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04 May 2022
Joining forces for flood victims TEWANTIN Noosa Lions Club and LiveLife Pharmacies across Queensland have joined forces to help those in need. With a shared desire to help those in the community who find themselves struggling in the wake of the recent local flood devastations the partners have developed care packs of goods for distribution by local services working with families as they recover. The partnership was celebrated this week at Cooroy when LiveLife Pharmacies CEO Clint Coker met with those instrumental in the project. Full story, page 2
Cooroy LiveLife Pharmacy owner Jacqueline Meyer with LiveLife Pharmacies CEO Clint Coker, Tewantin-Noosa Lion's Michael Roach and Cooroy Police's Senior Constable Chris Murrill. Picture courtesy of Alison Taylor.
Last bank calls quits on Pomona BY ALEX PURCELL BENDIGO Bank customers are “ticked off” after the community bank closed its Pomona branch “without warning”. The Community Bank Pomona Branch, which used to open three days a week on Station Street, closed permanently in April, leaving customers to travel to Cooroy or Tewantin for face-to-face banking. Local businessman, Stephen Hilditch, said
that no one was advised that Bendigo Bank was going to close the Pomona branch, leaving a void in the community. “In January they said Covid was making things hard for them, regarding finding staff and so forth. And three months later, they closed the doors without a word. “We’re all ticked off. They’ve forgotten about community. Community is about passion and involvement. It is not about
an elderly lady standing in front of her local bank reading a sign that says ‘We’re closed permanently’ and saying, ‘What am I going to do? I don’t have a car. How am I going to get to Cooroy?’ “Worst still, they’ve closed the ATM. We can’t even get money out.” A Bendigo Bank spokesperson told the Cooroy Rag that the Community Bank Pomona Branch had been temporarily closed since
January, largely due to staffing difficulties, and after a review of the branch, the “difficult decision” was made to close the branch permanently. “Following a review of the branch, which considered the changing banking habits of our customers, fewer in-branch transactions, a growing preference for mobile lenders and mobile business bankers, and the relative proximity of Community Bank Cooroy Branch, the Board of
Sunshine Coast Community Financial Services Limited made the difficult decision to permanently close the Pomona branch and cease operation of the ATM. This decision has been supported by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. “Alternative locations for the ATM were explored, but unfortunately, did not progress. Face-to-face banking can be conducted at Community Bank Cooroy or via the Bank@Post service at Australia Post
LPO, Pomona. Alternatively, customers can transact as normal at any ATM or Bendigo Bank branch, via internet banking, our mobile app or via phone banking on 1300 236 344.” For Stephen, it was a personal affront. When ANZ closed their Pomona branch in 2014, Stephen held a meeting between the Pomona Community and Bendigo Bank at the Pomona Bowls Club. Continued page 2
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