Entries by zantzoo

Non-Executive Director Opportunity for Finance Professional

June 15, 2017 in /by

Non-Executive Director Opportunity for Finance Professional

Ku Ring Gai/Chatswood Area

Ku Ring Gai Financial Services Limited (KFSL) is an unlisted public company that owns and operates the Lindfield and Turramurra Community Banks under a franchise agreement with Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Limited.

  • We re-invest 80% of our profits back into our local community through sponsorships, donations, and grants.
  • Our branch staff of 12 deliver a level of personalised customer service that no other bank can match.
  • We are a local business committed to working with and connecting to our local community.
  • We offer a full range of banking products and services.
  • All Directors provide their services on a volunteer basis.

We are currently looking to expand our range of skills and seek applications from community minded potential Directors.

Essential – finance qualifications and solid financial experience; resident or working in the Ku Ring Gai LGA or Chatswood area

Desirable – Governance and risk experience; banking industry experience (but not currently working with a competitor); Mandarin speaking; current involvement in local community activities

A KFSL non-Executive Directorship is an opportunity to contribute to your local community while using your business and finance skills at the Board level.  There are also opportunities to expand your knowledge of other functions by sitting on other Board Committees.

The Board meets monthly on Monday evenings in Lindfield and most Board Committees meet monthly at a time convenient to Committee members. The time commitment other than meetings varies with the role each Director takes on.  The successful candidate will be a Board Observer for a few months as a means of being inducted onto the Board and getting a feel for the Directors’ role.

Learn more about KFSL, the community banking model, recipients of our funds over the past few years and more at our website www.kfsl.com.au .

If you are interested in following up on this unique Director opportunity, please write to us explaining why you are interested and attaching a summary of your business, finance and governance experience and qualifications by Friday, 30 June to Linda McDonald at linda@corporatelearning.com.au.

It takes a village to raise a child.

May 30, 2017 in /by

The saying that it takes a village to raise a child is something that we hold close to our heart at the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches.  We know that the children that we support now will become the community leaders of the future, and as such wherever possible we look for ways to support our local schools – whether it is via grants, fundraising, or school banking initiatives.

Recently we were thrilled to provide a Community Grant to Pymble Public School for $5,000, which will be used to build much needed outdoor seating in the infants’ playground.

We are also focused on bringing the community together, and were able to introduce the school community to the Ku-ring-gai Men’s Shed who will assist by building the seating.

We work closely with various members of the Pymble Public School including the P&C to ensure that wherever we can, we provide assistance and support.

“As well as the $5,000 grant, the Community bank also donated a generous Easter raffle in 2016 and 2017, helping to raise over $2,200. Additionally, Bendigo Bank runs the school-banking program for PPS students each Tuesday, which the kids really enjoy participating in. The parents and staff at PPS have really enjoyed working with Bendigo Bank on these initiatives”. – Moy Ferguson P&C President.

The Big Heart Project – What do five million 5-cent coins look like?

May 23, 2017 in /by

Our staff member Annie Dobe and her husband Tim can tell you. ‘Absolutely amazing.’

Last week Annie and Tim were thrilled to represent the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank Branches at Connie and Samuel Johnson’s Big Heart project, which raised a remarkable $2.2 million for cancer research.

During the day, and into the night, Annie and Tim were coin rakers, heart monitors, runners, and members of the final pack up team.

‘The positive energy of thousands of people with a common purpose was indescribable. What amazing people Sam and Connie are! It was bigger and better than I ever imagined,’ said Annie. ‘As the night came on, the lights from the netball courts created a beautiful aura over the heart – it was a truly special evening.’

Bendigo Bank supporting ‘Love Your Sister’. 

Bendigo Bank has been a proud supporter of ‘Love Your Sister’ since its inception in 2013 when Samuel began his attempt to break the Guinness World Record by riding 15000 km on a Unicycle around Australia. Our sponsorship has continued with Bendigo Bank providing community collection points for spare change right across the country.

Breast Cancer, in particular, is something that has affected many of the staff at Lindfield and Turramurra Community Bank branches, and many families in our local community.

“Every family is touched by cancer at some point. We are thrilled to have been a part of this amazing campaign”, said Annie.

Over the last few months we’ve been building our very own Big Heart of coins in the Lindfield branch, and it was wonderful to be able to take those community donations to Canberra last week”.

‘Love Your Sister’ has now, with Connie Johnson’s Big Heart project donation specifically raising in excess of $2.2 million; the vast majority of donations being made online and in Bendigo Bank branches around Australia and New Zealand.

This new donation will provide a crucial boost to the Garvan Institute’s cancer research, and to efforts to bring about real change in clinical practice through research.

It’s not too late to donate.  If you would still like to participate in The Big Heart project, you can donate at the Lindfield or Turramurra Community Bank branches, or online here.

