured in our Winners Gallery, whose photographs will appear throughout the calendar. Each image captures something unique and special about the Upper Yarra, from its natural beauty to the creativity of the people who call it home.

Competitions like this aren’t just about choosing a winner; they’re about celebrating local talent, encouraging creativity, and highlighting the stunning environment right here on our doorstep.

When Can You Get Your Calendar?

The 2026 Community Bank Calendar will be available in-branch from late November. This edition promises to be one of the most beautiful yet, and we can’t wait for you to pick up your copy. In the meantime, we’ll be sharing the winning images on our Facebook page over the coming weeks, so keep an eye out!

Why It Matters

We asked you to show us the Upper Yarra through your lens—and you delivered. From landscapes to wildlife, every photo told a story of connection, place, and community. These initiatives give people of all ages an avenue to explore their creativity while celebrating the unique beauty of the Yarra Valley.

Thank you once again to everyone who entered, voted, or supported the competition. And to our winners—congratulations on your well-deserved recognition.

It’s a celebration in pictures of everything that makes the Upper Yarra such a wonderful place to live.

$12,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Local Students for 2025

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At our recent 25th Birthday Community Celebration on 21 February, we were thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Geoff Vickers Youth Scholarships, supporting first-year university or TAFE students from the Upper Yarra.

An initiative of UYCE Ltd, this annual scholarship program is proudly funded by Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction and has been running since 2014. Over the past decade, the program has provided more than $48,000 in financial support to 31 local students pursuing further education.

For 2025, we are delighted to award $12,000 across four deserving students, helping them take their next big step in their academic journeys.

Congratulations to:

Jacinta Tait – from McMahons Creek and a graduate of Upper Yarra Secondary College
Awarded a $2,000 scholarship to study a Bachelor of Natural & Physical Sciences at Monash University.

Jerikai Jones – from Millgrove and a graduate of Upper Yarra Secondary College
Awarded a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Creative Arts at Deakin University.

Pearl Saurine – from Yarra Junction and a graduate of Yarra Hills Secondary College
Awarded a $3,000 scholarship to study Animal & Veterinary Biosciences at Latrobe University.

Jackson Wetherall – from Yarra Junction and a graduate of Upper Yarra Secondary College
Awarded a $2,000 scholarship to undertake a Bachelor of Society & Culture at Monash University.

We wish Jacinta, Jerikai, Pearl, and Jackson every success in their studies. We hope this support brings them one step closer to achieving their academic goals with a little less financial pressure.

Empowering our youth is investing in the future of our community.

Community Bank Warburton & Yarra Junction – Proudly supporting local dreams.

$38,000 in Community Grants Announced for 2025

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As part of our 25th Birthday Community Celebration on 21 February 2025, Upper Yarra Community Enterprise (UYCE) was proud to announce the recipients of our 2024/2025 Community Grants – Round #1.

A total of $37,785 was awarded across 12 inspiring local projects, each selected for their positive impact on our community. These grants reflect UYCE’s ongoing commitment to empowering groups and individuals who are working to build a more resilient, sustainable, and connected Upper Yarra.

Here are the successful grant recipients and their projects:

  • ADRA Community Care Centre Redwood – $3,872
    For new signage to refresh the front entrance of their Warburton premises.
  • Edible Garden Warburton – Community Garden – $6,782
    For a Garden Shed to support their community gardening efforts.
    Reefton Volunteer Fire Brigade – $1,000
    To replace damaged trestle tables used during local events.
  • Upper Yarra SES – $3,700
    To improve their IT infrastructure and operational capacity.
  • Warburton Millgrove Football Netball Club – $5,000
    For the installation of an electronic scoreboard for the netball team.
  • Warburton Tennis Club – $1,000
    To deliver tennis sessions to local primary schools through their outreach program.
  • Warburton Valley CEDA – $1,000
    To host quarterly business forums for local member businesses.
  • Warburton Volunteer Fire Brigade – $2,725
    For computer and network upgrades at the main station.
  • Yarra Junction Bowling Club – $2,500
    To upgrade furniture in their clubroom.
  • Yarra Junction Community Group – $5,000
    For a new public art installation in Yarra Junction.
  • Yarra Ranges Film Society – $2,700
    To support the 40th annual Warburton Film Festival (mark your calendars: 13–15 June 2025!).
  • Yarra Valley ECOSS – $2,500
    For their UpCycles initiative based in Wesburn, encouraging sustainability through creativity.

