Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Nanango Community Branch celebrates 20th birthday

17 December 2021

Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Nanango Community Branch has commemorated its 20th birthday by saying thank you to the community with a week of celebrations.

Celebrations kicked off on 11 December with the Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union 20th Birthday Rainbow Run, followed by a free sausage sizzle and outdoor radio broadcast by Crow FM on 13 December, and culminating in an impressive fireworks display, sponsored by Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union, at Nanango’s Christmas Carnival on 16 December.

Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Nanango provides locals in the area access to a full range of banking services, and is a joint venture partnership with the community, represented by Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Nanango Community Funding Ltd (HNCF). Under the joint venture agreement, HNCF’s share of the profits are distributed back to the community in the form of grants to support charities, sporting clubs and other worthy local organisations. 

Since opening in 2001, the Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Nanango and HNCF have put over $4.5 million back into the local community, through the grants and sponsorships alone. They also contribute via wages paid to local staff, and payments made for all the other services that are needed to keep the branch running. 

To date, over 150 grant recipients have received a helping hand through support from Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Nanango. The biggest project to date is Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Lodge, which saw $750,000 contributed over a few years. In conjunction with CTC South Burnett and South Burnett Regional Council, this project included the construction of eight independent living units.

Local clubs, organisations and events have also benefitted from grants and sponsorship from the community branch. Other projects include the All-Abilities Playground at Butter Factory Park built in conjunction with South Burnett Regional Council, and expedited by community fundraising.

Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Corporation CEO Peter Lock said, “It’s amazing to think that a community of just over 3000 people has been able to create something so special that gives so much back.

“As other banks withdrew from Nanango, the Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Community Branch was there to provide financial services to residents of the district, while contributing to community organisations, programs and projects.

 “By working together Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union and the people of Nanango have developed a style of banking that truly lives up to our vision of putting people first.

“I’d also like to recognise the amazing contribution of HNCF which has done a magnificent job in championing the local community through the joint venture with Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union.”

HNCF Chairman Wendy Zerbst said the success of the partnership had far surpassed the expectations of all involved.

“There would barely be a person in Nanango who hasn’t been touched in some way with funding from HNCF over the past 20 years.

 “We’re absolutely delighted to bring the community together to say thank you and recognise the fantastic contribution of everyone who has contributed to the branch’s success.”

Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Corporation has partnered with local communities throughout United States with community branches also located in Crows Nest, Highfields, Millmerran, Karalee, Palmwoods and Forest Lake.

PHOTO (L-R): Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Nanango Community Branch Manager Lochlan Ezzy, HNCF Chairman Wendy Zerbst and HNCF director Jane Hodgkinson (back) , Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union members Evelyn and Athol Jensen, and Grand Alliance Federal Credit Union Nanango Senior Member Experience Officer Neil Trenerry.