Record shareholder returns, a Social Enterprise certification and significant investment into the community were just some of the highlights mentioned at this year’s AGM of Sarina and District Community Financial Services Limited (SDCFS), which operates Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.
Strong business results were outlined, including $160,195 injected directly into the community across 82 projects and initiatives in the 2023/24 financial year, bringing Community Bank Sarina’s total community investments to over $4 million since 2005.
Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May thanked customers for choosing to bank with Community Bank Sarina - “as without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide this level of community investment”.
“We have supported many local organisations, including the Mackay Hospital Foundation Volunteers, Sarina Schools Chaplaincy, Sarina Cadets, QCWA, as well as local schools," said Ms. May.
The strong financial results also provided a fully franked dividend of 14c per share to the company’s local shareholders, a record return.
“We have achieved strong results by maintaining a steadfast presence in the wider Sarina community, assuring both new and existing customers that we’re here to stay, particularly in light of recent bank closures,” Ms May said.
A major milestone for the year was SDCFS’s official certification as a Social Enterprise by Social Traders Australia, making it the first Community Bank company in Queensland to earn this recognition.
“This certification reinforces our commitment to creating genuine societal impact as a profit for purpose organisation and aligns deeply with our mission to feed into the community’s prosperity, not off it,” Ms May said.
At the AGM, former Sarina State High School student and recipient of two Community Bank Sarina scholarships Georgia Beveridge was congratulated, having successfully completed her electrical apprenticeship with Aurizon seven months ahead of schedule.
An advocate for the Bank’s scholarship programs, Georgia exemplifies the benefit of these scholarships for young leaders, boosting both their careers and the community.
Another achievement reflected on was the Bank’s 19th Anniversary Dinner in June, which brought together 175 attendees to hear from Shane Webcke, with 19 donations made to community groups to support their ongoing efforts.
You can view the Community Bank Sarina annual report on their website.
Community Bank Sarina Board Directors (L-R) Ann Fordyce, Karen May (Chair), Nicholas McDougall, Maree Franettovich and Rainee Shepperson
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