We congratulate all the recipients and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes these projects will deliver. Thank you for your commitment to making the Upper Yarra a better place to live, work, and thrive.

Celebrating 25 Years of Community Banking in the Upper Yarra

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Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd | February 2025

In February 2025, the Upper Yarra community marked a major milestone: 25 years of community banking, proudly delivered through Community Bank Warburton and Community Bank Yarra Junction. Since opening their doors in 2000, these local banks—operated by Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd (UYCE)—have reinvested more than $5 million back into the community.

A Night of Celebration

The anniversary was commemorated on Friday, 21 February, in the scenic gardens behind Community Bank Warburton. It was an evening of celebration, reflection, and community connection.

Guests included shareholders, community groups, customers, staff past and present, and members of the public. They were treated to complimentary food, drinks, live music, and children’s entertainment. The atmosphere reflected the very essence of what community banking stands for: people coming together to make a difference.

Honouring Our Roots and Looking Ahead

The event featured official speeches from Rodney McKail, Chair of UYCE, and Rohan Sadler, Victoria Metro State Manager for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. Also in attendance were:

  • Tania Hansen, Community Enterprise Foundation Manager

  • Simon Sponza, Community Banking Manager

  • Amey Duffey, Yarra Ranges Region Manager

Local government representatives included Aaron Violi MP (Federal Member for Casey), Cindy McLeish MP (State Member for Eildon), and Mayor Jim Child, Yarra Ranges Councillor.

Giving Back: A $50,000 Boost

As part of the celebrations, UYCE announced an additional $50,000 in community support, pushing their total profit-sharing contributions to nearly $5.2 million. This included:

  • $38,000 in community grants, supporting 12 local groups with projects starting from January 2025.

  • $12,000 in scholarships awarded to four Upper Yarra students beginning university or TAFE this year.

Recognising Service and Legacy

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a 25-Year Service Award to Roslyn Caneva, who has been with the Warburton branch since the very beginning. Ros played a pivotal role in the bank’s journey and was invited to lead the ceremonial cake-cutting, joined by Bob Murray (original steering committee and board member) and Mrs Margaret De La Rue, wife of the late Ian De La Rue OAM, the inaugural Chair.

UYCE 25th Anniversary
UYCE 25th Anniversary

A Gift to the Community

To mark the occasion, UYCE unveiled a community picnic table located in the rear grounds of the Warburton bank—a gift to the people of Upper Yarra and a symbol of ongoing unity. The Warburton building itself, a community-owned asset, will celebrate its centenary in just a few years.

A Look Back: The Birth of a Community Bank

Shared by Norman Orr, Original Steering Committee Member & Board Director

The idea of a Community Bank in Warburton emerged in 1998 through a Business Victoria initiative called “StreetLIFE”, with Don Vickers leading the charge. Following an initial meeting with Bendigo Bank representatives, Don rallied a group of dedicated locals.

The first gathering was held on 8 September 1998 at St Andrew’s Hall, bringing together names like Mike Johnson, Geoff Vickers, Jed Mahoney, Wayne Davies, Patricia Stephens, Dick Leith, and Norman Orr.

Momentum quickly built. By Christmas Eve 1998, the Warburton community had pledged $80,000, and Bendigo Bank officially invited a proposal. A feasibility study was completed by May 1999, and the group unanimously agreed to proceed.

What followed was months of tireless planning. Weekly meetings, community engagement, and unwavering determination led to the opening of Community Bank Warburton on 25 February 2000.

Norman Orr reflects:

“It was an exhaustive process, but well worth it. I would not be exaggerating to say the opening of the bank saved Warburton.”

He also paid tribute to two key figures in the bank’s foundation—Don Vickers and Ian De La Rue, whose vision and leadership made it all possible.

A Community-Owned Future

From humble beginnings to a thriving enterprise with deep local impact, Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd continues to prove the power of community-led banking.

Here’s to the next 25 years of investing in people, projects, and a prosperous future for the Upper Yarra.

2024 Ian De La Rue Youth Initiative Award Winner

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We are thrilled to announce Talei Whiteside as the 2024 Ian De La Rue Youth Initiative Award recipient!

Talei is a shining light in our community, embodying selflessness, leadership, and dedication. Her remarkable contributions have left an indelible impact, and we are privileged to recognise her efforts with this prestigious award.

