Mayor stands united against Yarram bank closure

Elected leaders, Wellington Shire Council Mayor Scott Rossetti, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and State Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien, have jointly written to Bendigo Bank, requesting an urgent meeting with senior executives following the bank's announcement that it intends to shut the Yarram branch on26 September 2025. The decision was made without any consultation with customers, staff, Councillors or the broader community.

Mayor Rossetti described the announcement as utterly disappointing and disrespectful.

"This decision was made behind closed doors, with no opportunity for our community to be heard," Cr Rossetti said. "Bendigo Bank has promoted itself as a bank for regional Australia, yet this move goes against everything it claims to stand for."

The letter penned by all three leaders outlines a number of serious concerns, including:

• Lack of transparency and community consultation;

• Conflicting messages from executives just days before the closure was announced;

• The fact that Yarram's branch is reportedly profitable and is the last operating bank in the town;

• The significant impact the closure will have on older residents, people with disabilities, small businesses, and community groups.

The letter also calls on the bank to explain the scope of its 'internal review' and whether any assessment was made of the broader economic and social impacts on the region.

"We have a duty to stand up for our residents and fight for essential services in our towns," Cr Rossetti said. "We're not backing down.

We are calling on Bendigo Bank to meet with us, listen to the community, and reconsider this damaging decision."

Mayor Rossetti confirmed that the joint letter has been sent to Bendigo Bank Executive Manager Ms Vicki Carter, and that the media has been advised of the invitation to meet.

"Yarram deserves better than this. We are stronger when all levels of government work together, and we will continue to push for a fair outcome for our community."

Mr Chester said the decision by Bendigo Bank executives to close the retail outlet in Yarram, with less than three months notice and no community consultation, is disgraceful and demonstrates a complete lack of respect for local needs.

"Bendigo Bank claims it has 'sought to minimise any impact on customers' and has taken into consideration the 'proximity of other service locations'," Mr Chester said.

"Transferring Yarram customer accounts to the Bendigo Bank branch in Traralgon, 64 kilometres away and a 50-minute drive in good conditions, significantly impacts the Yarram community.

"Why should loyal customers have to pay for petrol to access their money in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and what about older residents, people with disabilities, community groups, or small business people who need access to a branch, cash, and face-to-face service?

"Bendigo Bank claims to be 'The Better Big Bank' but does exactly the same thing as the 'big four' banks, with this decision underscoring Bendigo Bank executives' contempt for regional people and their obsession with the bank's bottom line at the detriment of an entire community."