THE NAB BANK CLOSURE

Media Release from Kim O’Keeffe

The Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has criticised the decision to close Tatura’s only bank, saying it will have a huge impact on the town that is already struggling to be provided with adequate banking services.

The Commonwealth Bank closed in Tatura only 12 months ago, and the NAB is only open three hours a day.

“Many businesses have told me that those limited hours do not work for everyone. Waiting times have been increased, which takes people out of their businesses longer than they should,” said Ms O’Keeffe, who visited Tatura to consult with locals about the closure.

“The ATM frequently runs out of cash, and the blatant disregard for the town's banking needs, coupled with the lack of support and understanding, is truly appalling.

1a – Jupiter

2b – Copenhagen

3d – Africa

4d – Polish

5d – Yuri Gagarin

6c – Tin

7b – Hippocrates

8a – Sir Robert Menzies

9a – The Netherlands

10b – 88 Scoring.

0–2. Struggle Street. Good on you for having a go! On the ladder of life, it is people like you that everybody else stands on, often blissfully unaware that you’re even there. However, without you, all the people on Bland Street would have nobody else to look down upon.

3-5. Bland Street. I see you hiding in the middle of the ordinary, unexceptional majority. You have avoided the tall poppy syndrome quite well and nobody is actually jealous of your score so you’re also safe from the Facebook trolls. If you were any blander you could qualify for ‘Where’s Wally?’

6-7. Above Average (sort of). As you’re better than the average lump of humanity, this makes you abnormal, which, I believe, is something to be celebrated. So, when someone accuses you of not being normal you can treat it as a compliment.

8-9. Smarty Pants. Well done, and I’m sure that with a bit of luck you could have made Genius level, although perhaps you already used up your luck getting this far.

10. Genius. Great work on getting all ten questions correct! Scientists reckon that a million monkeys with a million typewriters could write ‘Macbeth’ just by pressing random keys. You only had to correctly pick one out of four each time. I’m backing you over those monkeys.

“These large corporations do not understand the needs of smaller regional communities. The locals are often minutes from their bank, not like in the big cities,” she said.

In speaking to a representative, Ms O’Keeffe said that NAB informed her that the details were still being finalised, however, it has been announced that the bank will close on September 28.

The bank is likely to offer banking services through the local Tatura Post Office, however, the details around that arrangement are yet to be determined.

Ms O’Keeffe said she had been told that NAB will keep its ATM operating, however, the location may change due to leasing arrangements at the current site. She emphasised that, “The community must have a reliable ATM and no delays of operation during this transition phase.”

Hearing from local businesses, Ms O’Keeffe said they also depend greatly on visitors accessing the bank or ATM.

“Tatura has many large successful events that businesses rely on, and having reliable access to money is critical to the success of many of those events and to ensure that money is spent locally.

“This closure has left the town wondering what their options will be, with many left feeling disillusioned hearing about the large profits that banks are making,

“We are seeing banks becoming more disconnected to their customers and this has to be a step in the wrong direction,” said Ms O’Keeffe.

“Tatura is a progressive community with vibrant local businesses and large industries, along with a growing local population who deserve a local bank.”