For a worthy cause

By Owen Sinclair

Apr 4, 2025

Air fryers, jewellery and chocolate bunnies - these are just some of the prizes up for grab at the Bendigo Bank’s Easter raffle this month.

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With a range of appliances and goods donated by local businesses, there’s no better time to throw your hat in the ring and support the Cobram branch’s initiative.

Branch manager Tracy Simkin said the raffle, which has run for about the last seven years, is popular enough that she has customers ask about it each year.

“Last year, we helped fund the installation of the mural on the Mivo Park toilets. Every year we do something a little bit different,” she said.

This year, the bank has decided to dedicate all funds raised by raffle ticket sales to the maintenance of a nearby defibrillator.

“Obviously, we want the machine to be updated and the battery to be in date, so it’s able to be used when any community members need it,” Ms Simkin said.

The Cobram branch of Bendigo Bank is getting behind the spirit of giving this Easter. Photo by Owen Sinclair

“Hopefully, they don’t, but the idea is to have it there for their use.”

The defibrillator itself is attached to a wall outside the branch, and has unique advantages over other such units in town.

“A lot of the others around town are in buildings that are locked up at night, and, you know, we’re really limited then,” Ms Simkin said.

The branch is raising funds for the maintenance of a defibrillator. Photo by Owen Sinclair

“I think the biggest thing is it’s on the exterior of the building, so it’s available 24/7. It’s not locked in a building at night, and essentially, anyone can use it, and it has been used.”

Depending on the outcome of this year’s raffle, Ms Simkin explained that any extra money raised will go towards a secondary project in the community.