The Regional Australia Bank’s Community Partnership Program (CPP) has this year boosted the fundraising efforts of more than 30 local sporting clubs and community organisations to the tune of $69,284.92.
The bank held its annual CPP presentation night at the Services Club last Tuesday to recognise and celebrate the important role local groups play in strengthening the community.
Regional Australia Bank Area Sales Manager Nathan Merchant, from Dubbo, and Senior Manager Customer for the region Phil Williams, from Wagga Wagga, joined local bank staff to present $69,284.92 in bonus payments to 33 local groups and organisations.
The CPP is directed by the bank’s members, who can nominate a local group or organisation to receive a share of the bank’s profits.
The amount donated is based on each member’s average annual account balance, with members able to choose which community organisation they would like to support.
Mr Merchant said CPP funding will directly support the work being carried out by local organisations, whether that involved purchasing new equipment, improving facilities, running programs and events, or simply helping groups continue their existing activities.
He said what made the CPP particularly special was that the funding came from local people who chose to bank with Regional Australia Bank and nominate organisations in their own community to benefit.
Mr Merchant said this meant members were not only supporting their local community through their banking choices, but also giving participating organisations the ability to determine how the funding could best be used and where it was most needed.
The annual presentation provided an opportunity for the bank to acknowledge the contribution of the 33 local groups and celebrate the ongoing community benefits generated through the CPP.
He said 2026 had been a significant year for the CPP which had surpassed $3 million for the first time.
Mr Williams said along with all of the recipient groups, the Regional Australia Bank has also worked hard over the past 12 months.
“We have successfully merged with Summerland Bank with 96 per cent from our voting members showcasing that support,” Mr Williams reported.
“We were also named ‘Most recommended Customer Owned Bank’ in RFI Global’s 2026 Australian Banking and Finance Awards – we don’t hang our hats on awards but it’s a great showcase.
“We grew by 12 per cent proving that our products and services are hitting the mark and have grown the CPP to over $3m.”
He said of the $69,285 contributions going to Cobar organisations, almost $40,000 is supporting local sport and active living, and nearly $10,000 is supporting education, youth and families.
“The contribution reaches across sport, education, community connection, culture and health,” he said.
Among the biggest recipients of the night were the Cobar Rodeo Committee, who earned $9,448; Cobar Senior Rugby League ($4,666); Cobar Junior Rugby League ($4,317); Cobar Preschool ($4,201); Rotary Club of Cobar ($3,230); Cobar Pony Club ($3,154); Cobar Auto Club ($3,044); Great Western Gallery ($2,824); Cobar Pistol Club ($2,664); Lilliane Brady Village Pink Ladies ($2,244); Cobar Show Society ($1,589); Cobar Widows Legacy ($1,824); Cobar Mobile Children’s Service ($1,823); Cobar VIEW Club ($1,856); Cobar Clay Target Club ($1,449); and Cobar Arts Council ($1,384).
All 33 groups were grateful for the donation and said it would be of great benefit to their clubs, groups and organisations.
