- NAB invests close to $600,000 to improve ATMs in the Darling and Western Downs regions and surrounding areas (FY17/18), including branch refresh in Warwick.
- Following consultation with local teams, NAB can confirm Tara, Allora and Crows Nest branches will close in August.
- Customers can continue to do their banking at local Australia Post offices, including making deposits up to $10,000 cash or withdrawals up to $2,000 per day.
- NAB continues to back the Darling and Western Downs through NAB branches across the region and local sponsorships, and by funding and advocating for infrastructure so regional areas can grow.
- More than 14 NAB business and agribusiness bankers will continue to live and service these communities.
In 2018, the way customers are banking in the Darling and Western Downs regions has changed. Today, in response, NAB confirms changes to its branches in the area.
Across the surrounding areas, NAB has invested nearly $600,000 in upgrading Smart ATMs where customers can pay bills, check balances, and withdraw cash so customers can bank at their convenience.
As improvements are made to some branches, other branches in the area will be closing. Between 80-90% of NAB customers in Tara, Allora and Crows Nest don’t use their local branch, and instead go to other branches in the area.
Wayne Atkinson, NAB General Manager Regional Queensland, explained the decision was a difficult one to make and was only made after consultation with staff and careful consideration.
“The way customers are banking in south-west Queensland and right across Australia, is changing,” Mr Atkinson said.
“In south-west Queensland, 80-90% of customers in Tara, Allora and Crows Nest also use other NAB branches as well as using phone and internet banking.
“For this reason, we have made a difficult decision and one we don’t take lightly, to close the Tara, Allora and Crows Nest branches in August this year.
“While we understand these changes will affect the surrounding community, NAB will continue to back the area through its services at other NAB branches and dedicated NAB Agribusiness Bankers and Business Bankers on the road.”
Mr Atkinson emphasised that NAB wants to continue to help our customers with their banking.
“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be spending time with our customers explaining the different banking options available to them, including online banking and the many banking options at Australia Post.
“We will also be working with local community organisations to see how else we can help support locals through this transition.
“We have sent letters to our customers to let them know of the changes as well as providing information on how they can continue banking, whether that is a close by branch, online, over the phone and at their local Australia Post.
“At Australia Post outlets, NAB customers can do banking like check account balances, pay bills and make deposits up to $10,000 cash or withdrawals up to $2,000 per day.”
NAB is working with our local branch employees to discuss their next steps.
“When we make changes to our branches, we make every effort to find opportunities for our local teams at other branches in our network, and often this is possible. If we can’t find opportunities, we help our employees through The Bridge, our industry leading program where employees are provided up to six months of career coaching as they decide what’s next for them – whether that be retirement, pursuing a new career or starting a small business.”
Media enquiries:
Calum Young +61 472 863 630
Kylie Breckenridge + 61 402 746 226
