A Lasting Partnership with Bendigo Bank

“Banking is our business. Community is our focus.”

This simple yet powerful statement from Ian Goldsmith, Chairman of Manningham Community Enterprises, reflects the longstanding partnership between Bendigo Bank and Doncare. Over many years, Doncare has been fortunate to receive generous support from the Doncaster East and Templestowe Village Community Bank® branches.

From Vice Chairman Geoff Roberts to the Directors and Branch Managers, the Bendigo Bank team has stood beside Doncare, backing our mission to support vulnerable individuals and families in Manningham.

“There is no doubt that the work Doncare does for the Manningham community is critical, and we are proud to financially support many of the programs to assist with the delivery of these services.”
— Ian Goldsmith, Chairman, Manningham Community Enterprises Ltd

Highlights of Our Partnership

2009–2011: Technology & Volunteer Support 

• In 2009, Doncaster East Community Bank funded the Volunteering in Manningham program.

• In 2010, their grant allowed Doncare to digitise our client record system, streamlining emergency relief support.

• In 2011, funding from the Community Grants Program enabled us to upgrade our IT infrastructure, improving overall efficiency.

2012: Keeping Us Moving 

As Doncare’s services expanded, so did our transport needs. With funding from Bendigo Bank, we acquired:

• Two small vehicles and a large furniture truck with a hydraulic lift, vital for our Opportunity Shops and volunteer safety.

• These vehicles supported daily deliveries, collections, and social enterprise growth.

“If we didn’t have a fleet of cars, these clients would not be able to receive a service.”
— Doreen Stoves, former CEO, Doncare

2016-2018: Investing in Wellbeing 

• Bendigo Bank presented three grants totalling $39,799, helping us purchase a Toyota Corolla used across our Family Services and Domestic Violence Support programs.

• Bendigo Bank became Platinum Sponsor of our inaugural Empowered Women, Empowering Women event.  Read more…

Keeping Our Community Warm: The Winter Warmth Program

The third grant from Bendigo Bank’s Doncaster East and Templestowe Village Community Grants Program was directed to “Winter Warmth” — a compassionate initiative developed by local businessman Des Galgut to assist vulnerable pensioners struggling with the rising cost of electricity and gas during the colder months.

What began as a grassroots effort to support isolated seniors has grown into a vital, ongoing program. Administered by Doncare, Winter Warmth provides targeted financial relief for local residents experiencing energy hardship. Clients are identified and supported through Doncare’s Information and Crisis Support Intake Program, ensuring assistance reaches those most in need.

Des Galgut’s deep commitment to the community led him to join Doncare’s Board of Directors, where he continued to champion support for the most disadvantaged. Thanks to Bendigo Bank’s early and ongoing investment, the Winter Warmth program continues today, helping dozens of pensioners each year stay safe, warm, and connected through the harsh winter season.

This program exemplifies what’s possible when local businesses, community members, and organisations come together to respond to real and urgent needs — with dignity, care, and lasting impact.

2019: An Inspirational Evening 

Over 240 guests attended Doncare’s Charity Dinner with Ben Crowe, Performance & Mindset Coach.  Sponsored by Bendigo Bank, the event raised significant funds to help Doncare continue its work in the community. Read more about the event at Ben Crowe empowers community

2021: Bridging the Digital Divide

COVID-19 highlighted the isolation experienced by older adults. With Bendigo Bank’s support, Doncare launched the Keeping Seniors Connected program — helping people over 60 build digital confidence and stay socially connected.

2022–2023: Supporting Young Minds

In response to rising mental health needs:

• $66,000 (2022) and an additional $60,000 (2023) funded counselling for children and youth.

• Since 2022, we’ve seen:

  • 88% increase in children aged 3–9 accessing counselling

  • 24% increase in pre-teens (10–12 years)

  • 39% increase in adolescent clients

2024: Empowering Women, Backed by Community Support

Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank Doncaster East and Templestowe Village branches were proud major sponsors of Doncare’s 2024 International Women’s Day event, featuring the inspirational Jelena Dokic. More than 250 guests gathered at Bramleigh Estate to hear Jelena share her powerful story of resilience and transformation. Thanks to Bendigo Bank’s generous support, the event raised over $60,000 to support Doncare’s programs for vulnerable women and families. This partnership reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to gender equality, community wellbeing and creating opportunities for women to thrive.

2025: Driving Social Connection 

Bendigo Bank presented Doncare with the keys to a brand-new 11-seater Hyundai Staria.

This van now supports our Social Support for Seniors program, helping isolated seniors attend lunch groups, walking clubs, movie sessions and more — all while easing the load on our volunteer drivers.

“It was such a joy to hand over the keys to this brand new van to Doncare to support their seniors’ program. This is the latest in a series of vehicles we’ve donated over the years.”
— Chris Cahir, Branch Manager, Templestowe Village

A Social Enterprise Powered by Community

Doncare’s Opportunity Shops are more than retail stores — they’re a vital social enterprise that funds essential community services. Bendigo Bank recently funded a new LDV van to replace our much-loved truck ‘Big Ben’, supporting logistics and increasing capacity to meet growing demand. Staff and volunteers appreciate its easy handling and increased efficiency, helping us serve more customers and generate vital revenue.

A Partnership That Makes a Difference 

Since 1995, Doncare’s partnership with the Community Bank Doncaster East and Templestowe Village has helped us:

• Deliver critical social programs

• Provide safe and reliable transport for clients and volunteers

• Meet the growing needs of our diverse community

• Stay connected through technology and innovation

We are incredibly grateful for Bendigo Bank’s continued investment in our mission. Their support is not just financial — it’s foundational.

Together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected Manningham.