Bendigo Bank and the Camden Chamber of Commerce are considering starting a Community Bank that would be owned by local shareholders.

They want to start a steering committee to get the ball rolling.

Chamber member Stewart Ollis, who owns Camden Printing, said it would take from 12 to 18 months to get the Community Bank up and running.

Profits from the branch would be split between Bendigo Bank, local shareholders and donations to community groups.

``It takes about three to five years to make a profit and they reckon it'll take about three years in this area,'' Mr Ollis said.

``Anyone can buy shares.''

The branch would probably be built in Camden's main street but the exact location will not be decided until the steering committee and Bendigo Bank decide if a local branch will be feasible.

``It gives people more choice I suppose,'' Mr Ollis said.

``But the main advantage of Bendigo Bank is that the profits stay in Camden and the community.

``And they don't pay the board of directors millions of dollars a year in salary either.

``They don't try to take over the whole town by having the biggest bank in town. They just like to provide a bank that supports the community.''

Camden Chamber of Commerce publicity officer Tony Pentleton said Bendigo Bank returned up to 80per cent of a branch's profits to the local community.

He said Bendigo Bank setting up a Community Bank in Camden would be a tick of approval on the financial health of the area.

Details: Stewart or Marge Ollis, 46552281.