Bank branches out

MARRIOT Waters Shopping Centre is now home to a new community bank branch.
A new sub-branch of Carrum Downs Community Bank opened its doors on Monday at the shopping centre along Thompsons Road, adjacent to the Woolworths supermarket.
Carrum Downs Financial Services Board chairman Greg Sugars said the company had been searching for the right location for a sub branch of its successful community bank company and believed Marriott Waters was the perfect spot.
“We are excited to have finalised this opportunity for Lyndhurst businesses and residents to enjoy the same support of a community bank branch that we have provided at Carrum Downs for the past 14 years,” he said.
With the support of Carrum Downs residents, the board had so far been able to return more than $1.5 million to the community over the years.
Mr Sugars said the community bank model showed what people could achieve when they committed to creating positive outcomes for the benefit of everyone.
“Community bank branches started as a way to enhance a community’s access to banking services,” he said.
“But today, it’s about securing an alternative source of income so that a community can fund activities or initiatives which make their town or suburb a better place to live.
“Because we’re locally owned and operated, and supported by our partner, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, we can make investments locally.
“Everyone who supports a community bank branch knows they are part of something special.”
The new Marriott Waters branch will offer a full suite of banking services.
A family fun day has been planned for Saturday with a range of entertainment to celebrate the opening.