As more and more people choose to do their banking online, physical bank branches are becoming less common – and in some towns, they are fast becoming a thing of the past.

The trend has left thousands of customers fuming and businesses struggling – and it’s only set to get worse.

In the mining town of Coober Pedy, an estimated 2,000 residents will be left without a local bank branch come February 17 after Westpac decided to close its location.

Residents will still be able to access banking through the local post office, but its limited offerings will impact customers who use its services for more complex transactions.

According to Council CEO Tim Jackson, this change will affect local businesses and the accessibility of the elderly, the Aboriginal population, and those who have difficulty using the internet for financial services.

On February 17, Coober Pedy's Westpac branch will close, leaving many people with little choice but to use the post office for banking. Credit: Coober Pedy Council.

‘I’m told people used to be able to walk into the bank and because they were known to bank staff, they would be able to access their accounts and transact,’ he said.

One opal miner, who spoke with Mr Jackson, shared that buyers need to be able to access $100,000 to $200,000 in cash.

Transactions in the opal industry are typically made in cash, so this new policy will definitely harm the workers who cannot travel far to withdraw or deposit their money.

Meanwhile, Berrigan Shire Council CEO Karina Ewer said that since the last 'physical' bank closed in town, the council has been working hard to help the increasing number of seniors living in Berrigan learn how to utilise online banking services.

‘We have seen people like our library staff are often called on by elderly citizens who can't do online banking to manage their accounts, so they have passwords and identify information given to them to assist our residents,’ she remarked.

‘It makes them incredibly uncomfortable but they don't have anyone else to trust,’

‘To me, this makes vulnerable people more vulnerable and they can't manage banking on their own because they are forced online,’

‘If people are not coming to us, they are going to their family. We all know that not necessarily all family members are trustworthy, so it worries me deeply that people are forced into positions.’

While Mr Jackson did everything he could, including writing letters to Westpac’s state manager in Adelaide and both state and federal politicians, he didn't receive a proper response – leaving him with no other options.

The town protested Westpac’s original decision to close the bank back in 2022, but after correspondence with higher authorities, it was decided that the bank would remain open.

This time, he doesn’t think a change of heart will take place. It seems as though more and more rural towns are being left behind as the world goes digital.

Westpac claims that the number of people visiting the bank in Coober Pedy has declined by 28% per month over the past fiscal year.

Many people are now forced to learn how to use online banking services and access banking services from their post offices. Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

In response to customer preferences, the bank has decided to focus on online and mobile services – leaving many communities in the lurch.

A Westpac spokesperson said: ‘Declining customer use of branches means that in some instances, we may take a difficult decision to leave a branch location.'

‘In Coober Pedy, our team is working to assist customers with the transition, including coordinating with the team at Australia Post to help familiarise customers with Bank@Post services,’

‘Coober Pedy Post Office is located just 50 metres from our current branch and customers will be able to access many of the same cash services there including withdrawals, deposits, and checking account balances.’

Aside from Coober Pedy and Berrigan, Junee, a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales will lose its last bank on March 3, with locals forced to travel to Wagga Wagga, half an hour away, with large amounts of cash in their car – a situation that could put them at risk.

It’s a situation that can put the safety and financial security of many Australians at risk. Sadly, a report from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority revealed that 575 regional banks closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the Finance Sector Union said that in the past six years alone, more than 1,600 bank branches have closed across the country.

There are currently no solutions in sight for the problem, and it's unclear how vulnerable or elderly residents will be impacted as more and more banks close.

Key Takeaways

• Coober Pedy, a mining town in South Australia, will soon be left without a bank branch.
• Berrigan, a town near the NSW-Victorian border, has already lost its last bank and elderly residents have started relying on library staff and other people to do their online banking.
• Westpac reported a 28 per cent drop in customers using its branch in Coober Pedy each month since the financial year 2020.
• According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, 575 regional banks have closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the big four banks have closed more than 550 branches since January 2020.

We recommend that if you, or someone you know, is residing in an area with a similar situation to Coober Pedy, Berrigan, or Junee, you should familiarise yourself with the basics of internet banking and make sure that you have all of the relevant banking information and protection measures in place.

Also, have a look at what banking services are available at your local post office.

