The 2025 Grant Presentation Evening, hosted by Community Bank Deloraine and Districts, provided a heartfelt platform for local organisations to express their gratitude and share how vital funding will shape their futures.
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School received $15,006 for their project, “Harmonising opportunities: Empowering students through music.” Mary Bennett, the school’s principal, explains how the initiative began with a few students taking up instrument lessons, but soon revealed a wider interest. “We started to offer music lessons to our students last year, and we only had a handful that took it up. With a bit of creativity and ingenuity in our school community, we’ve got all our grade four to sixes actually learning musical instruments this year,” she says. The grant has allowed the school to purchase 15 band instruments, ensuring students will never have to bear hire costs. “The kids are very excited and so are we,” Mary concluded, highlighting the profound impact on the school community.
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Deloraine High School, School Association was awarded $9,500 for their innovative coffee van project. Deloraine students transformed a second-hand van into a fully functional coffee van. “The kids […] bought the van,” Lindy Norton says on behalf of Deloraine High School. “They stripped it out, they kitted it all out.” With the grant funding, professional-grade coffee machines were installed, allowing students to serve high-quality coffee at events like AgFest. “Apart from these kids learning skills of manufacturing and building, you’ve got others learning to serve a coffee or work in catering. It makes a huge difference,” Lindy adds, expressing deep appreciation for the support that helps students gain practical skills and contribute to school fundraising.
Toddle Inn Childcare Centre Inc. received a significant grant of $36,136 to construct a brand new fence, expanding their usable outdoor space. Representing the centre, Julie Purdon shared how the project was three years in the making. “Behind Toddle Inn is a block of land that’s owned by Crown and Council. After years of applications and costly reports, we were finally able to lease the land,” Julie explains. The grant will fund the fencing required to meet safety regulations, allowing children to safely play on the newly acquired land. “We will be able to finally see children’s little feet on the grass, which will be amazing. Educators and children alike are very excited. Thank you very much,” Julie says, acknowledging how the project secures the centre’s future and supports community growth.
The Mole Creek Progress Association was granted $15,499.80 for their “Securing the future: Mole Creek pool access and safety” project. Lauren Cohen, speaking on behalf of the association, explained the need for enhanced safety measures at the community pool. “Because we’re operating without a lifeguard, we need that extra security,” she says. The grant will fund the installation of CCTV cameras with emergency distress buttons, a keyless entry system for season pass holders, and necessary electrical upgrades. “I just wanted to say thank you so much, Bendigo Bank again, and we’re really looking forward to this season,” Cohen says, expressing gratitude for the continued support that ensures the pool remains a safe and accessible hub for the community.
The evening was a testament to how community banking directly supports local initiatives, providing essential resources to projects that enrich the lives of residents. Each recipient’s story reflected the tangible benefits of these grants, delivered with sincere thanks and anticipation for the positive changes ahead.
