Geraldton Bankwest branch closes as community expresses disappointment in decision

The Geraldton Bankwest branch has closed its doors for the final time, with the shopfront shut as part of the bank’s transition to become digital. On Wednesday this week, the branch shut up shop for the last time in the city, with customers notified in March of the decision. It coincides with the last metropolitan branch in Mandurah set to shut its doors today, while the last remaining regional branch Kalgoorlie closed on Thursday. In total, 45 shopfronts have been closed across WA, while a further 15 will be converted into parent-owned Commonwealth Bank. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune slammed the bank’s decision. “It is very disappointing how a large financial institution can show complete contempt to loyal customers who have been deserted,” he said. Geraldton residents have taken to social media to express their disappointment in the bank’s closure. Noel Ryan took to Facebook to say, “over 40 years with them such great staff, feel for them”. Meanwhile, Adrian Ortmueller wrote, “more empty buildings to add to the increasing pile”. According to the bank, less than two per cent of customers regularly visit branches in person, with the Geraldton branch serving about 22 customers per day on average. Despite the closure, Bankwest will offer non-cash services to customers across October, so people can ask questions face-to-face with community banking colleagues. The sessions are set to help customers with banking online, including how to do it safely, securely, and with confidence. Customers with other banks are also able to attend these sessions. A number of banks are still operating branches within Geraldton, including NAB who recently reopened following renovations. Commonwealth Bank, Bendigo Bank, ANZ, Westpac, and Bank of Queensland are among the branches that are still open in the city. For those staying with Bankwest, the bank@post service will remain available, while customers can still access cash withdrawals at major ATMs. Major supermarkets in Geraldton also have the ability to issue cash withdrawals, up to a certain amount. The banking sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays next month from 9.30am to 4.30pm, beginning October 8. More information on the closures can be found on the Bankwest website.