Have your local banking services been affected? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[Luckyus]

As more and more people choose to do their banking online, physical bank branches are becoming less common – and in some towns, they are fast becoming a thing of the past.

The trend has left thousands of customers fuming and businesses struggling – and it’s only set to get worse.

In the mining town of Coober Pedy, an estimated 2,000 residents will be left without a local bank branch come February 17 after Westpac decided to close its location.

Residents will still be able to access banking through the local post office, but its limited offerings will impact customers who use its services for more complex transactions.

According to Council CEO Tim Jackson, this change will affect local businesses and the accessibility of the elderly, the Aboriginal population, and those who have difficulty using the internet for financial services.

On February 17, Coober Pedy's Westpac branch will close, leaving many people with little choice but to use the post office for banking. Credit: Coober Pedy Council.

‘I’m told people used to be able to walk into the bank and because they were known to bank staff, they would be able to access their accounts and transact,’ he said.

One opal miner, who spoke with Mr Jackson, shared that buyers need to be able to access $100,000 to $200,000 in cash.

Transactions in the opal industry are typically made in cash, so this new policy will definitely harm the workers who cannot travel far to withdraw or deposit their money.

Meanwhile, Berrigan Shire Council CEO Karina Ewer said that since the last 'physical' bank closed in town, the council has been working hard to help the increasing number of seniors living in Berrigan learn how to utilise online banking services.

‘We have seen people like our library staff are often called on by elderly citizens who can't do online banking to manage their accounts, so they have passwords and identify information given to them to assist our residents,’ she remarked.

‘It makes them incredibly uncomfortable but they don't have anyone else to trust,’

‘To me, this makes vulnerable people more vulnerable and they can't manage banking on their own because they are forced online,’

‘If people are not coming to us, they are going to their family. We all know that not necessarily all family members are trustworthy, so it worries me deeply that people are forced into positions.’

While Mr Jackson did everything he could, including writing letters to Westpac’s state manager in Adelaide and both state and federal politicians, he didn't receive a proper response – leaving him with no other options.

The town protested Westpac’s original decision to close the bank back in 2022, but after correspondence with higher authorities, it was decided that the bank would remain open.

This time, he doesn’t think a change of heart will take place. It seems as though more and more rural towns are being left behind as the world goes digital.

Westpac claims that the number of people visiting the bank in Coober Pedy has declined by 28% per month over the past fiscal year.

Many people are now forced to learn how to use online banking services and access banking services from their post offices. Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

In response to customer preferences, the bank has decided to focus on online and mobile services – leaving many communities in the lurch.

A Westpac spokesperson said: ‘Declining customer use of branches means that in some instances, we may take a difficult decision to leave a branch location.'

‘In Coober Pedy, our team is working to assist customers with the transition, including coordinating with the team at Australia Post to help familiarise customers with Bank@Post services,’

‘Coober Pedy Post Office is located just 50 metres from our current branch and customers will be able to access many of the same cash services there including withdrawals, deposits, and checking account balances.’

Aside from Coober Pedy and Berrigan, Junee, a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales will lose its last bank on March 3, with locals forced to travel to Wagga Wagga, half an hour away, with large amounts of cash in their car – a situation that could put them at risk.

It’s a situation that can put the safety and financial security of many Australians at risk. Sadly, a report from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority revealed that 575 regional banks closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the Finance Sector Union said that in the past six years alone, more than 1,600 bank branches have closed across the country.

There are currently no solutions in sight for the problem, and it's unclear how vulnerable or elderly residents will be impacted as more and more banks close.

Key Takeaways

• Coober Pedy, a mining town in South Australia, will soon be left without a bank branch.
• Berrigan, a town near the NSW-Victorian border, has already lost its last bank and elderly residents have started relying on library staff and other people to do their online banking.
• Westpac reported a 28 per cent drop in customers using its branch in Coober Pedy each month since the financial year 2020.
• According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, 575 regional banks have closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the big four banks have closed more than 550 branches since January 2020.

We recommend that if you, or someone you know, is residing in an area with a similar situation to Coober Pedy, Berrigan, or Junee, you should familiarise yourself with the basics of internet banking and make sure that you have all of the relevant banking information and protection measures in place.

Also, have a look at what banking services are available at your local post office.

Have your local banking services been affected? Let us know in the comments below.

