Community News

Our reputation is built around
a true community banking philosophy!

Wide Bay Australia as a company, together with our Directors, Management and Staff, plays an active part in our local communities.
As a caring corporate citizen, we sponsor and support (where we can) a number of local activities, organisations and events - covering a wide range of sporting, cultural and community interests and endeavours.
We are also the naming rights sponsor for two of Australia's premier events - the exciting power-boat race challenge - the Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder and fantastic airshow spectacular – the Wide Bay Australia International Airshow - with funds raised by these events benefiting community organisations.

Other community support included...

	Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder In November 2009 Wide Bay Australia was the principal sponsor for the 9th consecutive year of the Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder - Queensland’s biggest power boat racing spectacular!! Celebrating its’ 10th Anniversary, the event received extra recognition such as being a Top 10 Finalist in RACQ’s “150 MUST-DO’S” in Queensland and winning the regional tourism award for major festivals and events. Pictured here enjoying the racing atmosphere is 2009 Miss Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder Quest Coordinator Pat Hooper, Quest winner Amy Clements and from Wide Bay Australia - Quest judge Gayle Job and Marketing Manager Ray Linderberg. All 9 entrants raised a total of $55,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
	2009 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards Wide Bay Australia was again proud to sponsor the Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards. Over 400 art entries were received with more than 450 people attending the 2009 exhibition’s official opening and gala evening awards presentation held at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum on Saturday 7 November 2009. The exhibition concludes 9 December 2009. Presenting the winner of the Wide Bay Australia Local Artist Award, Geoffrey Head, is Wide Bay Australia’s Loans Consultant for the Gladstone Region, Linda Sendall.
	Noosa Regional Gallery Travelling Scholarship Wide Bay Australia was proud to support this year’s Noosa Regional Gallery ‘Art in Nature’ Travelling Scholarship. The scholarship was established to support the career development of professional and emergent artists/designers in the Sunshine Coast area. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia’s South-East Qld Regional Manager, Janelle Walsh, with Tertiary Award winner Gerry Stacey and her “Art in Nature III” collage and digital imagery on board.
	Bundaberg Netball Association In August 2009, Wide Bay Australia continued sponsorship of the Bundaberg Netball Association's Nipper Break Up Day. The Nipper Movement for the 2009 netball season saw a steady number of participants from 7 to 11 years of age. Presenting a trophy to Bronco's Under-10 player, Jamie Burgess is Wide Bay Australia's Sponsorship Coordinator, Marissa Rehbein.
	Gold Coast Marlins Winter Cricket Club During the Winter Season, Wide Bay Australia was proud to sponsor the Gold Coast Marlins Winter Cricket Club's Under 15 team. The team consisted mainly of members of Gold Coast representative sides and Junior Clubs from the The Winter Warehouse Competition was open to nominated teams from all areas including teams from South East Queensland with finals in early August. Pictured here (l-r) is the team BACK: Nathan Plane, Sam Joseph (Vice-Cptn), Marco Kroon (Cptn), Bradley Plunkett, Clayton Nelmes. MIDDLE: Adrian Gerard, Madison Bland, Zac Gayfer, Mackenzie Barclay. FRONT: Elliot Baker, Jackson Batch, Joshua Oates
	Northern Districts Rugby League Wide Bay Australia was again proud to support the Northern Districts Rugby League (NDRL) Wide Bay Australia Premiership in the 2008-2009 season and was also a major sponsor of the NDRL Referees Association. The comp consists of teams from communities including Gin Gin, Avondale, South Kolan and Miriam Vale. The Premiership was won by the Gin Gin Hawkes when they defeated the Avondale Tigers 18-14 on Sunday 23 August. This victory delivered the Gin Gin Township its first NDRL title in 29 years to the delight of a huge home crowd! Presenting the Wide Bay Australia NDRL Premiership Trophy to the winning team’s Captain/Coach, Nigel Shield is Wide Bay Australia’s Marketing Manager, Ray Linderberg and NDRL’s Secretary, Wendy Frawley.
	Moranbah Miners Junior Rugby League Football Club Wide Bay Australia is proud to sponsor the Moranbah Miners Junior Rugby League Football Club. Players for the season include age groups from Under 6 to Under 17. Pictured here at the Club's Sponsors Day are Wide Bay Australia's Moranbah branch staff, Fiona Perriman and Jodi Mills. Players presented “thank you” gifts to all Sponsors and it was a great chance for the players and sponsors to interact.
