THE Commonwealth Bank is remaining tight-lipped about the future of its four local employees once its Millicent branch closes on May 8.
The bank dropped a bombshell this month when it announced it was quitting Millicent after nearly 60 years in George Street.
In a statement, state manager Sally Gubbin said some queries about the bank were either undecided or not the subject of public discussion.
“In regards to staff retention, as you can appreciate, we cannot discuss specific matters regarding our employees,” Ms Gubbin said.
“Generally speaking, when a Commonwealth Bank branch closes, we will work to redeploy our employees.
“We’re currently reviewing our plans for the building and are unable to comment at this stage.”
However, Ms Gubbin confirmed the ATM would be removed at the same time as the branch was closed.
“We continually review our ATM network to ensure we are providing the best coverage and accessibility for our customers,” Ms Gubbin said.
“Broadly we have seen a steady decline in ATM transactions across our network as customers move to more convenient channels such as Netbank and the CommBank app.
“Decisions to remove ATMs are never taken lightly, however our ATM distribution approach needs to reflect our customers evolving needs and demands.
“The Millicent Post Office is available for customers to conduct personal and business banking transactions such as withdrawals, deposits and bill payments including passbooks during normal business hours.
“Alternatively, EFTPOS allows customers to withdraw cash at participating supermarkets and service centres.”
At its peak in the 1980s, it is understood the branch had a workforce of 13.
Comment about the impact of the Commonwealth Bank closure has been sought from the Millicent management of Bank SA, ANZ Bank and the Post Office.
Since the impending closure of the branch was revealed by The South Eastern Times on Tuesday, there has been a community backlash.
Millicent resident Pat Seebohm said she was disappointed to hear the news.
“I have used (Commonwealth Bank) since we arrived in Australia from England in 1948,” Ms Seebohm said.
“I like to withdraw cash over the counter and speak to the staff.
“I do not wish to use an ATM or go to Mount Gambier.
“I may have to think about elsewhere to put our money.
“The Commonwealth Bank and others are not strapped for money when they get huge profits and can pay their top workers vast sums.
“They should think of the elderly.
“They sometimes cannot drive and depend on carers and do not understand plastic cards.”
Post-war migrant Tony Buffon constructed the bank in 1962 in partnership with fellow builder Ralph Zanello.
“The architect came from Mount Gambier and we had a number of men working on the site,” Mr Buffon said.
“The bank’s closure is a sad day for Millicent.”
There has also been a hostile reception to the closure news on social media.
Beyond May 8, Millicent will still have ATMs at two banks and a credit union.
