Heidi Kraak
A Traralgon resident has expressed her disappointment following the announcement the CUA Bank branch in Traralgon will close its doors on October 5 this year.
Helen Ruff said she had been with CUA for 29 years and that, once the Traralgon branch closed, the nearest CUA branch would be in Dandenong.
“We don’t want to go there [to Dandenong]. I’ve been with them for 29 years. Loyalty just doesn’t work anymore,” she said.
“I have friends that all use the branch. We all walk into the branch and we love going to the bank.
“I’m not keen on using ATMs either – that is a bit of a worry.”
Ms Ruff said she was also concerned as “it is just another business gone”.
“There is a lot of shops shutting in Traralgon,” she said.
“We’ll just have another five jobless people.
“I’m just upset it is closing, mainly.”
CUA chief sales officer Paul Lewis said the branch was closing because the company had observed a decline in foot traffic at the Traralgon branch.
“We are conscious that this decision may cause a level of inconvenience for some members and we apologise to those members,” he said.
“Affected members have been given advance notice about the closure and informed of alternate ways to do their banking.
“We’re also planning a morning tea for members in the Traralgon branch to discuss the changes and guide them through alternative ways to continue doing their banking with CUA.”
Mr Lewis said the five staff were being “supported and provided with assistance during the transition period”.
“Some of our longer-term Traralgon team members will be retiring while others are being supported by CUA to seek alternative employment in the local area,” he said.
Mr Lewis said members could access exclusive services and a dedicated advisor by calling 1800 931 411 or emailing im@cua.com.au.