Westpac outlet to stay open

l TULLY

WESTPAC has reversed its decision to close branches in Tully, Ingham and Cloncurry, after in February announcing the three venues would close mid-May.

Following immediate backlash from the communities, politicians and unions, the major bank then agreed to “pause” its branch closures to engage in discussions, before it announced this week it would continue operating at Tully, Ingham and Cloncurry.

“This decision follows discussions with our customers, and community leaders such as yourself,” a Westpac spokesman said in a statement to Kennedy MP Bob Katter.

“I hope this decision gives you and your community certainty,” he said.

Mr Katter said he praised Westpac for its decision.

Senator Susan McDonald said:

CAD. I’d never used this before and now I’m assisting others in how to use it. It’s quite amazing what you can achieve in such a short timeframe when you have the right support.

“I’m full time now, the routine has been so important to me. Being neurodiverse, I find that having a routine adds a bit of structure to my life and helps me stay on track.”

“Westpac had announced it would close the branches, but after Coalition senators Matt Canavan and Gerard Rennick spearheaded a Senate Inquiry into regional banking, and personal appeals by me, the company agreed to keep the branches open until the hearings were finalised,” she said. Finance Sector Union National Secretary Julia Angrisano said union members and local community members had shamed Westpac into backing down.