Bendigo Bank’s Brutal Betrayal: Fury Erupts as Last Branch in Rural Town is Callously Axed, Leaving Elderly Residents Facing 150km Trek for Basic Banking
- Mayor Shane Pitt slams Bendigo Bank for abandoning Queenstown, Tasmania, with the closure of its only branch
- Residents face a gruelling four-hour round trip to the nearest branch in Burnie, sparking fears for the elderly and vulnerable
- A petition with over 3,000 signatures has been signed in protest, but Bendigo Bank remains unmoved, citing ‘evolving customer preferences’ and rising costs
The usually tranquil town of Queenstown, Tasmania, is reeling in outrage after Bendigo Bank’s heartless decision to close its only branch, leaving residents feeling abandoned and betrayed. The closure, which takes effect on Friday, will force many to embark on a arduous 150km journey to the nearest branch in Burnie, sparking concerns for the elderly and those with limited mobility.
Mayor Shane Pitt has unleashed a scathing attack on Bendigo Bank, accusing the institution of callously disregarding the needs of the community. ‘It’s the last bank on the West Coast, and if you want to do any face-to-face banking, it will be a two-hour drive to Burnie and then two hours back,’ Mr Pitt fumed. ‘We have an ageing population here, and many retirees can’t drive and will need to take a full day to use the bus service to Burnie just to do their banking.’
As the news sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, a petition with over 3,000 signatures has been hastily organised in a desperate bid to reverse the decision. However, Bendigo Bank remains resolute, citing ‘evolving customer preferences’ and rising costs as justification for the closure. A spokesperson for the bank claimed that customers would be able to transact at the Bank@Post next door to the branch fee-free for at least the next 12 months, but this offer has done little to placate the furious residents.
The closure of the Queenstown branch is part of a larger pattern of branch closures by Bendigo Bank, with two branches in Queensland and one in Victoria also slated for closure on Friday. The bank’s actions have sparked widespread outrage, with many accusing the institution of abandoning its regional heritage and prioritising profits over people.
As the community struggles to come to terms with the devastating news, Mayor Pitt’s words serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of Bendigo Bank’s actions: ‘They certainly feel abandoned by the Bendigo Bank… To close a bank that was not going badly is another kick in the guts for us, but they don’t care.’