People First Bank has made the difficult decision to permanently close 15 branches and three agency outlets from 4:00pm Thursday 12 March 2026.
In addition, the Glenelg and Ballarat branches will become lending and advice centres, designed to provide more personalised support.
“The way people bank is changing significantly, with most using card payments, Internet Banking and our App for their day-to-day banking,” said Chief Customer Officer Maria-Ann Camilleri.
“Less than 1% of our transactions occur in branches and fewer than 0.7% of our customers use a branch regularly.
“As a customer-owned bank, we must adapt to changing banking preferences by investing in the services our customers use most. This decision is not driven by profit, but by a careful focus on directing our limited resources to digital, call centre and other services that provide the greatest benefit to the most customers.
“We know how important branches are to communities, so these decisions are only made after careful consideration as to how best serve our customers now and into the future. We will do everything we can to support those affected and help them continue banking with us.”
All employees at the affected branches will be offered an alternative role with the bank.
For the overwhelming majority who bank digitally, these changes will have little or no impact.
In-person banking and cash access will remain available, with many affected branches near alternatives, including ATMs, eftpos, Australia Post banking services and other branches. Customers will continue to have access to their banking products and services via Internet Banking, the App and the 24/7 national contact centre.
Regular users of these branches will be contacted and provided personalised support to help them transition to alternative ways to bank with us. This includes dedicated support lines available now and for six weeks after the 12 March closures.
The branches to close are Coomera, Hervey Bay, Kawana Waters, Kippa-Ring, Macquarie Park, Millmerran, Oakey, Pittsworth, Runaway Bay, Toowoomba Range, Tweed Heads, Wilsonton, Blackwood, Millicent and Caroline Springs. The Laidley, Goondiwindi and Maryborough agency outlets will also close.
For further information or support, customers are encouraged to visit their local branch or contact the dedicated support lines:
- Heritage Bank: 1300 396 115
- People’s Choice / People First Bank: 08 8124 2111
Media enquiries
Andrew Fox | Leader, Corporate Affairs | 0419 714 204 | fox.a@heritage.com.au