Charity golf day raises $60,000 for grassroots community groups

26 March 2024

Keen golfers have taken community spirit directly from the greens to grassroot community groups, raising $60,000 as part of People First Bank’s much-loved annual charity golf day.

Seven community groups were announced as beneficiaries today in Toowoomba, following the event held last December at Toowoomba’s City Golf Club.

Last year’s golf day marked a major milestone for the longstanding event. It was the first held since Heritage Bank and People’s Choice merged to become one organisation, now known as People First Bank. 

Across its 26-year history, the event has raised more than $1.1 million and assisted around 130 charity and community groups.

In keeping with People First Bank’s national presence, beneficiaries from the most recent event include organisations from Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.

CEO Peter Lock said the charity golf day was a fantastic example of the people-centric approach that differentiates member-owned banks from listed banks.

“Our charity golf day was started 26 years ago by a group of volunteer team members, simply because they wanted to help people in the community who were doing it tough,” Mr Lock said.

“Fast forward to today and it’s still organised and run by volunteers from our team, supported by the generosity of the business community, and still focussed on helping people in need.

“That’s what People First Bank is all about. We exist to serve our members and have an absolute commitment to supporting the community. It’s part of our DNA.

“For us, it’s not about maximising profit, but about doing good.

“Today we’re proud to recognise and support the amazing work of community groups across the country including some in southern Queensland, Achieve Australia in Sydney, and Cancer Council in South Australia. 

“Holding this event each year is something that everyone at People First Bank takes great pride in, and something we hope to make bigger and better in future.

“Thank you to all of our event sponsors, volunteers and participants in contributing to our latest golf day and allowing us to support these inspiring organisations.”

The latest charity golf day beneficiaries include:

• Touch of Hope, Springwood, Queensland - $10,000: towards the purchase of a van which will be used to deliver a new project 'Technology on the Streets'.  The project aims to break down barriers for those who are isolated or struggling by promoting a healthy communication network between those requiring support and Government departments/services.
• Change-Up Project, Gold Coast, Queensland - $10,000: to support the continuation of the Change-Up program in 2024 by offering three opportunities for people in need to have a full day of change both inside and out, with hairstyles, clothing and to help bring their confidence back to life.
• Oakey Touch Football Association, Queensland - $12,000: towards installation of a drinking water fountain at the Oakey Rugby League fields.
• QCWA Goombungee, Queensland - $5,000: for new replacement sign board to advertise 'What's On' in their organisation and share important community information. 
• Achieve Australia, Sydney, New South Wales - $10,000: to create and deliver more in-person art workshops for people with disability in the Sydney region.  
• Cancer Council South Australia - $10,000: towards the Financial Assistance Program which provides up to $250 per applicant to help them pay bills, buy essentials, such as food, fuel and clothing.  
• PCYC Toowoomba, Queensland - $3,000: to assist youth and community programs in Toowoomba and in recognition of their support as helpers at the event. 

PHOTO: Brendan McCormack, Oakey Touch Club; Peter Lock, CEO, People First Bank; Grant and Anita Anderson, Touch of Hope; and Sergeant Cam Crisp and Acting Sergeant Chantal Kelly from Toowoomba PCYC.