Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank concept was initiated in the late 1990s in response to major banks withdrawing services from communities across Australia. (Harbord previously had a Westpac and Commonwealth Banks). As a result, local communities suffered from the loss of critical banking and financial services needed to keep them vibrant. To assist businesses and residents of Freshwater a band of local identities lead the way to return banking services back to our village centre.
The Committee and community decided to form a company to open their own banking services via a Bendigo Bank franchise. With the help of 416 local people taking up shares to form Harbord Financial Services Limited as a Public company, to provide full banking services to the area as well as becoming a community asset which would share its profits with the community. In June 2002 Community Bank Freshwater became a franchise of Bendigo Bank Limited.
Harbord Financial Services Limited is managed voluntarily by ten local Directors and three assisting Ambassadors. Community Bank Freshwater is staffed by local community-minded, dedicated, trained bank officers, which offers a complete suite of Bendigo Bank products.
Thanks to the local shareholders and customers we have combined to create a wonderful community resource to provide banking services to Freshwater and provide ongoing support to the community. So far (as at June 2024) Harbord Financial Services Limited has contributed $3 million to the community through its sponsorships, grants, and donations. The shareholders have also received regular dividends on their investment which has returned to them more than their initial share purchase price.
The Board wishes to thank all our shareholders and customers of Community Bank Freshwater for their support in building this community resource.
Bendigo Bank today boasts more than 300 Community Banks making it the fifth largest bank in Australia and providing face to face banking services to communities across Australia.
Freshwater was named in the early 1800’s after a freshwater stream that ran into the ocean, and was virtually uninhabited until the late 1880's when it became a working men’s camp with ladies only allowed to visit on Sundays. To encourage housing development in the early 1900's, the suburb name changed to Harbord in 1923, after Cecelia Margaret Harbord - the maiden name of the then wife of New South Wales’ Governor Lord Carrington. In 2008, the village name was reinstated to Freshwater.
There is extensive evidence of the traditional owners who lived, fished and gathered food across the Northern Beaches for thousands of years. They are rightly considered the traditional custodians of the land.
Colonial settlement commenced in Freshwater with coastline surveyed by the government surveyor James Meehan in 1818. The first settlement grant of 50 acres was made to Thomas Bruin to the immediate north of Freshwater Beach near the current location of the Harbord Diggers Club.
Freshwater is also known as the birthplace of surfing in Australia. On 23 December 1914, during a swimming exhibition at Freshwater Beach, Kahanamoku (also known as the "Duke") demonstrated the art of board riding. Originally from Hawaii, Kahanamoku popularised surfing across Australia and United States. The board he fashioned for his Freshwater debut is still hanging in Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club, and his bronze statue can be found on the northern headland of Freshwater Beach.
Today, Freshwater is known for its natural coastal beauty in the heart of Sydney’s northern beaches, and its strong sense of community - boasting an array of local sporting organisations, businesses, schools, and recreation and leisure facilities.
The Financial Claims Scheme (FCS) is an Australian Government scheme that provides protection and quick access to deposits in banks, building societies and credit unions in the unlikely event that one of these financial institutions fails. For all details:
Harbord Financial Services (HFS) Limited is managed voluntarily by the following 10 professional Directors:
Trevor has been with HFS Limited since its inception in 2002. He has worked and lived in Freshwater all his life and owns a local dental surgery. Trevor is married to Vicki and has three children - Emma, Adam and Ellie.
As a longstanding Director, Ian contributes his extensive business consulting and legal skills to HFS Limited. Ian has now semi-retired from a long career working for leading global organisations in the finance and automobile industries in corporate roles such as Senior Manager, Solicitor, Accountant and Company Secretary. He also worked in the not-for-profit sector and run his own consulting and book distribution businesses. Ian now works part-time coordinating the Traffic Offenders Program at three locations in Sydney and has a strong association with the Agricultural, Hospitality and Retail businesses. Ian and his wife Michelle have two children.
Tony has had a long career in the banking sector having had extensive experience with small business and consumer lending together with building of strong customer relationships with his clients.
Following retirement from banking in 2010, Tony is now a qualified bookkeeper and registered BAS agent, with local businesses as clients. His banking experience provides support and advice to small businesses for financial and banking requirements. Tony has lived on the Northern Beaches for more than 30 years.
