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IMB Bank Community Foundation announces over $450,000 in new grant funding for NSW and ACT community groups

Announcement posted by Blue Planet PR 17 Nov 2020

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17 November 2020 – A surf school for children living with Autism, mental health support for youth, bushfire recovery projects, and a trailer to deliver food and support to Canberra’s homeless are just some of the community projects that will benefit from over $450,000 in grants donated by IMB Bank Community Foundation

Now in its 21st year, IMB Bank Community Foundation is Foundation is proud to have supported nearly 800 community groups and projects across NSW and ACT, with over $10million donated since 1999. 

In 2020, twenty-nine local community groups and projects across NSW and the ACT will share in over $450,000 to update services and equipment, and support people in need.

“IMB Bank’s Community Foundation really embodies the power of communities,” said Robert Ryan, IMB Bank CEO. “In announcing our 2020 funding recipients, we’re celebrating the people and organisations who are making a profound difference within their own neighbourhoods and networks. These people are at the front line – they’re taking action, rolling their sleeves up, and getting the job done. And in doing so, they’re making a real difference, and building better futures for others.”

IMB Bank Community Foundation has a rich and diverse history of community engagement and improvement. Projects have ranged from the establishment of recycling programs and Men’s Sheds, through to public walkways, school gardens, youth driver training, mental health first aid training, equipment for volunteer rescue services and increased security for victims of domestic violence.

Despite COVID-19 related disruptions, it was important to IMB Bank that its Community Foundation funding went ahead in 2020. 

“The events of 2020 have highlighted the important role IMB Bank’s Community Foundation plays at a grassroots level,” said Robert Ryan, IMB Bank CEO. “Since 1880, IMB’s core philosophy has been to help build strong, resilient communities. As we all begin to navigate our way forward, IMB Bank’s commitment to supporting Australian communities as they rebuild and recover remains as strong as ever. We are proud to provide funding for these valuable community projects, and truly humbled to play a small part in their continued growth and success.” 

The community groups and projects funded by IMB Bank Community Foundation in 2020 include:

 

ACT

  • Canberra PCYC - Thanks to the second year of IMB Bank Community Foundation funding, the Canberra PCYC Youth Street Support Trailer will expand and continue its vital support of those in need.

  • The Scullin Community Group – The group’s Events Trailer is a unique new service which will provide event support materials to small community groups in and around Belconnen in the ACT.

  • Marymead Child and Family Centre - Outdoor spaces will be enhanced with musical resources to support self expression and enhance communication through music for children and young people living with disability.

  • Painting with Parkinsons – The benefits of art therapy will be extended to people living with Parkinsons in regional centres.

 

NSW – Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

  • Autism Swim – The development of an online certification program that can be used by surf schools across Sydney, and internationally, to increase accessibility for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other abilities.

  • EducAID – 500 students and teachers will be trained in Mental Health First Aid across highly populated, and culturally diverse, areas of South West Sydney.

  • Marine Rescue NSW (Middle Harbour) – A new infra-red search camera will be purchased and installed to help save more lives on and around Sydney Harbour.   

  • St. John Ambulance – A new and engaging, eLearning Platform will be developed to help primary school children learn the St. John first aid basics.

  • Clever Care NOW – New equipment will be purchased, and upgrades made to current transport services for the aged, frail and wheelchair bound, enabling them to enjoy everyday mobility, independence and community engagement. 

  • Parramatta Mission - IMB Bank Community Foundation funding will help in the training of new Lifeline telephone crisis supporters.

  • Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute - Coordinating the largest mobile public heart health check tour in NSW and the ACT.

 

NSW - Illawarra

  • Ocean Live – IMB Bank Community Foundation funding will enable Smart Signs at Wollongong beaches, alerting beachgoers about risks such as rips, sandbanks, UV exposure and sharks. Funding will also support the development of an App for beach safety awareness.

  • Port Kembla SLSC – A new Surf Rescue Trailer will be designed and created to enhance safety response.

  • Fairy Meadow SLSC – An updated Inflatable Rescue Boat will be purchased for greater beach safety.

  • Illawarra Wig Library – New wigs will be purchased to support those who have experienced hair loss due to medical conditions or treatment.

  • Cows Create Careers - Cows Create Careers is a Strzelecki Lions Club project which is a hands-on learning experience designed to promote dairy industry careers and educational pathways to high school students. 

  • Sprouts Shellharbour Early Learning - Facilitating connections between pre-schoolers and seniors at Warrigal Care and the wider community. 

  • CareSouth - Establishing a health hub to provide free dental, eye, and hearing care for disadvantaged families in Berkeley.

  • Para Meadows School - Funding will enable the purchase of new equipment to optimise learning experiences for special needs children.

 

NSW – South Coast

  • SAGE – 32 free vegetable beds will be provided to those affected by bushfires, and four new wicking garden beds for the Moruya community garden will provide more food for people in need at women’s and youth refuges. IMB is supporting a small but powerful step in the bushfire recovery process for these communities.

  • Conjola Park Priority Project - The community will be united and uplifted through the regeneration of the town’s central communal area. 

  • Coast and Country Community Services - Easier and more convenient online training for volunteers will be delivered throughout the NSW South Coast.

  • Marine Rescue NSW (Jervis Bay) – Two new outboard motors will be purchased for the primary rescue vehicle to tackle all on-water emergencies.

  • North Shoalhaven Meals on Wheels - Expanding and upgrading of kitchen facilities and services.

  • Wolumla Rural Fire Brigade - The grant will enable the purchase of a quick fill pump, which allows water tankers to quickly refill from large water sources during a bushfire emergency.

  • Vinnies Bushfire Relief Fund - Rebuilding areas around the South Coast impacted by bushfires.

 

NSW – Southern Highlands

  • Hill Top Men’s Shed - IMB Bank Community Foundation has long been a proud supporter of Men’s Shed programs. This year, funding support will help the Hill Top Men’s Shed purchase woodwork equipment for their new shed.

 

NSW - Hunter

  • Vision Australia - Old assessment tools will be upgraded to help adults and children facing vision loss. 

  • The Callaghan District Netball Association – Facilities will be enhanced to provide a healthy living program for disadvantaged families, using netball as the core physical activity.

 

IMB Bank is one of the longest-standing financial organisations in NSW and was named one of the World’s Best Banks by Forbes magazine in 2020. Its Community Foundation program is considered one of the best of its kind in Australia.

For more information about IMB Bank Community Foundation visit www.imb.com.au/community. 

 

ENDS

For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact Blue Planet Public Relations:

Maria Crema – maria.crema@blueplanetpr.com.au or +61 402 239 929

Sophie Blue - sophie.blue@blueplanetpr.com.au or +61 416 006 821

 

About IMB Bank

Established in 1880, IMB Bank is one of Australia’s most enduring financial institutions, helping people achieve their financial goals for over 140 years. IMB was rated as one of the World’s Best Banks by Forbes in 2020, thanks to digital innovation, personal service, and customer satisfaction. IMB Bank offers digital and mobile banking, home loans, personal loans and deposit products, retail and business banking, and has a growing branch network through NSW and Melbourne. With total assets over $6.7 billion, IMB is regulated by APRA and ASIC, is owned by its customers and is one of the leading mutual banks in NSW. 

 

About the IMB Bank Community Foundation

The IMB Bank Community Foundation was established in 1999 to support the communities IMB Bank calls home. Since inception, the Foundation has supported more than 700 community projects with over $10m in donated funding. The Foundation is proud to support projects which strengthen local communities through the transfer of skills and knowledge, encouraging and supporting volunteer input and building lasting community assets.