As far as opportunities in furthering a career in business is concerned, it really doesn’t get any better than this.
Three Noosa District State High School Year 12 students have been given the chance to sit on a local board of directors who manage a multi-million dollar business, and they’re pretty excited!
Penny Fisher, Daniel Epps and Stewart Hafey all share a keen interest in business and this month the trio were appointed as Junior Observers for 2014 on a board that manages one of few publically listed companies on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Community Financial Services Limited (SCCFSL) manages the Community Bank branches of Bendigo Bank in Cooroy, Marcoola and Tewantin. Since 2008, these same Community Bank branches have combined to give back more than $1.5 million to community groups, schools and organisations right across our region. The branches continue to provide communities with an opportunity to enhance control over their community capital, ensuring more money stays in the area for local investment.
The allocation of these funds to over 50 projects are in the hands of the SCCFSL board who meet every month at Cooroy Library – and that’s where our junior directors come in.
Through Bendigo Bank’s sponsorship of Australian Business Week (ABW) held at the school each June, Penny, Daniel and Stewart were made aware of a program where they could attend each SCCFSL board meeting and learn more about how community banking works on a boardroom level. It’s a big step in the right direction in the development of any career and they have seen firsthand how it can lead to a great job – maybe even close to home.
“I know I speak for Daniel and Stewart in saying how happy we are to have been given this opportunity”, Penny said.
“The SCCFSL board is filled with directors who have years of experience and great success in the business world and they’re really lovely people, too. They’re all actively involved in their community and keen to pass on their knowledge.
“It’s a great headstart to learn how a board works and also to learn more about the important part the Community Bank branches play in Cooroy, Marcoola and Tewantin’s future. It’s just amazing how much time and money the branches have invested in our communities already for all our benefit.”