Cromehurst Foundation – Raises over $60,000 for School and Vital Independent Living Skills Program.

May 23, 2017 in /by

For many years the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches have been proud supporters of the Cromehurst School which caters for students from the age of four to the completion of year 12 in the moderate to severe range of intellectual disability.

The Foundation receives no government funding, and the annual Golf Day and Gala Dinner is one of the major fundraising events that enable the Foundation to keep operating the invaluable Vital Independent Living Skills program that is conducted at the Cottage next to the School.  This year’s event raised over $60,000.

As a mother of two children who attend Cromehurst School, Karen Hickmott, President of the P&C, knows well the impact that fundraising such as this makes to the school and to the students who ultimately benefit.

“We have been very lucky to receive grants from the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches.  The recent Community Grant for $5,500 will be going towards the installation of playground equipment in our senior playground.  In addition to the practical, financial and administrative support we received from the bank for our recent Golf Day, I have just found out that Brenda, under the staff grants scheme has pledged a further grant of $500.

“These grants have made a significant contribution to our goals of continuing to improve the facilities within the school”, said Karen.

Not only are the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches strong financial supporters of both the Cromehurst School and Foundation, we have also built a valuable banking relationship with Cromehurst since they made the decision to move their accounts to Bendigo Bank.  “The Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches have been absolutely invaluable with their financial and practical support of our fundraising efforts over the last couple of years”, said Karen.

“We have made use of the Community POS facility at our golf days greatly saving costs and providing flexibility with payment options at the event.  We have also been invited to functions that have enabled us to not only network with other local community groups but also learn about grants that were available and which we have been successful in receiving.

But most of all the staff have been incredibly supportive, interested in what we are doing and willing to help us in any way that they can.”

If you would like to find out how you can contribute to the Cromehurst School, or Foundation, or would like more information about their services, please contact the school on 9416 9281.

Lindfield Espresso – It’s not just about the coffee!

May 23, 2017 in /by

For the last six and a half years, Lindfield Espresso has been serving the local community with what many reviewers say is “The best coffee this side of the bridge”.

“Serving quality coffee and providing the best customer service is what we are all about”, says Duncan Dalgleish, local business owner of Lindfield Espresso.

Open from 5am until the early afternoon, Lindfield Espresso serves up to 300 customers every single day. If you get in early in the morning you’ll meet Duncan who always opens the café – and is often there seven days a week.

 

While Lindfield Espresso is known for their specially roasted coffee, they’re also known for their quality toasts, sandwiches, muffins, pastries, organic spreads, and fresh organic juice served throughout the day.

“Everything that we serve at the Lindfield Espresso is made from the best possible ingredients, and sourced from the best quality suppliers.”

Duncan values quality and customer service. Lindfield Espresso has been a customer of the Lindfield Community Bank for over five years now. Asked why Duncan chose Bendigo as his bank of choice? “It’s all about the personalised service and the relationship they offer. You can pick up the phone and speak with someone who knows you, and knows your business.”

Turramurra Women’s Bowling Club turns 60!

April 30, 2017 in /by

On Tuesday the 7th March, the Women’s Bowling Club of Turramurra celebrated their 60th Birthday with a rainbow theme in support of the Zaidee Foundation*. The day was filled with laughs, celebration and reflection of the history of a wonderful club for the women of the local community.

The Women’s club was officially formed on the 5th March 1957, by a small group of wives from (the then all male) Turramurra Bowling Club.

In 1956 it was decided to purchase the present site, which was part of a subdivision of Apps dairy, from Mrs Norma Apps (later Norma Forbes), a Foundation member of the Women’s Club.  This property comprised of two acres on the corner of Apps Avenue and Bobbin Head Road and also contained the family home.

Few visitors realise that parts of the original house are still incorporated in the modern, comfortable clubhouse that has become a favourite meeting place for so many members, families and local organisations.

 

In April 1959, shortly after the clubs second birthday, the “Women’s Club” was officially opened with a membership of 20.

In the early days, the main source of income for the club was from donations, raffles and fundraising functions held at members’ homes. It has been recorded that, a function that was held at Mr Harry Wallbank’s home, involved the engagement of an “Amateur Hour Hillbilly Artist”, 1 dozen bottles of beer were donated and raffled producing a profit of 81 pounds 8/6d. A pretty good return at 7/6d. per head!  Fundraising, of course, continues to this day.

The ladies original mission to help the club socially, flourished with many successful social events raising much-needed funds for both the clubs running expenses, and for local charities.

Turramurra and Lindfield Community Banks have been proud supporters of the club since 2003, in fact, the Turramurra Bowling Club was one of the first organisations to receive a sponsorship from the Turramura branch. The bank has also hosted many functions at the clubhouse throughout the years (without a dairy cow in sight!).

