Bendigo Bank House, supported by the Elmore Lockington Rochester Community Bank branches, is a new short-term, affordable and subsidised accommodation facility at Bendigo Health.
It has been specifically designed to meet the needs of regional patients, their carers and families who need to be away from home while accessing treatment.
Last week, students from Rochester Secondary College helped to make the house feel even more like home with the addition of two paintings by the students.
The artworks depict aerial views of Elmore, Lockington and Rochester, and are sure to brighten the day of patients who stay. They have been hung in the Elmore Lockington and Rochester suites of the House.
Students Aylee Treacy, Isabella Miriklis, Kody Lees and Josephine Brown were on hand to see their contemporary artworks go in to the rooms.
“We are so proud to be involved and being here today makes this all so real,” year eight student Aylee said.
Brad Drust, chair of Lockmore Financial Services, said the organisation is very proud to have supported the project.
“To be able to partner in a new facility that will help our community members who are away from home during tough times is very special for us,” he said.
Rochester Secondary assistant principal Barbara McCarty said it was a special opportunity for her students.
“Seeing artworks created by our students on our campus installed today and knowing they will brighten the day of a person in need does make us incredibly proud. This is another great example of our relationship with the Community Bank being about more than banking,” Ms McCarty said.
Bank board member Shari Rankin said the initiative was a great example of what makes the Community Bank so unique.
“By partnering with the largest health organisation in the area and our local secondary education provider we have been able to benefit those going through tough times. It is extraordinary,” said Ms Rankin.
Senior branch manager Tracie Kyne supported the announcement.
“It’s simple. The more our customers bank with us, the more our Community Bank company can invest in our local communities. This is our demonstration of being able to invest in our communities today and we thank those who bank with us,” Tracie said.
In the past 15 years, the Community Bank has returned $1.6 million to local communities. This includes involvement in more than 200 projects.
Bob Cameron from Bendigo Health said the Bendigo Bank House made a big difference to families already doing it tough.
“For many regional patients travelling to Bendigo, finding and paying for accommodation during an already emotional time can take its toll,’’ he said.
‘‘Staying somewhere comfortable and familiar with family and friends can make a challenging time a lot more bearable. Bendigo Bank House is a wonderful partnership bringing together multiple regional communities.’’
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