Drouin banks almost $114,000 in latest grants to local groups

Drouin and District Community Financial Services Ltd, the local shareholder group of the Drouin Community Bendigo Bank, donated almost $114,000 to district not-for-profit groups and projects in its latest allocations.
Additionally the boards to the three community banks in Baw Baw Shire - at Neerim, Trafalgar and Drouin - joined to provide funding for the Baw Baw Group of the Country Fire Authority to buy training equipment for the use of all brigades in the group.
The presentations by the Drouin bank to 14 recipient organisations at a function at the Drouin Golf Club brought the total distributed during the financial year to almost $197,000.
The latest dividends paid to local shareholders of $154,000, together with sponsorships, donations, grants and community investments, has brought the amount returned to the community over the past four financial years to $1.29 million and to $7.1 million since the branch at Drouin was established.
The funds allocated were to:-
Frankie's Community Kitchen to help expand its use of ingredients, that would be otherwise thrown away, into meals distributed through nine food relief groups to people in need and increase the number of meals provided each week to between 2500 and 3000.
Lyrebird Village for the Aged, Drouin, (Respect Group) to upgrade the Boronia lower garden area for the benefit of residents that have memory issues.
Drouin History Group for conservation materials needed to preserve some of Drouin's most important documents.
Drouin Bowling Club funding towards new security doors to improve the safety of members and visitors.
Warragul Cemetery Trust for equipment to improve security at the town's cemeteries.
Longwarry History Group for professional painting of a mural on the CFA building based on a photograph of the brigade's building in 1905.
Warragul Community House to purchase various items to upgrade its existing equipment.
Drouin Dragons Soccer Club to buy a three-door refrigerator for the new multi-sports pavilion at Bellbird Park.
St Vincent de Paul Society, Drouin, for Christmas hampers provided in partnership with the West Gippsland Healthcare Group to those in financial difficulties, mental health problems, suffering from domestic violence and families receiving care.
Drouin Golf and Country Club to assist buying an RTV tractor for use by volunteers that help maintain the course.
Olivia's Place to better support and engage volunteers.
Longwarry and District Lions Club's received continuing funding to provide food and other essentials to vulnerable members of the community.
Ellinbank Recreation Reserve for a 15-seat mobile grandstand for the netball courts.
Drouin Devils Basketball Club for training equipment, training facilities and coaching courses for volunteers.
Presentations also were made to staff members assistant manager Katy Slater to mark 10 years with the bank and Julieanne Palinkas who recently completed 13 years.
The board announced a new process is being introduced for future grant and sponsorship applications.
It will be done online through Smarty Grants in a more efficient and easier procedure for the bank and applicants.