Overview
- The moratorium on closing regional branches, first set in 2023 and later extended to mid‑2027, will now run through 2030 following a coast‑to‑coast service review.
- A Community Banking Service pilot will begin in early 2026 across five sites, with Dungog, Bulahdelah and Manilla confirmed to receive visiting bankers for general needs and referrals to specialists.
- Local reports say visit frequency is expected to be weekly or fortnightly but remains unfinalised, with councils welcoming the move and some residents questioning whether it will be sufficient.
- Westpac committed more than $65 million to upgrade 50 regional branches, will launch a regional graduate program in 2026, and plans over $1.5 million a year for local events and sponsorships.
- A new regional service centre opened in Moree last month, with centres planned for Leongatha and Smithton that will offer ID checks, lending support, fraud and scam assistance, and Smart ATMs.