Suncorp closures ‘ will disadvantage elderly’
A TWENTY- FIVE- YEAR- OLD man has been sentenced for his part in a robbery on Palm Island.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced in Townsville District Court for robbery in company as well as common assault, wilful damage and two counts of contravening a domestic violence order.
The court heard the man and a co- offender, who has not been charged, robbed the victim on May 27, 2017.
Crown prosecutor Jodie Crane said the men took $ 70 out of the victim’s pocket.
Judge John Coker sentenced the man to two- and- a- half years for robbery in company, six months for assault and two months for wilful damage.
The man will be released on parole on August 31. 18 35 33 34 23 36 16 10 14 38 40 34 17 19 33 15 SUNCORP will close two bank branches in Townsville next month.
The Fairfield Waters and Flinders St Mall branches will disappear on May 11 and May 18 respectively.
A Suncorp spokeswoman said the decision to close the branches had not been taken lightly. She did not answer questions on how many jobs would be impacted by the coming closures.
However, she said employees were being consulted on the changes and supported throughout this transition.
“They have access to employee assistance and training programs and we are working with them to find new opportunities,” she said.
The spokeswoman said the closures were based on a range of factors, such as shifts in customer banking behaviour, and the alternative services available in the area.
“Banking is now a 24- hour reality, with our customers increasingly choosing to do their banking digitally,” she said.
“Customers from Fairfield Waters and Flinders St Mall will be directed to our other Townsville stores at Cas- tletown, Aitkenvale and Willows. It’s important to note that Suncorp is committed to, and continues to invest in Townsville.”
Townsville Chamber of Commerce board member Michael Kopittke was disappointed with the decision.
“Townsville is in an incredible period of transformation so it’s incredibly disappointing to know Suncorp is closing these two branches,” he said.
Mr Kopittke said physical branches were important for businesses as they often still dealt in cash, and for elderly people who might not be internet savvy.
The reduction in service was disappointing and not all staff would be re- employed at other branches.
A rumour Suncorp might close its branch at Willows was dismissed by the spokeswoman.
“While we continually review our entire network of stores, we have no plans to close our Willows store and have only recently installed a new Smart ATM, giving customers the ability to deposit money 24/ 7,” she said.
Suncorp’s business centre remains in Sturt St and the Aitkenvale branch is moving to a new site at Stockland Shopping Centre.
“It’s our priority to ensure customers in Townsville understand the alternative ways of banking,” she said.