	Wide Bay Australia International Airshow In July 2009, Wide Bay Australia were proud naming rights sponsor of the 2009 Wide Bay Australia International Airshow. The 3-day spectacular event was held at the Bundaberg Airport and attracted aviation fans from all over the world. The Airshow is now recognised as the largest general aviation airshow in Australia for recreational and sport aircraft exhibitors. Profit from the community event were donated to selected aviation charities, such as Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Angel Flight and AGL Action Rescue Helicopter. Pictured enjoying the variety of Aerobatic performers are Chairman of the Wide Bay Australia International Airshow Board, Peter Tuffield and Wide Bay Australia's Marketing Manager, Ray Linderberg.
	Give Me 5 for Kids Appeal 2009 Wide Bay Australia again supported this year's SeaFM 'Give Me 5 for Kids' Appeal in Maryborough, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg. The Appeal is a community fundraiser, promoted during June. All funds raised are donated to the Children's Wards at the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Hospitals. Wide Bay Australia acted as a donations collection point at our Bundaberg, Bargara, Maryborough and Hervey Bay branches along with helping out with our own donation. Thank you to all who contributed towards this worthy cause! Pictured here at the Bundaberg Cheque Presentation is Sea FM's Liana Lambert and Ryan Burgess, along with Wide Bay Australia Sponsorship Coordinator Marissa Rehbein (r) and staff from the Bundaberg Base Hospital Children's Ward.
	The Noosa Longweekend Festival Wide Bay Australia was proud to be one of the major sponsors of The Noosa Longweekend 2009 Festival. Branded one of the keynote events on the Australian cultural calendar, the Noosa Longweekend Festival attracted a diversity of quality performers and artists. Events over the Longweekend ranged from dance, music, photography and visual arts to literature, workshops, gourmet indulgence and theatrical displays. The Queensland National Ballet Company took to the stage with a contemporary ballet piece “Yidaki”, inspired by aboriginal art and nature's elements. (photography - Barry Alsop)
	Gympie Contract Bridge Club In April 2009, Wide Bay Australia sponsored the Gympie Contract Bridge Club's 2009 'Pairs & Teams' Congress. The Gympie Bridge Club started in 1968 and holds many congresses during the year in which all members and visitors are welcome. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia's Senior Customer Service Consultant, Maree Barriball from our Centro Gympie branch with 2009 winners Ken Dawson, Adrian Mayers, Steve Brookes and Verna Brookes.
	Bundaberg Squash Centre In February 2009, Wide Bay Australia was again happy to sponsor the Bundaberg Squash Centre's Wide Bay Australia Bundaberg Team Titles. The weekend competition was a great success with more than 150 players competing from all squash clubs throughout Southeast and Central Queensland. Pictured here with the President of the Bundaberg Squash Club, Kathleen Dimes, are the Wide Bay Australia Teams Titles Club Champion Shield winners, Captain Darren Dunnett and Tania Hebbard of Gladstone's Mens and Ladies squash teams.
	The Lions Club of Emu Park's Festival of the Wind Wide Bay Australia was proud to sponsor The Lions Club of Emu Park's very popular 'Festival of the Wind'. Lions Clubs around Australia take an active interest in the civic, social and moral welfare of a community on a non-political, non-sectarian basis. The 2009 'Festival of the Wind' attracted many people from the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast communities. Activities during the day included the flying of all types of kites, various beach games and the finale fireworks. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia Staff Kayleen Rabnott, Melina Hentschel, Jane Constantinou, Sue James & Anita Wakefield under the Wide Bay Australia Marquee at the 'Festival of the Wind'.
	Bargara Veteran Golfers' Association Recently Wide Bay Australia sponsored the Bargara Veteran Golfers' Association's 2009 March Classic. Held at the beachside Bargara Golf Club, the event attracted almost 100 visitors. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia's Marissa Rehbein presenting a trophy to George McHugh of the Yeppoon Golf Club at the March Classic presentation afternoon.
	Bundaberg Chinese New Year Celebrations 2009 - Year of the Ox Wide Bay Australia again supported the annual Bundaberg Chinese New Year Celebrations by sponsoring the Wide Bay Australia Chinese Silk Ensemble. The Chinese New Year Festival was entering its 4th year in February drawing a large crowd to join in the celebrations. Entertainment included Nanning Chinese & Mariposa Dancers, Chinese Lion Dancing, Martial Art displays along with market stalls and fantastic Chinese cuisine. Pictured here is the Wide Bay Australia Chinese Silk Ensemble taking to the stage.
