Michelle Slater
Morwell is losing yet another banking outlet as Bendigo Bank has announced it is closing its Tarwin Street branch on May 14.
Morwell Bendigo customers will now be transferred to Traralgon, but the Moe and Trafalgar branches will remain open for face-to-face banking.
Morwell customers can also use the Bank@Post service at the Princes Drive post office, or use any Australia Post outlet.
It comes after the ANZ closed its Commercial Road branch last year, shoehorning its customers to Traralgon, followed by the departure of the Commonwealth Bank which relocated to Mid Valley.
A Bendigo spokesman said the bank had reviewed the Morwell branch before making the “difficult” decision to exit the town “after considering other options”.
The spokesman said an increasing number of its customers were completing their day-to-day banking online or over the phone.
He said the Morwell branch staff would be offered redeployment opportunities within the bank.
“We understand this change may impact how some customers conduct their banking. The way people choose to conduct their banking continues to change,” the spokesman said.
“As a result, the bank regularly reviews its physical branch network, customer transaction activity and visitor numbers to ensure it continues to meet those changing needs.”
He said Traralgon branch staff could discuss “alternate banking methods” with customers.
“To ensure continued support for customers and the community, in line with the continuing evolution in banking behaviour, there are a range of banking options available,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to service our local customers and supporting the local community.”