Nominated by Kate Feagan, Year Level Leader at Upper Yarra Secondary College, Talei exemplifies the qualities of a role model. Despite the demands of Year 12, she balanced her role as School Captain with an unwavering commitment to supporting others.

Talei’s Outstanding Contributions

  • Upper Yarra Secondary College: Year Level Captain, School Captain.
  • Gladysdale Primary School: Designed and created Grade 6 uniforms after uniform supplies were destroyed; served as photographer and website publisher; assisted with relocating the Art Room.
  • Christian Youth Camp: Volunteered during most school holidays.
  • Warburton Anglican Church: Operates the Tech Desk fortnightly, ensuring seamless connections for online participants.

A Word from Talei

“Thank you so much; I am incredibly honoured to receive the Ian De La Rue Youth Initiative Award. When I first received the call from June, I felt overwhelmed with shock, excitement, and gratitude. This recognition means so much to me, as it highlights the incredible support system I’ve had throughout my life.

I want to thank Bendigo Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction for valuing students and providing platforms like this to encourage us to keep striving.”

About the Award

The Ian De La Rue Youth Initiative Award is an annual recognition made possible by the generous support of the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Warburton and Community Bank Yarra Junction, as part of Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd.

Nominations open in October. For more information on the award and previous recipients, visit the Youth page on our website.

Community Grant Round 1 – 2024/2025

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We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for the first round of our 2024/2025 Community Grant Program!

Last financial year, UYCE/Community Banks Warburton & Yarra Junction proudly funded 37 impactful projects, investing $144,185 back into the Upper Yarra community. These projects have already begun transforming our region, with many completed and others on track for delivery by 31 December 2024.

Could Your Project Be Next?

If your community group, club, or organisation has a project on its wish list, a community grant could be just the support you need to bring it to life.

Key Details:

  • Application Period: Now open for projects starting from 1 January 2025 onwards.
  • Location Requirements: Projects must be based in or serve towns within the Upper Yarra region (postcodes 3799 and 3797).
  • Eligibility: Ensure your project meets the criteria outlined in our Grant Program Guidelines and Quick Reference Checklist.

How to Apply

Applying is easy—simply click here to learn more about the program and submit your proposal.

Why Apply for a Community Grant?

Whether it’s funding much-needed equipment, delivering a new initiative, or building infrastructure, our grants are here to help make a tangible difference in our community. With the support of Community Banks Warburton and Yarra Junction, we’re committed to empowering local groups to achieve great things.

What our recipients have to say!

“A big thank you to the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise; proudly supporting the Warburton Film Festival for over 15 years.” – Vivienne Bond, President, Yarra Ranges Film Society

“Thanks to the Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Banks a new path has been constructed leading from the 9th tee, across the bridge of the creek towards the 9th green. All players (members and public green fee players) can now walk safely and with confidence along this well constructed path. A great improvement on clambering over slippery grass with their buggies. Thank you very much again for your ongoing support”. – Ken Barratt, Warburton Golf and Sports Club

“Who would have thought we would still be going 10 years later? Thank you UYCE for helping make it happen”. – Claire Bamford, Catprint Theatre Company

“Sending a massive thank you to the Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction for your continued generous support in helping us to run the much loved ‘Warburton Summer Produce Market’ during summer 2020. The coordinators, workers, stall holders, performing artists, volunteers, tourists and local community are so grateful for everything that is provided in order to keep running this special event. We couldn’t do it without you!” – Leanne Arvanitakis-Hall, Market Coordinator and Melanie Wilson, Market Assistant Warburton Summer Produce Market

Let’s work together to make the Upper Yarra region even better. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next wave of community-led success stories. Apply today!

Community Defib Program 2024: Saving Lives Across the Upper Yarra

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We’re excited to announce the recipients of our 2024 Community Defib Program, with five new 24/7 community-accessible defibrillators set to be installed across the Upper Yarra region.

A big thank you to everyone who applied for this life-saving initiative, and congratulations to the following organisations who will be custodians of these vital devices:

  • Warburton – ADRA Community Care Centre, Redwood
  • East Warburton – Warburton Fire Brigade CFA
  • Millgrove – River Valley Church
  • Wesburn – Wesburn Primary School
  • Yarra Junction – Upper Yarra Basketball Association

Defibrillators play a critical role in increasing survival rates during cardiac arrest. These new installations mean faster access and improved outcomes in emergencies—helping to keep our community safe and prepared.

