Restructure of NAB branches

Eight Wimmera NAB branches will move to reduced opening hours as part of a new model designed to retain hundreds of jobs.

Under the new model, NAB will adjust opening hours across 114 smaller regional branches. Bankers will split their time between over the counter service and digital or phone banking support.

Affected branches include Ararat, Balmoral agency, Edenhope agency, Jeparit agency, Kaniva agency, Nhill, Rainbow agency and St Arnaud agency.

The branches will be open to customers from 9am to 12.30pm on weekdays from August 17.

NAB Group personal banking executive Rachel Slade said outside of these hours, the bankers would support customers by phone and online chat, along with processing applications.

“It is clear the face of banking is changing, especially in the way customers want to interact with us,” she said.

“Our branches continue to be a really important part of many local communities, especially for local businesses.

“On average a quarter of transactions take place between 9.30am and 10.30am in our regional branches.

“Through this new model we can continue to be there to serve our customers and have meaningful conversations while also adapting to the way our customers are now banking.”

“We think this move will strike that balance, keeping the doors open at 114 branches around the country, providing the opportunity for around 300 bankers to learn skills while we continue to serve our customers well.”