Community
9 August, 2026
Bank’s scholarships inspire new leaders
ELEVEN young people from across the region have returned home with renewed confidence, stronger leadership skills and lifelong friendships after attending the 2026 Magic Moments Youth Leadership & Business Summit.
ELEVEN young people from across the region have returned home with renewed confidence, stronger leadership skills and lifelong friendships after attending the 2026 Magic Moments Youth Leadership & Business Summit.
Among the group were St Arnaud Secondary College’s Courtney Salter and Mara Reynolds.
The St pair and students from Maryborough Education Centre and Highview College received scholarships funded by Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud to spend five days at Campaspe Downs in the Macedon Ranges, immersed in a leadership program designed to challenge, inspire and empower young people. Each scholarship was valued at almost $1900.
Throughout the summit, students explored themes including purpose, connection, courage, entrepreneurship and legacy.
They participated in leadership workshops, financial literacy sessions, business challenges, personal development activities and team-building experiences alongside more than 200 young people from across Australia.
The impact of the experience was evident as students returned home with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.
Many spoke about believing in themselves, stepping outside their comfort zones and backing themselves to take on new opportunities.
Others reflected on the importance of resilience, encouraging those around them and leading with kindness.
One student shared, “I learnt that my ideas matter, to me and the people around me,” while another said, “I’m going to take every opportunity life throws at me.”
Students also described the friendships they formed as one of the most valuable parts of the experience, with many calling the summit “inspirational,” “uplifting”, and “unforgettable.”
Every participant said they would encourage other young people to apply, and several have already expressed interest in returning as Graduate Leaders next year, continuing their leadership journey and helping inspire the next generation of participants.
Community Bank branch manager Joel Condon said supporting opportunities like the Magic Moments Summit was exactly what made the Community Bank model unique.
“One of the things that makes our Community Bank different is that our profits don’t leave the community, they’re reinvested locally into initiatives that make a real difference,” Mr Condon said.
“Every account opened, every home loan approved and every customer who chooses to bank with us helps create opportunities like this for local young people.
“We’re proud to be one of many Community Banks across Australia investing in programs like Magic Moments. Together, Community Banks funded more than half of the 200 places available this year, giving young people opportunities they may not otherwise have experienced.
“Supporting these scholarships is an investment in the future of our region. We’re helping young people develop confidence, leadership skills and resilience that will benefit them, their schools and our communities for many years to come.
“We often talk about investing in our community, but this is what that looks like. Watching these young people return with greater confidence, new friendships and bigger aspirations is a wonderful return on our community’s investment.
“Several students have already expressed interest in returning as Graduate Leaders next year, continuing their leadership journey and helping inspire the next generation of participants. That’s incredibly rewarding and shows the lasting impact these opportunities can have,” Mr Condon said.
Read More: St Arnaud