For all that time the bank and the community built a relationship which was second to none as they worked together to develop a vibrant region.
Indeed, many of the senior members of the Toukley community have “been with the Commonwealth” all their life.
However all that history and goodwill has been tossed aside by the stroke of an accountant’s biro as part of the bank’s misguided faith in all things to computerize and its headlong charge to close as many branches as possible. Now, the bank’s imminent closure has been announced it has senior citizens at boiling point.
Those very residents were never likely to take it lying down and are campaigning against the closure of the Main Road branch, which is scheduled to close before Christmas on Friday, December 1.
Member for Dobell Emma McBride is championing the town’s bid to keep the bank open.
She recently joined members of the Toukley Senior Citizens at the bank to sign their petition and support their campaign to save the local branch.
“The Commonwealth Bank declared a full-year, after-tax profit of $9.93 billion this year, a 7.6 per cent rise,” Ms McBride said.
“Their profits are extraordinary and yet they are cutting local branches which provide essential services to their customers.”
“While deposits and withdrawals can be done at the Post Office, and the ATM will remain, many customers need branch services.”
“I’m pleased to support the Toukley Seniors Citizens’ campaign to save the branch.”
“If, however, the CBA doesn’t hear the community’s voice and the branch closes I have sought an assurance that no staff will lose their jobs.”
Customers would then need to travel to branches at Lake Haven or The Entrance, placing a tremendous burden on their senior and disabled customers.
Residents can join the campaign by signing the petition at Toukley Senior Citizens, 1 Hargraves Street Toukley (opposite Coles).
