Westpac extends branch moratorium
Westpac is extending its moratorium on regional branch closures through 2030 and introducing a new Community Banking Service as part of a broader effort to rethink how it serves customers outside major cities.
The bank first paused regional closures in 2023 and had previously committed to maintaining the freeze until mid-2027. The extension comes alongside a five-year plan to expand and upgrade regional services. Westpac will pilot a new Community Banking Service with local councils, starting in three towns and expanding over time, where mobile bankers will make regular visits and meet customers in private spaces for general support and referrals. The bank is also investing more than $65 million to upgrade 50 regional branches with modern renovations. In addition, a regional graduate program will launch in 2026 across ten centres to offer training and fast-tracked career paths, and Westpac plans to dedicate more than $1.5 million each year to local events and sponsorships.
The rollout follows a nationwide review of Westpac’s regional network. CEO Anthony Miller said the bank is balancing the need for face-to-face support with the reality that 96% of transactions now occur digitally.
Westpac is also expanding its network of regional service centres, which blend digital banking tools with in-person assistance for daily banking, business lending, and fraud support. The first location opened in Moree, with additional centres planned for Leongatha (VIC) and Smithton (TAS) in 2026.
The new Community Banking Service will debut in early 2026, with the first trial sites set for Dungog, Bulahdelah, and Manilla in New South Wales. Local councils are backing the approach, calling it a needed bridge between digital banking and regional expectations for personal service.
The announcement aligns with Westpac’s broader policy push to support regional growth, including its recommendation to increase regional Australia’s population by one million people by 2032 through targeted investment across key regional cities.
“Strong regional communities are vital for a strong Australia, and we want to make sure these areas have access to the services they need to prosper and grow. We’ve conducted a coast-to-coast review of our services and are increasing our investment in key areas to help build stronger regions. This has included opening our first new regional service centre last month in Moree, designed to bring the best of our digital banking capabilities together with face-to-face support to assist with daily banking tasks and business banking needs.” – CEO Anthony Miller.
