Aged care, education and youth, health, and fostering social connections are topics that matter most to the people of Margaret River.
That was the feedback from more than 25 local community groups at a recent Community Forum, held by the Augusta Community Bank.
The forums are run periodically to explore the needs of Margaret River and surrounding regions, and are an essential part of assessing where Augusta Community Bank profits should be directed, said director Miriam Bailey.
“This insight and community buy-in is so important, and it’s wonderful to see how passionate and enthusiastic locals are about our district,” Ms Bailey said.
“Given the Community Bank model returns up to 80 percent of its profits to local communities, it’s important we understand where there is the greatest need, and invest our profits for the greatest local impact. Our community spirit, our strength and a ‘Can Do’ attitude of local people is what makes our region so great, and we know we need to keep working together to build our community to be successful, sustainable and prosperous for the long term.”
In the last four years, more than $70,000 has been returned to support community projects and initiatives. Most recently, a $1000 grant was made to the Margaret River Theatre Group, which will assist in funding the group’s new location.
“We encourage local people to talk to us about their banking needs, because the more local people bank with us, the more we can reinvest back into community.”
