Rugby Victoria is proud to welcome Bendigo Community Bank branches in Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Doreen-Mernda and Kinglake as a major sponsor of our organisation, supporting a new wellbeing initiative for community rugby across the state.
In collaboration with SALT (Sport and Life Training), this partnership will see the delivery of education sessions to all 27 community rugby union clubs under the Rugby Victoria banner. These sessions will address key social, cultural and emotional challenges faced by players, coaches, volunteers and families involved in the game.
The project was officially launched this week at Eltham Rugby Union Football Club, where representatives from Rugby Victoria and Bendigo Bank gathered to celebrate the partnership and acknowledge the shared commitment to positive community outcomes. Attendees included Carol Jenkinson (Chair), Michael Maloney (Deputy Chair/Director), Kath King (Community Bank Diamond Creek Branch Manager) and Bernadette Brown (Community Bank Eltham Branch Manager), representing the local Community Bank branches.
As SALT’s Foundation Partner, Bendigo Bank has a long-standing reputation for investing in meaningful programs that strengthen community sport. This new collaboration builds on that legacy, extending its impact to the Victorian rugby community with a focus on leadership, mental health and club culture.
“We are incredibly proud to have Bendigo Community Bank come on board as a major sponsor,” said Rugby Victoria CEO Aaron Bailey. “Their support will allow us to deliver a project that makes a real difference at the grassroots level, helping clubs build stronger, more connected and more resilient communities.”
This initiative has only been made possible thanks to the continued support of Community Bank customers, whose commitment enables local branches to reinvest directly into community-driven projects like this one.
Rugby Victoria looks forward to working closely with Bendigo Bank and SALT in the rollout of this important program and strengthening the positive impact rugby can have across Victoria.
