Bendigo agency move part of community bank cull
- Dale Webster
- Jul 28
- 31 min read
Updated: Sep 2
BENDIGO and Adelaide Bank has continued its assault on its community bank network, forcing the closure of 28 agencies run by community franchises.
All the agencies are in regional Australia and 17 of the affected towns will be left with no banking services after the closures.
Bendigo Bank made no mention that the agencies were all operated by the owners of community banks when making the announcement last week that it was “retiring” its agency network.
It follows the loss of 33 community banks since late 2019, which appears to be part of a rationalisation of the community bank model flagged by then chief executive Marnie Baker at an investor briefing in 2022.
“Our community partners know that models need to evolve and change as the environment changes and customer preferences change. So, yes, we are reviewing that model along with our community partners to ensure it is a sustainable model well into the future,” Ms Baker was reported as saying in Banking Day.
Bendigo Bank also announced earlier this month it was closing 10 corporate branches, five of which are the last banks in regional towns.
In total, Bendigo Bank latest round of closures will leave 22 regional towns without banking services.
These are their stories.
Alexandra agency (Victoria)
Murrindindi Community Enterprise Limited
Alexandra, 130km north-east of Melbourne in Victoria, once had three major banks. ANZ closed in 2015, the Commonwealth in 2021 and NAB distinguished itself by closing the town’s last bank while the senate inquiry into regional bank closures was in progress in 2023. This left only the Bendigo Bank agency in the town.
Alexandra is an isolated town. It is an hour’s drive in any direction to the next centre with any form of bank. None of them are easy drives but NAB directed customers to Healesville on the outskirts of Melbourne, an extremely hazardous drive through the Black Spur Range that is a known blackspot for fatal accidents. When the NAB said it was closing, Alexandra residents lobbied to establish a Bendigo Community Bank but the only option that was offered was to set up a branch of the Yea and District Community Bank. This proved a difficult process. Over-the-counter transactions continued to be done at the agency at the newsagency and an appointment-only shopfront was set up for other business. The shopfront was not a success and quickly closed. The agency remained open.
The closure of the NAB was the subject of many submissions to the 2023-24 Senate inquiry into regional bank closures.
This extract from a letter to NAB from resident Roe Cumming highlights the problems this town faced with the loss of banking services.
“I visited the Alexandra NAB last Thursday with my mother. Three other customers were there and two of them, plus my mother, were physically distressed when informed that the bank was closing.
“You tell us that our nearest branch for face-to-face transactions is in Healesville. You tell us it is 68.6km away. Many of the customers of the Alexandra NAB are elderly and no longer drive, those customers that do drive would be facing a very ordinary trip to get to Healesville. The trip involves crossing The Black Spur which is very windy and steep, has a lot of wildlife crossing it, has buses, log trucks and many tourists (especially during the snow season) using it. The road is also often shrouded in fog, covered in ice and at least once a week when I was working in Marysville there would be a vehicle go over the side, often due to oil on the road from the trucks. The trip from Alexandra to Healesville cannot be done in less than an hour and many of your customers would live north of Alexandra so the trip would be even longer.
You may think that customers could use public transport to visit Healesville. Alexandra and Healesville are not in the city, public transport is virtually non-existent. I do not have the current bus timetable at hand but the one bus a day used to leave Alexandra very early in the morning and return very late. Definitely in the winter months passengers were getting on and off the bus in the dark. The bus is not accessible to many people as they are on walking frames or in a wheelchair.”
Federal member: Helen Haines, Indi (Independent)
No statement as yet.
LGA: Murrindindi Shire Council
"Murrindindi Shire Council is deeply concerned by the Bendigo Bank Corporate decision to close its Alexandra and Marysville agencies from October this year. This move represents yet another blow in the ongoing withdrawal of essential services from regional Victoria.
"Communities like ours are being asked to accept reduced accessibility, diminished convenience, and less support, while still being expected to adapt to metro-centric solutions that do not reflect our realities. These closures follow the retreat of the ‘Big Four’ banks, which have already removed in-person services across Murrindindi. For many, Bendigo Bank was seen as the last bank still standing. That is no longer the case in Alexandra or Marysville.
We know these decisions disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, older residents, people with disabilities, those with limited digital literacy, and those without reliable access to technology, who rely on face-to-face banking. For these individuals, the shift to digital-only services risks deepening exclusion and financial insecurity. It’s not that internet banking is impossible, it’s that it’s inaccessible for those who need personal support. The notion that everyone can simply ‘go online’ is not only flawed, but also discriminatory.
"In small towns like Marysville and Alexandra, the local bank is more than just a place to do your banking. It's a trusted service, a point of connection, and a critical part of local economic activity. When that service disappears, so too does foot traffic, community confidence, and financial inclusion.
"We acknowledge that the Yea Community Bank branch will remain operational, and we thank the local team for their ongoing commitment to our community. But one branch cannot service an entire region.
"Council maintains that banking is essential infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where alternatives are limited without travelling great distances.
We strongly urge Bendigo Bank to reconsider these closures or, at a minimum, engage directly with local councils and communities to co-design sustainable alternatives.
We call on State and Federal Governments to step up, not with just words of concern, but with real action. It is time to regulate where market forces have failed and to treat equitable access to banking as a national obligation, not a commercial afterthought.
