Local Community Banks spearheading fundraising for “Hero HQ”

8th March 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

ROSEVILLE:   Mr Shane Fitzsimmons, Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service was the guest speaker at the recent Ku-ring-gai Business Forum dinner held at Roseville Golf Club on the 29th February.  David Langdon, Chairman of Ku-ring-gai Financial Services Limited, announced on the night in the Commissioner’s presence, the launch of the “Hero HQ” fundraising initiative to be sponsored by the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank® branches.

The local facilities for both the Ku-ring-gai SES and Bush Fire Brigade are arguably sub-standard due to their age and the fact that part of their joint headquarters at East Wahroonga  have had to be demolished due to building failings.  Importantly, the SES facility is the local HQ and a back-up regional HQ if required.

The cost of rebuilding a modern facility for both organisations is in the order of $2 million.  Much of this funding has been made available by the State Government, Ku-ring-gai Council, the SES and the NSW Rural Fire Service.  However, there is presently a shortfall in the order of $200,000 to undertake the internal fit-out of these two new buildings.  The locally-owned Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank® branches of Bendigo Bank have committed to assist the Ku-ring-gai SES and Bush Fire Brigade to raise these funds from the community.  They plan to do this by directly engaging with the local Ku-ring-gai community and also by matching funds raised by the community on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to a total of $100,000.

Denice Kelly, Senior Branch Manager, Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank® branches said, “We are all aware of the issues of living in a bush fire prone area such as Ku-ring-gai but also how other forces of nature can create emergency situations that require a rapid response.  We are very proud to be part of this initiative to assist in the fitting out of what will be state of the art facilities for both the SES and the RFS to service the Ku-ring-gai area”.

Ku-ring-gai Business Forum dinners have built a reputation for delivering high profile and timely speakers.  The Forum was established in 2004 and is an initiative of the Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank® branches.  The aim of the Forum is to promote and develop opportunities for local business people to network with each other and build relationships in a relaxed social environment.

For further information on Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank® branches,Ku-ring-gai Business Forum dinners and how you can support the “Hero HQ” initiative, please visit www.turramurrracommunity.com.au or contact Turramurra Community Bank® Branch, 1273 Pacific Highway, Turramurra, phone 9488 9496 or Lindfield Community Bank® Branch, 318 Pacific Highway, Lindfield, phone 9416 6337.

For more information on forming a bush fire survival plan, please visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au