Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Helping people feel more confident about their finances and better prepared to recognise scams is an important part of Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr’s commitment to the Burdekin.
That commitment was on show recently when the branch supported the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc’s Take Control: Financial Literacy Q&A for Mature Women session. The event brought local women together to discuss practical ways to manage their finances and protect themselves from fraud.
Community Bank representative Chris Delaney delivered an informative presentation, with printed resources and a question-and-answer session to help attendees explore topics in more detail. Bank staff were also available to speak with people individually.
Zonta Club Burdekin president Rachel Cornelius said the event grew from hearing about challenges faced by women in the community and recognising that financial knowledge can help build confidence.
“Education and knowledge builds confidence and is critical to help protect ourselves and our community against scams and fraud,” Mrs Cornelius said.
Scam awareness was a key topic for attendees, alongside online banking and understanding what it means to appoint someone to act under a power of attorney for a bank account. Participants were keen to learn how to spot suspicious activity, protect their information and know where to seek help.
The discussion also highlighted some of the financial pressures older women may face, including lower retirement savings, housing costs and major life changes such as widowhood. Access to clear, practical information can help people make more informed decisions through these transitions.
Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr encourages customers to make use of the security features available when banking with Bendigo Bank, including 24/7 monitoring and secure online shopping. Staying alert to unexpected messages or requests for personal details is also an important part of protecting yourself.
“Financial literacy education builds confidence in managing money and knowing where and when to seek help,” Mrs Cornelius said.
By supporting community education and making staff available to answer questions, Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr is helping Burdekin residents build the knowledge and confidence to bank more safely.
The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc is also working with the Burdekin Domestic & Family Abuse Prevention Network on the Burdekin Candlelight Vigil, to be held on Wednesday, 25 November 2026 in the forecourt of the Burdekin theatre.
Contributed with thanks by Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr
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