"The 2023 Senate Inquiry into Regional Banking Services make it clear: banks should be required to engage meaningfully with affected communities before withdrawing services. It also recommended strengthening the role of Australia Post and Bank@Post as part of a national access strategy and called for a mandatory minimum service standard in regional areas.
"These are not radical ideas, they are fair and necessary protections for rural communities. We urge all levels of government to implement the Inquiry’s recommendations without delay. Without policy change and stronger regulation, communities like ours will continue to pay the price for decisions made far from the realities we face every day.
"This is not just about Alexandra or Marysville. This is about the future of regional Australia and the basic right to access essential services, no matter where you live. We will continue to stand up for our communities, and we will not accept silence as a substitute for support."
Cr Sandice McAulay, Councillor for Economic Development.
“The closure of local banking services is not just a financial inconvenience—it’s an economic and social setback for our towns. Banks play a crucial role in supporting local businesses, enabling tourism, and building community confidence. These closures put that all at risk, and we expect better for regional Victoria.”
The Alexandra agency will close on October 22, 2025.
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Berrigan agency (NSW)
Coleambally Finance Group Limited
Berrigan, Southern Riverina NSW, has lost two major banks: ANZ in 1997 and then NAB closed the town’s last bank in 2017.
After seeing the impact on residents, the Shire of Berrigan found itself in the position of having to open and run a Bendigo Bank agency through the Coleambally Community Bank to address welfare concerns. They explained their story in submissions to both the Regional Banking Taskforce (2022) and the Senate Inquiry into regional bank closures (2023-24).
This is, in part, what was said:
“This Council is currently offering a Bendigo Bank agency at our office during limited hours. I will be asking Council to consider moving that to a full time option as often, the Bank is concerned by the amount of cash and transaction levels we have on site at any given time. The indicator here is that the service is desperately needed. It is not however, the remit of Local Government to support a hugely profitable and privatised banking sector.
“For the elderly, the disabled, and the illiterate (all of these vulnerable groups occur in larger numbers in regional areas) access to in-person banking is not generally possible without assistance. In this regional area, there is no public transport to assist vulnerable residents to access banking services. For these people, digital and technologically assisted banking is often not an option as they also exist in the lower socio-economic groups and can often not afford to include digital connection bills to their already stress budgets. This leaves them only the option of access to in-person banking.
"Based on its experience as a service provider of last resort, the withdrawal of banking services prompted the Berrigan Shire Council to act on its social licence and offer banking services – this at a high and unfunded cost to its ratepayers. Council’s decision is not based on anecdotal evidence but rather on the human cost for individuals (with limited funds) that was immediately evident as vulnerable members and groups in our communities had to trust others with their banking needs.
"This practice, as noted previously, leaves these people at a significantly increased risk of fraudulent access to their accounts. However, as stated earlier, there are few alternatives for this cohort – most of whom live in regional and remote areas.”
- Berrigan Shire Chief executive Karina Ewer
LGA: Berrigan Shire Council
Following the announcement that the agency would close, the Shire of Berrigan issued the following statement:
“The decision to cease agency operations was made by Bendigo Bank, who have advised Council that evolving customer preferences, reduced in-person banking activity, and increasing compliance costs have made the current agency model unsustainable.
“The Berrigan Agency has proudly served the local community since 2017 under a formal agreement between Berrigan Shire Council and Bendigo Bank. While the decision to close the agency was not made by Council, we understand this change may impact residents and will work to ensure the community is kept well-informed and supported during the transition.”
Federal member: Sussan Ley, Farrer (Coalition)
No statement as yet but The Regional did ask former Liberal leader Peter Dutton if the Coalition would table a response to the 2023-24 Senate inquiry into regional bank closures' eight recommendations if the Coalition won the election. The reply came back through the office of Nationals leader, David Littleproud, as a definite yes.
"Since forming Government, Labor has treated regional, rural and remote Australia with contempt. A future Coalition Government will of course act on The Nationals-led report, because too many regional banks are closing."
NSW Member for Murray, Helen Dalton (Independent)
Letter to Bendigo Bank chief Executive, Richard Fennell:
"I write to express my concern regarding the recent and impending closures of Bendigo Bank agencies in the Murray electorate, including Jerilderie, Buronga, Mathoura, Darlington Point and Berrigan.
"These agencies have provided essential financial services to rural and remote communities where alternative banking options are scarce. Their closure will have a profound impact on local businesses, older residents, and those without reliable internet access or transport.
"I seek an explanation of the reasons behind these closures, including the factors considered in making the decision and the extent of consultation with the affected communities. What measures Bendigo Bank will take to assist customers in transitioning to other banking options, and whether the bank will help them establish accounts with financial institutions that continue to operate in their area.
"I also wish to know what ongoing support will be offered to vulnerable and digitally excluded customers to ensure they can continue to manage their finances effectively. The withdrawal of banking services from rural communities undermines their economic resilience and social cohesion.
"I urge Bendigo Bank to demonstrate its commitment to these communities by providing clear answers and meaningful support to those affected."
The Berrigan agency will close on October 23, 2025
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Blackheath agency (NSW)
Katoomba and Upper Blue Mountains Community Enterprise Ltd
Blackheath in NSW is another town where a Bendigo Bank agency was opened with the help of a community bank operator after it lost its last bank. Blackheath once had two banks – the Westpac closed before 2000 (exact date unknown) and the Commonwealth in 2018. After the Commonwealth’s closure, the Katoomba and Upper Blue Mountains Community Bank opened the agency.