Such is the great relationship held between the club and the community bank, Sharon and Michelle were fortunate enough to join the ladies, for what was a truly wonderful celebration of the Women’s Bowling Club 60th Birthday.

Happy Birthday Turramurra Bowling Club – Keep up all the great work you do for our community.

 

*About The Zaidee Foundation

Zaidee Rose Alexander Turner – aged 7 years and 22 days died suddenly on 2nd December 2004 from a burst blood vessel in her brain called a Cerebral Aneurism. Zaidee’s parents, Kim and Allan, founded Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation not long after.

At the time of Zaidee’s death the Turner family had been registered Organ and Tissue Donors for 5 years. As a result Zaidee donated her Organs and Tissues at the Royal Children’s Hospital, as were her wishes at the time. From this gift, the lives of up to seven other people were improved or saved.

Zaidee was the only child in Victoria under the age of 16 years and we have been told one of the youngest Australians to donate her organs and tissues in 2004. She was only 1 of 6 children nationally to donate their organs.

The Zaidee Foundation aims to raise national awareness of organ and tissue donation.

Making Fresh Tracks

April 30, 2017 in /by

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 700,000 Australians have a brain injury, and as many as two in every three acquired their brain injury before the age of 25. And while it’s estimated that each year 1000s of young Australians will suffer a brain injury each year, given the right opportunities; their brains have an amazing ability to recover…

For the past three years the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank® branches of Bendigo Bank have enjoyed a mutually cohesive relationship with local foundation, Fresh Tracks. A registered charity, Fresh Tracks aims to improve the quality of life of young people suffering from an acquired brain injury through Cycle Hubs, music therapy, sailing, group programs and individual support.

Fresh Tracks CEO Alan Lawrence explains, “In 2014 we invited the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank® Branches of Bendigo Bank to come along to the Cycle Hub at St Ives. With that, Branch Manager Warren Dwyer came along as a representative of Bendigo Bank to see what it was all about and he was impressed by what he saw. Twelve months later, having suffered a severe stroke, Warren actually joined the program.”

Housebound due to a right visual field defect, Warren joined Fresh Tracks, in particular the Cycle Hub. Fresh Tracks make use of recumbent bikes and run programs aimed at strengthening and stimulating the brain.

“Fresh Tracks enabled me to strengthen my left and right scanning skills, and ability to judge distances and speed of other cyclists. They are all important skills, particularly navigating large groups of people during peak hour and on public transport.  Going to Fresh Tracks, also gave me an opportunity to get out, to socialise and to interact with other people, which was an important part of my recovery.”

Now back at work three days a week Warren continues his therapy and also volunteers for the foundation. Along the way, Warren received more than just his mobility back.

“I’ve learnt resilience from the program. The things that some of these people have been through (and I’ve been through a stroke), but these guys go through a much tougher time than I do. They are all at different stages of recovery but it gives you so much appreciation for who the other participants are and what they do,” explains Warren.

In late 2016 the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank® Branches awarded Fresh Tracks with a Community Grant which was used to purchase a new bike for the Cycle Hub program. This incredible grant has provided an opportunity to bring new patients onboard to essentially improve their quality of life.

“The more cycles we can have at Cycle Hub, the more we can help those people in need. They’re expensive but they’re adjustable and robust which you need for the range of different people we cater for,” says Alan. “We’re so grateful for the support of Bendigo Bank. It’s wonderful to have a local bank supporting a local initiative to help people who live locally.”

Strokes and brain injuries can happen to anyone, but there’s hope; and our community is strengthened when we band together.

Visit freshtracks.com.au to find out how you can get involved.

Business Spotlight: Elegant Outdoors

April 30, 2017 in /by

Your Business is Our Business: Elegant Outdoors

Mike and Susan migrated from London in 2002 in search of a new venture. Looking for a change in career and a fresh start, they stumbled across a business for sale on the corner of Rohini Street & the Pacific Highway, at Turramurra. With some much needed improvements and upgrades made in the early years, Elegant Outdoors started to take shape.

Fast forward fourteen years and the successful garden centre affectionately known as “The Jewel in Turramurra’s Crown” is thriving in the hub of a supportive village community, where local residents have become loyal customers and in many cases, good friends. Mike and Susan have been banking with Turramurra Community Bank since 2004 (not long after the branch opened) and value the friendly service and likeminded community semblance provided to them.

Offering a broad range of plants including flowering perennials, annuals, succulents, topiary, feature trees, indoor & hedging plants, Elegant Outdoors also sell a variety of decorative pots, water features, and garden art, along with all the gardening essentials like mulch and plant food. It’s not just the garden that this little gem caters for, with a gift and homewares shop located inside the centre aptly named “HOME with Elegant Outdoors.”

