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Community Impact Stories
Here’s a great story: we’ve proudly invested well over $2.5M into local community projects and we’re not stopping there. On top of that, we invested in a Community House for all, creating a space where everyone belongs. We partner with local organisations and the business sector to resource and grow in the community space, including funding our Community Partnerships Lead role to drive even greater impact. We love sharing the stories of how our investment helps the community thrive.
Garden Skills That Stick
Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre is turning gardening into something much more useful — hands-on learning, practical skills, and real-world impact.
Women's Clinics Drive Growth
Thanks to support from Community Bank Buninyong, Buninyong Golf Club has strengthened participation across its membership, especially among women, and delivered a season of great golf.
Capturing History, One Lens at a Time
We were proud to support the recent “Elaine Thru the Lens” exhibition by the Meredith History Interest Group which a powerful snapshot of community, history and the people who make the region special.
Blooms Despite Wild Weather
Even rain, hail and thunderstorms couldn’t dampen the spirit of Buninyong's Open Gardens as locals and visitors alike stepped into some of Buninyong’s most beautiful private gardens for a weekend of natural inspiration and community celebration in October.
Nallei Jerring Strengthens Cultural Connection
In 2025 the Nallei Jerring Program, delivered by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation made significant strides in empowering First Nations youth across the Ballarat region and Community Bank Buninyong is proud to have played a part in its success.
Scholarships Open Doors
For years, Community Bank Buninyong scholarships have helped local students realise academic paths by providing financial support to those who may otherwise be unable to pursue tertiary education.
Students Pay It Forward
With support from Community Bank Buninyong, Year 9 students at Mount Clear College delivered another powerful year of community service through their 2025 Pay It Forward – Community Impact Explorers program.
Arts Centre Takes Shape
A bold vision for performing arts in Ballarat is coming to life with a little help from Community Bank Buninyong.
Kinder Mornings Made Brighter
At Buninyong Uniting Kindergarten, mornings frequently start with a full tummy and most often with a bowl of Cheerios.
10 Years Since Scotsburn Fire
On Friday 19 December 2025, more than 110 locals gathered at the Clarendon Community Centre to mark the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 Scotsburn bushfire. It was a devastating event that deeply affected the communities of Clarendon, Scotsburn, Durham Lead and Elaine.
New Bird Hide to Inspire the Future
A quiet revolution is taking shape at the Ross Creek Wetlands, where a new bird hide is being made possible by support from Community Bank Buninyong, Ross Creek Landcare Group and the local community.
Tri Timing Upgrade a Game Changer
Ballarat Triathlon Club has taken a leap forward with a new dual-point electronic timing system to deliver safer, smarter and more inclusive local events for athletes of all levels.
Buses, Bushwalks and Big Memories
For the Grade 2/3 students at Napoleons Primary School, this year’s camp to Sunnystones was more than just a couple of nights away. It was a chance to explore, connect and experience the outdoors together.
Parkrun Brings Local Movement
Now on Saturday morning, DeSoza Park comes alive with movement, friendly chats and a growing sense of community after the launch of DeSoza parkrun.
More Kids on Court
The Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre (BRTC) is buzzing with life with more kids learning, more families staying and a clubhouse that’s become a real community asset.
A Trailer for Trees
Thanks to Sparktank funding the local Leigh Catchment Group now has a brand new lockable trailer and tools to support tree planting events for decades to come! • Over 6000 plants in the ground already this year • Partnerships with groups like Rotary, CWA, Bunnings and The Med Shed • A boosted sense of appreciation and team spirit among volunteers. And we're here for all of it! Group Secretary Jess Higgins-Anderson said, “Being part of the Sparktank event was a real pleasure a
Growing the Game from the Ground Up
Mount Clear Cricket Club has powered up junior development with new training gear, subsidised playing tops for U13–U17 Girls teams, and created a more engaging, fun environment for all. • Better coaching tools • Reduced costs for families • Higher energy, more participation! “We’ve been able to provide improved training opportunities… and it’s had a big impact on the enthusiasm of our players," said Richard Matters, Junior Parent and Senior Cricketer. Local sport thrives when
A Century of Rotary, Captured in Print
We said 'YES' to supporting the Rotary Club of Ballarat publish a stunning 419 page coffee-table book celebrating a century of service. It was launched in the very room it all started, in the City of Ballarat Town Hall’s Trench Room. The launch was brilliant: 90 people attended, Tracey Hargreaves officiated, speeches were given (including from our Branch Manager Randall and Partnerships Lead Kelly), and this local Rotary story was really celebrated. Banners, applause and lots
Sewing for Heart
This is exactly what our Community House is all about. The CWA Buninyong came together for a Sew-a-thon with nearly 30 women and girls rolling up their sleeves to cut, stitch and sew with purpose. They created over 150 cloth reusable menstruation pads to support women and girls in Uganda. It was a beautiful picture of experienced women teaching younger women, all for the benefit of other women. The room was full of energy, generosity and community spirit and we loved seeing i
Heartfelt Support for Families
When the team at Babies Above pitched at SparkTank 2024 with their idea to support families experiencing baby loss, we knew it was something special. The project was heartfelt, community-led and unlike anything else in Ballarat. Thanks to support from Community Bank Buninyong, the team at Babies Above has brought their vision to life, creating and delivering curated bereavement care boxes for local families navigating the unimaginable heartbreak of baby loss. Each care packag
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