Federal member: Susan Templeman, Macquarie (ALP)
No statement as yet
LGA: Blue Mountains City Council
No statement as yet.
The Blackheath agency will close on October 17, 2025.
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Boort agency (Victoria)
North Central Financial Services Limited
Boort in central Victoria once had three major banks. Westpac (again) left pre-2000 and then the Commonwealth followed by NAB a year apart in 2017 and 2018. The Bendigo Bank agency had been in the town for some time as part of the Charlton Community Bank group.
In 2017, North Central Financial Services (operator of the Charlton Community Bank) said in its annual report that business at the agency was growing due to the closure of the Commonwealth Bank.
Federal member: Anne Webster, Mallee (Coalition)
"I am very disappointed that 4 of the 28 Bendigo Bank agency closures are occurring in Mallee, namely at Wycheproof, Wedderburn, Boort and St Arnaud. Bendigo Bank were not parties to (the big four bank) moratorium and I respect these are agency, not branch, closures. Nonetheless, Wycheproof, Wedderburn, Boort and St Arnaud residents will lose a service. As Shadow Minister for Regional Communications I am exploring whether Australia Post, within my portfolio, can be supported to provide services in towns where Bank@Post remains or can be extended."
LGA: Loddon Shire
“This will create anxiety and stress to those residents and businesses who still require physical banking services, of which there are many such customers in our shire. We’ve already seen the anxiety it caused when they closed the Pyramid Hill agency about 18 months ago.
“In country communities cash is still king in many businesses and community groups, and our older residents can find online banking quite cumbersome. They would prefer to speak to customer service representatives in person for their banking needs as well.
“We know that all too well ourselves at Council with our residents wanting to speak with real people when they have business with us and it’s of the utmost importance that we give them that opportunity. That’s why it’s unfathomable that the bank, which makes a lot of its regional roots, would do this to country people.”
“We hope they can see sense and overturn this disappointing decision.”
- Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub
The Boort agency will close on October 23, 2025.
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Buronga agency (NSW)
Wentworth District Capital Limited
Buronga is a small town on the NSW side of the Murray River near Mildura in north-west Victoria. It has never had a bank. The Bendigo Bank agency there is only a few years old having opened in 2021.
The Wentworth Community Bank that runs it said in its 2024 annual report that it had high hopes for the agency to grow its customer base:
“Our agency at the Buronga Midway Centre operated by the staff of the Wentworth Shire Council, celebrated its’ 3rd birthday in March. The agency offers a full array of banking services and with the increasing number of customers and transactions, is showing to be an asset to the Buronga and Gol Gol area.”
Federal member: Sussan Ley, Farrer (Coalition)
No statement as yet. (See information under Berrigan.)
LGA: Wentworth Shire Council
No statement as yet.
The Buronga agency will close on October 16, 2025.
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Clunes agency (Victoria)
Creswick and District Financial Services Ltd
Clunes in central Victoria once had two banks but they both went in the first wave of bank closures pre-2000. ANZ followed the Commonwealth out in 1995 leaving the town bankless.
Bendigo Bank transferred ownership of its Clunes agency to Creswick and District Financial Services Ltd in 2008.
According to media reports, the closure of the Clunes agency will also take out the local newsagency, who owners say they will not survive without the agency business.
From the Close to Clunes Facebook group:
“Craig and Cynthia Drewer ran the Clunes newsagency like a second home – greeting customers by name, checking in on their wellbeing, taking donations for the firies, helping oldies with bills and passbooks, you name it.
“It wasn’t just a shop – it was a hub, a safe haven, and a lifeline for a tight-knit community. But after years of service, they’re getting shafted. Why? Because Bendigo Bank has pulled the plug on the agency they ran. No discussion, no loyalty.
“And don’t swallow the corporate spin – this wasn’t about “efficiencies” or “future strategy.” This was a decision made in a boardroom a hundred kilometres away, with zero thought for what happens to the town left behind.
“While Bendigo Bank talks a big game about being the “community bank,” they’ve been quietly closing branches across regional Australia, stripping back face-to-face services, and hanging loyal customers out to dry.
“This has all been taking place while they are posting profits in the hundreds of millions. Their half-year 2025 result? $265 million in cash earnings – still not enough to keep a small-town agency going?
“The Drewers aren’t just losing their business, Clunes is losing one of its last human connections – all to keep shareholders smiling. Meanwhile, Bendigo Bank isn’t just turning its back on Clunes – it’s turning into everything it once claimed to stand against.”
Federal member: Catherine King, Ballarat (ALP)
No statement as yet
LGA: Hepburn Shire Council
No statement as yet.
The Clunes agency will close on October 21, 2025.
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Cunderdin agency (WA)
York and Districts Community Financial Services Limited
Cunderdin in the West Australian wheatbelt was one of the 128 towns caught up in Westpac’s “in-store” betrayal. The in-store model was an initiative to come out of the Hawker regional bank closure inquiry in 1999 and is a warning to any government not to trust initiatives proposed by the banks as "solutions" to the removal of branches. In this instance Westpac's branches were replaced by what was supposed to be equivalent services in shared retail premises. The change resulted in the closure of 128 regional branches by Westpac between 1998 and 2000 – a 16.5 per cent cut of its original regional network in one hit. By 2015, every single one of these “in-stores” would be gone.
