Community Bank Surf Coast

Surf Coast Community Bank – Community Investment Program

Community Bank Surf Coasts greatest strength is that we are able to provide physical branches in Winchelsea, Anglesea and Lorne to support our community and customers. Physical branches in small communities support the local customers, but most importantly support the local economy, ensuring long term sustainability in our townships.

While online banking is a fantastic tool, nothing compares to the value of walking into a branch or calling and speaking directly to a local staff member when facing problems or navigating a major milestone. Our team are ready to assist you over the phone or in person a service level that online platforms simply can’t match.  

Thanks to the support of our customers over the past 20 years, Community Bank Surf Coast has not only been able to provide a physical banking presence in our towns but has also become a pillar of the community.

We take pride in returning almost all profits back into the communities we serve. Choosing to bank with your local Bendigo Bank becomes a powerful way for your banking to make a difference in your community.

Our Community Investment program returns the profits back into the Community that generated them, meaning our Investment Program is geographically aligned to the Winchelsea, Anglesea and Lorne and Districts communities.

All applications are assessed following our community investment policy and inline with the Community Bank Surf Coast Community Impact Pillars. We look for events and activities that benefit the wider community, particularly assets that enhance the community. Grants are only possible from the profit generated from the community choosing to bank with the Community Bank.

Preference will be given to groups, organisations and members that support us through banking with us.

Please note that our Community Investment Program is in quarterly cycles with strict application and funding deadlines. Quarterly sponsorship cycle in the current financial year is as follows:

^{1st Round}

Applications open and launch                       1 August 2026

Applications close                                         31 August 2026

Notification of outcome                                 30 September 2026

2nd Round

Applications open and launch                       1 November 2026

Applications close                                         30 November 2026

Notification of outcome                                 23 December 2026

3rd Round

Applications open and launch                      1 February 2027

Applications close                                        28 February 2027

Notification of outcome                                 31 March 2027

4th Round

Applications open and launch                      1 May 2027

Applications close                                        31 May 2027

Notification of outcome                                30 June 2027

The funding of successful applications will follow shortly after the receipt of a tax invoice and any other requirements as outlined in the approval letter.

Remember, banking business held at our Community Banks gives us the ability to contribute back to the community.

Please reach out to a local Director or our Community Engagement Officer – Kelly Turner Ph: 0459 997 102