Surveys calling for Canowindra and district residents, traders and community groups to show their support for the Canowindra Community Bank® Project will begin dropping into letterboxes this week.
Now the Canowindra Community Bank® Project Steering Committee has kicked off the next stage in its campaign, a community survey.
Steering Committee Chair, Cheryl Newsom said over 1,300 surveys would be mailed out in coming weeks, to measure the general level of awareness, understanding and support for a Community Bank® branch within the Canowindra community.
“Key to the success of the survey will be establishing whether the community is willing to support the proposed new branch by committing to move across their banking business,” Cheryl said.
“However, it is critical we get as many responses to this survey as possible and from a wide variety of respondents. It is only with the full support of our community that our dream to have a locally-owned and operated bank here in Canowindra will come to fruition,” said Cheryl.
“We believe that our community does want the long-term benefits a Community Bank® branch can bring, however we need to back this up with official data to show that it will be viable,” continued Cheryl. The results of the survey will be presented to the steering committee, which hopes to make a final decision on proceeding with the campaign by early March 2019.
“Canowindra Community Bank® Branch would offer a full suite of banking services – including savings accounts, home loans and business banking – with the support of Bendigo Bank.”
“Becoming a shareholder is one fantastic way people can support our Community Bank® Branch, however there are other ways people can throw their weight behind this campaign too.”
“Just by doing something as simple as their day-to-day banking at this new branch, local residents can help support a community run business that will support them in return.” Cheryl said, “The community survey would hopefully re-confirm the support shown to date and determine whether a Community Bank® Branch in Canowindra was viable, to then move to a public share offer. Time is of the essence, so make sure you show your support for this grassroots initiative today,” Cheryl said.
“Don’t leave this decision in someone else’s hands, this is a project that will benefit the whole community, but only if it can get support from the whole community.”
Survey forms will start to arrive in letter boxes throughout Canowindra and surrounding areas from this week. All surveys will be strictly confidential and are to be returned sealed to the independent consultants or alternatively can also be dropped into the local Agency in Gaskill Street, Canowindra.
An independent consultancy firm has been appointed to undertake the review, which will also include face-to-face interviews with prospective customers and investors. This firm will present the findings to the committee and Bendigo Bank once the review is complete. These will take place on Thursday 7th February and if you are interested in taking part please call Cheryl Newsom on 0411 211 065.
In the meantime, the committee is still accepting pledges of support. Forms can be collected from the local agency at Ian Simpson and Co, Gaskill Street, Canowindra.