ONE hundred thousand dollars worth of grants is up for grabs as part of the 100 Community Heroes Campaign, launched today by Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr. 

The 100 grants, each worth $1000, are open to charities and community groups in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

They are being provided by the four ACT Community Bank branches – Calwell, Curtin, Jerrabomberra, and Wanniassa.

Mr Barr attended the launch of the campaign at the Curtin Community Bank branch this morning.

“It is great to see local business give back so generously to the community. This is an initiative which will directly support the work of 100 charities and community groups and I commend all the branches for their generosity and ongoing support of their local communities,” Mr Barr says.

Community Bank branches are locally owned and operated franchises of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, which says they “return up to 80 per cent of profits to the local community in the form of community contributions and sponsorships”.

Over the past ten years, the four ACT branches have returned over one million dollars to Canberra communities.

Community Bank Chairman Jayson Hinder says the 100 Community Heroes Campaign is one element of the group’s 2013 grants and sponsorship program which would total $300,000 in honour of Canberra’s centenary and Community Bank’s tenth anniversary.

He says the “record” amount of money will help to set up a new bulk-billing medical centre in Tuggeranong, fund the Community Hero grants and provide a further 5 local grants worth $20,000 each.

“These Centenary Year initiatives are an important way for us to show our ongoing support for charities, community groups and volunteers who are out there every day making a difference.” says Mr. Hinder.

To nominate a community group for a $1000 grant, go to 100communityheroes.com.au between May 1 and June 19, 2013.

– By April Dudgeon