This week we catch up with the SFNL's major naming rights partner Bendigo Bank and their key off field players, Peter Rice & David Boulton.
See what makes Bendigo Bank special in the eyes of our communities;
DAVID BOULTON INTERVIEW
Tell me about your connection to the south east suburbs?
Well, born and bred @ Mordialloc Hospital, lived in Mentone pretty much all my life. Went to the local schools, love the area and reckon I could find my way home blind folded.
Did you play local sport in the area?
Here’s a bit of a laugh. My four sons reckon I spent my childhood running around chasing butterflies and bugs with my bug catcher! That was entertainment back then! Truth be known I was a master at the “drop kick” across the road with my childhood neighbour friend! I think truthfully I was scared of shadows on the football field!
What drew you to working at Bendigo Bank?
To know your customers and provide the best service in an environment that allows you to have the opportunity to give personalised service.
What’s your current role at Bendigo Bank?
Senior Branch Manager Cheltenham & South Melbourne Branches giving me the spectrum of the geographical end to end of our Bayside Region!
What’s the most endearing quality of Bendigo Bank?
We are the fifth largest, but we are different to the majors! Personalised!
How did Bendigo Bank see its customers thru the recent pandemic?
From my perspective, I never spent a day working from home! Off to work we go! We stayed open as much as we could during these unusual times!
Tell us about the funniest thing you have seen happen in a Bendigo Bank branch?
Well, I won a putting competition on the Bank carpet! (after hours of course!)
What did you find out about yourself during lockdown that surprised you?
A few things - Being with others is the key to happiness and we need less stuff than we think!
What can Bendigo Bank do for SFNL clubs?
If you get behind your club, without trying to hard you can financially help your club with our referral program.
Do you have a favourite SFNL club?
Well, I’m a bit of a “bird watcher” (started with the bug catcher days) so I’ll go with the Cheltenham Rosellas!
Where can we find you a wintry Saturday afternoon?
At the “G” watching the Dons, with my hands in my face saying… well there’s always next year!
Who’s your tip for SFNL premiership glory in 2022?
Cheltenham Rosellas providing I don’t knock them out with my snap hook golf drives off the 5th tee at Cheltenham Golf Club!
PETER RICE INTERVIEW
Did you play local sport in the area?
I loved playing local sport and have watched it regularly since hanging up the boots. I played 23 years of Cricket for Lower Plenty in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association and 10 years of footy for Montmorency in the DVFL. I brought enthusiasm and not much skill, so I was lucky to play in a couple of flags.
What drew you to working at Bendigo Bank?
I had crossed paths with them in an earlier life and was really impressed with their desire to build relationships. The partnership with the SFNL is a great example where local long-term relationships allow us to remain present and relevant across many communities.
What’s your current role at Bendigo Bank?
Region Manager in Bayside so looking after 10 branches from South Melbourne to Parkdale.
What’s the most endearing quality of Bendigo Bank?
The people are great to work with and there is so much passion for the local community.
How did Bendigo Bank see its customers thru the recent pandemic?
All branches remained open throughout and the couple that reduced hours for a short time only did so through absolute necessity. Banking is an essential service and I know that many of the customers who came into branch during lockdowns had very other little social contact. They were desperate for interaction so loved that they had a friendly face and someone to talk to at the bank.
Tell us about the funniest thing you have seen happen in a Bendigo Bank branch?
One security feature many Banks and branches have are dye packs which looks like a bundle of notes but when moved quickly releases dye which is very hard to remove hence police investigations are assisted. To the trained eye, bundles of cash and dye packs are not easily confused. In the extremely rare situations where staff have not treated Dye packs appropriately and they have gone off, the couple of moments after they are released are extremely amusing as people try to work out what happened and avoid contact with the dye. The person who made the error invariably has a huge amount of explaining to do to everyone that hears about it – Rookie error!!
What did you find out about yourself during lockdown that surprised you?
How comfortable I was in just my own presence. I have always been a massive extrovert so didn’t realise I was fine with solitude and silence.
What can Bendigo Bank do for SFNL clubs?
The referral program is a fantastic way for the club to raise funds without dipping into the same pockets as they always do. It means that the business the club’s players, committee and supporters bring to Bendigo Bank results in a commission payment back to the club. It is a reward to the club for business Bendigo Bank write that comes to us because of our support for the club and SFNL. How much could this be worth? It is uncapped. As an example a $500k Home Loan results in $1000 going to the club. Ten x $1 million Home loans is $20000. All clubs have details but if people want to know more, reach out to your local Bendigo Bank branch or me at Peter.Rice@bendigoadelaide.com.au (Terms and Conditions apply).
Do you have a favourite SFNL club?
East Malvern Panthers – I have been recruited by Ruth Hall!!
Where can we find you a wintry Saturday afternoon?
Either at the G watching the Tiges or my son play for Camberwell Grammar.
Who’s your tip for SFNL premiership glory in 2022?
