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Publish date: 30 July 2025
As Bendigo Bank prepares to close the Wycheproof agency among 28 other locations across regional Australia on 21 October 2025, Buloke Shire Council is urging the bank to reconsider the withdrawal and instead lead with innovation.
"This doesn't need to be the end – it could be the start of something smarter," said Mayor Cr Alan Getley.
"The Bendigo Bank may see the agency model as outdated, but the relationship certainly is not."
The Mayor cited that the Bendigo Bank has a proud history of community reinvestment and grassroots connection making it uniquely placed to be the pioneers once again – one that uses technology to support human connection, not replace it.
While the bank cited reduced service use as a reason for closure, this does not eliminate the ongoing need for face-to-face assistance from trained navigators and provision of secure digital banking services.
The closure leaves Wycheproof with limited options: Bank@Post services at the Post Office during business hours, and a 24/7 Westpac-branded ATM for cash withdrawals.
"Let's at least have a conversation to see how we can modernise the process such as multi-tiered partnering without erasing the connection," the Mayor added.
For further information contact 1300 520 520 or media@buloke.vic.gov.au