Community spirit shines as Heritage Palmwoods distributes around $178,000 in local sponsorships

15 July 2025

 

The spirit of giving was in full force recently as Heritage Palmwoods Community Branch awarded around $178,000 in funding to 28 Sunshine Coast community groups at its annual sponsorship evening.

Held in Palmwoods, the highly anticipated event presents community sponsorships to local schools, sporting clubs, and not-for-profit organisations. Funding is used to support a range of activities and causes including facility upgrades, essential maintenance and new equipment, community events and more.

With this year’s event theme of ‘Christmas in July’, laughter and a shared sense of purpose set the tone for the night, reflecting the close-knit community the branch has been a part of since its beginnings 19 years ago.

Heritage Palmwoods Community Branch is a joint venture between Heritage Bank and the local community, represented by Palmwoods Community Branch Ltd (PCB Ltd). It was established after 99 local investors raised $120,000 in capital, matched by Heritage, to help set up the branch in 2006. Under Heritage’s community branch model, profits are shared between the bank and PCB Ltd, which reinvests its share back into the local community through grants and sponsorships.

Since opening its doors, the branch has injected more than $12.3 million into the region, supporting local employment, community initiatives, and countless grassroots projects.

Kaye Ross, People First Bank Regional Manager – Community & Darling Downs Branches, highlighted the model’s positive impact.

“With our community branches, everyday banking becomes a way to support local groups and projects,” Ms Ross said.

“Palmwoods is a great example of how these partnerships keep banking services local and accessible while delivering real benefits back to the community.”

PCB Ltd Director Audrey Lyttle said that without the continued support of the local community and the surrounding areas, these sponsorships would not be possible.

“From everyday banking to credit cards, insurance, home loans, personal loans and more, every time you choose to bank with Heritage Palmwoods, you're helping grow profits that in turn are shared with our community,” Audrey said.

“We encourage everyone to spread the word. The Heritage Palmwoods team is here to help with all your banking needs. Together, we’re keeping the dream alive.”

For the dozens of community groups who walked away with funding, the sponsorships will help ease the burden of fundraising so they can continue making a difference in the lives of locals.

2025 sponsorships:

  • Palmwoods Warriors Football Club $5,565
  • Woombye Snakes Football Club Inc $6,681
  • Palmwoods Cricket Club $19,000
  • Palmwoods & Western District Junior Rugby League Football Club (Devils) $3,800
  • Palmwoods Tennis Club Inc. $5,000
  • Nambour & Districts Netball Association $20,000
  • Nambour Wildcats Soccer Club $7,736
  • The Range Community Kindergarten Association Inc $4,000
  • Palmwoods State School P&C Association $10,000
  • Palmwoods Community Kindergarten $2,800
  • Chevallum State School P&C $5,000
  • Restoring Hope Parkinson Therapy Ltd $3,117
  • Sunshine Valley Mens Shed $1,584
  • Little Village Choir Inc $840
  • Petrie Creek Catchment Care Group Inc $3,258
  • Giving Kids Memories $5,000
  • Nambour & District Historical Museum Assoc Inc $4,000
  • Palmwoods Girl Guides $3,000
  • Palmwoods Indoor Bowls Club $2,400
  • Hunchy Community Association Inc $2,456
  • Palmwoods Arts & Crafts $3,149
  • Palmwoods Singers Theatrical Society $2,500
  • Palmwoods Bowls Club $3,500
  • Palmwoods Rural Fire Brigade $19,000
  • Eudlo Hall & Grounds Association In $9,860
  • Sunshine Coast Railway Modellers Society Inc $2,840
  • Chevallum State School $10,000
  • Compass Inc. $9,000
  • Sponsorship Evening lucky door prizes: $900

 Find out more about community banking, or visit the Heritage Palmwoods Community Branch team at Palmwoods Plaza to apply for sponsorship.

 

Twenty-eight community groups have shared in around $178,000 in funding thanks to Heritage Palmwoods Community Branch