Bank here, at last

SHELLHARBOUR Village is no longer without a bank after the opening of the Bendigo Bank on Addison Street.

The Oak Flats Community Bank branch was officially opened last Thursday with senior Bendigo Bank staff, Oak Flats Community Bank board directors and local residents turning out for the launch.

Oak Flats Community Bank Chairman Geoff Egan said the centre would provide a full range of Bendigo Bank services and would be managed by Oak Flats Financial Services Ltd, the community owned company that operates the Oak Flats Community Bank branch.

This is an exciting day for both the people of Shellharbour Village and also for our board and supporters, who have worked so hard over the past five years to make our community company a success, Mr Egan said.

The aim of the Oak Flats community bank has always been to return banking services to our community and to retain profits locally, he said.

Part of the constitution of the bank is to give a portion of their profits back to the local community.

Mr Egan said more than 20% of grants made last financial year were paid to Shellharbour Village organisations. With more Shellharbour residents supporting the community company through this sub branch contributions to the community will increase, he said.

The bank supports many local schools, sporting teams and other community groups. Sandra Pearson, a Shellharbour resident, played a part in getting the bank up and running.

This is one of the fastest growing areas in Shellharbour City so we have to have our own bank. The only option we had was to use the post office or go to another shopping centre, Ms Pearson said.

It is common sense to have a bank here, she said Others integral in lobbying for the bank to open in Shellharbour include Harry Gooden, Terry Barton, Ray Gray, Dr Nick Kalokineros and Jeanene Ratkovic.