Westpac still open - until February

By Kimberly Grabham.

Westpac Bank Hay is amongst over 50 branches across the country that are set for closure.

It will close its doors on Friday, February 24.

The company has blamed the spate of closures country wide on the decline in the number of in-branch customers.

“We are currently in a 14-day consultation for the proposed closure,” staff at Westpac Hay commented.

“Customers will be formally notified of the closure of Hay branch once the consultation ends.

“Westpac provides a minimum of 13 weeks’ notice for regional branches, and our first priority is to support Hay branch staff in exploring alternate roles with the Westpac Career Transitions Services Team, and is committed to helping the staff at Hay to transition to other roles within Westpac wherever possible.”

Local community members are saddened by the announcement, with this recent closure merely being the latest in a trend of bank closures in the town.

“This latest list of closures means the big four have closed more than 550 bank branches across Australia since January 2020,” national secretary Julia Angrisano told news.com.au.

Although Westpac has touched upon the fact that it will give plenty of notice, and will take large steps to assist and educate people who are new to the world of digital banking, and assist employees to find alternate jobs within the company, one might wonder how this will actually take place effectively in isolated and rural towns such as Hay.

Deposits, withdrawals and to check balances can be made at post offices..

Hay branch members are happy to help look after their customers in any way they can, and encourage them to come down and talk about their options, and for assistance.

Customer service representatives Lashae Harman and Nikki Edwards, still smiling faces and doors open, there to provide customers with a smooth transition.