Doing business for good, is good for all
While terms like corporate responsibility and sustainability are trending, they aren’t new. In Australia, community banking has been a cornerstone of the profit-for-purpose model for over two decades.
Woodstock Financial Services Ltd celebrated 20 years of community banking in 2024 and has channelled more than $1,600,000 into impactful and meaningful local community projects.
Doing business for good, is good for all
While terms like corporate responsibility and sustainability are trending, they aren’t new. In Australia, community banking has been a cornerstone of the profit-for-purpose model for over two decades.
Woodstock Financial Services Ltd celebrated 20 years of community banking in 2024 and has channelled more than $1,600,000 into impactful and meaningful local community projects.
An innovative reciprocity model
The innovative and internationally recognised community banking model introduced by Bendigo Bank over 25 years ago, revolutionised the sector. It enabled communities to establish local companies to operate franchises of Bendigo Bank by purchasing shares to establish their own branch.
This approach was especially important in regional and rural areas lacking banking services. Local steering committees and founding boards took charge and efforts eventually paid off as profits began supporting community-driven initiatives.
Celebrating 20 years of local community banking
Our company Woodstock Financial Services Ltd has a franchise agreement with Bendigo Bank to operate Community Bank South Coast in Milton, is owned by local shareholders and run by a team of volunteer Directors.
Our primary point of difference is our profit-for-purpose nature which has been recognised with our company achieving Social Traders Certification.
Investing in community
When you support Community Bank South Coast, you are investing in your community. In the last 2024/2025 financial year alone....
$330K+
of profit invested
57
local groups supported
73
projects funded
21
years
in 2025
Reciprocity and the community banking model simply work like this...
Think Local
When you bank with your local Community Bank, profit is directed back into the community. The model is based on reciprocity.
Community
Community investment funds benefit local organisations, improve community facilities, services, infrastructure and well-being.
Growth
The process cycles and allows the community (our community), to thrive, prosper and grow. So, the more people that support us, the more we can support the community.
Mike Devlin
Qualifications
BE (Civil)(Hons) UTS, Company Directors Dip.(UNE), Real Estate, Stock & Station Licence. MAICD, FIE Aust.
Experience & Other Directorships
Over 30 years in senior management (CEO, MD roles) across retail & franchising, manufacturing, construction, industrial services and private equity both here in Australia and internationally.
Justine Cox
Qualifications
MMgmt, BBus, Dip Neurosci Leadership, Accredited Org Coach (Lvl 3), Dip Positive Psych.
Experience & Other Directorships
Leadership specialist with 20+ years working across not-for-profit and commercial sectors. Founded Leaders Change Room in 2017. Published co-author of Women Living Fearlessly.
Chair Community Bank National Council (CBNC). Immediate past Chair WFSL.
Laura Bacon
Qualifications
GAICD. LLM (Hons), BA/LLB (Hons), Enrolled Legal Practitioner (NSW), Enrolled Barrister & Solicitor (NZ).
Experience & Other Directorships
Experienced lawyer and governance professional, working in policy and advocacy at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Chair and Director Kogarah Community Services.
Gavin Hart
Qualifications
BSc (Hons Geology), GradDip App Fin & Inv (FINSIA), FFin.
Experience & Other Directorships
Founder of Australian Wine Consultants Pty Ltd. Former Financial Services Consultant with 20+ years in superannuation, investment and wealth strategy. Past Geologist.
Michael Ramsden
Qualifications
BADipEd (Secondary), MEd (Educational Leadership), MA (Creative Writing).
Experience & Other Directorships
21 years’ experience in the education system. Head Teacher of Curriculum at Ulladulla High School and part of the Big Picture Learning initiative. Formerly Sales and Marketing Manager for Scholastic Australia.
Former coach and president Ulladulla United Junior Cricket Club; Former Treasurer at Treading Lightly; Now leading youth initiatives for Community Bank South Coast.
Katie McCartney
Qualifications
MBBS, Dip Pall Med, Dip Child Health, FRACGP.
Experience & Other Directorships
GP at Milton Medical Centre since 2015, with special interests in geriatrics, palliative care and paediatrics. Honorary Clinical Academic with Graduate Medicine at the University of Wollongong.
Wayne Simpson
Qualifications
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Experience & Other Directorships
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Libby Beasley
Qualifications
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Experience & Other Directorships
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Mike Devlin
Chair
Board member since 2020
Justine Cox
Deputy Chair
Board member since 2017
Laura Bacon
Company Secretary
Board member since 2022
Gavin Hart
Director
Board member since 2022
Michael Ramsden
Director
Board member since 2023
Katie McCartney
Director
Board member since 2020
Wayne Simpson
Treasurer
Executive support
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Libby Beasley
Executive Support
Executive support
Our company's Board is focused on fulfilling its vision of helping our locals build better lives.
Our Volunteer Company Directors
Our Company was formally established in accordance with the laws of Australia and has adopted a Constitution establishing rules, regulations and guidelines upon which the Company is required to operate. This includes obligations of the Directors. Significant amongst these obligations is a requirement that Directors ensure there is a broad ownership of the Company by members of the community.
