Guest Speaker—Jim Osborne, Yea Community Bank (Bendigo Bank)
What started as a project idea at Rotary in 2010 was taken on by individuals to bring the idea to reality and form a Community Bank. A board of directors was formed and individual investors contributed to raise the capital required. The bank was profitable and positive for the future of banking in Yea. A change of board members saw a downturn in viability, and profits were lost. A new board was formed in 2021 to turn the tide for Yea Community Bank, and by 2025 at the AGM a profit was shown, dividends paid to shareholders and the future looking good. The Bendigo Bank has made the decision to close agency banks, leaving Eildon and Alexandra without a bank, and the Kinglake Bendigo Bank is closing in June. This leaves the Yea Community Bank the only bank in the Murrindindi Shire. 
The use of technology and Brokers have changed the banking environment.
Yea Community Bank is hoping to recommence their community grants program, where not for profit organisations can apply for funding.
December 2024 saw Jim step down as Chair, and John Agostinelli was appointed to the role.
Jim ended by saying there would have been “no bank without Yea Rotary Club making it happen”.
What started as a project idea at Rotary in 2010 was taken on by individuals to bring the idea to reality and form a Community Bank. A board of directors was formed and individual investors contributed to raise the capital required. The bank was profitable and positive for the future of banking in Yea. A change of board members saw a downturn in viability, and profits were lost. A new board was formed in 2021 to turn the tide for Yea Community Bank, and by 2025 at the AGM a profit was shown, dividends paid to shareholders and the future looking good. The Bendigo Bank has made the decision to close agency banks, leaving Eildon and Alexandra without a bank, and the Kinglake Bendigo Bank is closing in June. This leaves the Yea Community Bank the only bank in the Murrindindi Shire. The use of technology and Brokers have changed the banking environment.Yea Community Bank is hoping to recommence their community grants program, where not for profit organisations can apply for funding.
December 2024 saw Jim step down as Chair, and John Agostinelli was appointed to the role.
Jim ended by saying there would have been “no bank without Yea Rotary Club making it happen”.
3 Minute Speaker—Ian Tobin
Ian spoke of the opportunity, through his work win-nig a contract with the Australian Open (Tennis), to coordinate the advertising for KIA, the major sponsor. This gave Ian 2.5 weeks of enviable access to the Open! Over the last 25 years, signage has changed dramatically, from painted Masonite sheeting to corflute panels and now LED lighting. Great gig Ian!
Ian spoke of the opportunity, through his work win-nig a contract with the Australian Open (Tennis), to coordinate the advertising for KIA, the major sponsor. This gave Ian 2.5 weeks of enviable access to the Open! Over the last 25 years, signage has changed dramatically, from painted Masonite sheeting to corflute panels and now LED lighting. Great gig Ian!
Penny Paxman, RCL
District Conference, held at Pentridge, where the old and new have been incorporated and a warm village aspect created. The conference featured keynote speakers addressing mental health, inclusion and diversity.
Rotary International—16 May, Day Of Service. Penny has suggested that RC of Yea visiting the Yarck Hub (Bushfire Relief) on 18 May, where we prepare a meal for the community of Yarck.
Penny has taken on the role of Rotary Community Leader, formerly held by Sharon Fox, and has overseen the Back to School Program for fire affected students and families, along with the Tanks Project, of which there has been 43 delivered so far.
District Conference, held at Pentridge, where the old and new have been incorporated and a warm village aspect created. The conference featured keynote speakers addressing mental health, inclusion and diversity.
Rotary International—16 May, Day Of Service. Penny has suggested that RC of Yea visiting the Yarck Hub (Bushfire Relief) on 18 May, where we prepare a meal for the community of Yarck.
Penny has taken on the role of Rotary Community Leader, formerly held by Sharon Fox, and has overseen the Back to School Program for fire affected students and families, along with the Tanks Project, of which there has been 43 delivered so far.