The Westpac closure at Cunderdin left the town bankless and that is when the Bendigo Bank agency was opened thanks to an alliance between the York and Districts Community Financial Services Ltd and the Cunderdin Farmers Co-operative.
Federal member: Melissa Price, Durack (Coalition)
No statement as yet
LGA: Shire of Cunderdin
“This will have negative repercussions throughout our community. I feel for the seniors and those in our community who do not have the ability to travel who will now have a one hour round trip to the nearest Bendigo Bank.”
- Shire of Cunderdin shire president Alison Harris
“The Shire is extremely concerned over the announced closure of the Cunderdin agency of the Bendigo Bank leaving the town without a single in-person banking service.
“This decision has sparked a deep concern in the community. The closure will have serious consequences for elderly residents, small business owners, and people with limited internet access or digital literacy.
“The closure was initiated with no consultation and comes as a complete shock to the Shire and the community.
“Bendigo Bank came into Cunderdin after the closure of the Westpac Bank with the promise that it wouldn’t abandon Cunderdin like the other big banks, however this decision seems to renege on this commitment to support regional communities.
“Local businesses and community groups will now be forced to travel to other towns to complete their banking requirements.
“Closure of the Cunderdin Bendigo Bank agency will have a negative economic effects on Cunderdin as people who are forced to do their banking in other towns will naturally spend money in these towns damaging Cunderdin’s long-term economic sustainability.”
- Chief executive officer Stuart Hobley
The Cunderdin agency will close on October 23, 2025.
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Darlington Point agency (NSW)
Coleambally Finance Group Limited
Darlington Point NSW lost its only bank, a Westpac, before 1998. The Bendigo Bank agency was opened by the operators of the Coleambally Community bank, the Coleambally Finance Group Ltd, in the Murrumbidgee Shire Council offices in 2008.
Federal member: Sussan Ley, Farrer (Coalition)
No statement as yet. (See information under Berrigan.)
LGA: Murrumbidgee Shire Council
Mayor Ruth McCrae spoke to Oliver Jacques from the Region Riverina news site.
“I am incredibly disappointed in Bendigo Bank’s decision to close the agencies that are currently based in our Darlington Point and Jerilderie offices,” Murrumbidgee Council mayor Ruth McRae said.
“I have fielded numerous calls from residents who are concerned about the bank’s decision and the loss of services. It’s a real blow to our community.
“This decision will have the greatest impact on our most vulnerable residents, including seniors, people with limited digital access and small businesses.”
The Darlington Point agency will close on October 17, 2025.
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Grenfell agency (NSW)
Murrimboola Financial Services Limited
Grenfell NSW was one of the first towns in regional Australia to lose all four big banks. The Commonwealth was first to go pre-2000. It was another victim of Westpac’s in-store scam with final services pulled out in 2015, ANZ left in 2016 and NAB left the town bankless in 2018.
The Grenfell Bendigo Bank agency was opened in 2015 by the operator of the Harden Murrumburrah Community Bank. This is an excerpt from its 2016 annual report:
“At the end of September 2015, to complement the continued growth of our business, we opened an agency in Grenfell. At the close of the 2016 financial year, Grenfell held the position of number 1 agency within the region and has attracted customers from all banks including those affected by the closures of Westpac and ANZ Grenfell. Immediately the impact was through the deposit growth, as is the behaviour of agency openings. Lending growth is now on the increase.”
The agency was still pulling in business for its owner and Bendigo Bank in 2024:
“The Community Bank’s Agency at Grenfell has again continued to operate successfully during 2023/24 through the offices of Aston and Joyce. The directors thank the staff for their commitment to growing the banking business in Grenfell and surrounding area.”
“Sponsorship and grants are only made possible by the profit generated from banking services provided at our Community Bank and Agency. Murrimboola Financial Services Ltd has, over the past 12 months, been able to increase the number of sponsorships awarded to various community groups, both in Harden-Murrumburrah and in Grenfell.”
Federal member: Michael McCormack, Riverina (Coalition)
No statement as yet.
LGA: Weddin Shire Council
“Weddin Shire Council is deeply disappointed by Bendigo Bank’s recent announcement that the Grenfell agency will close in October 2025. This decision will have a significant impact on our community, particularly residents who rely on in-person banking. The closure represents more than just the loss of a bank; it threatens the independence of our most vulnerable residents, affects the liveability of our town, and undermines Council’s efforts to support local business, attract new residents, and maintain essential services.
“Weddin Shire Council remains committed to advocating for the needs of our community. I will be writing to Bendigo Bank CEO Richard Fennell to express strong disapproval of this decision and urge them to reconsider. I will also be contacting our Federal Member, the Hon. Michael McCormack MP, to raise concerns about the implications of rural bank closures in regional communities, especially Weddin Shire.
“The only service now left for our residents is the agency at the Post Office, the decision of Bendigo Bank to close will have a significant impact on our community whom are predominately elderly, and those that are not able to utilise internet banking will require transportation to other locations to undertake their banking requirements. This is not good enough.
“The Bendigo Bank tagline is ‘The Better Big Bank – caring for millions of customers, you need a bank to give you the products and services you need. We need your banking to help us make a difference’; it now appears as they have got bigger the regional centres are made redundant. Where is the customer care?”