David is a chartered accountant with more than 35 years of business experience and previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer in a number of publicly listed Australian companies. David is married to Janiece and has two daughters, Leanne and Susan, and he is an active member of the North Curl Curl SLSC. David was appointed as a HFS Limited Ambassador in 2013.
Martin has been a HFS Limited Director since its inception and owns the local pharmacy in Freshwater, which has been trading for more than 25 years.
Having lived in the local community for more than 44 years, Noela makes a valuable contribution to the Board. Using her experience working in the accounting industry and with the family electrical business, Noela mentors participants of HFS Limited’s Future Leaders Program. She is married to Richard and has two sons, Adam and Craig and she has a variety of sporting interests in the local area.
As a former General Manager in Sales, National Sales Director and National Sales and Marketing Manager in IT, Telco and Publishing with leading global organisations, and founder of an executive search business, Denise has led an expansive career. Emigrating from the US, Denise has been a long-term resident of Freshwater for more than 20 years. An active community member, she serves as Treasurer for Friends of Freshwater and was selected to participate in the Harbord Diggers Development Community Consultation Group. Both Denise and her husband Robert run businesses from Freshwater. Their son, Rory, is active in sports, particularly with North’s Basketball.
Peter has had a long career in senior management. Prior to his retirement in 2008, he was Executive Director of Australia’s major safety testing authority and a Director of Workplace Health and Safety at the WorkCover Authority of NSW. He has also taught Industrial Relations at the University of Sydney on a part-time and casual basis for the last 30 years.
Like his parents before him, Peter resides in Freshwater with his family and is active in the local community as the current President of Friends of Freshwater Inc.
JULIE RIGONI - DirectorWith a career in the financial services industry spanning over thirty years, Julie built and ran her own business after holding senior executive positions for leading Australian and global investment managers. Julie’s business developed and successfully conducted investment and educational programs globally for investment managers, research houses, institutional advice groups and financial planners.
Julie was appointed from an Ambassador to a Director in 2016.
A 2014 recipient of the HFS Limited Tertiary Scholarship Program, Violet is completing a Bachelor of Science (Advanced). She has lived in Balgowlah all her life and always been involved in the local community. Violet was appointed from an Ambassador to a Director in June 2021
Simmone has valuable company knowledge, having assisted the Board of Directors since 2005, along with the company’s bookkeeping, share registry and Community Partnership and marketing. She has worked on and off in the banking industry for 30 years.
Simmone has lived on the Northern Beaches all her life and is married to Kim and they have three daughters Cassandra, Brianna and Tiffany, as well as numerous grandchildren. Simmone is a life member of Beacon Hill Youth Club Netball.
For all inquiries relating to Marketing or Community Partnership, please email info@harbordfinancialservices.com.au or contact the branch on 02-9939-6744
How to become an Ambassador and Director?
The stories behind Freshwater, starting with your local community bank branch including the Directors, Ambassadors and Staff. Get to know the stories of those involved with Freshwater Community Bank, from those who fought for its creation to those who ensure it continues as a thriving community hub year round.
What is your Career?
Now retired but previously Senior Manager with Safe Work NSW and its predecessors.
What role do you currently hold at Freshwater Community Bank?
Director since 2012 with a special involvement in its support of education at 9 high schools and 3 primary schools.
How did you get involved in Freshwater Community Bank?
I was dismayed with the total withdrawal of the Big 4 banks from Freshwater, who not only closed branches but sold their buildings with the clear indication that they were never going to return. I felt strongly that they had, simply, ditched our community. Later with a belated concession, due to community uproar, to open an ATM run by a sub-contractor (Chubb). The Freshwater Community Bank was the result of community and business agitation for real banking services in our community. It was a gutsy initiative that has thrived to this day. I am very pleased to be closely involved with it and everything that it contributes to our community.
The Freshwater community is very special and very active and I have been closely involved with many community initiatives via the Friends of Freshwater Inc (of which I am President).
What’s your favourite place in Freshwater?
Freshie Community Garden in Crown Reserve….it is a very peaceful place, where the only sound is of fruit and vegetables growing. The Community Bank has been very supportive of it, as it has of many similar activities.
