Heritage Finance Holdings Palmwoods Community Branch rewards local community groups with over $102,000 in grants

6 June 2018

Twenty seven community groups from Palmwoods and surrounds have shared in over $102,000 in grants thanks to the latest round of community grants from Heritage Finance Holdings Palmwoods Community Branch. 

The recipients of their 2018 community grants program were announced at a special presentation evening held on 26 May. 

Heritage Finance Holdings Palmwoods Community Branch is a joint-venture between Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation and the local community, represented by Palmwoods Community Branch Ltd (PCB). It was established after 99 local investors raised $200,000 in capital to help set up the branch in 2006. 

Under the Heritage Finance Holdings community branch model, profits are shared between Heritage Finance Holdings and PCB. 

PCB’s share of the profits then goes back to the community via grants or sponsorships to deserving local organisations and events. 

Since opening in 2006, Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation and PCB have injected more than $5.9 million back into the Palmwoods community and surrounds through grants, sponsorship and employment.

PCB Director Audrey Lyttle said, “We’re absolutely delighted to be part of a model that benefits local people in Palmwoods and surrounding areas.

“The more people who choose to do their banking with Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation Palmwoods, the more Heritage Finance Holdings and PCB can do to support local community organisations with much-needed funding. The PCB is the vehicle by which any grants and sponsorships are given out to the community, it’s very much a symbiotic relationship where we all depend on each other for success.

“The experience the grant recipients have with Heritage Finance Holdings Palmwoods and PCB becomes a part of their story and helps spread the word about the benefits of community banking. 

“On behalf of the directors of PCB, we extend their deepest thanks to the volunteers and community groups that contribute so much. Thank you also to the team at Heritage Finance Holdings Palmwoods for their dedication and commitment to the Palmwoods community.”

Heritage Finance Holdings Palmwoods Branch Manager Sophia Di Ferdinando said the community grants presentation evening was one of their favourite times of the year.

“This is why we love being a community branch,” she said, “it’s about making a difference.”  

“Our customers are not just a number. We have a long-standing team who is very community-oriented and we are so proud to have built strong relationships throughout Palmwoods and surrounding areas. 

“We are so thankful for the opportunity to give back to our region together with the directors of PCB, and keep the community’s best interests at heart.” 

The most recent grant recipients include:

• Sunshine Coast Artistic Skating Club: $2,125
• Nambour & District Horse Pony Club: $5,000 
• Hinterland Blues AFL Club: $2,350 
• Woombye Netball Club: $2,635 
• Palmwoods & Western District Junior Rugby League Football Club: $4,784 
• Palmwoods Warriors Football Club Inc: $3,500 
• Palmwoods Cricket Club Inc: $6,000 
• Wombye Snakes Football Club: $5,450 
• Montville State School P & C Association: $4,180 
• Palmwoods Community Kindergarten & Pre-school: $1,930 
• Chevallum State School P & C: $2,000 
• Mooloolah Primary School P & C: $3,300 
• Palmwoods State School: $7,530 
• St Joseph's Primary School: $2,000 
• Waverley Palmwoods Masonic Lodge: $2,640
• Petrie Creek Catchment Care Group Inc: $4,500
• Cittimani Hospice: $5,000 
• Sunshine Valley Mens Shed: $1,415 
• Hunchy Community Association: $5,437 
• Palmwoods Girl Guide Support Group: $3,000 
• Palmwoods Memorial Hall: $2,500 
• Palmwoods Bowls Club: $4080 
• Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy Program Inc: $2,000
• Woombye Care Inc: $8,540 
• Palmwoods Community Business Association: $3,000 
• AL Taylor for Kids: $3,500 
• Eudlo Primary School P & C Association:  $3,826