More than 80 per cent of the pledges required have been delivered from local residents and businesses, demonstrating the growing strength of community support for setting up a community owned bank with ATMs in Hepburn

and Daylesford. The Daylesford and District Community Bank Steering Committee has recruited two new committee members. Local businessmen Glen Heyne, proprietor of Daylesford Cottage Directory and Petaglen Print with

his wife Peta, and David Stagg, owner of the Daylesford Cider Company with his wife Sally, have joined the steering committee. Both are keen to assist.

"Peta and I appreciate the benefits that having a locally owned bank in our community will bring, such as employment of staff, returns to shareholders and a share of the profits that will go to local good causes," Mr Heyne

said.

"We urge residents and businesses to get behind this important investment to strengthen the future wellbeing of our community."

Mr Stagg said the Community Bank would be a great social resource.