Community News

Telco partnership to support multi purpose facility

Charlton Park 2020 Committee is a step closer to establishing a unique business partnership to help fund a much-needed multi purpose facility at Charlton Park.

Following a successful feasibility study, a community partnership will see business relationships with Bendigo Bank Telco, the Charlton Park 2020 and Charlton & District Community Bank® Branch to create ongoing revenue towards the facility.

Business owners and residents are asked to pledge their support by signing up telco accounts to the project.

The profits made from the relationship will then be contributed to the Multi Purpose Facility.

Charlton Park 2020 spokesperson John Harley said the multi purpose facility would not only cater for a wide range of sport, recreation, health and well-being activities, it would also have the capacity to provide significant economic development for the local community.

“For example, several years ago a large group of mobile home users have used the Charlton Park as the site for a convention,” Mr Harley said.

“The multi-purpose facility would have the capacity to grow this event, or even expand the event to develop a mobile home expo in the future - bringing further economic growth to the region.

It is also likely that a new small businessman wishing to establish a gymnasium in Charlton in the near future will relocate to the new gym space and lease this part of the facility, further adding to the economic development of the town and contributing to the financial viability of the new facility.

“We have involved all user groups of the reserve and other community organisations in providing recommendations for improvement and feedback on suggested works.

“Local residents also provided input on proposed works as part of the recent feasibility study.

“In the longer term, funds would be directed to refurbish the facility,” Mr Harley said.

Charlton Community Bank® Chairman Peter Whykes said the partnership would be beneficial for the community.

"People of Charlton will now have a simple way to support the much needed local facility in their region – just by using the phone,” Mr Whykes said.
Based on Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank® concept, the enterprise invests money back into the local community.

“There is no financial commitment from customers – all customers need to do is transfer their phone and Internet services to Bendigo Bank Telco.
“Bendigo Bank Telco can provide phone services, plus dial-up and broadband Internet, all at competitive prices.

“The only real difference is that you will be directly supporting the multi purpose facility.”

He said the funds returned to the facility would be in addition to the regular grants and sponsorships from the Charlton & District Community Bank® Branch.

“It’s a great way to get involved without putting our hands in our pockets.”