Geelong has always been known as community-minded and network city. Now an initiative supported by Bendigo Bank has drawn those qualities together as Geelong Connected Communities.
Words: John Van Klaveren
Picture: Reg Ryan
The organisation facilitates support for local sporting groups, not-for-profit organisations, events, the arts, disability, youth, the aged, the environment and major projects.
Bendigo Bank Geelong chief Pat Murnane said the initiative had been running since July 2013, handing out 150 grants totalling $400,000 so far to local community organisations.
“In the current round we anticipate making another $300,000 in grants – it’s substantial,” Pat explains.
Geelong Connected Communities covers every regional population centre, with active groups at Ocean Grove, Torquay, Bannockburn, Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale, Colac and Armstrong Creek. The program also works through community banks at Portarlington, Drysdale, Leopold, Lara, Barwon Heads, Winchelsea and Anglesea.
“It’s pretty simple: you support us and we’ll support you,” Pat says.
