Founders gather to celebrate 25 years of community banking
On Saturday 15 July 2000, the community of Neerim District gathered at the opening of their self-funded branch of the Bendigo Bank after almost 20 years since the last banking service closed their doors in the district.
Recently, on Thursday 17 July 2025 the founding members of the bank returned to where it all began to celebrate the legacy they helped build.
The celebration was held at Neeri Nuff Wine Bar & Kitchen in Neerim South, which was where the Community Bank Neerim District branch was first located before moving to a new, purpose-built headquarters in 2013.
Among the attendees were founding Board Chair Paul Bright, and founding Board Directors Neville Cousins, Robert Southgate, Christopher Jensen, and Christopher Adams.
Bendigo Bank’s State Manager for Regional Victoria and Tasmania Ashdon Capp, and Regional Manager Caitlin Cooper also joined in the day’s celebrations.
Current Deputy Chair Paul Ford acted as emcee for the event, and shared words of gratitude for the hard work and dedication shown by those involved in returning financial services to the community.
“We are lucky to be living in a hugely vibrant, prosperous community. The financial services provided by the bank plays an essential role and underpins that vitality and prosperity in the district.” he said.
Many stories were shared by those that fondly remember the journey, and the party that was held in the streets of Neerim South on the day their vision became a reality.
James Cunliffe and Brian Barwick first floated the idea of a community-owned bank in the late nineties after visiting the Bendigo Bank stall at the Gippsland Field Days. After this initial meeting about the concept of a community bank, they reformed the Neerim District Development Association (now the Neerim District Progress Association) and invited representation from clubs and associations across the Neerim District.
The determination of those that volunteered their time on the committee and the first Neerim District Financial Services board (now trading as the Neerim District Community Enterprise) encouraged many community members to generously contribute funds to reach the target amount of more than $360,000 needed to open the branch.
Paul Bright served as Board Chair for more than a decade and has fond memories of his experiences working with the other founders.
“I regard my time raising funds and working on getting the Community Bank Neerim District as the most rewarding in my career. Jim Cunliffe will always be one of the great men who we have worked with, and I have worked with.’’ he said.
“I couldn’t be prouder than I have been as part of returning bank services to the district, and distributing profits to local service groups.”
The Community Bank Neerim District has undergone many changes over the last 25 years, but the branch has remained a vital part of the district, contributing close to $4 million of profit back into the community through grants and scholarships.
Under the care and leadership of branch manager Samantha Bullen, and Board Chair Clive Patrickson, the community-owned bank continues to aim high and achieve incredible things for the residents of Neerim District.