Hi,
Thank-you for all your signatures and support!
Whilst we haven't heard from CommBank on the issue yet, We have heard back from Bendigo bank who surprisingly called one of the organisers for a long chat. Bendigo do have a branch in nearby Leichardt which appeared after a similar banking exit in the that area.
Whilst an ATM wouldn't be their first priority, a branch at a later stage may be. To bring in a community bank requires a real upswell , they have a Connected Communities program where local baking with them brings funds in return back into the community. It is something of an option should Commbank leave, possibly to be included with a surrounding community program, such as The Village Project.
We do understand that Covid, lack of fees and running expenses have put pressure on running ATMs. Comm Bank however has just posted an 8.5 Billion annual profit, so the expense of running a ATM or relocating surely could be considered and the value of returning clientelle who may bank with the bank - especially as many in Summer Hill originally called the bank their primary branch.
Nearby communities of Haberfield and Hurlstone park have seen the exodus of ATMs and banking facilities with Commbank leaving so it is a concern that Summer Hill will soon see a similar fate with the last ATM going.
Jo Haylen our local member of partliment advised she was originally given an assurance that the ATM would be relocated by the bank and has written to them for a response. We will keep putting pressure on this issue until we get a response.
I welcome all to write directly to Comm Bank on the issue here in the mean time. https://www.commbank.com.au/support/compliments-and-complaints.html
Matt