Banking services in regional, rural and very remote areas are essential for keeping communities alive.
Yesterday, national Bendigo Bank representatives met with concerned community members from Flinders Island and Beaconsfield about the closure of their much-loved banking agencies.
Flinders Island agency operator Kylie Clifford was supported at the meeting by Flinders Island Mayor Rachel Summers and General Manager Warren Groves.
Bendigo Bank representatives acknowledged that the announcement to close agencies had been an unpopular decision across the nation.
However, they were open to meeting with the community to discuss a range of perspectives on the issues, with 40 community members gathering at the Beaconsfield Uniting Church to receive an update at the end of the day and show their support for Beaconsfield Agency Operators Lisa and Taylar Goss.
Residents of these towns are devastated by this decision to close their agency.
These communities are home to a number of ageing Tasmanians with little to no online experience. These are individuals who want to talk through their concerns face-to-face with someone they know and trust and are genuinely worried about online scams and potential data breaches.
The meetings were positive. Representatives gave their word that they would consider options based on our discussions and investigate the unique situation presented in Tasmania and from that develop a business case to put forward to head office.
Janie Finlay MP
Bass Labor MP