Moorabool News The
EMAIL: news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Tuesday 1 March, 2022
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Serving Ballan and district since 1872
Phone 5368 1966
Vol 16 No 8
Bank withdraws
By Lachlan Ellis & Helen Tatchell
First it was ANZ, then Westpac – now a third ‘big’ bank has announced the closure of a branch, effective at the end of the month. National Australia Bank (NAB) has been servicing residents for the past 24-years and will be the third bank to close its Bacchus Marsh branch in the space of nine months. The ANZ Bank closed in June 2021, and Westpac in July of the same year. Once having five banks in the town, only the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and Bacchus Marsh Community Bank are left operating. Tim Clarke is NAB’s Retail Customer Executive for Central Victoria and said in a statement to the Moorabool News there will be no job losses from the fallout of the branch closure.
“Over the coming weeks we will be working with our colleagues from this branch on opportunities for them to continue to support customers either through other branches or across phone and digital channels.” Clients of the local NAB branch also received letters advising of the closure with Mr Clarke saying, “the bank would help customers work out the alternatives.” “Due to the changes in the way customers are banking, we’ll be permanently closing the Bacchus Marsh Branch located at 162 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh on Thursday, 31 March 2022.” He assured current clients they will continue to assist them and make sure this change is as smooth as possible. “There will be no change to client BSB and account details. Prior to the branch closure, the team are also available to discuss any banking needs, including the alternatives that are available to our clients.”
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In his statement, Mr Clarke said that 94 per cent of customer interactions were taking place “over the phone, by video or online”, rather than face-to-face. “Over the past few years, fewer customers are coming into branches to do their banking and foot traffic has lessened, which has been accelerated by COVID. Over half of our Bacchus Marsh customers have visited the branch only once in the last year, and more than 65 per cent are also choosing to use other branches,” he said. The nearest NAB ATM following the closure will be at the Melton NAB Branch or from any Australia Post outlets who can accommodate cash withdrawals and deposits, cheque deposits, and account balance checks. The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) in Ballan also closed their doors to customers on August 6 last year, leaving only the Ballan & District Community Bank as the sole trader in the town.
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