Bunbury Bankwest amongst the casualties of Statewide branch closures

Bankwest in Bunbury Forum is one of 60 branches shutting down as part of the company’s announcement to close all its bricks-and-mortar locations. A total of 45 branches will shut completely while 15 will cease operation as Bankwest branches and become Commonwealth Bank outlets. Bankwest announced it will become a fully digital bank with the physical banking services moving to parent company CBA. According Bankwest data, the Bunbury branch sees an average of 38 customers per day, its fourth busiest location in the State. Bankwest executive general manager Jason Chan said the transition would be a challenge for some. “I understand this will be difficult news for some of our customers and Bankwest is introducing a range of support measures to help our customers who are regular branch users carefully through this transition,” he said. “It’s critical we prioritise investment for the majority of our customers who expect leading digital and broker banking services, and rarely use branches, but we have a clear focus on the needs of our regular branch users at this time.” Margaret River, Manjimup and Busselton will also have their branches permanently closed in the South West along with other regional centres such as Albany, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Geraldton. Four South West branches will transition to CBA branches by the end of the year — Dunsborough, Collie, Bridgetown and Pemberton. The closure will impact 350 jobs, but Bankwest ensured it would be helping staff to transition to the digital age through “dedicated reskilling programs”. WA Opposition Leader Shane Love said he had been told regional communities would be kept front of mind but he needed to wait and see if promises were followed through. “I have had assurances from Bankwest that communities which are currently serviced by their business, will be given the opportunity to transition to CBA customers with direct support from their team,” he said.