This initiative, introduced in July 2023, is part of our ongoing commitment to community health and wellbeing. Each year, through our Community Defib Program, we allocate up to $15,000 to fund the installation of five 24/7 accessible units—no quotes or complex applications needed. Successful applicants simply receive a unit fully funded by Community Bank Warburton & Yarra Junction.

Applications for next year’s round open July 2025, so if your organisation could benefit from a community defib, keep an eye out.

Because at UYCE, we believe that supporting local means saving lives—one heartbeat at a time.

Proudly supported by Community Bank Warburton & Yarra Junction
Helping our community thrive—every day.

24/7 Public Defibrillators Now Available in Warburton and Yarra Junction

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The communities of Warburton and Yarra Junction now have round-the-clock access to lifesaving defibrillators, thanks to a joint initiative between Upper Yarra Community Enterprise and Community Bank Warburton and Yarra Junction.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of community banking in the Upper Yarra in 2020, a public access defibrillator was installed outside each of the Community Bank branches—right next to the ATMs on the main streets. These central, well-lit locations were chosen for their visibility, accessibility, and added security, including CCTV monitoring.

“When our team discussed a meaningful way to thank the community for 20 years of support, providing 24/7 access to this lifesaving technology was a clear and values-driven decision,” said Rodney McKail, Chair of Upper Yarra Community Enterprise.

The project was delivered in partnership with Ambulance Victoria’s Yarra Junction team, led by Ambulance Team Manager Shaun Caulfield. “This is a great example of two local organisations—our own Community Bank and Ambulance Victoria—coming together to improve community safety,” Caulfield explained. “We know defibs save lives, and improving access is key to reducing deaths from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.”

While everyone hopes these defibrillators never need to be used, their presence offers reassurance to residents and visitors alike.

“Community is the cornerstone of our philosophy,” added McKail. “This project is just one way we continue to invest in the wellbeing of the Upper Yarra.”

Proudly supported by Community Bank Warburton & Yarra Junction – Backing your community every day.

A Community-Powered Future: The Story of Upper Yarra Community Hydro

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Nestled in the steep, lush landscape of the Upper Yarra Valley, a small but mighty hydro project is making a big impact, generating clean, renewable energy while remaining rooted in local values and community spirit.

From Vision to Reality

Inspired by over 100 years of hydroelectric history in Warburton, a passionate group of locals spent nearly a decade turning their vision for a community-owned hydropower station into reality. Completed in 2018, the Warburton Community Hydro Project harnesses the energy of Ythan Creek using low-impact technology—no dams, no major disruption to the environment, and fully funded by the community.

Thanks to a $450,000 grant from the State Government’s New Energy Jobs Fund (via Yarra Ranges Council) and a $450,000 loan from Bendigo Bank, Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd (UYCE) brought the $1.3M project to life. An additional $400,000 investment from UYCE covered final costs.

How It Works

Water is diverted from Ythan Creek through a nearly 900-metre underground pipe to a small, grass-roofed powerhouse hidden within Warburton Golf Club. There, a 100kW turbine generates enough energy to power approximately 150 homes, feeding electricity directly back into the local grid. After powering the turbine, the water is safely returned to the creek—maintaining environmental flow and health.

Environmentally Conscious, Community First

The project was carefully designed to meet strict environmental standards. Baseline water quality data was recorded prior to construction, and systems are in place to monitor and adjust flow rates as needed. Local wildlife—including native fish, platypuses, and surrounding flora—remain protected, with minimal impact on natural habitats.

Supporting the Local Economy

As a fully community-owned project, all revenue from the sale of electricity goes back into the Upper Yarra region through UYCE. Once loans and construction costs are repaid, profits will directly fund local initiatives, providing long-term social and economic benefit.

The Warburton Golf Club, which hosts the discreet powerhouse, receives lease and maintenance support. Yarra Ranges Council played a vital role in the project’s planning and execution, while Powershop—Australia’s greenest power retailer—partnered with UYCE to offer efficient grid connections and special energy deals for local residents.

A Model for the Future

This project is more than just a hydro station—it’s a model for community-led renewable energy. By taking control of energy production and investing profits back into the region, Warburton and the Upper Yarra are proving that small communities can make a big difference in the fight against climate change.

Powering today. Investing in tomorrow. Upper Yarra Community Power—locally made, locally owned, locally powerful.