Hume Bank and ACRE have announced a three year partnership, which brings together like minded organisations who share a common goal of developing opportunities that build and support those within the local region, combined with a strong focus on future generations.

ACRE, based in Beechworth, is a for-purpose social enterprise. Their mission is to build a positive, vibrant future for rural and regional Australia. Established in 2013, ACRE has a deep commitment to and proven track record of delivering activities and programs that raise aspirations and inspire entrepreneurship in communities.

Hume Bank CEO, Stephen Capello, said Hume Bank has always believed in building prosperous regions and communities. “Our goals align with those of ACRE in that we are looking to support initiatives and strategies that allow our local people and communities flourish”, said Mr Capello.

The first of several joint initiatives planned is Breakout CoStudy, where Hume Bank and ACRE are offering tertiary students located in North East Victoria who are displaced by COVID-19 free study spaces within Breakout Coworking, based at the Old Beechworth Gaol.

ACRE COO, Clayton Neil emphasised that Hume Bank’s extensive history of local community support and investment made the bank an obvious choice to partner with. “The partnership will help us grow both local innovation and entrepreneurship in our border region. 2020 has been a challenging year for students across all ages and we couldn’t think of better way to launch our new partnership by bringing Break CoStudy to market and offering some relief to students who need a place to continue their studies in an innovative, safe environment.” said Mr Neil.

This new partnership has aspirations that will continue to develop initiatives that create better opportunities for local people in the near future and beyond.

Visit ACRE's website here for more information.