Palmwoods Heritage team honoured for community spirit

The Palmwoods Heritage team pictured at the awards from left, Rayleene, John, Sophia, Megan, Kim, Candice & Kevin Potter. 

Right: Sophia Diferdinando, Heritage Bank Board Chairman Kerry Betros and Megan Tennent at the awards.

Palmwoods Community Branch has taken out top honours in Heritage Bank’s prestigious Platinum Awards announced in Toowoomba on 26 November. 

The Heritage Hero Platinum Awards recognises the Bank’s most outstanding teams and individuals who go above and beyond in living the Heritage values.  

Recognised for their proud and passionate community approach, the Palmwoods team of Sophia, Megan, Kim, Candice and John were named a 2021 winner of Member Experience Team of the Year. 

Those in attendance heard about the Palmwoods’ support for multiple community groups on behalf of Heritage, often in their own personal time, putting people first in everything they do. 

Not just a bank, the team is part of the local community fabric, going above and beyond to give back to the community through hospital visits, taking part in memorials, sponsoring and participating in events like the local bowls club tournament, Adopt-A-Family Christmas Drive and more.  

This year, Palmwoods Commmunity Branch, with the support of joint venture partner Palmwoods Community Branch Ltd (PCB Ltd), also presented much-needed funds to 26 amazing local community groups at their 2021 Community Sponsorship Evening.

The Board Members of Palmwoods Community Branch Ltd (PCB Ltd) are absolutely delighted to share the team’s achievement with the community. 

“The Palmwoods staff love and respect all those in the community,” said PCB Ltd Director Audrey Lyttle. “Their care and consideration goes far beyond banking services. You’ll often see the team quietly serving the community in their own personal time.

“In Palmwoods, their contribution has been immense and for their efforts to be recognised on a grander scale across Heritage is so very well-deserved.”

Branch Manager Sophia Di Ferdinando said she was extremely proud of the team and what they had achieved.

“Giving back and looking for ways we can make a positive difference to our members and the community is second nature to our team. We are truly honoured and humbled to be recognised for doing what we love as part of the Palmwoods community.”

Heritage Bank National Manager (Community Branches) Rayeleene Elston said the Palmwoods team were the quiet achievers who went about helping the community because “it’s just what they do”. 

“They’re often unaware of the massive impact their everyday interactions make to those around them, whether through banking services or supporting local events and initiatives.  It was a truly heart-warming moment to see them walk on stage and be recognised with one of the highest awards at Heritage.”