People have only themselves to blame for this predicament of this touch and go phenomenon. I get my weekly budget from the bank physically but don't know for how much longer, with being a lonely voice in the wilderness.

 

[cheviegirl34]

As more and more people choose to do their banking online, physical bank branches are becoming less common – and in some towns, they are fast becoming a thing of the past.

The trend has left thousands of customers fuming and businesses struggling – and it’s only set to get worse.

In the mining town of Coober Pedy, an estimated 2,000 residents will be left without a local bank branch come February 17 after Westpac decided to close its location.

Residents will still be able to access banking through the local post office, but its limited offerings will impact customers who use its services for more complex transactions.

According to Council CEO Tim Jackson, this change will affect local businesses and the accessibility of the elderly, the Aboriginal population, and those who have difficulty using the internet for financial services.

On February 17, Coober Pedy's Westpac branch will close, leaving many people with little choice but to use the post office for banking. Credit: Coober Pedy Council.

‘I’m told people used to be able to walk into the bank and because they were known to bank staff, they would be able to access their accounts and transact,’ he said.

One opal miner, who spoke with Mr Jackson, shared that buyers need to be able to access $100,000 to $200,000 in cash.

Transactions in the opal industry are typically made in cash, so this new policy will definitely harm the workers who cannot travel far to withdraw or deposit their money.

Meanwhile, Berrigan Shire Council CEO Karina Ewer said that since the last 'physical' bank closed in town, the council has been working hard to help the increasing number of seniors living in Berrigan learn how to utilise online banking services.

‘We have seen people like our library staff are often called on by elderly citizens who can't do online banking to manage their accounts, so they have passwords and identify information given to them to assist our residents,’ she remarked.

‘It makes them incredibly uncomfortable but they don't have anyone else to trust,’

‘To me, this makes vulnerable people more vulnerable and they can't manage banking on their own because they are forced online,’

‘If people are not coming to us, they are going to their family. We all know that not necessarily all family members are trustworthy, so it worries me deeply that people are forced into positions.’

While Mr Jackson did everything he could, including writing letters to Westpac’s state manager in Adelaide and both state and federal politicians, he didn't receive a proper response – leaving him with no other options.

The town protested Westpac’s original decision to close the bank back in 2022, but after correspondence with higher authorities, it was decided that the bank would remain open.

This time, he doesn’t think a change of heart will take place. It seems as though more and more rural towns are being left behind as the world goes digital.

Westpac claims that the number of people visiting the bank in Coober Pedy has declined by 28% per month over the past fiscal year.

Many people are now forced to learn how to use online banking services and access banking services from their post offices. Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

In response to customer preferences, the bank has decided to focus on online and mobile services – leaving many communities in the lurch.

A Westpac spokesperson said: ‘Declining customer use of branches means that in some instances, we may take a difficult decision to leave a branch location.'

‘In Coober Pedy, our team is working to assist customers with the transition, including coordinating with the team at Australia Post to help familiarise customers with Bank@Post services,’

‘Coober Pedy Post Office is located just 50 metres from our current branch and customers will be able to access many of the same cash services there including withdrawals, deposits, and checking account balances.’

Aside from Coober Pedy and Berrigan, Junee, a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales will lose its last bank on March 3, with locals forced to travel to Wagga Wagga, half an hour away, with large amounts of cash in their car – a situation that could put them at risk.

It’s a situation that can put the safety and financial security of many Australians at risk. Sadly, a report from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority revealed that 575 regional banks closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the Finance Sector Union said that in the past six years alone, more than 1,600 bank branches have closed across the country.

There are currently no solutions in sight for the problem, and it's unclear how vulnerable or elderly residents will be impacted as more and more banks close.

Key Takeaways

• Coober Pedy, a mining town in South Australia, will soon be left without a bank branch.
• Berrigan, a town near the NSW-Victorian border, has already lost its last bank and elderly residents have started relying on library staff and other people to do their online banking.
• Westpac reported a 28 per cent drop in customers using its branch in Coober Pedy each month since the financial year 2020.
• According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, 575 regional banks have closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the big four banks have closed more than 550 branches since January 2020.

We recommend that if you, or someone you know, is residing in an area with a similar situation to Coober Pedy, Berrigan, or Junee, you should familiarise yourself with the basics of internet banking and make sure that you have all of the relevant banking information and protection measures in place.

