When local business prospers, the community prospers.

That’s the message Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Peter Taylor was eager to convey after a recent visit to Yarraman where he met with residents and business owners to discuss local issues.

Cr Taylor said he was delighted to hear the many positive stories to come from the area, particularly the efforts of the Yarraman & District Community Bank branch which had won the title of branch of the year 2008/2009 for its region.

Cr Taylor applauded Branch Manager Anne Woodrow and her staff for achieving their ongoing successes without losing touch with the human face of the financial industry – the customer.

“As a community bank they know full well that the main reason they open their doors each day is to help their customers. It’s about people, not numbers on a computer screen,” he said.

“They understand that every decision they make, every application they approve or decline directly impacts on their neighbours, their friends and their own families. They know that success for the bank brings growth to their township and each of their lives in enriched as a result.

Cr Taylor said as profits were generated, much-needed dollars were able to be pumped back into the community with about $30,000, by way of donations, sponsorships and merchandising items, having already been distributed between community groups and events across the whole of the district.

“It’s a success story I love to hear about and one council has played a minor part in given the TRC has continued to be an account holder at the Yarraman & District Community Bank following amalgamation.

“It highlights perfectly how important local services are to the local people and how we must strive to ensure TRC residents continue to enjoy the best of lifestyles, whether that be a result of private enterprise or through council services and initiatives.”

Caption: Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Peter Taylor (right) met with Glennys Woltmann - St Vinnies and Anne Woodrow - Branch Manager, Yarraman & District Community Bank (sitting), Margaret McNae and Terry Reid – RSL (standing) and Jim Bond during the recent Community Access Day at Yarraman.