Few regions across Australia have endured greater adversity over the past two years thank the Northern Rivers.
A global pandemic, bushfires, and of course catastrophic flooding have rocked the region to its core. What’s remained throughout those is the rich spirit of its people.
As a customer-owned bank, supporting the communities that support us is entrenched in our DNA, which is why we launched the #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program in November last year.
Each month, an online public vote decides how the $3,000 is allocated, with $2,000 going to the organisation that receives the most votes and $500 each to the monthly runners-up. More than 60,000 votes have been cast to determine the winners.
The program has already provided $68,000 to 39 community groups across the region.
With the impact of the devastating flooding still ongoing, we are especially proud of our one-off funding round of $30,000 in May that supported three groups at the centre of the recovery effort. Resilience Lismore took out the pubic vote and with it $15,000 while runners-up Ballina’s Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre and Momentum Collective Casino Neighbourhood Centre received $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.
Resilient Lismore Coordinator Elly Bird said the money from the Greater was most welcome.
“Resilient Lismore will use this money to support our community to rebuild and to make as many houses as possible safe, secure and warm for winter,” Elly said.
“We have decided to share this money with the Koori Mail and with the Community Healing Hub, two of the other critical community initiatives that are supporting people right now in Lismore.”
Greater Northern Rivers Regional Sales Manager, Scott McCluskey, said Resilient Lismore is a great example of a community looking after its own.
“The community spirit here is incredible and we are proud to be able to give back to help the region out a little.”
Scott McCluskey, Greater Bank's Regional Manager
The special flood funding allocation in May was on top of the usual $3,000 that’s shared between three community groups in other months. These include sports clubs, animal welfare organisations, community support and environment groups, among many others located in Lismore, Casino, Ballina and beyond.
The #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program will continue to be rolled out in 2023. Click here to find out more about more about becoming involved.