Greater Bank’s Community Funding Program, #GreaterMidNorthCoast, continues in 2022 and we’re encouraging all community groups in and around Coffs Harbour to get involved.
Since the inception of the program in Armidale in 2016, more than $640,000 has been gifted to 480 worthy community groups across the regions in which we operate, as part of Greater Bank’s commitment to supporting the communities that support us.
The program now operates in six regions across New South Wales, delivering $20,000 each month to sporting clubs, charities, wildlife rescue groups, volunteer transport providers, education institutions, music groups, cancer support groups, rural fire brigades, and many others.
Many of those regions have faced unprecedented difficulties over the past couple of years, with bushfires immediately followed by the ongoing threat of a global pandemic. We can only admire the resilience shown in dealing with the challenges that has posed for those communities, not least for fundraising and other activities we all previously took for granted.
Coffs Harbour has not been immune to those challenges, so we are extremely proud to have supported a range of community groups through the #GreaterMidNorthCoast community funding program that was established in November 2020.
Since then, the program has seen money go to almost 50 community groups across the region. In Coffs, that includes Naru Surf Gathering, Hope for the Homeless, Bridging the Gap Community Services and Coffs City Physie.
Every month, $3,000 is up for grabs, with a public online vote deciding the winner, who receives $2,000, with the two runners-up receiving $500 each.
Coffs City Physie received $2000 for winning the public vote in March last year, with co-founder Verena Nicotera saying the funding gave their group a major boost.
“Something that’s been missing from the facility are mirrors, which are important for participants to see themselves and correct their positions,” Verena said.
“This funding from Greater Bank will allow us to purchase the mirrors and covers. At this point, it would not otherwise have been possible. It will make a huge difference to our sessions and teaching.”
Greater Bank’s Mid North Coast Regional Sales Manager, Jennifer Smith said she was delighted to support a small but passionate group that is putting the money to good use.
“It’s wonderful to provide this type of support to grassroots organisations on the Mid North Coast who otherwise could struggle to raise these sorts of funds,” Jennifer said.
“#GreaterMidNorthCoast is making a difference to community groups across the region, and we look forward to providing this continued support.”
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. They can include grassroots sporting clubs and teams, school P&C associations, not-for-profit organisations, charities, and others – any group that makes your community a better place.