Shire says Bendigo ‘a good option’.

There is potential to see a Bendigo Community Bank make its way to Gnowangerup, after a positive community response to the motion last week.

ANZ is expected to close its doors this April and the Gnowangerup shire and community are in the midst of making a decision that can meet the town’s banking needs.

At a meeting held last Friday, Bendigo Bank presented their services to the Gnowangerup community, where Shire president Shelley Pike said the bank was a “good option” for their town.

“ANZ is closing down due to a change in trend with banking; people aren’t using branches and they had difficulties with staffing,” she said.

“That’s why Bendigo Bank is a good option for us because we are a small community town, and Bendigo focuses on community.”

State community strengthening manager at Bendigo Bank Keith McLuckie said a Bendigo Branch in town could thrive off a dedicated community.

“We are a community bank, that’s what makes us different,” he said.

Gnowangerup farmer Wayne Peck said he believed many locals would be in favour of the new bank.

“I think a community this size needs a bank with a footprint in town,” he said.

“Everything is supported, there’s just a flow and effect of making the community vibrant and moving forward.”

After a community vote resulted in favour of moving forward, a survey will be the next step in identifying the community’s banking demands and needs.

ANZ announced this month it would close 12 branches across regional Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria.