Community Bank to close

151347_01

By Peter Douglas

THE Olinda and Mount Dandenong communities will soon be without a local Bendigo Bank sub-branch after confirmation of its closure next month.
Six years after first opening, board members involved with the sub-branch say the location has not lived up to expectations in terms of customer numbers.
The sub-branch will officially close on Friday, 8 April; though, the Bendigo Bank ATM is likely to remain in the short-term.
Initially, there were high hopes surrounding the sub-branch, which the board hoped would help to expand operations, with the view to becoming a fully serviced branch.
However, the board has decided to consolidate its operations.
Chairman of Dandenong Ranges Community Finance Limited, Peter Marke, said, as a company, the Bendigo Bank was still committed to its customers and the Hills communities.
“Our company will proudly continue to operate the Cockatoo, Belgrave and Upwey community bank branches,” he said.
“We’re committed to supporting the future sustainability of our community.”
Mr Marke said customers of the sub-branch will be able to complete their banking at the Upwey Community Bank or Belgrave Community Bank.
“We will endeavour to retain the existing Bendigo Bank ATM while the lease arrangements allow providing customers with convenient access to cash,” he said.