	Lake Ellen Heritage Hub Both the corporate and private community of Bundaberg, rallied together to provide a community playground, meeting place, bicycle safety training and bicycle course in the 'Lake Ellen' area last year. The facility remains a lasting memorial to the early pioneers of the Bundaberg Region. Large displays at the site tell visitors of the contribution to Bundaberg these people from various nations that make up the current diverse cultural community that is now the Bundaberg District. Wide Bay Australia was happy to financially support one of the largest community projects undertaken in Bundaberg. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia's Marketing Manager Ray Linderberg with the Lake Ellen Heritage Hub Steering Committee's Chairman Ken Wilson at the Grand Opening of the Lake Ellen Heritage Hub on 13 December 2008.
	2008 Mayor's Christmas Appeal Wide Bay Australia was a proud supporter of this year's Mayor's Christmas Appeal. The Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul joined the Bundaberg News-mail, Wide Bay Australia, the Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce and Bundaberg Regional Council to raise money for vouchers and food hampers to assist needy families in the Bundaberg Region this Christmas. Wide Bay Australia helped out with a donation and was also a collection point for donations at our branches in Bundaberg and Bargara. A total of $16,324.17 was successfully raised! A big 'thankyou' to all who contributed. Pictured here is News-mail's Wayne Tomkins, Wide Bay Australia's Ray Linderberg, News-mail's Claire Maike, Cr Lorraine Pyefinch Mayor of Bundaberg, Salvation Army's Don Cook & Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce's Trish Mears.
	Bundaberg Legacy Inc In September 2008, Wide Bay Australia announced financial support of $9000 for the Bundaberg Legacy Inc. Bundaberg Legacy is a voluntary organisation of ex-servicemen and women who provide welfare and financial support for over 730 widows and children of comrades killed in action or who have subsequently died. Wide Bay Australia is very pleased to help Bundaberg Legacy achieve their goals that benefit many individuals in our community. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia’s Marketing Manager Ray Linderberg who presented the cheque to Bundaberg Legacy President Legatee Mick George at the Bundaberg Legacy’s 60th Anniversary Charity Dinner.
	Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival Wide Bay Australia provided travel subsidy support to assist schools in overcoming the financial burden of transport for their students to the 2008 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival in July. Playing host to some of Australia’s biggest literary names for three days of hands-on workshops, book talks and performances, it’s the largest literary festival in North Queensland and over 1500 students attended as a direct result of the Wide Bay Australia travel subsidy. Enjoying some books by authors attending the 2008 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival are Slade Point School students, Chiara Myers, Jayden Cebulski, Brody Oliver and Chloe Clark, with Wide Bay Australia’s Mackay Area Manager Garth Morgan and Whitsunday Voices Festival coordinator Ellen Reiner.
	Give Me 5 for Kids Appeal Wide Bay Australia was a proud sponsor and supporter of this year’s SeaFM ‘Give Me 5 for Kids’ Appeal – a community based fundraiser where all funds are donated to the Children’s Wards at the Bundaberg & Fraser Coast Hospitals. Wide Bay Australia helped out with a donation and was also a collection point for donations at our branches in Bundaberg, Bargara, Maryborough and Hervey Bay. A big ‘thankyou’ to all our customers who contributed! Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia’s Marissa Rehbein with Michelle and Eliana Cavanaugh, together with ‘Chappy’ and Liana from SeaFM at the Bundaberg Hospital Children’s Ward.
	Mackay Show In May 2008, Wide Bay Australia announced major ‘naming rights’ sponsorship of the annual Mackay Show – one of the biggest events on the city’s social calendar. This year’s Show – organised by the Mackay & District Agricultural, Pastoral & Industrial Association – continues a 129 year tradition which fosters community spirit and provides a fantastic opportunity for community groups and individuals to showcase their talents and products. Pictured - the Police were popular with the kids at the 2008 Wide Bay Australia Mackay Show held in June!
	Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club Inc In March 2008, Wide Bay Australia continued on from Mackay Permanent as a major sponsor of the Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club. The club was established eight years ago as the Northern Beaches of Mackay experienced rapid population growth and Eimeo Beach became increasingly popular. Wide Bay Australia's support enabled the club to maintain the Inflatable Rescue Boat to a high standard and purchase two nipper boards allowing nippers to be more competitive at their carnivals. Pictured here are some Eimeo SLSC nippers with their two new nipper boards.
	Mackay Flood Relief Appeal In February 2008, Wide Bay Australia branches acted as collection points for the Mackay Flood Relief Appeal being organised by the Mackay City Council and the Mackay Foundation. The Appeal assisted those worst effected by the February ‘one in 200 year’ flooding and ensured that funds raised stayed in the Mackay community. In excess of $350,000 was raised and distributed by local assessment community charity representatives and the Red Cross.