Chelsea Deacon is the Community Engagement Consultant for Bendigo Bank. Her Blackburn South branch is a Community Bank, and she was accompanied by the new manager, Elio Kosmidis. 

To celebrate 20 years of community banking, the Bank launched its 20th Anniversary Grants Program. These are significant investments, over three years, into organisations making a big difference in the Whitehorse community. This multi-year approach allows them to plan, grow, and deliver a more profound and sustainable impact. Recipients included Umbrella Dementia Cafes, SALT (Sport and Life Training) and Whitehorse Churches Care.

Chelsea explained that her philosophy is to engage early with community groups and to assist them in maximising the benefits that the community derives for their association with the Bank.

Our club has been offered the opportunity to promote our projects at a static display in the Bank in January.

On December 20^th from 7:30 am, we will be packing a 40-foot container with 12 or 13 playgrounds for shipment to Sri Lanka. The location is at Arena Gardens (John Arena's yard) at 6 Cloverlea Drive, KILYSTH SOUTH. The Google Maps reference is here.

It is big job and we need as many volunteers as possible. Please let Rob Jackson know if you can spare a few hours in the morning. Thanks to all those have already volunteered.

We had our last Bunnings Sausage for the year on Saturday 6^th December. Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to us as there was light rain for most of the day. Even so we had an excellent day making a profit of $1,896.08.

Thanks to all the helpers who braved the weather to make the sausage sizzle successful - Mike F, Shia, Dick, Coral, Marg, Ken, Harvey, Russell, Liam and Tahlia (Rotaract), Erin, Katy, Ian E, Don, Gabby, Wendy, David, Bob D and Stuart.

Our next two Bunnings Sausage sizzles are -
Sunday 1^st February
Sunday 1^st March
Please let Stuart (0417 573 828) know if you can help.

The Bunnings Sausage Sizzles are a great way of raising money for the club's projects but also are good for fellowship and community awareness.

Recently, Glenys was awarded two certificates in the City of Whitehorse Community Awards.

One was for 15 years of Enviromental Education volunteering and the other for 15 years of voluntary service to the Whitehorse community.

Also, at their Christmas celebration last week, bestchance referred to Glenys as their “living legend”. She has just entered her 48^th year on the Board and Governance committees. They have named a large teaching room after her in their main premises.

Thanks to the Waverley Garden Club and Coral for organising the recent collection of 73 donated spectacles and sunglasses (including Bob’s). I have sent them off to Julie Tyers of Eyes for Africa together with another 125 collected this year. Also, another and 29 via Alex and many via Bruce Simcox). They will go to Ethiopia, all being well, with Julie in May 2026.

Thanks a lot, to everyone who spread the word and helped. Keep collecting!

Here is the latest newsletter with an update on Community Employment Partnerships.

A Message from Our CEO

This year has reminded me, more than ever, why PBF exists — and it’s because of people like you.
Every time one of our presenters shares their story, or a mentor sits beside someone newly injured, we see how powerful human connection can be. We’ve watched students rethink their choices, people in workplaces shift their mindset, and individuals rebuilding their lives start to believe in what’s possible again.

And it’s important for you to know this:
Your membership makes that happen.
Your support keeps our presenters in schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, and communities — not just to talk about safety, but to spark conversations about resilience, decision-making, mindset, courage, and the things that really shape how we live.
It keeps our peer mentors beside patients on some of the hardest days of their lives.
It helps us provide practical support and opportunities for people with spinal cord injury when they need it most.

We don’t receive government funding for these programs. We rely on people who believe in prevention, support, and the power of lived experience. People like you.

So when I say your membership matters, I mean it.
Someone goes home safer because of you.
Someone feels stronger because of you.
Someone rebuilding their life gets the support they deserve because of you.

As we head into a new year, our focus stays simple and genuine:
To prevent injuries where we can, to support people when the unexpected happens, and to keep creating opportunities for those living with spinal cord injury to share their stories and shape stronger, more connected communities.

And if you ever want to do even more, small things make a big difference, by sharing our story, inviting us into your workplace or club, or encouraging someone else to become a member.

Thank you for being part of the PBF community, for believing in this work, and for helping us make a difference that truly matters.

Kim Hocking 
Chief Executive Officer

The founder of the School, Gemma Sisia will be in Melbourne in February. She will be presenting at the Rotary Club of Camberwell on 18^th February.

In the interim, please consider supporting their Christmas laptop appeal.