Community Bank Samford: Empowering futures through education

The partnership underscores the bank’s unwavering commitment to enhance access to education within the local community.

They opened their doors in 2002 in Brendale, one of the first Community Bank branches in Australia. Its success led to the opening of Samford branch in 2009 and in 2022 they merged the two branches together to create an integrated facility in Samford. It is a unique model nationally and they have distinguished themselves from traditional banks by returning up to 100% of their profits to the local community through grants, sponsorships, donations and scholarships.

As a social enterprise, the bank prides itself on being Australia’s most trusted financial service, dedicated to investing in the people of its region.

For the past three years, Community Bank Samford has been a steadfast supporter of the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation, recognising scholarships as catalysts for students to transform their lives and positively impact their communities.

Malcolm Frizzell, Chair of Pine Rivers Community Finance Ltd who owns and operates Community Bank Samford said the banks continued sponsorship for a further three years reflected a deep commitment to nurturing the region’s future by investing in its people.

“By providing educational opportunities to local talent, Community Bank Samford not only helps individuals achieve their personal and professional goals but also contributes to the retention of skilled individuals within the region. This, in turn, strengthens the local economy and fosters a vibrant, self-sustaining community, Mr Frizzell said.

Joined by Senior Branch Manager Mandy Bell at both graduation and new scholarship presentation events, Mr Frizzell has seen first-hand the positive outcomes of being involved in the Foundation. 

“I’m immensely proud of the scholarship recipients. It’s remarkable that not one student has become complacent after receiving a scholarship. On the contrary, each one has seized the opportunity and achieved remarkable success,” he said.

TAFE Queensland acknowledges that through the continued support of Community Bank Samford, the future looks bright for students across Queensland, as they are given the tools and opportunities to change their lives and achieve their career aspirations.

“This partnership not only enhances individual futures but also enriches the cultural and intellectual capital of the region, ensuring a thriving community for years to come,” Mr Frizzell said.

Community Bank Samford is very proud of reaching a $2 million plus milestone, which has been achieved over the last 14 years distributing funds into the Samford, Pine Rivers and Narangba regions. The ability to get all your banking services provided and help your local community at the same time is what sets them apart.

First launched in 2015, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program has awarded over $3 million, helping more than 640 Queenslanders pursue their career goals. Each recipient receives $5,000 to study any Certificate III through to an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor Degree at any of TAFE Queensland’s over 60 campus locations or online.

Scholarships help cover the costs of course fees, textbooks, and living expenses, with two types of scholarships available: Merit scholarships for those with strong levels of achievement and Access and Equity scholarships for students facing social or financial hardship.

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer John Tucker emphasised the transformative power of scholarships.  

“Scholarships can be life-changing for students, providing them with the financial support and encouragement they need to build a better future for themselves and those around them.” He adds, “We are incredibly grateful for the support of sponsors like Community Bank Samford who generously donate each year to the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation,” Mr Tucker said.

Community Bank Samford representatives with a TAFE Queensland Scholarship recipient.