Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank Shield.  

Since 2013 the first Friday in July has been celebrated by the fierce competition between the Ku-ring-gai bowling clubs at the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank Shield event. This year was no exception. It was a beautiful sunny day for the 5th annual tournament held at Roseville Bowling Club, as seven Ku-ring-gai bowling clubs gathered to compete.

Special mention must go to the deserved winners on the day:

  • Turramurra Bowling Club- First Prize $1,600 
  • West Pymble Bicentennial Club – Second prize $800 
  • St Ives Bowling and Recreation Club – Third prize $400 

This wonderful community event brings together all our local bowling teams who enjoy the competition and social occasion, and the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank is pleased to be able to contribute the prize money to make this day each year such a great success.

“We really appreciate the ongoing support that the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches provide to all of our local community organisations – including our local bowling clubs”   – Phil Lewis, President of Roseville Bowling Club.

2017 Staff Grant Recipients

The staff at Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches feel privileged to be able to support some amazing organisations, charities, schools, and clubs within the local community through their place of work.  See below the list of recipients of the 2017 Staff Grants.

Lindfield Football Club –Defibrillators for the Oldies!

“Thank you to Bendigo for their support of our project to make defibrillators available at all over 35 and 45-year-old games. It is very commendable that Bendigo Bank returns 80% of its profit to our community through various grants and awards. Lindfield Football Club is proud to be a customer of Bendigo Bank.”

For more information on Lindfield Football Club visit: www.lfc.asn.au/

Bendigo Staff Member: Vikki Atkins

 

Killara West Pymble Rugby Club
“KWP Rugby would like to say a big thank you to Bendigo Bank for their ongoing support of our club and community. Bendigo Banks generous donation of $500 will assist our club with grassroots rugby.”
KWP is a Gordon District village Rugby club with over 150 members from the Killara / West Pymble area. We have teams playing from under 5’s – over 35’s.

For more information on Killara West Pymble Rugby Club visit: www.kwprugby.com/

Bendigo Staff Member: Murray McDonnell

 

Warrawee Public School – Shopping Program
“Bendigo Banks very generation donation will allow one of our support classes to participate in a community access shopping program. Real life experiences enrich awareness and assist students to better understand their world. This program will focus on numeracy, literacy, road safety awareness, communication and social skill development. In order to implement this program, we require extra SLSO support and this donation will greatly assist in funding that support.”

For more information on Warrawee Public School visit: www.warrawee-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/home

Bendigo Staff Member: Mercedes Durante

 

 

 

St Ives Rotary Club – Supporting St Judes
“Please accept our deepest thanks for choosing St Jude’s for this very generous donation! I know the Turramurra and Lindfield branches do a lot of good work supporting the local Ku-ring-gai community. And now your generosity will also reach the local community of Arusha, where our school is providing free, quality education to 1,800 children who are most in need. From everyone at St Jude’s, thanks so much.”

For more information on St Ives Rotary visit: www.stivesrotary.org.au

Bendigo Staff Member: Diana Smith

 

Roseville Junior Rugby Club
“Roseville Junior Rugby Club is very appreciative of the generous support provided by the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches. For a small club like ours, it is difficult to obtain sponsorship so it is particularly special for us to have their support. Without help like this, young players would not have access to good jerseys and up to date equipment.”

For more information on Roseville Junior Rugby visit: www.rosevillerugby.com.au/

Bendigo Staff Member: Warren Dwyer

 

Early Ed

“The generous donation of Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches helps EarlyEd continue to fund family support services to those families who have just received a diagnosis of disability for their child and others in need. The evidence shows that when parents receive early emotional support, their children can have better outcomes due to the early intervention services.”

For more information on Early Ed visit: www.earlyed.com.au/

Bendigo Staff Member: Michele Ferris

 

Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation.

“Turramurra Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank continues to make a significant, very valued contribution to the Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation.

Branch staff members have chosen the Trish Foundation as their nominated charity for Staff Grants, which has given our funds for research a great boost.

The Foundation is very grateful for the exceptional support the staff and Turramurra Community Bank Branch has given our cause for such a long time”.

For more information on Trish MS Research Foundation visit: www.trishmsresearch.org.au/

Bendigo Staff Member: Sharon Franke

 

 

Cromehurst School
“The Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank have been fantastic supporters of our Cromehurst community both in terms of practical day-to-day banking needs but also the provision of very generous grants. These grants have enabled us to continue to improve the facilities for the children at the school. Most importantly all the bank staff are incredibly supportive and interested in whatever we are up to and always willing to go above and beyond to help us in any way they can.”

For more information on Cromehurst School visit: www.cromehurst-s.schools.nsw.edu.au/

Bendigo Staff Member: Brenda Naylor

 

 

Save Marian St Theatre
Marian Street Theatre was left with no choice but stretch resources and rent temporary space in Gordon when Ku-ring-gai council closed the theatre at 2 Marian Street, Killara in December 2013. This was following advice to council that the site is unsafe. Since this time the MST has been fighting to return to their iconic home in Killara. The grant from Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank will be used to assist in the campaign to Save Marion St Theatre.

For more information on Marion St Theatre visit: www.mstyp.org.au/

Bendigo Staff Member: Annie Dobe

 

 

Hornsby RSL Squadron Australian Air League
“My family have been involved with the air league for seven years and I am only too happy to be able to give something back to the organisation that has given so much to me. The funds are going to be used for squadron training camps and recruitment of new members.”

For more information on the Australian Air League visit: www.airleague.com.au

Bendigo Staff Member: Alex Milford

 

 

Warrawee Wildcats Netball – Helping us to get new equipment!
“Thanks for a lovely evening and to you Karen for choosing our netball club as the recipient of your grant – your generosity is appreciated.”

For more information on Warrawee Wildcats visit: http://warraweewildcats.com/

Bendigo Staff Member: Karen Chivas

 

If you would like to know more about the grants available via Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank Branches, please contact us at turramurra@bendigobank.com.au or call: (02) 9488 9496

Non-Executive Director Opportunity for Finance Professional

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.

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?

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.

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!

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!

Turramurra Bowling Club Turns 60

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

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

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.