What has been your best business experience?
In a career spanning 40 years, one of the major highlights was writing the policy for the Year 2000 Olympics in Sydney the first Smoke-Free Olympics for its 126 venues. All Olympics since have been smoke free. Another was being closely involved in the drafting the 1983 Occupational Health and Safety Act which now applies to all workplaces in NSW. It was a landmark piece of legislation.
Most unusual work experience?
To climb atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge to assess the safe route for what is now known as Bridge Climb, and to ensure that modifications to the Bridge were made to ensure the Climb’s safety.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Keep a diary, day book or journal. According to author, Anthony Robbins, “A life worth living is worth recording”.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Without a doubt, I would be involved in some community activity (as I have been for the last 50 years) where my skills, whatever they may be, could be utilised.
PERSONAL
Do you prefer cats or dogs?
Neither, but I have friends who gain great comfort from either or both.
If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
My wife.
What’s something everyone should do at least once?
A Walk in the Australian Bush (preferably of longer duration than a day, and with self–independence (i.e., carrying food, water and shelter). I have been doing this since I was 8 and it has given me great joy.
Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I love writing poetry
Your greatest strength?
Persistence, and determination to see something through.
Your greatest weakness?
Persistence, sometimes bordering on stubbornness.
It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
Usually socialising with family and friends
Where are three travel destinations on your bucket list?
1. The Westland Way in Scotland, from Glasgow to Fort William
2. The Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Campostella
3. The walks of Stewart Island in NZ
Which virtue do you most admire in people?
Outstanding Leadership qualities (both formal and informal)
Does anything scare you?
Yes. The current non-leadership of the United States and the warlike dictatorial leadership of both China and Russia.
What’s your most treasured possession?
A carved black palm walking stick from Nauro Village on the Kokoda Track
What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Small things such as a glass of good wine with my wife on our verandah after a day of activity. A hug from my grandchildren, and recognising the achievements of my sons and their partners.
How do you switch off?
With sleep (I sleep well)
Who’s your personal hero?
Nelson Mandela for his leadership qualities and for his ability to turn the great adversity of 28 years in prison, into the great opportunity of leading his country.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
A land tortoise because it lives for 150 years, is shell-backed and only progresses when it sticks its neck out.
What is your Business?
Freshwater Dental
What role do you currently hold at Freshwater Community Bank?
Chairman of the Board
How did you get involved in Freshwater Community Bank?
Ian Joynson and Tony Abbott asked me to sit on the Board after the bid stalled.
What’s your favourite place in Freshwater?
I am a Curl Curl boy, so South Curl Curl Beach / Pool, but to eat Andy’s Seafood.
What has been your best business experience?
Sandy and the girls at the bank sorting out Vicki’s (my wife) credit card in New York when she was over there shopping!
Most unusual work experience?
Did a filling on Sarge the labrador’s for Mark Campbell.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Own your own business premises for the security of tenure.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Publican or farmer.
PERSONAL
Do you prefer cats or dogs?
Dogs
If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
Give it to Vicki, she will get it anyway!
What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Have sex with a supermodel or catch a marlin! Kayak in the Antarctic / Arctic ice drifts.
Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I jumped out of a plane (I was pushed actually..)
Your greatest strength?
Punctuality and routine.
Your greatest weakness?
Temper
It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
Beach, boat, footy or family.
Where are three travel destinations on your bucket list?
Arctic Circle, Migration of herds - Masai Mara, Galapagos Islands.
Which virtue do you most admire in people?
Honesty, benevolence and empathy.
Does anything scare you?
Heights and crowds.
What’s your most treasured possession?
A Saltiga (Daiwa) fishing rod and reel combo, then Vicki.
What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
A boat on the Great Barrier Reef and the bite is ON!!
How do you switch off?
Fishing, beach, cooking.
Who’s your personal hero?
My Mum Dorrie and Micko the Skipper of the Australiana who puts us on a fishing tour out of Yeppoon.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
Galapagos Tortoise – they live to 150 and can still have sex!
What role do you currently hold at Freshwater Community Bank?
Marketing Director
How did you get involved in Freshwater Community Bank?
