By Derek Schlennstedt
The news that the Monbulk ANZ branch will be closing is a huge blow to the town.
Simon Bown relayed the news on the hills and Dandenongs Facebook page after he was informed of the imminent closure by email.
“Just had an email from ANZ stating they are closing the Monbulk branch in April,” he said in the post.
“Sorry to those directly affected. What a shame that one of the most profitable companies in Australia can’t afford to support our community any longer.”
Residents were quick to point out that the latest ANZ bank branch closure means they will now have to travel to Boronia – the closet branch after Upper Ferntree Gully also closed last year.
The latest closure has drawn the ire of many residents who said that many people in the hills still use the bank branch to do their banking.
“The closing of the branches in the hills makes it so hard for the elderly who still bank the old fashioned way,” said Wilhemina.
“I feel so sorry for people that don’t do online banking … my parents and my family have always done our banking with the Monbulk branch. It will be a huge loss to a lot of people. The girls have always been extremely helpful and welcoming,” said Liz.
ANZ’s General Manager for Victoria and Tasmania, Michael Wake responded to the public outcry and said the decision was made based upon an increased demand for online banking.
He said that of the customers who use their Monbulk branch, ‘only 12 per cent use the branch with more than 83 per cent preferring online and mobile banking and ATMs.’
“In recent years, we have found a strong demand from our customers for online and phone banking options and a more efficient ATM experience,” Mr Wake said.
“We’re seeing a trend towards improved digital portals right across the country as the government continues to move many systems online through myGov, including major services such as Medicare and the Australian Taxation Office.”
“Before closing a branch, we consider a number of factors, including the potential impacts on our customers, and the decision to close a branch is never an easy one to make. We apologise for the inconvenience we know this will cause some of our customers.”
“Customers who use our Monbulk branch will be able to continue their face-to-face banking at our Lilydale or Boronia branches with both located 18km away.”
