Media releases

The Finance Sector Union has written to the Bank’s CEO, Richard Fennell, as well as local Members of Parliament, and the Federal Minister, as it seeks to save the branches. Only a full reversal of this move will protect the 32 full time equivalent roles and the essential service they undertake in their local communities.

These closures are scheduled to begin on 1 August with the final branch slated to close on 31 October. See below for details of the impact by location, staff numbers and proposed date of closure.

Finance Sector Union National Secretary Julia Angrisano said:

“To close 10 branches, five in regional communities with no other bank branch, is a slap in the face from a bank which most Australians know as the largest regionally based bank, and a supporter of regional communities. While 32 full time equivalent roles are impacted, many more individuals are at risk due to the number of part time staff engaged in these branches.

“Three Victorian communities – Bannockburn, Korumburra Yarram, along with Malanda in Queensland, and Queenstown in Tasmania will lose the last of their local bank branches. Also impacted are regional branches in Kings Meadows (Launceston, Tasmania) and Tully (in Northern Queensland).

“The largest impact from this decision will be felt in the bank’s home state of Victoria with six branches closing including larger regional branches in Geelong and Ballarat, and a suburban branch in South Melbourne.  

“This is an incredibly disturbing development and does not bode well for the future of Bendigo Bank’s presence in regional Australia. For a bank which proudly has its regional centre hometown as part of its name, and is fondly known for its community branch network, this decision feels very ‘big bank’ for all the wrong reasons.

“It’s been almost 14 months since the Senate Inquiry into regional banking handed down its report calling for banking to be regulated as an essential service, especially to protect regional communities. We’ve written to the local MPs in the regional communities affected by this closure asking them to stand up for these branches, and the workers who staff them.

“The Finance Sector Union has also raised the issue of consumer and worker regulation of banking with new Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mullino MP. It is critical that the federal government step in and protect bank workers and customers given the banks have proven themselves to be incapable of doing anything other than putting profits and shareholders first.”

Bendigo Bank branch closures:

*Indicates that this branch is the last remaining bank branch in that local community.

Media contact: David Imber – 0413 274 204