I am an original shareholder and I very quickly realised what great forward thinking this was for our community especially since all other banks had packed up and left.
I am always impressed by the community spirit of directors and staff.
What’s your favourite place in Freshwater?
Bendigo Bank Branch and the Beach & Village
What has been your best business experience?
Definitely being involved in the film and creative production of “be the change” campaign.
Most unusual work experience?
Working with “piggy” at the sea eagles’ games. Great fun.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Trust your own integrity & honestly & always consider clients our best asset.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Other charity work involving the less fortunate or the community.
PERSONAL
Do you prefer cats or dogs?
Dogs but hate seeing dog poo in public walking space!
If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
Coffee!
What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Do something for others and expect nothing in return.
Is there something about you that would surprise people?
My admiration for Audrey Hepburn.
Your greatest strength?
Others may prefer to answer this but maybe organisational skills. I like things to be in order.
Your greatest weakness?
I am lousy at ball sports.
It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
Home – I love being at home.
Where are three travel destinations on your bucket list?
I have been fortunate to have travelled extensively for many years in my past life but Italy remains my fav place for its food, family and people.
Which virtue do you most admire in people?
Caring about others.
Does anything scare you?
Yes, snakes, spiders and thing that crawls around.
What’s your most treasured possession?
My husband.
What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Home with family and friends eating a huge Italian lunch.
How do you switch off?
I don’t! (ask my husband!
Who’s your personal hero?
Audrey Hepburn
If you were an animal, what would you be?
A Cow, they always look so peaceful.
What is your Business?
SESI Group & GuideMe
What role do you currently hold at Freshwater Community Bank?
Director
How did you get involved in Freshwater Community Bank?
Was active in the community and was invited to get involved.
What’s your favourite place in Freshwater?
My home.
What has been your best business experience?
Sales leadership and seeing the teams I led and mentored go on to better things.
Providing the opportunity for someone to move their career ahead.
I help people get their next job and employers find their next stars.
Most unusual work experience?
Being at the Sydney Cricket Ground when Pope John Paul 2 came to Sydney.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Don’t take “no” from someone who can’t say “yes”.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Buying shoes
PERSONAL
Do you prefer cats or dogs?
Dogs. Don’t like cats!
If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
I hope I don’t get to that point.
What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Travel and perhaps live in another country.
Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I’m actually sharing and caring.
Your greatest strength?
That I can get to the point and say what needs to be said.
Your greatest weakness?
Same as above.
It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
Doing chores or lounging around reading or enjoying the day.
Where are three travel destinations on your bucket list?
More of Europe, the UK and Israel.
Which virtue do you most admire in people?
Honesty and commitment.
Does anything scare you?
Facism and totalitarianism and stupid people.
What’s your most treasured possession?
My family but I really don’t possess them.
What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Peace.
How do you switch off?
I read, go to the gym or take time for myself.
Who’s your personal hero?
Anyone who gives without expecting anything back.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
Dog, what a great life!
What is your Business?
Commercial Asset Manager at Hardy’s 1 Realty (specialising in Commercial, Retail & Industrial).
What role do you currently hold at Freshwater Community Bank?
Vice Chairman – (Committees Past chair of Marketing Committee and have been serving on the marketing and community partnership committee since 2007).
How did you get involved in Freshwater Community Bank?
Was shareholder and active in the community, received a tap on the shoulder.
What’s your favourite place in Freshwater?
Mrs Jones and Two Ten Cafe.
What has been your best business experience?
Being able to identify people’s needs and helping them secure that property they have been looking for, especially first home buyers reaching their goal and aspirations.
Most unusual work experience?
Some years ago I was selling a home in Freshwater and the owners were very much into the alternative way of life. I recall taking the photos for the newspaper marketing and the photo shoot went as expected.
I submitted the photos to the local Newspaper (hard copies no digital then) and later that day I received a phone call from the local paper to ask me, “how many people do you expect to attend at the open on Saturday?”, I replied sorry I don’t understand what you are saying? as Saturday will be its first showing, so I guess a few.
