An old Chinese proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. While Greater Bank’s Community Funding Program now operates state-wide, it too began with a single step – its establishment in Armidale 2016.
Since its inception six years ago, the Community Funding Program has provided $642,000 to 480 community groups across six regional areas, with 48 community groups on the Mid North Coast sharing in $48,000 as part of Greater’s commitment to supporting the communities that support us.
The #GreaterMidNorthCoast program goes from strength to strength in 2022, each month giving three groups the chance to share in $3,000, with the winner receiving $2,000 and two runners-up each receiving $500.
A number of Port Macquarie-based groups have been successful in securing #GreaterMidNorthCoast funding. Most recently, Port Macquarie Women’s Shed garnered enough community support to win the online public vote and claim the majority share of the monthly prize.
Port Macquarie Women’s Shed President Jennifer Tighe said the group had a Development Application approved for a new purpose-built shed and the money received through the program will go toward the new facility.
“Every dollar counts, and we can do a lot with $2,000. We really appreciate the support we received from the locals in Port Macquarie, our members, friends and family who got behind us to achieve over 6,000 votes, but most of all Greater Bank for supporting this wonderful initiative.”
Greater Bank’s Mid North Coast Regional Sales Manager, Jennifer Smith, said it’s great for women to have a diverse range of interests.
“It’s so important for women to have a place they can go to learn new things and make new friends at the same time making a contribution to the community,” Jennifer said.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to help the Port Macquarie Women’s Shed achieve its aims through the support of the #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program.
“I invite all Port Macquarie community groups to nominate for the program, noting that any group which is successfully nominated will receive at least $500, so everyone’s a winner!”
Jennifer Smith, Greater Bank’s Mid North Coast Regional Sales Manager
Voting in the March round of the #GreaterMidNorthCoast Community Funding Program is open from 9.00 am Monday 7 March, with Bowraville Pioneer Community Centre (Coffs Harbour), Oxley Island Community Hall (Taree) and Bungwahl & District Progress Association (Forster), in the running for a share of $3,000.
You can also nominate a community group doing great things in the region to be part of the #GreaterMidNorthCoast program. Whether it’s a grassroots sporting club, a charity, wildlife rescue organisation, a music group, a school P&C or other community organisation - any not-for-profit group that makes your community a better place is eligible.