That it was profitable was of little consequence. Coupled with a lack of assurances from the only other bank branch in town that it would remain open, a banking sub-committee of the Crow's Nest & District Tourist & Progress Association Inc was set up to research options and to make recommendations.

The sub-committee visited other towns, talked to bankers and financial institutions and consulted widely. The first choice was linking to a mutual organisation, but this was proving difficult, and it seemed that paying a large franchise fee seemed the best choice. It was then that our local Darling Downs based mutual financial institution, Heritage Building Society, offered a last minute opportunity to talk.

The rest, as they say, is history. The very best model for our dostrict was developed which culminated in a joint venture agreement between Heritage and a local company. This ensured that costs were shared 50-50. The local community would pay the wages, secure and fit out premises, pay for electricity, cleaning and the like. Heritage would provide the banking licence, employ the staff, provide the computers and office equipment and an ATM.

The local company set up to do all of this was Progressive Community Crows Nest Limited - a company with no shareholders but members. Its job was to work to ensure that the first genuine community branch was a success. And what a success it was! The former Shire Council was very obliging in purchasing the former bank building and leasing it back at commercial rental rates to the Company. With a broad geographical distribution of Directors, a model was devised so that residents within the Crows Nest area were able to approach a Director to offer support in the form of company membership and then the offer of a three year loan for anything between $100 and $5000….the idea being we would like many supporters of this exciting concept rather than a few. The Directors were originally David McEvoy representing the Council, Baden Brown, Howard Littleton, Jeff Close, and company secretary Bev Williams.

And the support poured in. 180 members quickly signed up and the money was raised to foster the twin aims of improving financial services to the town, as well as providing extra employment. The added bonus was that any profits were to be split 50-50 and they would be distributed to the community in the form of grants. It took only a few years before these grants were flowing to the whole district. And only four years before the decision was made to open the district's second community branch at Highfields, again with a huge response from district residents. Paul McRae, Craig Stibbard and Brian O'Neill were invited to be Directors. In all, just over a quarter of a million dollars was raised to finance the set up of these two branches.

A unique feature of the whole operation was the setting up of the Crow's Nest Community Trust to distribute funds. Trustees Bev Williams, Branton Woodhead, Dennis Nissen, Rod Smith and the directors were charged with distribution of funds. With the passing of Bev, the board invited Russell Williams to be a trustee, and Bruce Krause the company secretary. All Directors and Trustees have always been honorary positions - no fees are paid at all to them. When advice was received that we should apply to the Taxation Office for a Private Tax Ruling so that the distributions could be claimed as tax deductions, and we found that we would be double taxed if we distributed through the Trust, it was decided to still use the services of the Trustees to recommend grants, but the money would come directly from PCCN Ltd. The successful Private Tax Ruling opened the way to effective distribution of funds.

The total distribution of funds 2003 - 2004 was been $102 000, and a wide variety of projects has been funded, ranging from water troughs for pony clubs to tents for youth groups and roofing and fences for church organisations.

The Directors had a very clear vision of what was needed - a full financial service and creation of a positive atmosphere in Crow's Nest as well as employment opportunities. They were very determined to get an experienced country bank manager, and were delighted to secure the services of David Mackensey. David and the staff have been so much of the success of the branch, along with the unwavering support of the town and district citizens, businesses and organisations who use the branch services. It is when the branch services are used that the grant money to the district increases.

And the services are numerous. Personal, community group and business banking, trust funds, home and personal loans, Visa cards, share trading, and insurance added to the QGAP (Queensland Government) and Commonwealth Government services on offer. As well an accountant and a legal service regularly visit the branch.

So seven years ago the Crow's Nest Community Branch of Heritage Building Society was opened by the Treasurer of Queensland. The support has grown. District residents are still welcome to become members of PCCN Ltd.

The last 7 years have been exciting and show that a community banking model can not only be successful in providing a wide range of up to date financial services, but is also able to plough back funds into assisting community services. THANK YOU CROW'S NEST SHIRE for your wonderful support.

Jeff Close,
Chairman of Directors,
Progressive Community Crows Nest Ltd