Recent media reports have highlighted the ongoing trend of branch closures from the ‘Big Four’, with another 37 branches to close in the next three months and a loss of 182 jobs. The latest round of closures amounts to a staggering 550 branches closed since January 2020, many of which have resulted in a significant decline in banking services to regional communities.
As a member-owned organisation that puts people ahead of profits, this is not the approach Queensland Country Bank is taking. Our branches play an important role in delivering a genuine Member experience, and we understand each Member has their preferred way of doing business with us and there are times when they need to be able to meet face to face to have a meaningful conversation about their financial goals.
So, while banks with shareholders are cutting back services, we’re reinvesting our profits into increasing Member products and services including
- Newly appointed specialist lender in Maroochydore to support Members on the Sunshine Coast
- Expansion of our Business Banking team to provide personalised service in Far North Queensland and Central Queensland
- Investment into the refurbishment of our branches to increase the number of meeting spaces to offer Members privacy to discuss their financial goals
- Budgeting support through our Money Mentors service and SmartBudget app
As the cost of living continues to rise, it is more important than ever for regional Queenslanders to have access to banking services to support them with their budgeting and lending needs. We’ve been caring about our people and communities since our inception fifty years ago, so you can be assured we’re committed to putting our Members before profits in every decision we make.