- Mayor, Weddin Shire Council Cr Paul Best
The Grenfell agency will close on October 14, 2025
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Jerilderie agency (NSW)
Coleambally Finance Group Limited
The Bendigo Bank agency became Jerilderie’s only banking service after ANZ closed in 2016. There had been a Westpac branch (Bank of NSW) before 1998.
When ANZ closed, the Bendigo Bank agency moved into what was then the Shire of Jerilderie offices.
Federal member: Sussan Ley, Farrer (Coalition)
No statement as yet. (See information under Berrigan.)
LGA: Murrumbidgee Shire Council
See Darling Point for comment from mayor.
Also reported by Oliver Jacques of Region Riverina:
The news is devastating for Andrew Bell, co-owner of the popular Jerilderie Bakery.
“We’ll have to go to either Yarrawonga or Deniliquin to do our banking, which are an hour away. Our cash goes to the Bendigo Bank every day; we still have to work out what to do.”
The Jerilderie agency will close on October 13, 2025.
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Marysville agency (Victoria)
Dandenong Ranges Community Finance Limited
Marysville Victoria, sadly known for being burnt out in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires with the loss of 34 lives, only ever had an ANZ agency but this closed some time before 1998.
A year after the fires in 2010, the operator of the Upwey Community Bank, Dandenong Ranges Community Finance Limited, opened the Bendigo Bank agency in the rebuilding town at Triangle Real Estate. Following annual reports tell of a community rebuilding – families returning, new one arriving – as the agency’s business grew.
In 2017, senior group manager Mike Fleming reported that Marysville had passed the milestone of $10 million with its total balances. “As at 30 June 2017 their book sits at $13.5 million – a great effort from Jenny Pullen and her staff,” he said.
In 2024, the Marysville agency survived a restructure undertaken with the assistance of Bendigo Bank “Business Planning Program specialists” that resulted in the loss of the group’s community banks at Cockatoo and Belgrave. A new community bank was opened in Emerald, replacing an agency.
Federal member: Helen Haines, Indi (Independent)
No statement as yet.
LGA: Shire of Murrindindi
No statement as yet.
The Marysville agency will close on October 24, 2025.
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Mathoura agency (NSW)
Tongala and District Community Finance Ltd
Mathoura is a small NSW town that has been without a bank since well before 1998. Its Bendigo Bank agency is interesting because it is operated by Tongala and District Community Finance Ltd out of the Mathoura Rural Transaction Centre (also known as the visitor information centre).
Rural Transaction Centres are a failed concept to come out of the 1999 Hawker inquiry into regional bank closures. The government-funded initiative lasted no more than a few years before the funding was rolled into other programs and it disappeared into history, leaving little more than the name as a reminder they ever existed. The report from 2004 Chapman inquiry into regional bank closures noted that the small number of centres that had been set up did not provide banking services. Mathoura would be one of the few examples of these facilities that were still being used for their intended purpose. Another is at Welshpool, where Bendigo Bank is also closing its agency.
Federal member: Sussan Ley, Farrer (Coalition)
No statement as yet. (See information under Berrigan.)
LGA: Murray River Council
“Council (is) disappointed with the decision (and) acknowledges this may present some challenges for the community.
“We will be working with Bendigo Bank to understand the transition process and to help ensure our community is aware of alternative banking options moving forward.
“Overall, this is disappointing for everyone, with small towns once again copping the brunt of cost-cutting decisions. Council (has) indicated that (it) will continue to work with Bendigo Bank to advocate for the ongoing delivery of its community support and sponsorship programs within the Mathoura community.”
- Murray River Council mayor, Cr John Harvie
The Mathoura Agency will close on October 17, 2025.
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Port MacDonnell agency (SA)
Mount Gambier & District Financial Services Limited
Port MacDonnell, the southen-most town in South Australia has been bankless since well before 2000 after losing a NAB agency. The population may be under 1000 but it is a very popular tourism destination on the Limestone Coast.
The Port MacDonnell Bendigo Bank agency was opened in 2015-16 to extend the reach of the Mount Gambier Community Bank.
Federal member: Tony Pasin, Barker (Coalition)
No statement as yet.
LGA: District Council of Grant
No statement as yet.
The Port MacDonnell agency will close on October 3, 2025.
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Taroom agency (QLD)
North Burnett Community Enterprises Limited
Taroom is the third town in this list to have been caught up in the Westpac in-store betrayal. (See notes for Cunderdin.) It had a Bank of Queensland corporate branch but that closed in 2017.
The Bendigo Bank agency in Taroom only moved to new premises in 2022, with the annual report for that year stating that it and the Mundubbera Community Bank had “continued to write business across the region resulting in our overall footings now exceeding some $130 million”.
Federal member: Colin Boyce, Flynn (Coalition)
Mr Boyce addressed Federal Parliament on July 23.
“Bendigo Bank describes itself as “the better big bank” but actions speak louder than words. The Big Four banks have agreed to keep their regional branches open until at least 2027 and Bendigo Bank needs to do the same.
“I’m calling on the Bendigo Bank to put their money where their mouth is and keep the Taroom Bendigo Bank Agency open to continue to support the community.”
LGA: Banana Shire Council
No statement but did Mayor Nev Ferrier appeared on A Current Affair.
The Taroom community takes up the fight
The Taroom agency will close on October 23, 2025.
