Sarina residents, councillor and Federal MP disappointed over NAB closure

Residents are up in arms NAB’s decision to close another branch in the regions this time at Sarina. FIND OUT WHEN

Another Sarina Bank branch is closing its shutters leaving many of the Sarina’s older residents high and dry.

The National Australia Bank, who recorded more than $7.7 billion of profits in 2023, made the decision to close its Sarina and Proserpine branches by April 23, 2024.

“It’s terrible what’s going on with these banks,” Judy Robertson of Sarina said.

“My sister and her husband use that bank and they’re going to be very upset.

“The older people like the banks that’s for sure.”

Judy Robertson “can’t keep up” with online banking and relies on her local branch to manage her finances. Photo: Daryl Wright

Over one-third of Sarina’s residents are aged 50 or more and there is concern older residents will experience difficulties transitioning to online banking.

However, according to Sarina’s Pauline Teder this could effect businesses too.

“There’s lots of farms and industry that rely on that bank,” Mrs Teder said.

“It’s ok for me because I work in Mackay. It’s going to be a big shock to a lot of people.”

Sarina residents Pauline Teder and Lui Teder are concerned about the people who rely on NABs Sarina branch. Picture: Heidi Petith

When asked why they’ve decided to close their branch in Sarina, NAB said 80 per cent of branch customers had transitioned to online banking.

They further highlighted that cash deposits and withdrawals could still be performed at the Sarina Post Office.

Shane Phillips, a Retail Customer Executive at NAB said, “Today, more than 93% of transactions in Australia are taking place online, and this is increasing.”

“Just as they’re using online government services to complete their tax or a Medicare claim, locals in Sarina and Proserpine are increasingly choosing to bank digitally because it’s more convenient.

“There’ll be no job losses as part of these changes and our branch teams have all been offered other roles across the bank.”

Councillor Martin Bella, a Sarina resident and cane farmer doesn’t think this is “good enough”.

“From a service point of view it shows no faith in small communities.

“They’ve lost touch with people,” he said.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, has also spoken out against this decision.

She expressed concern for the elderly and those “without reliable transport” who would now have to make an hour round trip to Mackay’s NAB branch.

“A great majority of the elderly aren’t computer savvy or don’t have family nearby to help them with online banking,” she said.

“Regional bank closures have an enormous impact on regional communities. I am disappointed to hear today another major bank will be shutting its doors to the community of Sarina.”

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry thinks that NAB has “demonstrated a lack of consideration for regional communities” despite announcing profits of over $7 billion in 2023.

In October of 2023, a senate inquiry into bank closures found more than 2100 bank branches have closed across Australia as of 2017, leaving many with no choice but to adapt to online banking.

“This decision seems to demonstrate a lack of consideration for our regional communities,” Ms Landry said.