Cr Hannan said he had been approached by a resident, who relayed their concerns regarding the unsubstantiated closure.
‘‘This information was relayed to me from a resident, and I have been in contact with a journalist in Sydney to investigate,’’ Cr Hannan said.
A spokesperson from NAB denied the claims.
‘‘It’s business as usual at the Finley branch,’’ the spokesperson wrote in reply to questions submitted by the SRN.
‘‘The branch team continue to be there for customer conversations as well as supporting education on evolving digital channels, including video banking, BYO device sessions, and online security.
‘‘Any changes regarding the branch status will be communicated with our customers.’’
The Finley NAB branch is currently the only functioning branch in Finley, and one of only two in the entire Berrigan Shire.
The service recently reduced its hours — citing COVID concerns — and is now operating for just 3 1/2 hours on weekdays, and not at all on weekends.
‘‘While the response is encouraging, I do hope that NAB will continue to service the community, as it is one of the only branches remaining in the shire,’’ Cr Hannan said.
‘‘The thing with a situation like this is that often it starts as a rumour and then becomes reality.’’
Just last month, the Tocumwal Bendigo Bank Agency, then operated by Rob Crow Real Estate, announced its intention to close.
And in April of last year, Commonwealth Bank confirmed it would be closing its in-person branch in Finley.
The closure of regional bank branches is currently the focus of a Federal Government inquiry.
The Regional Banking Taskforce was established following the closure of 600 regional and remote bank branches since 2017.
It is chaired by The Nationals’ Senator for NSW Perin Davey, who is based in Deniliquin.
Closures like those in the Southern Riverina, and reduced hours like seen in Finley and other areas, have seen many community members unable to manage their own finances and struggling against often confusing and convoluted online banking solutions.
Senator Davey said it particularly impacts on the elderly members of the community.
‘‘We are receiving a number of submissions into the taskforce from small businesses,’’ Senator Davey said.
‘‘Anecdotally, we are seeing that businesses, or individuals, who need access to cash services are forced to travel out of town, where they inevitably end up conducting other business as well.
‘‘And what we also know is that the next biggest impact is on retirees and pensioners, who frequently live week-to-week and still operate very much as part of the cash society.’’
Submissions to the taskforce — which closed last month — are being reviewed and will form the basis of forthcoming recommendations.
‘‘We are currently getting that analysis done, which will be more than just anecdotal,’’ Senator Davey said.
‘‘We will be reviewing the submissions during a meeting scheduled for February in Mildura, and hoping to have a report issued by mid-February.’’
