Member for Barwon Roy Butler said the National Australia Bank has “abandoned” Wee Waa and the Wee Waa and District Chamber of Commerce said it’s “very disappointed” with the bank’s decision to close the town’s branch, but it will try “to attract another banking facility”.
“I was disappointed to hear the NAB Wee Waa branch will be closing in May,” said Mr Butler.
“This will mean the town of Wee Waa will be left without a banking facility.
“In a cynical decision, NAB has abandoned Wee Waa offering no attempt to capitalise on the closure of the ANZ bank.
“The expectation that people in smaller regional towns will travel to larger centres is offensive and one that should be resisted by residents.
“Moving an account, especially large business accounts, is both difficult and expensive and there is no doubt that banking relationships are very important during adverse seasons,” said Mr Butler.
“I would ask that large account holders consider the option of moving their accounts to another bank or credit
union to encourage another bank to the town of Wee Waa.”
The NAB closure was the main item on the Chamber of Commerce meeting agenda last Wednesday. Narrabri Shire Council mayor Ron Campbell attended the meeting.
Members raised concerns about Wee Waa, and the surrounding communities it services, being left without a bank.
News of the NAB closure follows an announcement by ANZ bank late last year, that it will also be closing its Wee Waa branch in March. “We had discussions about what we can do to attract another banking facility or regional bank to Wee Waa,” said a chamber spokeswoman.
“It’s another blow for the community, to businesses and to the economic standpoint around town.
“We really feel for the businesses, the cash businesses that are going to have to travel to Narrabri to do their banking.”
As well as the impact on local businesses, the chamber said the decision ‘was a real challenge’ for members of the community who rely on ‘bricks and mortar’ buildings and don’t bank online.
Limited banking services will be available at the post office.
It’s understood NAB branches in other regional towns are also being closed.
“A decision to close a branch is never taken lightly, and we will continue to support customers with their banking needs,” NAB retail customer executive, Kim Dahler said in a statement.
“Our investment in our services and locations is guided by how customers are banking – through digital channels, with mobile bankers or at a branch.
“Over the past few years, fewer customers are coming into branches to do their banking and foot traffic has lessened dramatically, which has been accelerated by COVID.
“Increasingly customers are banking digitally, with more than 93 per cent of customer interactions now taking place over the phone, by video or online.
“Over half of our customers in Wee Waa have only visited the branch once in the last year and 80 per cent already using other branches such as Narrabri.
“We will continue to serve our customers well, however they choose to bank with us.
“The branch team will be working with customers over the coming months until we close the branch, talking with them about the various banking alternatives available.
“Customers can also connect with our mobile bankers, home lending specialists or business bankers in person or for phone or video appointments.
“Our Wee Waa agri and regional customers will continue to be supported by our specialist bankers, who visit customers on their farms and at businesses to support them with their banking needs.
“Customers can also continue to make deposits and withdrawals at the local Australia Post in Wee Waa.
“Importantly, there will be no job losses.
“Over the next 12 weeks we will be working with our colleagues from this branch on opportunities for them to continue to support customers either through other branches or across phone and digital channels.”
