Heritage Karalee Community Branch gives $109,000 in funding grants to local organisations

12 July 2018

Ten local organisations have shared in just over $109,000 in the latest round of community funding grants from Heritage Karalee Community Branch.

Heritage Karalee is a joint-venture partnership between Heritage Bank and the local community, represented by Community Capital Company. Under the Heritage community branch model, the community company’s share of profits must be given as grants to community organisations, charities and special community events. 

Applicants for the Heritage Bank Karalee Community Grants program must be within the region comprising Karalee, Karana Downs, Mt Crosby, Barellan Point, Chuwar, Tivoli and Kholo.

Heritage Karalee Community Branch Manager Shelly King said local support was critical to the success of the community branch concept in Karalee.

“Heritage Karalee is here thanks to the efforts of the local community. We are also the only bank in the local area.  Because of these two things, the community support that we receive is second to none.

“For us, the best part about being a community branch is not only being able to give back to the community but seeing first-hand the positive impact that these grants have for our customers and the region.”

Barbara Buchanan from Community Capital Company (CCC) said they were proud to continue the great work from the branch and present much-needed funds back into the local community.

“It’s a privilege to help by distributing CCC’s share of the profits back into the community via grants or sponsorships to local organisations and events,” Ms Buchanan said.

“Living in the community we have an intimate knowledge of the local area and the hard working people that make up the fabric of our community. 

“The funds help them achieve their goals. It takes the burden of fundraising away from parents.  It also improves the infrastructure and services these organisations provide and allows them to do so much more for the community.”

This year’s successful grant recipients include:

• Colleges United Football Club $16,000 towards new club player jersey for the 2019 season and ground maintenance equipment
• Karalee Community Kindergarten $12,047 towards new shade sails and blinds and play area expansion
• Karalee Playgroup $1,445 towards the purchase of mulch, matting and timber for a play area, a mud kitchen for creative play and garden shed
• Karalee Scout group $4,016 for the purchase of a new trailer and tents to support the scout group in outdoor activities
• Karalee State School P&C $22,728 towards the expansion of the senior playground at Karalee State School
• Karalee Twin Rivers Junior Rugby League Club $10,464 to supply players packs that include a club bag, ball and water bottle.
• Karana Downs Pony Club $26,394 towards the purchase of a lockable show jump trailer and complete show jumping course
• Marburg Mount Crosby Thunder Cricket C2018lub $4,655 to assist with raising the wicket block to improve drainage and prevent water pooling
• Mt Crosby Play Group $2,169 towards the purchase of developmental play equipment restock of lost and broken items.

Photo: Adrian Wellington from Community Capital Company, representatives from grant recipient Karana Downs Pony Club and Heritage Karalee Community Branch Manager Shelly King.