Bendigo Bank’s agency operating from the Woodend Newsagency will close on June 17.
It comes after the last of Woodend’s physical bank branches, the Commonwealth Bank, closed its premises last year.
A spokesperson for Bendigo and Adelaide Bank said the closure followed a detailed review of transaction activity, evolving customer banking habits and declining numbers of people using cash.
“Closing an agency is never a decision we make lightly, however, as more and more customers choose to do their banking online or over the phone, our bank must respond and invest to support evolving customer expectations and changes in customer behaviour,” the spokesperson said.
“Bendigo Bank has been well supported by the people of Woodend and we regret any inconvenience the cessation of this service may cause.
“Unfortunately, as over-the-counter transactions taper off over time, there is no longer the necessary ratio of lending and deposits required from the community to continue to operate a face-to-face banking service in Woodend.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Murray, Kerrie, Darren, Raelene and the team at the Woodend agency for the care and support provided to our customers over the past 13 years.”
For lending and other enquiries, Bendigo Bank Kyneton is open Monday-Friday with an ATM, and customers can also conduct over the counter banking at any of the more than 3500 Australia Post outlets nationally using Bank@Post.
Woodend LPO is located at Shop 20, 130 High Street, Woodend, and is open an additional 10 hours per week.
“The bank has reached an agreement with Australia Post to support Concession Account Holders by waiving the fee to use this service,” the spokesperson said.
