Media releases

Westpac launches Community Banking Service in regional Victoria
4 August 2026

Westpac has today announced it is bringing its pilot Community Banking Service to three regional Victorian towns – Woodend, St Arnaud and Wedderburn.

The expansion into Victoria follows the early success of the service which has been piloting in regional New South Wales and recently launched in Queensland, reflecting the growing demand for flexible banking options that combine face-to-face support with digital services.

Through the Community Banking Service, Westpac bankers visit participating towns fortnightly, providing customers with access to in-person support and expertise.

Westpac Chief Executive, Consumer, Carolyn McCann, says the service is being trialled to support the unique needs and expectations of regional communities.

“Whether it’s helping a farmer manage seasonal cashflow, supporting a small business owner pursing growth or expansion opportunities, or assisting customers with their everyday banking needs, having access to a banker you can speak to face-to-face still matters,” McCann said.

“Early feedback of our Community Banking Service has been really positive, and we look forward to bringing the trial into Victoria.

“This expansion means the service will now be operating in 14 regional towns across three states, bringing the reassurance of in-person banking services to over 65,000 people living in these communities.”

The visiting banker can help customers with everyday tasks like opening a new account, updating information, activating a new card and more complex tasks like setting up account signatories or powers of attorney. Specialist home lenders and business bankers will also visit towns as required.

The Community Banking Service will begin operating in Woodend, St Arnaud and Wedderburn later this month. More information about the service is available at the Westpac website.

 

Woodend:       10am - 2pm, Wednesday fortnightly from 12 August

                         Neighbourhood House, 47 Forest Street, Woodend

Wedderburn:  10am - 2pm, Tuesday fortnightly from 18 August

                         Community House, 24 Wilson Street, Wedderburn

St Arnaud:       10am - 2pm, Wednesday fortnightly from 19 August

                         Community Centre, 85 Napier Street, St Arnaud

 

WESTPAC COMMUNITY BANKING PILOT LOCATIONS

VICTORIA NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND
  • Woodend
  • St Arnaud
  • Wedderburn
  • Bulahdelah
  • Dungog
  • Manilla
  • Walcha
  • Boggabri
  • Clifton
  • Pittsworth
  • Laidley
  • Clermont
  • Malanda
  • Ravenshoe

WESTPAC REGIONAL BANKING INITIATIVES

  • Extended regional branch moratorium: Westpac first introduced a pause on regional branch closures in 2023. This was extended alongside industry peers last year to mid-2027. In November 2025, Westpac announced the moratorium would remain in place through to 2030, reinforcing its long-term commitment to regional communities.
  • Regional Service Centres: After first announcing the new model in April 2025, Westpac has opened Regional Service Centres in Moree (NSW), Leongatha (VIC) and Smithton (TAS). A fourth Service Centre will open in Yass (NSW) in 2027.
  • Community Banking Service: In early 2026 Westpac commenced a new Community Banking Service pilot with a visiting banker coming to town on a fortnightly basis. Starting in New South Wales this is now expanded into regional Queensland and Victoria operating in a total 14 towns.

 

Media contact:

media@westpac.com.au