May 21, 2012
Yarraman and surrounding communities have received more than $70,000 to fund vital local community projects from the Bendigo Bank’s community grants program.
South Burnett Community Enterprises Limited, the company that operates the Yarraman & District Community Bank® Branch and Blackbutt branch, presented cheques to 12 groups at a presentation evening in Yarraman recently.
Graham House Community Centre Inc received $33,182 to fund the purchase of a vehicle to be used by the Community Partnership Transport Service, a partnership between Graham House Community Centre and Centacare St Mary’s Community Care.
Graham House co-manager Lesley Dennien said the support would mean the service would be able to continue to provide non-acute, non-emergency medical transport for aged and young people with a functional disability to medical appointments, both inside and outside the South Burnett.
Yarraman & District Community Bank® Branch Chairman Frank Smith said he was thrilled the branch was able to return its profits to a number of local community groups, including Graham House Community Centre Inc.
“The service supplied by this vehicle is ground-breaking and unique and the model is a direct response to address unmet health-related transport needs in the South Burnett. We are excited and pleased to be playing a part in this unique and innovative service,” he said.
“Since opening our doors in 2005, we have seen our business grow, and this brings huge rewards for local people who may not have the financial support they seek without the support of their local Community Bank® Branch.
“Our community told us about the many worthy projects in the South Burnett, and thanks to our customers, our local Community Bank® can contribute to these important initiatives and organisations.”
Other groups in the South Burnett and surrounding communities that were helped this year included:
- Maclagan Windermere Kindergarten – Sun Smart shade sail project – $5000
- Yarraman Over 50s Club – Club extension – $5000
- Blackbutt Show Society – Tiling of canteen floor – $4160
- Bloomin’ Beautiful Blackbutt Festival – $2975
- Yarraman and District Historical Society – Fixing Nasty Crafty – $2550
- Anglican Parish of Nanango – “Meet, Greet and Eat” – $2500
- Colours of Yarraman – Our Own Carnival Of Flowers – $2500
- Blackbutt & Benarkin Lions Club – Renew the Old Scout Building – $2000
- Wild Horse FM – sound system – $1823
- St Vincent De Paul Society – Winter appeal – $1000
