General News
26 July, 2025
Compliance driver in closure decision, says bank chief
BENDIGO Bank says its decision to walk away from the agency model after more than 30 years had been difficult. The bank on Tuesday confirmed it would “retire” the model for its remaining 26 agencies in October. Chief customer officer consumer...
BENDIGO Bank says its decision to walk away from the agency model after more than 30 years had been difficult.
The bank on Tuesday confirmed it would “retire” the model for its remaining 26 agencies in October.
Chief customer officer consumer Taso Corolis said: “The difficult decision to retire the agency model has been informed by evolving customer preferences leading to reductions in business activity, limited use of these services, and an increase in costs and compliance obligations.
“Bendigo Bank operates more branches per customer than any other Australian bank and Australia’s second largest regional branch network,” he said.
“We are proud of our regional heritage and are committed to providing face-to-face banking services for our customers.”
“To preserve what makes our bank unique, we must prioritise our investments across both physical and digital channels to continue meeting the changing needs and growing expectations of our 2.7 million customers.”
“We understand it may take time for some customers to adjust to these changes and we will support them through this.
“We are proactively supporting customers affected by the closures and will offer them assistance. “This may be in the form of connecting them with their closest alternate service, including nearest branch or Bank@Post locations, and walking them through e-banking services available, when required,” he said.
There has been criticism that the bank was still to tell agency customers of the closures after Tuesday’s announcement.
Loddon Shire councillor David Weaver branded the bank’s decision short-sighted and colleague Miki Wilson raised concern for anxiety among vulnerable people when the remaining two local agencies at Wedderburn and Boort close in October.
Mayor Dan Straub said agency closures would be a burden on residents and community groups.
Cr Gavan Holt had earlier this week told the Loddon Herald: “The Bendigo Bank sells itself as a community bank, a bank with a community focus.” According to the bank, there will be “a range of banking options ... available to customers impacted by this change. There is no action for customers to take as there will be no impact to how their accounts operate”.
“Customers can continue to transact as normal at any Bendigo Bank branch, ATM, or at any time via internet banking, our mobile app or by phone. “Customers can also choose to bank in-person using Bank@Post or at any of the 3500 Australia Post outlets across Australia.”
When asked about possible agency closures last week, the bank told the Loddon Herald: “Bendigo Bank’s purpose is to feed into the prosperity of its customers and the community. The bank has more branches per customer than any other Australian Bank and operates Australia’s second largest regional branch network.
“Bendigo Bank communicates changes to its business that impact its people, customers and communities promptly whenever relevant decisions are made,” a spokesperson said.
CLOSING
Victoria CLOSING
Welshpool Agency 6 October 2025
St Arnaud Agency 17 October 2025
Wedderburn Agency 21 October 2025
Wycheproof Agency 21 October 2025
Clunes Agency 21 October 2025
Alexandra Agency 22 October 2025
Boort Agency 23 October 2025
Myrtleford Agency 24 October 2025
Marysville Agency 24 October 2025
New South Wales
Lake Cargelligo Agency 10 October 2025
Jerilderie Agency 13 October 2025
Grenfell Agency 14 October 2025
Crookwell Agency 16 October 2025
Cowra Agency 16 October 2025
Condobolin Agency 16 October 2025
Buronga Agency 16 October 2025
Mathoura Agency 17 October 2025
Blackheath Agency 17 October 2025
Darlington Point Agency 17 October 2025
Holbrook Agency 23 October 2025
Berrigan Agency 23 October 2025
South Australia
Port MacDonnell Agency 3 October 2025
Kingston Agency 10 October 2025
Cleve Agency 17 October 2025
Tumby Bay Agency 21 October 2025
Wudinna Agency 24 October 2025
Western Australia
Cunderdin Agency 23 October 2025
Queensland
Taroom Agency 23 October 2025