Victorian Flood Appeal to support impacted communities

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has today launched the 2024 Victorian Flood Appeal, to help support Victorian communities affected by recent flooding.

Conducted by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s charitable arm, Community Enterprise Foundation (CEF), funds raised will support individuals and communities who need it the most.

The Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation (CEF) has extensive experience fundraising for communities and those affected by natural disasters, with the 2022 Victorian Flood Appeal providing $350,000 in support to local communities to help with issues such as housing loss and damage, emergency accommodation, food security, community services and damaged equipment.

Through a community-led approach, initial relief support will include assistance at community facilities, ensuring food security, and supporting volunteer activities. Funds will also be used for medium and long-term recovery and resilience.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chief Customer Officer for Consumer Banking, Richard Fennell, said the Bank is always ready to support customers and communities in times of need.

“Our thoughts are with the locals across the affected Victorian regions, many having dealt with devastating floods less than two years ago,” Mr Fennell said.

“We understand many Australians are dealing with cost-of-living pressures at the moment, but for those who are able to help, I urge you to donate to our 2024 Victorian Flood Appeal. All contributions will provide important support in the recovery efforts in the immediate aftermath of this event, and in the medium and long-term.

“We know from extensive experience that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Money raised within this Appeal is carefully distributed to ensure people and communities have funding now, but more importantly into the future to continue with recovery and to build resilience for the future.

“Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s longstanding purpose is to feed into the prosperity of the community, not off it, which is exactly why we are launching this appeal today,” Mr Fennell concluded.

In 2023, the CEF distributed $2.5 million into Australian communities for fire and flood disaster relief and resilience, with $708,000 of that funding dedicated to national flood related relief and resilience. The CEF has distributed more than $175 million since its inception in 2005.

How to donate:

People wishing to support these communities are encouraged to provide monetary donations directly to the 2024 Victorian Flood Appeal as monetary donations are quicker, more effective, and logistically provide far more flexibility than donations of material items or pre-loved goods. Donations can be made at any time online or at your local Bendigo Bank branch. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

The 2024 Victorian Flood Appeal is a management account of Community Enterprise Foundation™ ABN 69 694 230 518, The Bendigo Centre, PO Box 480, Bendigo, Vic 3552. The Foundation will make distributions by way of grants, following receipt of applications from organisations endorsed with an item 1 Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).

Support available:

• Up-to-date information on changing flood conditions can be found on the VicEmergency Website.
• Lifeline’s 24/7 telephone crisis support service is available on 13 11 14.