General News
28 October, 2025
End of the agency era as towns lose banks
THE last deposits have been made at Bendigo Bank agencies in Boort and Wedderburn.
The bank agencies closed this week after a decision by head office to “retire the model”.
Wedderburn had been an agency of Inglewood and District Community Bank operating out of the town’s supermarket while the Charlton Community Bank oversaw the Boort agency at the local chemist.
July’s decision to shut the remaining 28 agencies followed closure of 16, including Pyramid Hill, two years ago.
Established more than 30 years ago, Bendigo Bank’s agency network saw the bank offer limited banking services via third party businesses in areas where there was not enough demand to sustain a branch.
“To preserve its ability to continue delivering for its customers and communities, the Bank must balance its physical network with the need to continue investing in the changing preferences of our 2.7 million customers,” the bank said in announcing the closures.
Loddon Shire Council was among critics of the bank’s decision that sees only one bank branch left in the shire, Inglewood. The bank said evolving customer preferences, a reduction in business activity and an increase in costs and compliance obligations forced the decision.
Read More: Wedderburn, Inglewood, Berrimal, Boort