Also, have a look at what banking services are available at your local post office.

Have your local banking services been affected? Let us know in the comments below.

It is very inconvenient now shopping at Endeavour Hills, Victoria. We shopped there because there are 3 supermarkets, & Westpac were there. Now we have to drive in the opposite direction to Berwick. Just to go to the bank. It was always busy there so no idea why they would close it. Not happy Westpac.

 

[Bill MacL]

Banks aren't Banks anymore, they're businesses whose sole purpose is to make profit for the shareholders. Look at the MILLIONS they give to executives as bonuses and the BILLIONS they make each year in profit.
It's pure GREED.

 

[Bernice S]

As more and more people choose to do their banking online, physical bank branches are becoming less common – and in some towns, they are fast becoming a thing of the past.

The trend has left thousands of customers fuming and businesses struggling – and it’s only set to get worse.

In the mining town of Coober Pedy, an estimated 2,000 residents will be left without a local bank branch come February 17 after Westpac decided to close its location.

Residents will still be able to access banking through the local post office, but its limited offerings will impact customers who use its services for more complex transactions.

According to Council CEO Tim Jackson, this change will affect local businesses and the accessibility of the elderly, the Aboriginal population, and those who have difficulty using the internet for financial services.

On February 17, Coober Pedy's Westpac branch will close, leaving many people with little choice but to use the post office for banking. Credit: Coober Pedy Council.

‘I’m told people used to be able to walk into the bank and because they were known to bank staff, they would be able to access their accounts and transact,’ he said.

One opal miner, who spoke with Mr Jackson, shared that buyers need to be able to access $100,000 to $200,000 in cash.

Transactions in the opal industry are typically made in cash, so this new policy will definitely harm the workers who cannot travel far to withdraw or deposit their money.

Meanwhile, Berrigan Shire Council CEO Karina Ewer said that since the last 'physical' bank closed in town, the council has been working hard to help the increasing number of seniors living in Berrigan learn how to utilise online banking services.

‘We have seen people like our library staff are often called on by elderly citizens who can't do online banking to manage their accounts, so they have passwords and identify information given to them to assist our residents,’ she remarked.

‘It makes them incredibly uncomfortable but they don't have anyone else to trust,’

‘To me, this makes vulnerable people more vulnerable and they can't manage banking on their own because they are forced online,’

‘If people are not coming to us, they are going to their family. We all know that not necessarily all family members are trustworthy, so it worries me deeply that people are forced into positions.’

While Mr Jackson did everything he could, including writing letters to Westpac’s state manager in Adelaide and both state and federal politicians, he didn't receive a proper response – leaving him with no other options.

The town protested Westpac’s original decision to close the bank back in 2022, but after correspondence with higher authorities, it was decided that the bank would remain open.

This time, he doesn’t think a change of heart will take place. It seems as though more and more rural towns are being left behind as the world goes digital.

Westpac claims that the number of people visiting the bank in Coober Pedy has declined by 28% per month over the past fiscal year.

Many people are now forced to learn how to use online banking services and access banking services from their post offices. Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

In response to customer preferences, the bank has decided to focus on online and mobile services – leaving many communities in the lurch.

A Westpac spokesperson said: ‘Declining customer use of branches means that in some instances, we may take a difficult decision to leave a branch location.'

‘In Coober Pedy, our team is working to assist customers with the transition, including coordinating with the team at Australia Post to help familiarise customers with Bank@Post services,’

‘Coober Pedy Post Office is located just 50 metres from our current branch and customers will be able to access many of the same cash services there including withdrawals, deposits, and checking account balances.’

Aside from Coober Pedy and Berrigan, Junee, a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales will lose its last bank on March 3, with locals forced to travel to Wagga Wagga, half an hour away, with large amounts of cash in their car – a situation that could put them at risk.

It’s a situation that can put the safety and financial security of many Australians at risk. Sadly, a report from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority revealed that 575 regional banks closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the Finance Sector Union said that in the past six years alone, more than 1,600 bank branches have closed across the country.

There are currently no solutions in sight for the problem, and it's unclear how vulnerable or elderly residents will be impacted as more and more banks close.

