Bendigo Bank to close

Bendigo Bank have released a statement to Wellington Shire Council and local politicians advising of their decision to close their branches in Yarram on September 26 and Korumburra in August.

Their plan was to inform their customers on Friday.

This process has shown total disrespect for the people who provide their profits - their customers.

The letter contained factually incorrect information - it claimed both branches were in the Wellington Shire: That both branches were in the Federal Electorate of Gippsland. They are not.

In 2021 the Bendigo Bank gave submissions at the Regional Bank Taskforce. In their statement they said “When making changes to our branch network, our decision is informed first and foremost by our customers’’ preferences and needs and also by the needs of our community partners. Eash change to our branch network is assesse on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include:

1 Proximity to other Bendig Bank Branches ( Traralgon is over 64.37 km and Sale is 72km)

2.Access to other transactional banking services such as Australia Post and merchants.

3 Whether Bendigo Bank is the las bank operating in a community

4 Commercial viability of the branch.

On their submission alone the Yarram Branch should be kept open.

This decision by The Bendigo Bank will have devasting consequences for the people of Yarram and the staff.

More information to come on what action members of the community are planning to try and stop this closurer