The Hawkesbury is a great place to raise a family, run a business or visit on the weekend. Whether it's the historic streets of Richmond and Windsor, the mountain air of Bilpin and beyond, the fresh produce from small farms or just the winding bends of the river itself, the Hawkesbury has something that draws each of us in.

Many of us love the area so much we devote our time to looking after the community. The Hawkesbury has a strong tradition of community spirit, never more evident than when we come together to get something done. From fighting fires to picking up the pieces afterwards. Whether it's the Rural Fire Brigade helping to protect our lives and property, the local sports teams helping our children develop and grow, or hard working disability groups that look after our most vulnerable. In such a large area, we are all aware how much we rely on community groups and services.

Being able discuss financial issues face to face with your bank is important, whether you are a local business owner or a pensioner. That's why when the last of the major banks departed North Richmond in the early 2000s, Hawkesbury residents knew we needed to do something.

A dedicated team of local residents and business people investigated the prospects opening a Bendigo Bank™ community branch. After 18 months of hard work, the North Richmond community bank branch of Bendigo Bank™ was opened.

Members of the Committee encouraged their community to become involved in the establishment of a public company to operate the bank - Hawkesbury Community Financial Services Limited. Starting capital of $625‚009 was invested by local shareholders‚ and the doors of the locally owned North Richmond community bank branch opened in September 2002.

Since then‚ the business has gone from strength to strength. Hawkesbury Community Financial Services Limited went into profit during the 2006 Financial Year‚ enabling it to fulfill its charter by distributing its surplus profits to the community.