Key Takeaways

• Coober Pedy, a mining town in South Australia, will soon be left without a bank branch.
• Berrigan, a town near the NSW-Victorian border, has already lost its last bank and elderly residents have started relying on library staff and other people to do their online banking.
• Westpac reported a 28 per cent drop in customers using its branch in Coober Pedy each month since the financial year 2020.
• According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, 575 regional banks have closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the big four banks have closed more than 550 branches since January 2020.

We recommend that if you, or someone you know, is residing in an area with a similar situation to Coober Pedy, Berrigan, or Junee, you should familiarise yourself with the basics of internet banking and make sure that you have all of the relevant banking information and protection measures in place.

Also, have a look at what banking services are available at your local post office.

Have your local banking services been affected? Let us know in the comments below.

This is so disappointing and it's happening everywhere. Profits before people seems to be the motto for most big business these days. It would be great to see another smaller bank move in and take the place and accounts of all these people. But then would Westpac really care??? I think not.

 

[Higg]

Not everyone gets good reliable internet, why can't banks downsize but still offer CUSTOMER services

 

[poppyshero]

Time the government stepped in and regulated the banks, they are out of control with greed. Every town is entitled to have one or more bank branch where they can obtain cash. Every day we hear about more and more people losing all their money by scammers and identity fraud. No internet banking for me.

 

[Jennylolo]

lease a small shop space and keep some of these open. I am in Southern suburbs of Adelaide. I've been living where I am for 10 years now. And now instead of 4 of my banks available there is one! whenever I have need help, the place has been stacked with people, lining up out the door. Like wise only one of their ATM's where they were everywhere. And its at the bank. This is ridiculous. And not everyone has internet, just like everyone doesn't have a mobile phone. And I'm not talking just seniors. What are these people meant to do?

 

[JedCorella]

People only have themselves to blame. When you swipe cards and use your phone to pay for things you are telling the banks that you don't need their services and because banks are all about greed and their "bottom line" they will continue to close branches. In reality they are pushing us into a cashless society where they have control. Do some research and see what they have in store for us. Make the effort and go to your bank, draw out cash and use it to pay for things!! If a shop refuses cash they are breaking the law as it is illegal to refuse cash.
In some European countries they are considering a digital currency with a "use by date" so you can't save.
People should stop complaining and become active participants in stopping this because sticking your head in the sand only signals compliance to those who want to control every aspect of our lives.
The government is NOT your friend. Learn to accept that and take appropriate action because otherwise you will be dragged over the cliffs edge along with all the other Lemmings.

 

[Penny4]

It's not only country banks that are closing. They close/downsize in city's as well. Most banks have streamlined due to people only using ATM's to deposit/withdraw money these days. Banks leave one teller open for businesses, plus staff to help with loans & enquiries.

 

[Vio Kot]

The banks used covid to close all the branches in our suburb. Started off with "temporarily closed due to staff shortage" to sorry this branch will be closed, sorry for the convenience, yeah right. Online banking is what's on offer now, too bad when the systems go down

 

[JedCorella]

lease a small shop space and keep some of these open. I am in Southern suburbs of Adelaide. I've been living where I am for 10 years now. And now instead of 4 of my banks available there is one! whenever I have need help, the place has been stacked with people, lining up out the door. Like wise only one of their ATM's where they were everywhere. And its at the bank. This is ridiculous. And not everyone has internet, just like everyone doesn't have a mobile phone. And I'm not talking just seniors. What are these people meant to do?

The banks used covid to close all the branches in our suburb. Started off with "temporarily closed due to staff shortage" to sorry this branch will be closed, sorry for the convenience, yeah right. Online banking is what's on offer now, too bad when the systems go down

You're right. Covid has been used as a manipulation tool for since it began. Remember in the 2019 bushfires people couldn't buy fuel on credit because the system was down. They would only accept cash. There's lesson in there that no one seems to remember.
Don't accept what the banks are dishing out. Be vocal, close your accounts and go to other banks. If you can take your mortgage to another bank that will give you service. The only reason they are getting away with it is because nobody takes them on. Silence is compliance
A young girl I know had over 20k stolen from her account and the "Con YOUR Wealth Bank" didn't want to know about it telling her it was bad luck. I went in with her to talk to the manager telling them that my solicitor was looking into the matter and we were considering suing the bank and going public. Funny how she got a complete refund within 48 hours.
Don't take what they try to dish out to you. Stand up to them, threaten them and be prepared to follow through on your threats.
If everyone did this they wouldn't get away with it but unfortunately we are living in Apathstralia.

