The ANZ Bank branch in Daylesford will close its doors forever on August 29.
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ANZ told its Daylesford employees last week that the branch would close, offering them redundancy packages or positions in Ballarat.
The branch’s customers were subsequently told that all banking accounts would be transferred to Kyneton.
This leaves customers wondering about what the closure will mean for them, especially for elderly people who do not travel far from home or use internet banking services.
One resident and ANZ customer, who did not wish to be named, said he wasn’t impressed with the branch’s closure.
“From September, we will have to use Daylesford’s Commonwealth Bank or Westpac ATM’s to withdraw cash. To put cash in accounts will mean having to queue at the post office,” he said.
“How will Commonwealth Bank’s ATM cope with extra cash withdrawals, especially on weekends when thousands of tourists come to town?
“We need full banking services outside cities,” he said.
He also said the lack of internet and data coverage for residents in the shire was a potential problem preventing customers from using the ANZ app and other internet banking services.
ANZ general manager for Victoria and Tasmania, Bridget Harper, said the branch was closing due to the changing trends in the way people do their banking.
She said customers were increasingly using online options and ATMs rather than visiting a branch in person.
“We have been responding to this change by making sure we provide the services our customers use most and reconfiguring our branch network to focus on where demand is greatest.
“This has been a difficult decision and we apologise for the inconvenience we know this will cause some of our customers,” she said.
Citing statistics, Ms Harper said only 21 per cent of ANZ customers in Daylesford used the branch, with almost 60 per cent of customers preferring internet and mobile banking.
“For customers that still prefer face-to-face services, we encourage them to try the Bank@Post facilities at one of the 3500 post office locations across Australia. This service offers deposits, withdrawals and payments for customers using ANZ debit or credit cards.
“Customers can also visit us at the Kyneton, Ballarat or Ballarat East branches.”