Community Bank Ferntree Gully has a new Chair with the recent appointment of Des Higginbotham.

Des, a familiar face in the Village for 35 years, recently closed the newsagency and is now heading up the Board of the community bank in Ferntree Gully. He was first appointed to the Board in 2000 when the bank was established following a community meeting, and has held various roles over the years.

Thanking outgoing chair, Eve John, for her contribution, Des said the bank’s greatest asset was its staff and the support of local community. ‘Community is what we are about and it centres on everything we do,’ he said.

In the past 12 months the bank has awarded community grants and sponsorships of more than $440,000 to local clubs and community groups. A special gift of $20,000 was given in October to each of the seven volunteer fire brigades serving Knox with the hope that this $140,000 will assist volunteer firefighters to be well equipped, trained and safe during the upcoming season.

This brings the total amount given back to the Knox community to almost five million dollars since the Community Bank Ferntree Gully’s inception.

‘Branch Manager Tina Doran and all the staff at the Community Bank Ferntree Gully are always seeking ways to help our customers,’ Des said. ‘We really want the community to know that this is their bank, and that by you supporting us, we are able to give back to the community.’