ANZ has announced the permanent closure of the Seymour branch after its temporary closure due to flood damage.
The news of the Tallarook St branch closure has left community members feeling stranded, with the closest alternative branches in Shepparton or Kyneton.
A local user of the ANZ branch posted a copy of the email she received from the bank on a Facebook community page.
“As a result of the flooding and with more of our customers choosing the convenience of doing their banking when and where it suits them ... we’ve decided to close our Seymour branch permanently,” the email read.
“We understand this may affect the way you currently do your banking, particularly for those in certain regional locations, and we’re here to try and support you with this change.”
Other Facebook users commented on the post, sharing sentiments of frustration.
“ANZ are closing branches everywhere, it’s ridiculous. How do they expect people who are not computer friendly to bank? Very disappointing,” Jill said.
“Love to see how you withdraw/deposit cash through the internet,” Mark said.
“I came across an elderly man wondering why the ANZ branch was closed, he didn’t realise it was closed due to flooding,” Tracy said.
“I explained but the poor man had just driven all the way from Flowerdale just to attend the branch. Was very sad. He had no idea and obviously no phone banking knowledge.
“My heart broke from the floods (many businesses still closed) but my heart broke even more that day.”
ANZ district manager Gurjot Thandi said the way customers conducted their banking had changed over the past five years, with 92 per cent of Seymour customers preferring alternative banking channels such as online and mobile banking.
“Our relationship bankers will continue to visit our business customers at their locations and be available on the phone,” he said.
“We also have mobile lenders to help customers with their home loan needs where it is most convenient for them.
“All ANZ customers also have fee-free access to the atmx network, including the atmx on Station St and additional ATMs operated by the other major banks to meet their banking needs.
“They can also withdraw money using EFTPOS facilities at Seymour’s major supermarkets, including Woolworths, IGA and Aldi.”