New concept gets a great credit rating
by Angela Saurine
Hornsby and Upper North Shore Advocate
Thursday, 30 August, 2001, pg 5.
RESIDENTS of South Turramurra and Berowra have shown great interest in a community-owned bank in Hornsby.
Organisers of the Hornsby Community Bank are like to join forces with a group who were planning a community bank in Berowra to get the bank off the ground, co-ordinator of the project's steering committee Larry Czarnik said.
The bank may have sub-branches or agencies in "satellite" suburbs such as Berowra and South Turramurra. "Small communities are obviously hurting from bank's service," Mr Czarnik said.
"Our job is a little harder than in Galston and North Epping because banks have already vacated or are about to vacate the community, but in Hornsby's central business area, which is the main focus, there is still a bank presence so people aren't as ready to join."
Mr Czarnik is expecting the concept to snowball once it gains momentum.
Organisers are now trying to get shopkeepers in the area involved.
"Retailers typically are the ones who are going to lead the charge," Mr Czarnik said.
The project co-ordinator have set up an internet site with contact details, pledge forms and links to the Bendigo Bank.
Interested people can either print out a pledge form to send in or pledge there interest via e-mail.
"We're looking for pledges but also for anybody who has a little bit of spare time to join the steering committee," Mr Czarnik said. "We want to expand the committee to get more people involved.."
A number of pledges have already been received but have not yet been properly co-ordinated.
The bank will be able to open once the pledges reach $400,000.
Mr Czarnik said the big banks in Hornsby have started to take notice that the community bank concept has begun in the area.
"The banks in Hornsby are aware of the fact that we are on the ground," he said.
"There seem to be a bit of a scramble to make sure customers are being snatched up by the other banks, especially long-term."
Inquires: www.tovegin.com.au/community/bank/
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