 

[JedCorella]

People have only themselves to blame for this predicament of this touch and go phenomenon. I get my weekly budget from the bank physically but don't know for how much longer, with being a lonely voice in the wilderness.

You are not alone. Stay vocal and don't let them get away with it. This is all done by design to push us into a cashless society!

 

[Ricci]

I have never understood why the banks don't all hang out in the same building. If you have one of these banks with 4,5,6 or more cashier windows why can't they have one for Westpac, 1 for Commonwealth, 1 for ANZ etc. This would still give customers a choice yet cut the overheads for the Banks. The banks don't have to have access to everything they offer every day, it could be done on an appointment system with the relevant person travelling from Head Office on a needs basis.

 

[Penny4]

I have never understood why the banks don't all hang out in the same building. If you have one of these banks with 4,5,6 or more cashier windows why can't they have one for Westpac, 1 for Commonwealth, 1 for ANZ etc. This would still give customers a choice yet cut the overheads for the Banks. The banks don't have to have access to everything they offer every day, it could be done on an appointment system with the relevant person travelling from Head Office on a needs basis.

Some large shopping centres have all the banks grouped together. They like to be an individual entity all to themselves though lol
Of course they could do this, as banks have mobile lending staff that drive around the place for appointments.

 

[Cheb]

It is very inconvenient now shopping at Endeavour Hills, Victoria. We shopped there because there are 3 supermarkets, & Westpac were there. Now we have to drive in the opposite direction to Berwick. Just to go to the bank. It was always busy there so no idea why they would close it. Not happy Wes

It is very inconvenient now shopping at Endeavour Hills, Victoria. We shopped there because there are 3 supermarkets, & Westpac were there. Now we have to drive in the opposite direction to Berwick. Just to go to the bank. It was always busy there so no idea why they would close it. Not happy Westpac.

Just wondering, is there a Westpac at Dandenong Plaza?
It may be more convenient to shop there and easier to find a parking spot than at Berwick.

 

[PeeF]

The Bendigo Bank (Bendigo and Adelaide Bank these days) came up with a solution when they launched their Community Bank scheme. Here in the Bass Coast Shire the big four banks were closing branches all over the place about 15 years ago. There are now 3 Community Banks across the shire (as well as the regular Bendigo Bank in the main town). Local people take out shares, get a good dividend and profits get distributed to useful LOCAL clubs and services. Local people are trained and operate the branch, and it's backed by the fifth biggest bank in the country. Follow it up and see what's possible in your area.

 

[margaretritchie48]

My mother will be 100 next october. She has a passbook account where her pensions go into and any other monies received. As she lives with me I do all the necessary regarding her finances. I then either transfer money to my account or take money out of her account. The branch where her account is has closed all the tellers. The one we go to now will probably do the same. I was told the post office can do transactions but cannot up date her book. At her age we do not want to be changing her account to something else. I worked in a bank for many years where a bank looked after you. Not now.

 

[JedCorella]

My mother will be 100 next october. She has a passbook account where her pensions go into and any other monies received. As she lives with me I do all the necessary regarding her finances. I then either transfer money to my account or take money out of her account. The branch where her account is has closed all the tellers. The one we go to now will probably do the same. I was told the post office can do transactions but cannot up date her book. At her age we do not want to be changing her account to something else. I worked in a bank for many years where a bank looked after you. Not now.

Banks don't care about their customers. You, as a customer, are an inconvenience that they try to palm off on ATM's, cards and now mobile phones. Part of the long term plan is to go cashless. That way the government, who is in bed with the banks, can control your money and monitor you spending habits. It is all in preparation for the social credit system that they have planned. The trials have been going on for years in China. As usual, do your research and you will find out for yourself. It's all there. You just need to look for it.
Look up the World Economic Forum (WEF) and inform yourself.

 

[Shane/#]

As more and more people choose to do their banking online, physical bank branches are becoming less common – and in some towns, they are fast becoming a thing of the past.

The trend has left thousands of customers fuming and businesses struggling – and it’s only set to get worse.

