- Westpac’s Community Banking Service will launch in Queensland starting in six regional towns.
- The bank is investing over $10 million to upgrade six regional Queensland branches and business banking centres.
- The move complements Westpac’s existing moratorium on regional branch closures until 2030.
Westpac is expanding its services in more regional locations, today announcing it will bring its Community Banking Service to six regional Queensland towns – Clifton, Pittsworth, Malanda, Ravenshoe, Clermont and Laidley.
The expansion follows strong early feedback from a pilot of the service in regional New South Wales over the past few months.
The Community Banking Service provides regular, in-person banking support in regional towns with Westpac bankers visiting fortnightly, giving customers direct, face-to-face access to banking services and support to complement digital banking options.
“From agriculture to resources, tourism and small business, regional Queensland is central to the country’s growth and resilience,” said Westpac CEO Anthony Miller.
“A one-size-fits-all model doesn’t always work, particularly across such diverse regional communities. The Community Banking Service is about being present in these regions, understanding local conditions and supporting everyday decisions, whether that’s for households or businesses.
“While most banking is now done digitally, people still like face-to-face service. The challenge and the opportunity we have is finding the right balance between in person and digital, so customers get the service they need in a way that makes sense for them.”
Westpac is also investing over $10 million in its existing regional network in Queensland, with planned upgrades to six branches and business banking centres located in Roma, Cairns, Rockhampton and Dalby.
“Our customers in the regions are investing, growing and backing themselves and we are here to support them,” Miller said.
“That’s why we’re investing in our network and have extended our moratorium on regional branch closures through to 2030.”
WESTPAC INVESTMENT IN REGIONAL BANKING
Community Banking Service | In early 2026 Westpac commenced a new regional Community Banking Service pilot with a visiting banking service to three regional NSW towns – Bulahdelah, Dungog and Manilla. This was recently expanded to Walcha, NSW and will soon launch in Boggabri, NSW as well as in six regional Queensland towns – Clifton, Pittsworth, Laidley, Clermont, Malanda and Ravenshoe. |
Regional branch upgrades | Westpac is investing over $10 million to upgrade six regional Queensland branches and business banking centres located in Roma, Cairns, Rockhampton and Dalby. |
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). |
