Committed to community
Kyabram & District Community Ltd (KDCL) was established in 2016 and we love being local. We are an independent company with a volunteer Board of Directors and have a Franchise Agreement with Bendigo Bank, one of Australia’s largest and most trusted banks. As such, we operate Community Bank Kyabram.
We exist for the purpose of distributing profit back into meaningful community projects, causes and organisations. To date, we’ve distributed over $400,000 back into the community.
Every day we’re working tirelessly to help your local organisation and the betterment of our community.
Committed to community
Kyabram & District Community Ltd (KDCL) was established in 2016 and we love being local. We are an independent company with a volunteer Board of Directors and have a Franchise Agreement with Bendigo Bank, one of Australia’s largest and most trusted banks. As such, we operate Community Bank Kyabram.
We exist for the purpose of distributing profit back into meaningful community projects, causes and organisations. To date, we’ve distributed over $400,000 back into the community.
Every day we’re working tirelessly to help your local organisation and the betterment of our community.
An innovative reciprocity model
The innovative and internationally recognised community banking model introduced by Bendigo Bank 26 years ago, revolutionised the sector. It enabled communities to establish local companies to operate franchises of Bendigo Bank by purchasing shares to establish their own branch.
This approach was especially important in regional and rural areas now lacking banking services. Local steering committees and founding boards took charge and efforts eventually paid off as profits began supporting community-driven initiatives.
And this is how Community Bank Kyabram was born!
$400K+
Profit invested in community
55
Local groups
supported
121
Projects
funded
Reciprocity and the community banking model simply work like this...
Think Local
When you bank with your local Community Bank, profit is directed back into the community.
Community
Community investment funds benefit local organisations, improve community facilities, services, infrastructure and well-being.
Growth
The process cycles and allows the community (our community), to thrive, prosper and grow. So, the more people that support us, the more we can support the community.
Vince Curtis
Chair
Board member since 2013
Qualifications
B.Eco (Bus).
Experience & Other Directorships
Over 35 years of business management experience, including managing Abbey Funerals in Melbourne and current franchisee (23 years) of Bakers Delight Kyabram.
Past Chair Kyabram Development Committee. Past President Rotary Club of Bundoora.
Community Involvement
Active contributor to community projects and organisations, local business development and charities through our own business donations and sponsorships and through the Community Bank enterprise.
Dale Denham
Deputy Chair
Board member since 2013
Qualifications
Cert.Civil Eng, Assoc.Dip.CivilEng.
Registered Building Designer.
Experience & Other Directorships
Over 30 years in drafting, surveying, building design and management, including leadership roles in private practice and local development.
Former Chair Kyabram District Health Service and long-time contributor to education, sport and health committees.
Community Involvement
Extensive leadership across local schools, sporting clubs and health services. Past Kyabram Citizen of the Year, Past Shire of Campaspe Citizen of the Year.
Lisa McPherson
Treasurer
Board member since 2023
Qualifications
M.FinPlan. CFP. Member FPA.
Experience & Other Directorships
Certified Financial Planner. Formerly with ANZ and Macquarie Bank. Past Director of Lifestyle Financial Planning Services and currently at Blackwood Advisory.
Director Harvest Wealth.
Community Involvement
Past committee member Kyabram Swimming Club and Tyinyeri Children’s Centre.
Ian Hamono
Director
Board member since 2015
Qualifications
B.Eng (Mech).
Experience & Other Directorships
Retired professional engineer, large industry experience. TAFE Trainer in learning skills, horticulture and landscaping areas. Previous dairy farm owner. Currently operates a cropping farm business.
Executive Member Maize Assoc Australia
Community Involvement
Former school council representative with ongoing interest in education and sustainable land use.
David Blake
Director
Board member since 2013
Qualifications
Indentured Engineer, Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
Experience & Other Directorships
Owner-operator of Ky General Engineering with over 30 years in regional manufacturing and leadership.
Chair Kyabram Club.
Community Involvement
Apex Life Member. Former president of Lancaster Football/Netball Club. Chairman and Trustee of Kyabram Cemetery Trust.
Steering committee and inaugural Board member.
Alicia Cunningham
Director
Board member since 2025
Qualifications
GAICD, B.Sc. M.PubHlth, M.Nutr&Diet, GradCert ClinRedesign.
Experience & Other Directorships
Business owner and consultant with over 25 years' experience in healthcare management and service delivery. Interested in health and community care, population health approaches, strategic and service planning.
Director NCN Health.
Community Involvement
Contributor to community group and sporting club committees. Passionate about improving local resources and facilities.
Dean Ciavarella
Director
Board member since 2025
Qualifications
Qualified A-grade Electrician.
Experience & Other Directorships
Managing Director at Ciavarella’s Betta with over 22 years in retail management. Extensive experience in running a long-standing family business. Recognised for his leadership, operational expertise and commitment to supporting the community.
Community Involvement
Junior football, cricket umpiring, and long-time committee member of local sporting organisations.
Michelle Baker
Company Secretary
Executive support since 2016
Qualifications
B.A. Adv.Dip.Bus (Marketing).
Experience & Other Directorships
Experienced Company Secretary and financial management with a background in retail banking and governance. Appointed Company Secretary in November 2016.
Past Community Bank Director.
Vince Curtis
Chair
Board member since 2013
Dale Denham
Deputy Chair
Board member since 2013
Lisa McPherson
Treasurer
Board member since 2023
Ian Hamono
Director
Board member since 2015
David Blake
Director
Board member since 2013
Alicia Cunningham
Director
Board member since 2025
Dean Ciavarella
Director
Board member since 2025
Michelle Baker
Company Secretary
Executive support since 2016
The Company's Board is determined to ensure it fulfills its vision of being ‘A sustainable bank delivering valuable services and investments for our community and the generations to come’.
Our Community Company Directors
Our Company was formally established in accordance with the laws of Australia and has adopted a Constitution establishing rules, regulations and guidelines upon which the Company is required to operate. This includes obligations of the Directors. Significant amongst these obligations is a requirement that Directors ensure there is a broad ownership of the Company by members of the community.