In the mining town of Coober Pedy, an estimated 2,000 residents will be left without a local bank branch come February 17 after Westpac decided to close its location.

Residents will still be able to access banking through the local post office, but its limited offerings will impact customers who use its services for more complex transactions.

According to Council CEO Tim Jackson, this change will affect local businesses and the accessibility of the elderly, the Aboriginal population, and those who have difficulty using the internet for financial services.

On February 17, Coober Pedy's Westpac branch will close, leaving many people with little choice but to use the post office for banking. Credit: Coober Pedy Council.

‘I’m told people used to be able to walk into the bank and because they were known to bank staff, they would be able to access their accounts and transact,’ he said.

One opal miner, who spoke with Mr Jackson, shared that buyers need to be able to access $100,000 to $200,000 in cash.

Transactions in the opal industry are typically made in cash, so this new policy will definitely harm the workers who cannot travel far to withdraw or deposit their money.

Meanwhile, Berrigan Shire Council CEO Karina Ewer said that since the last 'physical' bank closed in town, the council has been working hard to help the increasing number of seniors living in Berrigan learn how to utilise online banking services.

‘We have seen people like our library staff are often called on by elderly citizens who can't do online banking to manage their accounts, so they have passwords and identify information given to them to assist our residents,’ she remarked.

‘It makes them incredibly uncomfortable but they don't have anyone else to trust,’

‘To me, this makes vulnerable people more vulnerable and they can't manage banking on their own because they are forced online,’

‘If people are not coming to us, they are going to their family. We all know that not necessarily all family members are trustworthy, so it worries me deeply that people are forced into positions.’

While Mr Jackson did everything he could, including writing letters to Westpac’s state manager in Adelaide and both state and federal politicians, he didn't receive a proper response – leaving him with no other options.

The town protested Westpac’s original decision to close the bank back in 2022, but after correspondence with higher authorities, it was decided that the bank would remain open.

This time, he doesn’t think a change of heart will take place. It seems as though more and more rural towns are being left behind as the world goes digital.

Westpac claims that the number of people visiting the bank in Coober Pedy has declined by 28% per month over the past fiscal year.

Many people are now forced to learn how to use online banking services and access banking services from their post offices. Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

In response to customer preferences, the bank has decided to focus on online and mobile services – leaving many communities in the lurch.

A Westpac spokesperson said: ‘Declining customer use of branches means that in some instances, we may take a difficult decision to leave a branch location.'

‘In Coober Pedy, our team is working to assist customers with the transition, including coordinating with the team at Australia Post to help familiarise customers with Bank@Post services,’

‘Coober Pedy Post Office is located just 50 metres from our current branch and customers will be able to access many of the same cash services there including withdrawals, deposits, and checking account balances.’

Aside from Coober Pedy and Berrigan, Junee, a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales will lose its last bank on March 3, with locals forced to travel to Wagga Wagga, half an hour away, with large amounts of cash in their car – a situation that could put them at risk.

It’s a situation that can put the safety and financial security of many Australians at risk. Sadly, a report from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority revealed that 575 regional banks closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the Finance Sector Union said that in the past six years alone, more than 1,600 bank branches have closed across the country.

There are currently no solutions in sight for the problem, and it's unclear how vulnerable or elderly residents will be impacted as more and more banks close.

Key Takeaways

• Coober Pedy, a mining town in South Australia, will soon be left without a bank branch.
• Berrigan, a town near the NSW-Victorian border, has already lost its last bank and elderly residents have started relying on library staff and other people to do their online banking.
• Westpac reported a 28 per cent drop in customers using its branch in Coober Pedy each month since the financial year 2020.
• According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, 575 regional banks have closed between mid-2017 and mid-2021, and the big four banks have closed more than 550 branches since January 2020.

We recommend that if you, or someone you know, is residing in an area with a similar situation to Coober Pedy, Berrigan, or Junee, you should familiarise yourself with the basics of internet banking and make sure that you have all of the relevant banking information and protection measures in place.

Also, have a look at what banking services are available at your local post office.

Have your local banking services been affected? Let us know in the comments below.

Having to do online banking piss off with the amount of scammers out there banks love taking your money but don't like you using a branch so close it looks like a lot of lumpy mattresses again arseholes