By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
BARELY two months before they need to prove that a Narre Warren North Community Bank is a sustainable project, the steering committee has put out what could be its final plea for support.
Pledge co-ordinator Trevor Ratcliffe said the project required an additional business footing of $7 million to reach its $10 million target before the end of June or the Bendigo Bank will not consider it as a viable option.
“We’re looking at the end of June as a wrap-up, if the community hasn’t committed by the end of that time we’ll be in trouble, we really need to be well on the way to reaching our targets,” he said.
“It’s really time to commit now; it’s a push to the finish at the moment. We have some presentations to do to community groups in the coming weeks.”
As well as the dire need for more business on its books – which can include phone banking, business banking, term deposits, loans and mortgages – the Narre Warren North Community Bank is still $50,000 short in pledges.
“The people that have opened up accounts have followed up, they have committed to opening an account, but those who are contributing pledges haven’t given any money, that comes when the prospectus is released,” Mr Ratcliffe said.
“There is a danger that people won’t follow up, some people may have left the area for example, they may have other commitments that have taken over their desire to be part of it.
“There is an expected drop off.”
But Mr Ratcliffe said he was hopeful the drop off would be minimal to allow for a prospectus to still be issued by Bendigo Bank once the committee proves the project’s viability in two months.
And the community bank has also garnered support from several local identities as well as Casey deputy mayor Amanda Stapledon.
Casey Senior Citizen for 2014 Margaret Sansom, of Narre Warren North, said the community bank would be an asset for the entire community.
“Narre North is now a convenient community spot where people come to enjoy a coffee at Marco’s. A Community bank will add to that,” she said.
“Our growth here is also telling us that we need a Community Bank here.”
Fellow Narre Warren North stalwart Bert Rae, and a founding member of the bank’s steering committee, urged the community to help get the project over the line.
“Having been involved as a member of the steering committee from the word go, I have seen the project develop and the support that the community has given so far has been terrific,” he said.
“But we only have a few weeks left to demonstrate that the community is behind it.”
Community banks are a Bendigo Bank initiative led by volunteers in order to supply grants and sponsorships to sporting and recreation clubs, support organisations and community programs.
To make a pledge or for more information, contact Mr Ratcliffe on 9700 5061.
