Central Coast Community Bank/East Gosford & Districts Financial Services Ltd is celebrating a remarkable 25-year milestone, having contributed more than $2.1M to approximately 170 community organisations across the Central Coast since opening in August 2000.
What began as a single branch in East Gosford with six staff members has grown into a four-branch network serving the Central Coast and the Upper North Shore communities.
The bank now operates in East Gosford, Kincumber and Lisarow, with the newest Berowra branch joining the network on August 1 this year.
The expansion has created employment for 22 staff members.
“We’re incredibly proud of our expanding network and being a great local employer of incredible staff,” Franchise Group CEO Michael Bell said.
“Four of our team members have been with us for the full 25 years – Michelle Clague, Julie Eastham, Tracey Anderson, and Jenny Webber.
“Their dedication exemplifies our commitment to the local community.”
The bank has consistently supported community groups through grants and sponsorship programs with the $2.1M investment representing genuine commitment to local organisations.
Notable organisations that have received support include Elise’s Retreat, The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, Central Coast Comicon co-ordinated by Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS), and the Ronald McDonald Family Room Gosford, for which the bank served as Event Partner for the 2025 Raise Love Ball.
Sporting groups include Central Coast Basketball and numerous rugby league, football, cricket and netball clubs and associations have also benefited from the bank’s community focus, alongside community organisations such as East Gosford Community Garden and Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre.
The bank demonstrated its community commitment during challenging times, working through COVID-19 to provide essential community assistance when locals needed financial support most.
“Our role as a community bank means we’re here for the good times and the challenging ones,” East Gosford & Districts Financial Services Ltd Board Chairman Garry Morris said.
“The past 25 years have shown that when we invest in our community, everyone benefits.”
The bank will mark this significant anniversary with a series of community events, including a gala dinner on August 9 to acknowledge the community support, staff, Board and shareholders who are all important members of the Central Coast Community Bank “family”.
Additional celebrations include in-branch morning tea on August 15 and a Community Sponsored Groups event in September to acknowledge the local community groups that support the bank and its members.
“Our vision for the next 25 years is to keep providing great community bank service for the Central Coast community that gives back,” Bell said.
“We’re not just a bank – we’re part of the fabric of this community.” Morris said.
“Twenty-five years ago, we started with a simple mission to serve our local community.
“Today, with $2.1M invested back into local groups and organisations, we can see the real difference community banking makes.”
Umina needs a bank. The closest is in Woy Woy or Ettalong. Umina cbd is a thriving community with library and supermarkets (3) but the big profit banks have abandoned us. Just a thought
Bendigo Bank is closing branches. Don’t be expecting support from them. They make themselves look good by advertising. It’s all big business. Berowra put their original employees out. Check out the real information on them.