Guest Speaker: Mike Dalmau, Chair of the Yea and District Community Bank.
Mike gave a most informative talk about the history and current situation of the Yea and District Community Bank and the direction they are taking. He has recently taken over as chair from the Inaugural Chair Gary Pollard and thanked him for all his years of service. Whilst outlining what has gone on so far and thanking everyone for their support, Mike acknowledged that there are things that the Bank needs to do better, to be better for businesses. The bank has enjoyed a lot of community support and in turn has returned over $204,000 into the community in a myriad of ways and now is the time for next phase. An agency has been established in Alexandra and an ATM in Eildon, an important development for local residents. Mike explained that the Community Banking Model started 20 years ago and the bank operates under a franchise agreement with the Bendigo Bank. The ethos of the bank is about having local directors who know their community and putting profits back into the community.
Three Minuter: Carol Hogg.
Carol gave a very funny account of a birthday gift from husband Russell—a weeks membership at a Gym. It was titled ‘A Woman’s week at the Gym’. It all centred around the 26 year old personal trainer Christo, who is also an aerobics instructor and model for swim wear. Carol was keen to start and was encouraged to keep a diary for the week. The week went from boundless enthusiasm to get up at 6am and work with Christo and watching him work to the final entry, which I have included here.
“Sunday—I’m having the church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank God that the week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun—like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say that if God wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!”
Sergeant: Sinkers fined as many as possible to raise the funds going into the fines box!
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Sgt. Sinkers asking Di for potential fines. |
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| The caterers - Flowerdale Primary School |