 

 

 

Products change seasonally keeping things fresh and enticing for customers.

Along with the large offering of plants and giftwares, Elegant Outdoors offer plastic plant pot recycling. Plastic pots can be dropped off at the garden centre, where they will then be taken to a recycling depot and eventually broken down and made into new pots! Every little bit helping reduce the input into landfill.

Mike and Susan are proud of the industry awards they have won over the years, including; “Best Small Garden Centre in NSW & ACT” and “Best Small Garden Centre in Australia.” Susan attributes her successful business to having a great team working alongside her, upholding sound principles and ethics, offering exemplary customer service and maintaining a positive can-do attitude.

 

Fast Fact: Did you know that Elegant Outdoors is a collection point for empty Nespresso pods? A great initiative by Nespresso, Terracycle and Elegant Outdoors, which typically sees 50kg of empty pods collected and saved from landfill each week!

Pop in and say hi to Mike & Susan next time you walk past Elegant Outdoors, they would love to welcome you into their beautiful garden centre.

The Bobbin Head Cycle Classic – March 2017

April 30, 2017 in /by

In the early hours of the 26th of March, keen cyclists were hitting the starting line before dawn for the annual east coast Bobbin Head Cycle Classic.

Amongst those at the starting line was our very own Turrumurra and Lindfield Community Bank employee Alexandra Milford, who was joined by her husband Andrew, and son Aiden for the 27km leg of the event. The Milfords formed 50% of the Bendigo Bank team riding on the day.

Having never participated in a cycling event previously, they were very excited and focused on conquering the long 4km uphill ride from the bottom of bobbin head.

“The climb from the bottom of Bobbin Head back up was always going to be a daunting task, but after doing years of running races we were sure of one thing”, said Alexandra, “not to stop on the hill as it would be twice as hard to get going again. This was the only plan we had and I can proudly say we all made it up the 4km hill without stopping”

Raising Funds for Lifeline H2H

The decision by the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches to become a silver sponsor of the event was an easy one due to the long running relationship with Lifeline H2H. In addition to sponsorship of the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, a number of community grants have been provided to Lifeline H2H by the Community Bank to fund a variety of programs, the most recent being a grant of $5,940 in late 2015 for the program ‘Helping Angry Men”.

The Bobbo delivers tremendous community support in raising funding that goes towards charities such Lifeline H2H, who partner the event with The Rotary Clubs of Turramurra, St Ives, Wahroonga and Ku-ring-gai. In the six years the event has been running, over $900,000 has been raised, half of which has gone directly to Lifeline H2H allowing them to continue their vital telephone crisis support service. This much needed service responds to callers in crisis 24/7 every day of the year. Much of the funds raised afford Lifeline H2H to provide training and supervisors for the 250+ volunteers manning the crisis support lines.

“Events like the Bobbo are critical to Lifeline H2H as it is extremely difficult for us to run, hold and operate enough fundraising events to ensure on-going, sustainable funding in isolation.  We are working extremely hard to become more self -sufficient in funding and less reliant on the Government (and making great progress), however shops and book fairs alone are not enough” says Lifeline H2H CEO, Wendy Carver.

“Running an annual gala ball also means asking a lot of our friends, colleagues, volunteers and families, and to try and tap into these same people yet again for additional fundraising events risks burning people out and actually losing support.

Partners like Rotary, are able to provide new resources, and energy to run other significant events for and with us.  Before we established these major fundraising events, our Lifeline Centre and crisis support services were at risk of closing and lives would have been lost.  With the support of the Bobbo, our services are currently very financially secure and sustainable.”

Local Heroes

Amongst the huge fundraising efforts and masses of volunteers, some heart-warming stories stand out from the crowd; Lifeline H2H Fundraising Manager, Emma Bagley comments on the generous donation of Banana’s from Terry Xanthos of Natrano produce:

 “This is quite simply a huge donation provided to Lifeline every year. Three years ago Lifeline were seeking bananas to feed the hungry riders participating in the BHCC, and we eventually connected with Terry Xanthos from Nutrano Produce out at Sydney Markets. Terry has since then organised for a different banana grower to donate 3500 bananas for the BHCC each year (this year being the third consecutive year) Terry makes sure the bananas are donated in full, and that they are ripe and ready to be collected the day before the event. He has been extraordinarily generous as have all three banana growers who have contributed to our event each year.

This year Connie from H2H went with the president of Ku-ring-gai Rotary Club (in our Lifeline van) to personally collect the bananas from Terry at Sydney Markets.  He is a true Bobbo and Lifeline hero!”

The team at Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches have already started to enlist participants for next year’s event, with Alexandra and her family looking forward to riding with the team in such a wonderful, well organised event again.

What a Bobbo it was… until next year!