The Board of Community Bank Epping has a new chairperson with the retirement of long-standing Chair, Rob Phillips. The recent AGM saw him step down and retire from the Board after 11 years of service.

Deputy Chair, Craig Gallagher, who has many years of experience on the Board, has stepped up to become the new Chair. The volunteer Board of Directors manages the operation of the community bank.

Rob is a well-known North Epping local, and initially joined a sub-committee of the Board, then became a director and finally Chair in 2017. All these roles (like all the directors) are volunteer positions – where local residents step up to guide the community bank.

In particular, as well as over-seeing the successful operations of the bank under manager Stephen Hu, Rob has been focused on fulfilling its mission to be an active community participant. The bank aims to return at least 80% of profits each year to groups and organisations in the Epping area that make a difference in local resident’s lives.

The steady management focus provided by Rob, as well as countless hours of work in the background, has resulted in more than $1.5m being given as grants under his tenure. From sponsoring local sports clubs, helping with big capital projects like the Men’s Shed, through to assisting in wellbeing services – there is a huge range of grants funded each year – 58 alone in 2024.

Rob also frequently represented the bank at events and functions – taking the opportunity to spread the word that when locals choose to bank with Community Bank Epping, their support helps others.

Community Bank Epping wishes Rob a relaxing retirement – with more time to perfect his bowls!