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Wedderburn agency (Victoria)
Inglewood & Districts Community Enterprises Limited
Wedderburn in Central Victoria once had two banks. It lost its Commonwealth in the mass closures that occurred after it took over the State Bank of Victoria in the 1990s. ANZ closed its branch in 2012.
When ANZ left, the town worked hard on plans to establish a full-service community bank but by 2014 the plans had been abandoned and the Bendigo Bank agency attached to the Inglewood Community Bank became its only banking facility.
The agency, located in Randalls Supermarket, had just undergone a major refurbishment according to Inglewood and Districts Community Enterprises annual report in 2024.
Federal member: Anne Webster, Mallee (Coalition)
No statement as yet
LGA: Loddon Shire
See Boort statement
The Wedderburn agency will close on October 21, 2025
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Welshpool agency (Victoria)
Promontory District Finance Group Limited
Welshpool in Victoria had an ANZ Bank until it was closed in 1996 but did maintain an agency presence until 2016. When this too was closed the Toora Community Bank opened the Bendigo Bank agency so the town continued to have some banking services.
The agency operated out of the town’s Rural Transaction Centre (see Mathoura notes).
Federal member: Mary Aldred, Monash (Liberal)
Has previously been advocating for Korumburra (see branch list)
LGA: South Gippsland Shire Council
No statement as yet.
Statement from Welshpool and District Advisory Group
“The Welshpool and District Advisory Group (W.D.A.G.), a long-standing not-for-profit community organisation, has proudly served the Welshpool area for many years, working to support and strengthen our local community.
“When major banks began withdrawing from rural areas, W.D.A.G. took proactive steps to ensure essential services remained accessible in Welshpool. We successfully secured a Federal Government grant to establish one of Victoria’s first Rural Transaction Centres (R.T.C.)—a significant milestone made possible through the dedication and hard work of our group. These funds enabled us to purchase the building that has since housed our community bank.
“Following the closure of the local ANZ sub-agency, we were fortunate to partner with the Bendigo Community Bank in Toora, allowing banking services to continue locally through an agency of the Toora Community Branch.
“For the past 26 years, the Welshpool Transaction Centre has operated with a committed team, offering reliable and personalised service to our customers. Sadly, we have been advised that, as of October 6th, Bendigo Bank will be closing our agency, along with 28 other small agency locations across the country. This news has come as a great disappointment to us all. We understand that formal notification from Bendigo Bank should now have been sent to all Welshpool Agency customers.
“Despite this setback, W.D.A.G. remains committed to serving our community. The building will continue to operate as a Centrelink agency and Public Library, and we also have office spaces available for rent. We will continue to be a Bisley Workwear stockist, ensuring ongoing access to essential workwear locally.
“Our community-owned Op Shop, managed entirely by volunteers, will also continue operating as usual. This shop plays a vital role in generating income that directly supports local initiatives, and we are immensely grateful to the volunteers who give their time so generously.
“While we are saddened by the closure of our banking service, our determination to continue delivering remaining services is stronger than ever. On behalf of W.D.A.G., we sincerely thank all our banking customers for their loyal support over the years. Although this decision was beyond our control, your continued patronage has meant a great deal to us.”
The Welshpool agency will close on October 6, 2025.
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Wycheproof agency (Victoria)
North Central Financial Services Limited
Wycheproof is a farming community in the Victorian Mallee. It is another town that lost its bank when the Commonwealth and State Bank of Victoria merged in the 1990s. And like Welshpool, it lost its ANZ, which by that time had been downgraded to an agency, in 2016.
In 2016, North Central Financial Services (operator of the Charlton Community Bank) said in its annual report that its agencies at Wycheproof, Boort and Birchip were all showing good growth, adding to its total business.
In 2017, it said business at the Wycheproof agency continued to grow following the closure of the ANZ Bank.
By 2019 it reported: “We have been continuing to build our customer base in each of the agency towns, with recent closure of other financial institutions, this has created both opportunity and some prosperity with new to bank customers, dissatisfied with their previous financial provider. We have been trialling new lending appointments in each of the agency towns, to again allow opportunities to present themself along with offer those residents a service that no other does.”
Federal member: Anne Webster, Mallee (Coalition)
No statement as yet
LGA: Buloke Shire
"As Bendigo Bank prepares to close the Wycheproof agency among 28 other locations across regional Australia on 21 October 2025, Buloke Shire Council is urging the bank to reconsider the withdrawal and instead lead with innovation.
"This doesn't need to be the end – it could be the start of something smarter," said Mayor Cr Alan Getley.
"The Bendigo Bank may see the agency model as outdated, but the relationship certainly is not."
"The Mayor cited that the Bendigo Bank has a proud history of community reinvestment and grassroots connection making it uniquely placed to be the pioneers once again – one that uses technology to support human connection, not replace it.
"While the bank cited reduced service use as a reason for closure, this does not eliminate the ongoing need for face-to-face assistance from trained navigators and provision of secure digital banking services.
The closure leaves Wycheproof with limited options: Bank@Post services at the Post Office during business hours, and a 24/7 Westpac-branded ATM for cash withdrawals.
"Let's at least have a conversation to see how we can modernise the process such as multi-tiered partnering without erasing the connection," the Mayor added.
The Wycheproof agency will close on October 21, 2025.
