Tuesday, 18 November 2025

 David HODGETT (Croydon) (12:54): Today I rise to acknowledge and congratulate my friend Stuart Greig for his outstanding service for 23 years as chairman of Maroondah Community Enterprises Limited, better known as the Ringwood East and Croydon community Bendigo Bank. Under Stuart’s leadership the bank has grown from its humble beginnings in 1999 with an initial investment of $550,000 from local shareholders to a thriving enterprise valued at nearly $10 million today. This success reflects not only financial growth but a deep commitment to community. Stuart and his team have dedicated countless initiatives to the community, including funding electronic scoreboards for local football clubs, contributing $100,000 to Aquanation to unlock $25 million in regional development funding, providing defibrillators to community groups and supporting rotary with a mobility car for wheelchair users. They introduced the Bendigo Bank community bus, purchased a barbecue trailer that has raised over $100,000 for local causes, and supported major efforts such as Black Saturday recovery and Foodbank. There are countless smaller causes that Stuart and his team have provided to the wider community, which have made a significant difference to many people. Stuart personally oversaw renovations of four branches, saving over $500,000, and championed community consultation for the development of meeting spaces at the Railway Avenue branch, a decision that earned the branch the hall of fame award as Australia’s best community bank. They were the first to combine banking with a coffee shop and community hub. Stuart’s dedication has left a legacy, and the recognition of an education scholarship in his name is a fitting tribute. I thank Stuart for his vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to our community and again congratulate him for 23 years of focus and dedication.