Celebrating 25 Years of Community Banking in the Upper Yarra (2000-2025)
The Upper Yarra community celebrated a significant milestone, marking 25 years of community banking through the local branches in Warburton and Yarra Junction. Over this period, these Community Banks have reinvested more than $5 million back into the community through grants, sponsorships, scholarships, and donations.
The celebration took place on Friday 21 February 2025, in the gardens behind Community Bank Warburton, offering a memorable evening for all attendees.
While the event focused on community impact, it also featured official speeches from key figures, including Rodney McKail, Chair of Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Ltd, and Rohan Sadler, Bendigo Bank Victoria Metro State Manager.
Other Bendigo Bank representatives included Tania Hansen, Community Enterprise Foundation Manager, Simon Sponza, Community Banking Manager, and Amey Duffey, Yarra Ranges Region Manager.
The event was also attended by MPs Aaron Violi, Federal Member for Casey, Cindy McLeish, State Member for Eildon, and Yarra Ranges Councillor and Mayor Jim Child.
The gathering provided an opportunity for shareholders, customers, community groups, the public, current and former staff, and both current and former company directors to come together to celebrate. Guests enjoyed complimentary food, drinks, and entertainment for children.
In alignment with the celebration, an additional $50,000 in community support was announced, pushing the total profit-sharing to nearly $5.2 million. The announcement included $38,000 in community grants distributed among 12 community groups for projects commencing on 1 January 2025, and $12,000 in scholarships awarded to four deserving Upper Yarra students to support their academic pursuits in their first year of university or TAFE in 2025.
The event also served as the perfect occasion to acknowledge Roslyn Caneva with a 25-Year Service Award. Ros began her journey with the Community Bank when it first opened its doors on 25 February 2000, predominantly working at the Warburton branch, with occasional stints at the Yarra Junction branch.
Ros was invited to lead the cake-cutting ceremony alongside Bob Murray, a member of the original steering committee and board of directors, and Mrs Margaret De La Rue, wife of the late Ian De La Rue OAM, a member of the original steering committee and inaugural chair of the board of directors.
To conclude the formalities, a gift to the community was unveiled: a beautiful picnic table located in the rear grounds of the community-owned Community Bank Warburton building, which will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in a few years. This table is a symbol of community unity and is available for everyone to access and enjoy.
Thank you to everyone for the support and we look to the next 25 years!!!