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CORPORATE BRANCHES
Bannockburn branch (Victoria)
Bannockburn lost its only major bank, a Westpac before 2000. (Exact date not known.) The Bendigo Bank branch was the town’s only bank.
Bannockburn was one of only a small number of towns where Bendigo was the only bank. All the others bar one are also being closed. (Boonah, Korumburra, Laidley, Malanda and Yarram closing, with Mossman remaining open.)
Federal member: Richard Marles, Corio (ALP)
No statement as yet
LGA: Golden Plains Shire
No statement as yet
The Bannockburn branch will close on September 26, 2025.
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Korumburra branch (Victoria)
Korumburra in Gippsland lost its three major banks within the space of five years. ANZ, NAB and the Commonwealth closed between the end of 2014 and 2020. Bendigo bank tried to pull out in 2021 but after a community backlash the decision was reversed.
Federal member: Mary Aldred, Monash (Liberal)
Addressed parliament on July 31, 2025:
"I rise today to speak on the importance of banking facilities in regional communities. Bricks-and-mortar banking in our regions is critical for small businesses, for older Australians, for
people with a disability and for anyone who simply can't travel to the next town down the road. The Bendigo Bank recently announced it would close its Korumburra branch in South Gippsland. This is a terrible outcome for our community and one that demands the opportunity for broader national focus.
"In 2023 the Senate undertook an inquiry into bank closures in regional Australia. The committee reported in May 2024, after a serious consultation period that ran for 15 months. It had 13 public meetings across Australia and received over 600 submissions. I make special mention of the Korumburra roundtable's fine advocacy on behalf of our community in its submission. There were eight specific recommendations aimed at addressing what was
described a growing humanitarian crisis in both regional areas and capital city suburbs.
It is over a year since the inquiry's report was handed down, and, according to the Finance Sector Union, in that time we've seen branches close at a rate of two to three per week. Despite the fact the Albanese Labor government was required to respond within 90 days of the tabling of the report, the recommendations remain unresolved a full year later. On behalf of residents in South Gippsland, who are about to have their last remaining bank branch closed, I call on the Albanese government to get its act together and respond to this report."
Letter to Richard Fennell, Chief Executive Officer Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
“I write to express my strong opposition to the decision to close the Bendigo Bank branch in Korumburra, Victoria, scheduled for 29 August 2025.
“The branch is the last remaining bank in Korumburra. The closure will leave the Korumburra community without local access to banking services, creating serious disadvantages for residents and businesses alike.
“For many of my constituents, including older Australians, people with a disability and small business owners, face-to-face banking remains essential. Travelling to another town to access a branch is just not feasible for many of your customers.
“I am also deeply concerned about the long-term impacts this decision will have on Korumburra’s economic resilience and social wellbeing. Regional services like banking are essential to community strength, being firmly part of the critical infrastructure that supports the liveability of our sustainable communities.
“The Korumburra Round Table and Korumburra Business Association noted in their Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport in May 2023, that a closure would not only erode business confidence in Korumburra but also severely disadvantage the most vulnerable members of the community.
“I urge Bendigo Bank to reconsider this closure and to engage directly with the Korumburra community about the consequences of this decision. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss this matter further with you.”
LGA: South Gippsland Shire
Submission to Senate Inquiry into regional bank closures:
“The closure or removal of bank branches will have social and economic impacts in rural communities. We believe that bank decisions to reduce their services, while continuing to make record profits, are not meeting community expectations or our essential needs. There are vulnerable, elderly and marginalised people in our community who cannot access digital or online banking services.”
Download submission
The Korumburra branch will close on August 29, 2025.
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Malanda branch (QLD)
Malanda lost its only major bank, a NAB, some time after 2008. The Bendigo Bank is the town’s only bank.
Federal member: Bob Katter, Kennedy (KAP)
No statement as yet.
LGA: Tablelands Regional Council
No statement as yet.
The Malanda branch will close on September 26, 2025.
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Queenstown branch (Tasmania)
Queenstown had two major banks – a Westpac pre-1998 and a Commonwealth that left the town in October 2021. The Bendigo Bank was set up as a community bank and had been profitable for 10 years before becoming a corporate branch in 2022.
It was among three community banks Bendigo bank bought out in Tasmania in 2022. Two – Sheffield and Shearwater – were closed immediately, while Queenstown continued to operate under corporate branding.
Federal member: Anne Urquhart, Braddon (ALP)
“I am very disappointed to have received a letter from Bendigo Bank at 4.21pm on 1 July advising me that Bendigo Bank have made a decision to close the Queenstown branch of the bank as of 26 September this year and also advising that as of 1 July they expect to inform branch customers of these changes.
“Bendigo Bank advised in the letter that customers’ accounts will be transferred to Bendigo Bank Burnie branch – this is over 2 hours from Queenstown.
“This decision and such short notice is a blow to the people and businesses of the West Coast many of whom put their support behind Bendigo Bank when others left.
“Bendigo prides itself as "voted Australia’s most trusted bank", as "caring for millions of customers" and "big on accessibility", but in this decision they have let down the people and businesses of the West Coast.
“I will seek an urgent meeting with Bendigo Bank to ensure every possible option to continue the facility in Queenstown has been covered prior to this decision being made.”
LGA: West Coast Council
“West Coast Council stands with the community in their dismay at the announcement that the Bendigo Bank in Queenstown will be closing its doors in September.