This editor then asked me too closely examine the photos and then I realised, what I thought was a privacy screen was in fact a wall of cannabis plants. Well we replaced the photo with a more suitable one and the property was sold in a short time.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Provide the best service you can…, the rest will happen. It’s not just about selling real estate, it’s about building relationships that last a lifetime.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Chef, running a restaurant.
PERSONAL
Do you prefer cats or dogs?
Cats
If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
My family.
What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Learn a musical instrument.
Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I love to cook and experiment with food.
Your greatest strength?
Problem solving.
Your greatest weakness?
Take things too personally and need to learn to use the word "no" more often.
It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
Usually with family and friends.
Where are three travel destinations on your bucket list?
Alaska, Western Europe & Egypt.
Which virtue do you most admire in people?
Reliability.
Does anything scare you?
Having had many close encounters and grown up around them, snakes still tend to bother me.
What’s your most treasured possession?
My rare collection of fly fishing books.
What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Being on a quiet stream, stalking a trout with my fly rod.
How do you switch off?
Some may laugh, but I find solitude in tying fishing flies for my next trip.
Who’s your personal hero?
I met Tim Ferriss (US) at an Australian real estate conference a few years ago, he inspires belief that anything is possible when you have the right focus. His podcast is one of the highest ranking and is worth listening too.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
My wife says I make the ideal Bear…?
Kasey joined Community Bank Freshwater in 2005, she is a dedicated customer-focused team leader with a passion for fostering strong community relationships.
She is experienced in delivering exceptional customer service and providing personalised assistance.
Kasey is committed to creating positive experiences and contributing to a supportive and inclusive community environment.
Kerryn joined Community Bank Freshwater in 2010 has a long-standing relationship with the local community having lived in Freshwater all her life and attended local primary and high schools.
Having more than a decade of experience in the finance industry, Kerryn’s qualifications, efficiency and personal investment in the community are an asset to the team.
Kerryn is also a Manly Warringah Sea Eagles fanatic.
Michael joined Community Bank Freshwater in 2023 after more than 20 years with Bendigo Business Banking.
Michael has more than 30 years industry experience and delivers a personalised service to the community.
Micheal is devoted in his efforts to help Community Bank Freshwater continue to grow for the benefit of the local community.
Roberta joined Community Bank Freshwater in 2022 and brings 15 years of banking experience to the team, having started her career in Brazil.
With a strong foundation in financial services, she has developed a diverse skill set that enables her to provide exceptional support to her clients.
Outside of her professional life, Roberta is passionate about surfing and healthy lifestyle.
Sage joined Community Bank Freshwater in 2024, she brings over 10 years of administrative experience and a customer-first approach.
Sage is dedicated to friendly service and supporting our customers to ensure a seamless experience.
Callan joined Community Bank Freshwater in 2024 and brings a friendly demeanour and a strong work ethic.
Committed to providing exceptional service, he is eager to assist customers with their banking needs, ensuring a positive experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
For all inquiries relating to Marketing or Community Partnership, please email info@harbordfinancialservices.com.au or contact the branch on 02-9939-6744
“We welcome your interest in making a contribution to your community by inviting you to apply for an honorary voluntary position at Community Bank Freshwater Bendigo Bank .”
This is an opportunity to make a difference and add value to your community in an exciting and unique
way.
This is a voluntary role to assist the directors with the promotion of Harbord Financial Services Limited and the Community Bank Freshwater Bendigo Bank of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited.
Community Bank Freshwater Bendigo Bank now sponsors over 90 different community associations and needs to be represented at many community events. The directors believe seeking expressions of interest from people within the local community is the best way to increase involvement in the community and assist in our community.
The duties would include but would not be limited to:
After a suitable orientation period as an Ambassador to establish suitability from both perspectives. You may be invited to take on a Directorship role should a vacancy become available.
The term of a Directorship is three years by rotation. You will be inducted as a Director mid-term and then recommended for a full term at the AGM that year. Each Board member shall be involved with at least one sub board committee. The choice of sub-committee will reflect your best skill set and interest.
It is estimated that overall your contribution on a time line basis would amount to approximately but not limited to 12 hours a month.
We welcome people passionate about our community to assist us in taking our bank forward, to further assist our community in the years ahead.
Download the Ambassador Application Form, complete and return with attached references to the branch.
