Bendigo Bank to withdraw from Mathoura

After the closure, the nearest Bendigo Bank to Mathoura will be 32km away in Deniliquin, which is set to remain in operation.

Mathoura resident and business owner Thomas Weyrich said the decision is another “kick in the guts” for the town.

“The ‘better big bank’ turns out to be no different from the four big banks,” he said.

“This decision has been made without any warning or consultation with the community.

“In the past they’ve reduced opening hours from five days to four, and they could’ve even reduced it to two days and proven themselves as the true community bank.

“As far as I’m concerned, its going to have a dramatic effect, particularly on small business in the town.”

Mr Weyrich said the removal of face-to-face banking services in the town should receive pushback, as it is in opposition with the growth of Mathoura.

“You only have to drive through Mathoura to see population is increasing - it might be slow, but it is increasing.

“We’re a growing town situated between Echuca and Deniliquin.

“We need Murray River Council’s councillors to step up. I call on the local ward councillors to be very aggressive and push back against this.

“The thing that really steams me is Bendigo Bank increased their profits by 10 per cent over the last year.

“It's not like they’re losing money. They’ve got millions of dollars of profits and try to talk about community service and themselves as the community bank while closing down services people need.”

Mr Weyrich said he is concerned that this is part of a trend of things to come for regional and rural towns around the country.

“I know its Australia-wide, but I just can’t fathom how this can happen.

“We had a Westpac location around 30 years ago, but it seems the Bendigo Bank agency has gone the same way as that.

“I own the general store and motorcycle museum in Mathoura and the payments we receive are about 50/50 cash and EFTPOS, leaning a little more to EFTPOS, but it’s going to create many challenges for small businesses.

“It’s just not good enough.

“We’re all about the lucky country, but the reality of this is going towards the phasing out of regional and rural Australian towns.”

Bendigo Bank chief customer officer consumer Taso Corolis said the decision was made based on customers’ changing needs.

“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.”

Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie said while council was disappointed with the decision, it would continue to work with Bendigo Bank to support Mathoura customers.

“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,” he said.

“We encourage residents to reach out to the bank to discuss their individual banking needs during this change.

“Overall, this is disappointing for everyone, with small towns once again copping the brunt of cost-cutting decisions.”

Council said it would continue to work with the bank to advocate for the ongoing delivery of its community support and sponsorship programs within the Mathoura community.

There will be no changes to how accounts operate, so customers do not need to take any action.

Customers can continue to transact as normal at any Bendigo Bank branch, ATM or at any time via internet banking, mobile app or by phone on 1300 236 344

Customers can also choose to bank in-person using Bank@Post at any of the 3500 Australia Post outlets across the country, with one at 19 Livingstone St, Mathoura.

For more information, customers can speak to Bendigo Bank staff at the Community Bank Tongala, or phone 5859 1401.