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Bank supports wide range of community initiatives

Thermal imaging for fire fighters, planting shade trees on the Peninsula and a community and business networking brunch are among community initiatives that have received support from a local bank.

The Community Bank Ettalong Beach is currently wanting to increase awareness of its role in the community.

For example, a recent grant from the Community Bank has enabled The Bays Brigade Rural Fire Service to purchase advanced thermal imaging technology.

The handheld device helps firefighters identify hotspots that may otherwise go undetected, allowing crews to target water use more precisely during both bushfires and structural fires.

Mounted at the front of the fire truck and ready to go, the thermal imager can be used during mop-up phases, when heat can remain hidden beneath the surface.

"It means we're not just spraying water blindly," explained Captain Stephen O'Donoghue.

"We can scan the area and know exactly where the heat is.

"That saves water, saves time, and ultimately, it can save lives."

It reduces the chances of flare-ups and re-ignition.

Community Bank Ettalong Beach co-chair Mr Michael Tame said the grant was part of the branch's ongoing commitment to reinvesting in local services that protect and strengthen the Peninsula.

The Peninsula's Grow Urban Shade Trees group has recently announced it has planted a total of 1000 trees.

The Community Bank claims a role in 530 of these.

"Since 2021, the team has planted 530 trees with our support, and that number doesn't even include all the native shrubs and smaller trees added during community planting days in our local reserves," said Mr Tame.

"They've come a long way from planting tiny saplings.

"Thanks to our grant they can now spend more funds per tree, allowing them to purchase more advanced plants that have a head start."

Volunteers have helped at Paul St Reserve and Guyangil Park in Umina and BrisbaneWater High School students have helped with planting at Runway Park, Woy Woy.

"While it takes a few years for these trees to really shoot up, the true positive change for our environment will be amazing to see in 10 years' time.

The Community Bank also supported a free Community Networking Brunch held yesterday, Sunday, June 29, at The Ettalong hotel.

The morning included local trades and small businesses, live music and a sausage sizzle by the Woy Woy Roosters Junior Rugby League Football Club "It's all about celebrating local connections and supporting those who support our region," said Mr Tame.

"We love backing events like this because we believe in putting profits back into our community."

In the 2023-24 financial year, the branch reported contributing $166,388 to local events and organisations.

These included organisations in Woy Woy: Woy Woy Peninsula Little Athletics, Woy Woy Peninsula Neighbourhood Service, Woy Woy Rugby League Football Club, Woy Woy Rugby Union Club, Woy Woy Soccer Club, Woy Woy Women's RLFC, Rotary Club of Woy Woy, Everglades Country Club Men's and Women's Bowls Clubs, Everglades Country Club Women's Golf Club, and Mary Mac's Place.

In Umina, these included: Rotary Club of Umina Beach, Umina Beach Men's Bowling Club, Umina Beach Men's Shed, Umina Beach Netball Club, Umina Community Group, Umina Junior RLFC and Umina United Soccer Club.

In Ettalong, these included: Ettalong Bowling Club, Ettalong Beach Bowling Fishing Club, Ettalong Public School, and the Vietnam Veterans Association.

Other recipients included: Brisbane Water Netball Club, Brisbane Water Secondary College, Crommelin Native Arboretum, Peninsula Community Men's Shed, Peninsula Environment Group, and Peninsula Junior Touch.

Pictured is The Bays Fire Brigade captain Mr Stephen O'Donoghue and community engagement officer Mr Dave Dessmann,.





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