“At a recent Council meeting a motion to investigate options for a Bendigo Community Bank for the West Coast community, including continuing until the end of the lease on the 30th of June 2026, was moved.
“We are continuing discussions regarding the closure, meeting with Bendigo Bank representatives, politicians, and community members, and have written to the Federal Government.
“Thank you to those residents who have taken the lead in coordinating a response against the closure.”
Senator Malcolm Roberts
Senator Roberts, who took a keen interest in the Senate inquiry into regional bank closures, raised the Queenstown closure in the Senate on July 23.
“There's a new crisis in regional banking services because Bendigo Bank is now closing 10 branches and 28 agencies. Five of the branches are the last banks in their towns. For those communities, that is devastating.
“This is happening because Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ignored the report of the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry into bank closures in regional Australia. The government was supposed to respond within 90 days. It's been 14 months, and the government has simply ignored it. The inquiry lasted 15 months and held 13 public hearings, with locals in town after town testifying that the banks were lying when they claimed people didn't need branches anymore. The report observed (that) when banks close their branches in regional areas, the impact on individuals and communities can be devastating and far reaching, especially when it is the last bank in town.
“This is what Queenstown in Tasmania is facing when it loses its Bendigo Bank branch in September. This is not only the last bank in town; it's the last bank on the entire West Coast of Tasmania. The locals will have no choice and will be forced to drive 2½ hours over icy mountain roads to the next closest bank, in Burnie. On Tuesday night the West Coast Council passed a unanimous motion calling on the Albanese government to respond to the Senate inquiry—to respond!
“There's no doubt that, had the government responded to the report and its powerful recommendations, it's unlikely Bendigo Bank would be closing these branches. It's a scandal for this government to waste hundreds of thousands of dollars on an inquiry into rural banking services and then ignore the outcome because it might interfere with the banks' cashless society agenda. I call on all senators to join me in demanding that the government take the Senate inquiry outcome seriously and fully implement all its recommendations.”
Senator Roberts, who is a senator for Queensland, said he had to raise the Queenstown closure because the 12 Tasmanian senators had “ignored” it.
The Queenstown branch willl close on September 26, 2025.
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Yarram branch (Victoria)
Yarram, in Gippsland Victoria, once had branches of all four of the big banks. The first to leave was Westpac (see notes above about its in-store scheme pre-2015), followed by ANZ in 2017, NAB in May 2021 and the Commonwealth hot on NAB’s heels in November 2021.
Federal member: Darren Chesters, Gippsland (Coalition)
“The Bendigo Bank likes to promote itself as the better big bank, but when it comes to shutting down branches, the Bendigo Bank is proving to be just as bad as the rest of them. During the break, I've received a letter from the bank dated June 2025 advising that Bendigo Bank would close two retail outlets, located in Yarram and Korumburra, with less than three months’ notice to the staff. This is a disgraceful decision from a bank which pretends to care for regional customers and then does exactly the same thing as the big four banks.
“In the case of Yarram, the bank is saying it will transfer customer accounts to the Bendigo Bank branch in Traralgon. The only problem is that that branch is 64 kilometres away and it takes 50 minutes to drive there even in good conditions. So what about older residents, people with disabilities, community groups, small business people who need access to a branch for cash or for face-to-face service or people who are worried about scams? The bank executives who made this decision are demonstrating their contempt for regional people and their obsession with the bank's bottom line. They should hang their heads in shame.
“This was the last bank in Yarram. Now, I'm certain that the Bendigo Bank in Yarram is a profitable operation, and there has been no consultation with the local community about alternatives to a complete branch closure …
LGA: Wellington Shire Council
"Wellington Shire Council is angered by Bendigo Bank’s abrupt and ill-considered decision to close its Yarram branch. The announcement was delivered without warning via email to the Mayor and CEO on 25 June, with no consultation or engagement with the local community. This move demonstrates a complete disregard for the essential role regional branches play in supporting rural towns like Yarram.
"Coastal Ward Councillor and Yarram resident, Cr Garry Stephens, said the closure would have serious consequences for the town and urged the bank to reconsider the broader social and economic role of regional branches.
“I’m frankly devastated by this news,” Cr Stephens said. “Bank branches are more than a place to manage money, they’re a lifeline for older residents, small businesses, community groups and those who rely on face-to-face service.”
“I was in the branch this afternoon. There were two people ahead of me and three more waiting as I left. Clearly, the need for in-person banking in Yarram hasn’t gone away.
“Community organisations regularly deposit and withdraw cash for events and fundraising activities. Decisions like this place more pressure on already stretched volunteers, and on places like the local post office, which I’m sure won’t appreciate the extra burden.
“Traralgon is 62 kilometres away, more than 45 minutes through hills, kangaroos and wombats - not exactly a quick trip for older residents or time-poor locals. If I’m forced to go that far, I might as well go back to one of the big four banks who left town years ago.
“Yarram is on the cusp of transformation, with offshore wind and renewable energy infrastructure set to define Victoria’s clean energy future. It’s unacceptable for services to be withdrawn just as our region is set to grow.”
The Bendigo Bank branch will close on September 26, 2025.
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ADDITIONAL ACTIONS
On August 15, every National Party MP and Senator signed an open letter to the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer urging them to immediately table the Government’s response to the Senate inquiry into regional bank closures and to work with all sides of the floor to urgently protect regional banking services
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