Greater Bank will temporarily close eight branches and reduce the hours of operation of its remaining branches across NSW and QLD in response to changing customer behaviour due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following branches will temporarily close at 2pm on Thursday 9 April:
HUNTER REGION
- Jesmond - Jesmond Central, 28 Blue Gum Road, Jesmond
- Maitland - Corner Church Street & Ken Tubman Drive, Maitland
- Mayfield - 266 Maitland Road, Mayfield
- Nelson Bay - 14 Stockton Street, Nelson Bay
- New Lambton - 50 Regent Street, New Lambton
- Warners Bay - 472 The Esplanade, Warners Bay
CENTRAL COAST
- Gosford - 171 Mann Street, Gosford.
ILLAWARRA
- Wollongong - 150-154 Crown Street
In addition, from Tuesday 14 April, the operating hours of Greater Bank’s 51 other branches will be reduced to 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday and will not open on Saturdays.
These operational changes are currently in place until 9 May and will be monitored over that period.
Greater Bank Chief Executive Officer, Scott Morgan, said that the operational changes have become necessary as the community responses to the new COVID-19 lockdown laws, which has resulted in a significant shift in the way customers are transacting with the bank.
“Over the last two weeks our over-the-counter transactions have dropped significantly, and we have seen an increase in the use of our other banking channels.
“These temporary changes will allow us to redeploy our branch employees to support our customers in these other channels, which includes the establishment of four remote contact centres to help manage the higher than average call volumes.
“Across the network, our busiest period is prior to 2pm, however we do understand that the change in operating hours may inconvenience some customers.
“For those visiting our branches, I can confirm that we are continuing to employ increased health and safety standards across our network by cleaning branches and ATMs more frequently, providing hand sanitiser for customers and practising social distancing and self-isolation.
“Customers can continue to access cash 24 hours, 7 days a week through our ATM network, and also conduct a wide range of banking services through our Internet Banking and Mobile App. Customers can also phone our contact centre on 1300 641 500, however, we ask that you please be patient as we are experiencing longer than usual waiting times due to a large volume of calls being received.”
Mr Morgan said that despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, Greater Bank is in a strong position to cope with and successfully manage the needs and expectations of its 270,000 customers.
“These are difficult times for everyone, where we will experience unprecedented change and disruption to our everyday lives. I want to assure our customers and the communities in which we operate that our financial situation remains strong, we are well equipped and our people are committed to meet these challenges to support the ongoing needs of our customers, today and well into the future,” Mr Morgan said.
Greater Bank customers experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 are encouraged to find out more at www.greater.com.au/COVID19 , email relief@greater.com.au or phone 1300 653 679.