Our History
2001
Highett Community Financial Services Limited was founded by a group of locals determined to keep a physical bank on Highett road after the big banks left the strip. They loved the idea of a community bank with a mandate to return profits to the community. They raised $400,000 through shares to local people and established Community Bank Highett, the 29th franchise of Bendigo Bank.
2006
Provided support of $13,000 to Highett Neighbourhood Community House for programs to support socially inclusive programs at little or no cost.
2007
Returned $195,000 to the community in one year through grants, sponsorships and donations! Every dollar represents profits from customers who choose to bank at Community Bank Highett.
2013
Assisted Berendale Special School to build a new hydrotherapy pool by underwriting a $600,000 investment from Grants and donations.
2014
Providing ongoing support to Riding for the Disabled including a new horse! Supporting Moorabbin Bowls Club with new shelters.
2015
What a MILESTONE! More than $2,000,000 million returned back to the community! Thanks to all of the customers of Community Bank Highett.
2016
Sponsoring $30,000 to the Applied Learning Awards, honouring outstanding efforts by young people undertaking Vocational Education and Training in Schools.
2017
A total of $69,000 of support to the Arrowsmith program at St Catherine’s primary school to assist children to remain in mainstream schools who have significant learning difficulties.
2018
Providing a $50,000 community bus used around Bayside to support older and less mobile residents to attend community groups.
2022
Achieved the milestone of more than $3,000,000 in community returns.
2023
Supporting BayCISS more than $300,000 for their programs as a not-for-profit to advance social and public welfare by providing support services to those experiencing disadvantage, hardship or vulnerability in the Bayside and surrounding areas.
2024
Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank model gave back $40,000,000 in one year for community projects!
2025
$3.95 Million given back to the community thanks to the customers who choose to use our services
2026
25 year anniversary and a move across the road to continue to continue to serve our community.