IN PICTURES: Community Bank Albany marks two decades of helping Albany locals invest and prosper financially

Community Bank Albany has celebrated 20 years of backing local prosperity, marking two decades of banking and more than $1.6 million returned to the community through local initiatives and partnerships.

Operated by Albany (WA) Community Financial Service Ltd under Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank model, Community Bank Albany has combined local banking services with a strong commitment to giving back to the community.

Through its community investment, the bank has supported initiatives focused on strengthening social inclusion, building resilience and creating opportunities for future generations.

Community Bank Albany celebrated the 20-year milestone with an evening event at the Hilton Garden Inn Albany on July 25.

Chair Sarah Bowles said the occasion was an opportunity to recognise the vision and dedication of the founding shareholders, directors, customers and community members who helped establish the bank.

“Twenty years ago, our community chose to do something different,” she said.

“Local people backed a banking model that would provide local banking services while returning its success to the community.

“That vision continues to guide everything we do today.”

Over the past 20 years, Community Bank Albany has supported hundreds of community projects and organisations across the Great Southern.

Recent investments include support for Foodbank WA, Anglicare WA’s Young Hearts Program, Albany Pride, and Kinjarling Films, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to creating lasting community benefit.

Ms Bowles said the bank’s success had been made possible by the customers, shareholders, staff, directors and community partners who had supported the organisation over the past two decades.

“Every account opened, every home loan and every business that chooses to bank locally helps create something much bigger than a bank,” she said.

“Through the Community Bank model, up to 80 per cent of our profits are returned directly to the community, helping local organisations, initiatives and projects continue to thrive.”

Ms Bowles said the success of the bank depends on the how those investments make a difference in people’s lives.

“Our success isn’t measured by the dollars invested, but by the difference those investments make in people’s lives and in the strength of our community,” she said.

“This isn’t just our story — it’s Albany’s story.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited about what we can continue to achieve in the years ahead.”