Pambula and Bega Community Bank and Marine Rescue Eden have partnered in what marks the start of what both groups hope to be a long-standing and valuable relationship for the community.
Bendigo Community Bank representatives attended the Marine Rescue Eden’s annual presentation ceremony which saw Fay Cousin receive a 5-year Long Service pin, John McKinnon a 10-year Long Service medal and Sue Williamson a 35-year National Medal, with Ms Williamson also announced as the new Deputy Unit Commander.
Following the awards, Graham Stubbs, Executive Officer of Bendigo Community Bank Pambula and Bega handed over the ceremonial cheque of $45,006.50 and announced the new partnership with Marine Rescue Eden with the funding directed to support the fit-out of the new Marine Rescue training room in Eden.
“We hope that this partnership is the start of a long-standing relationship between Bendigo Community Bank and Eden Marine Rescue and are pleased we can help them set up their new training facilities to the highest standards possible.
“We are committed to supporting the Bega Valley by giving every dollar we make back to the community and what better partner to have than one so important to Eden,” Mr Stubbs said.
Mike Hammond, Zone Commander South for Marine Rescue was at the ceremony to hand out the awards and take receipt of the cheque alongside Acting Unit Commander Nancy Weatherman.
Ms Weatherman said it was a very exciting time for Marine Rescue Eden, with the funds provided by Bendigo Bank critical to supporting ongoing training.
“We will have a modern facility for Marine Rescue Eden crews to muster when a call-out occurs and provide a space to train our members and the general public.
“Thank you to our former Unit Commander Stuart Manson who had the vision to approach the local Bendigo Bank to form this partnership.
“We are looking forward to working with Bendigo Bank into the future and would like to sincerely thank them for this generous sponsorship,” Ms Weatherman said.