Bendigo Bank agency agreements at Kendal Street will end in October, as the rural bank ends a dozen agreements across the state.
The Cowra and Grenfell service locations will end from 16 October, 2025, along with Bendigo Bank services in Crookwell, Condobolin, and Lake Cargelligo.
The closure of regional banking services has been the subject of a federal government inquiry, tackling the root causes of closures that could leave customers in the cold.
Recommendations presented to the committee conducting the inquiry recommended government adopt a policy recognising access to financial services as an essential service. To this end, it should commit to guaranteeing reasonable access to cash and financial services. The final report from the inquiry also called for an expert panel to investigate the feasibility of establishing a publicly owned bank.
Lachlan Shire Council Mayor John Medcalf says it's extremely disappointing.
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"We definitely will be writing to the bank showing our disappointment that they're leaving communities in the lurch. Also we'll approaching the state and federal governments and letting them know what effect this will have."
Bendigo Bank’s Chief Customer Officer Consumer, Taso Corolis, said the difficult decision to retire the agency model has been informed by evolving customer preferences leading to reductions in business activity, limited use of these services, and an increase in costs and compliance obligations.
“To preserve what makes our bank unique, we must prioritise our investments across both physical and digital channels to continue meeting the changing needs and growing expectations of our 2.7 million customers,” he said.
“We understand it may take time for some customers to adjust to these changes and we will support them through this. We are proactively supporting customers affected by the closures and will offer them assistance.
“This may be in the form of connecting them with their closest alternate service, including nearest branch or Bank@Post locations, and walking them through e-banking services available, when required.”
"Customers can continue to transact as normal at any Bendigo Bank branch, ATM or at any time via internet banking, their mobile app or by phone on 1300 236 344. Customers can also choose to bank in-person using Bank@Post at any of the 3,500 Australia Post outlets across Australia."
