Local students will benefit from a major injection of local funding to support mental health, wellbeing and resilience.

Mt Eliza Community Enterprise (MECE) has announced it will allocate $250,000 over three years to the Student Support Program, increasing the delivery of extra-curricular mental health programs to local primary and secondary schools.

“Supporting young people has always been a priority for MECE,” said Chair, Reagan Barry. “This major funding investment will help schools engage professional service providers. We want to help take the pressure off teachers and provide positive outcomes for students and local families.”

As part of the initiative, MECE will work with local schools and service providers like Speak and Share.

Locally based Speak and Share are helping young people manage their mental health and wellbeing by encouraging open, honest conversations and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health. Their programs encourage physical activity as a powerful tool.

In 2024, MECE funded Speak and Share to provide workshop sessions for Year 9 students at Mt Eliza and Mornington Secondary Colleges and Frankston High School. This initiative will be expanded from 2025.

In addition, MECE is working with local primary schools to bring in the expertise of organisations like Inform and Empower, the Cyber Safety Project, and others who specialise in supportive mental health and wellbeing education for primary school children.

“We hear from young people, teachers and parents that there’s real need for these extra-curricular service providers to come into schools with their research-based, innovative education programs,” said MECE community engagement officer, Alex Godfrey. “It’s something we are ready to help our local schools deliver.”

Mt Eliza Community Enterprise (MECE) is proud to have reached a significant milestone of $1 million in contributions.

Since 2010, the company has been operating Community Bank Mt Eliza, using the profit the branch makes to support local not-for-profit community groups, clubs, schools and initiatives.

“We’re thrilled to have reached this $1 million contribution milestone. The company’s aim has always been to ensure the wider Mt Eliza community is a place for local people to thrive,” said MECE Chair, Reagan Barry.

“Our contributions keep money here in the local economy, driving growth, jobs and local financial resilience.”

In 2024, MECE funded 62 local community groups, including clubs, schools and initiatives, distributing $250,000. It is on track for a similar outcome in 2025.

“This happens because we have a team of local people who are dedicated to working for our community,” said the Chair.

MECE works with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank to manage and operate Community Bank Mt Eliza. The branch is the vehicle which enables it to generate funds and make these local investments. 

“Our contributions touch the lives of most people living in the area, through a sporting club, community service organisation, school or event – whether they realise it or not,” said the company’s community engagement officer, Alex Godfrey.

“People should know that by banking with Community Bank Mt Eliza, they are making a really positive contribution. It’s why this local Bendigo Bank branch is so different from other banks, and such a powerful community asset.”

If you’re looking for better banking with a big local impact, there’s a million reasons to choose Community Bank Mt Eliza.