Bendigo Bank has announced its continued support for Get Online Week as a Principal Financial Inclusion Partner, contributing over $80,000 to national charity Good Things Australia. The bank's total contribution to Good Things Australia over the past three years exceeds $250,000, demonstrating a significant commitment to equipping Australians with the skills to use the internet and conduct online banking safely and confidently.

Bendigo Bank's Chief Customer Officer Consumer Banking, Taso Corolis, said: “As customer preferences and expectations regarding digital access to banking continues to increase, it’s really important for Bendigo Bank to bring everyone on this digital journey with us,” he said.

The bank's support is part of a broader effort to educate Australians about online safety. Bendigo Bank has a face-to-face 'Banking Safely Online' education program, which has held over 200 sessions and educated over a thousand customers and community group members. “We know first-hand from our customers that feeling safe while they bank online is paramount. The more people we can help educate and support to build digital confidence, the better,“ Corolis said.

In addition to this, Bendigo Bank has an ongoing referral program with Good Things Foundation, linking 58 branches with community organisations to support customers in learning new digital skills. A new initiative will list Bendigo Bank Branch Banking Safely Online Sessions on the Good Things Foundation website during Get Online Week to reach more people.

Get Online Week is Australia's largest community-led campaign promoting digital inclusion, with over 500 organisations hosting events in their local communities. Each year, Get Online Week reaches over 15,000 Australians in need of digital support. “As a major sponsor of Get Online Week 2024, we want to raise awareness about the need for all Australians to build their digital skills so they can bank safely online, or via their device with ease and confidence,“ Corolis said.

“We’re incredibly excited to again be partnering with Good Things Foundation to help all Australians feel safer and more secure online, no matter who they bank with,” Corolis said.