Published on Thursday, 24 October 2024 at 2:44:08 PM
Perfect conditions set the scene for celebrating two major community achievements, the 25th anniversary of Goomalling & Districts Community Bank, and the official opening of the Anstey Park nature playground.
Cr Julie Chester, Shire President acknowledged the efforts of staff and the community who participated in consultation, focus groups and meetings to achieve the project, with support from the Federal Government's Local Road and Infrastructure Fund Grant Program ($173,000), Goomalling & Districts Community Bank ($50,000), Goomalling Community Opshop ($10,000), Midland Brick (limestone blocks and paving), Department of Justice - Dowerin Work Camp (labour for fencing, paving, seating and landscaping), Bellmuggin Farm and Lord Farms (donation of rocks).
Cr Chester, announced that Anstey Park Revitalisation Project was a Finalist in the 2024 Minister's Place Innovation Awards, which recognises innovative place-based projects, policies and activities involving local governments in Western Australia. Our project achieved second, to Carnarvon in the Regional WA Category.
Natalie Bird, Chairperson of Goomalling & Districts Community Financial Services Ltd followed the proceedings by sharing the amazing history of the local bank branch, being the second Community Bank in Western Australia, delivering approximately $650,000 worth of donations back to the community since opening in 1999. The foresight and legacy of the inaugural steering committee, board and staff has ensured that banking service remain in our town while branches are closing all over Australia. Natalie made a sensical statement with regards to their position in the community, to direct profits from banking back to the community, and that the more people that support them the greater impact they can have. To conclude, Natalie with Branch Manager Andrea Nielsen announced a monumental donation, and presented Scott Thomson, Chairperson of Mortlock Sports Council a cheque for $210,000 paying out their loan for the Goomalling Sport & Community Centre.
Once formalities were over, Samuel Bryce, our Chief Executive Officer fired up the barbeque while children were ecstatic with the celebrations, cake, lollybags, the bouncy castle and Shaun the bucking sheep created an afternoon of laughter and pure delight.
Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate with us.
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