ALREADY a long-established community operation, Bendigo Community Bank San Remo celebrated the opening of its new home on Tuesday, the modern facility including helpful technology that will be combined with face-to-face customer service.
There is also a separate spacious community room intended for the use of local groups.
Current and former staff and members of the public were treated to bright and tasty cupcakes and barista coffee, the ribbon cut by Kelvin Simpson, chairman of San Remo & District Financial Services, the managing board that has the franchise agreement with Bendigo Bank.
“We’ve come a long way since 2003 when we moved in down the road,” he said, remarking that the branch’s new home is ideal, combining the bank, an office area for its board members and the community space.
He noted that between the Bendigo Community Bank branches in San Remo, Cowes and Grantville, $6 million has been put back into community, with $250,000 of grants this year alone.
“Without our loyal customers, that’s not possible, and it’s our reward back, and that’s the model of the community bank,” Kelvin said.
As well as grants, those Bass Coast community branches sponsor local clubs and organisations, many of which express their appreciation through banking with their local Bendigo branch.
Kelvin suggested the community space, which wouldn’t have been possible at the bank’s former San Remo location, will be ideal for meetings, art shows and other events, the area an added benefit for the community groups the bank already supports.
Other benefits of the new location include the availability of parking and easy access, while still being a visible site.
Senior manager of the San Remo branch, Michael Scott spoke of the technological improvements the new branch offers, including a coin counting machine, along with the personal service customers enjoy.
“We still have tellers and lenders available all the time and managers in branch all the time, so customers can come in and see someone rather than jumping on the phone,” he said.
That service is part of the community bank feel, with the new location adding further benefits for locals.
