Community & Business
23 January, 2026
Bank exit sparks outrage
The People First Bank is turning its back on rural communities, having announced its intention to permanently close 15 branches and three agency outlets, including Pittsworth and Millmerran from 12th March 2026.
“People First” begs the question: which people? It certainly isn’t those of us whose communities are once again being left behind.
Not so long ago, People First Bank (formerly Heritage) pledged to maintain a commitment to our community after the National Australia Bank’s closure in Pittsworth.
Now it seems that promise is nothing more than smoke in the wind with residents left feeling outraged and betrayed by this sudden decision.
Former Pittsworth Mayor, Ros Scotney OAM, said the actions of People First Bank were blatantly dishonest and would have repercussions, creating ripple effects across all sectors of the town’s economy.
“It’s just deceitful,” she said.
“They do not care about our little communities.”
Ms Scotney first opened the Pittsworth branch in November of 2007.
“When I opened the branch I thought, ‘isn’t this great for Pittsworth?’ Now, I can’t believe they would do this to us,” she said.
“I just think they’re callous, very callous people.”
Other branches to close include Oakey, Toowoomba Range, Wilsonton, and the Goondiwindi agency outlet.
This announcement has hit the hardest in Pittsworth and Oakey, where the closures will mark the end of all banking services - not merely an inconvenience but a serious failure of basic service provision.
Pat Weir, Member for Condamine, said he was shocked by the announcement.
“Pittsworth and Oakey finally have land being developed, houses being built, new people moving in, more money is coming into these towns, and suddenly the last bank is being closed.”
He said there had been poor communication between the bank and its customers about the decision.
Members were alerted of the impending closure via email last Thursday.
But for many, particularly the seniors of our community, the only notice was a sign posted on the door outside the local branch.
Mr Weir has reached out to the Pittsworth District Alliance, and said he will be looking for a meeting with People First Bank.
James Lister, Member for Southern Downs, said the closing of the branches in his electorate (Millmerran and Goondiwindi) was truly disgraceful.
“These closures are an outrage, and an indelible stain on Heritage Bank’s corporate record.
“Heritage Bank made solemn commitments to both the community, and also to banking regulators, that they would not abandon country towns when they swallowed up People’s Choice Credit Union.
“That commitment has been exposed as a cynical sham,” Mr Lister said.
“Heritage Bank’s behaviour is an insult to the bush, and also to their once proud name. What Heritage? What’s left? Now they’re just another corporate juggernaut, leaving in their wake the debris of broken promises and community betrayal.”
A 90-years-old Pittsworth resident, who has been a customer of the bank for more than 40 years, is now faced with the reality of not being able to conduct face-to-face banking.
He does not use Internet Banking and regularly visits the branch to pay his bills.
“It’s just the principle of it, they’re taking away our last bank,” the resident said.
“They’ve already taken away three other banks [ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB]. It is disappointing.”
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, who opened his daughters’ first bank accounts in person at the Pittsworth branch, said he was speechless that the town would be left without a bank.
“There was a clear commitment upon the merger between Heritage Bank and People’s Choice that there would be no branch closures - and now more than 20 Heritage Bank Queensland branches have been shuttered in the past year alone,” Mr Janetzki said.
Garth Hamilton, Federal Member for Groom, strongly supported Mr Janetzki’s comments.
“This is a massive betrayal by People First Bank,” he said.
“We have seen the real and devastating impact these decisions have on smaller communities in our region.”
The Pittsworth District Alliance (PDA) said community groups, sporting clubs, residents and businesses, who rely on these branches for their banking needs would be left bereft by the impending closures.
“It was only 12 months ago that People First Bank reduced their branch hours, and in following communications, the bank had been committed to keeping the doors open for several years before closures would occur, ensuring ongoing access for customers and local communities during that period,” said a representative of the PDA.
“Many have expressed concern about losing a trusted place for face-to-face support and the impact this will have on their ability to manage their finances.
“The closures have sparked worries about diminished services for older residents and those less comfortable with digital banking, as well as the broader effects on the local economy and community connections.”
Customers have frequently commented on how busy the Pittsworth branch is during the short period of time it is open each week, so the Sentinel asked People First Bank about it’s branch use and viability.
“Across our customers, fewer than 1 per cent of transactions now occur in branches and fewer than 0.7 per cent of customers use a branch regularly,” Chief Customer Officer, Maria-Ann Camilleri said.
“In Oakey and Pittsworth specifically, only around 5 per cent of local customers visit a branch once a month or more.
“That means 95 per cent of local customers rarely or never use the branches.
“There is no single ‘daily number’ that determines viability,” Ms Camilleri said.
“Our approach considers a combination of factors including customer numbers, transaction volumes, usage trends over time and the availability of alternative services.
“As a customer-owned bank, we must adapt to changing banking preferences by investing in the services our customers use most.
“This decision is not driven by profit but by a careful focus on directing our limited resources to digital, call centre and other services that provide the greatest benefit to the most customers.”
People First Bank assured that these closures are not part of a move toward a cashless model, and the bank has no plans on becoming a cashless bank.
In Millmerran, the removal of People First Bank, leaves NAB as the remaining bank in town... but for how long?
In 2023, the Millmerran branch transitioned from a Community Branch to a standard Heritage Bank branch.
“While the branch will now close, this decision does not change our commitment to supporting local communities across the region,” Ms Camilleri said.
Millmerran is poised for rapid growth, driven by the opening of the new hospital last year, ongoing residential construction, and Genex Power’s solar project currently under development at Bulli Creek.
When the People First Bank vacates the premises in the main street, it will be the only empty building in town.
Nikki Macqueen, President of the Millmerran Commerce & Progress Inc. said it was deeply disappointing to hear of the impending closures of the Millmerran, Pittsworth and Oakey branches.
“This decision delivers a serious blow to our communities, particularly for residents, businesses, and vulnerable people who rely on accessible, face-to-face banking services,” she said.
“The fact that Pittsworth will now be left without a bank frontage at all is unacceptable in this day and age and highlights a growing disconnect between major financial institutions and the regional communities they are meant to serve.
“We strongly hope that the NAB branch remains open, as continued access to teller-based banking services is essential for many of our residents, community groups and local businesses.”
People First Bank disclosed it does not intend to retain ATMs at locations where branches will close.
“Customers can continue to withdraw cash fee-free from major bank ATMs, including NAB ATMs in Oakey and Pittsworth...” Ms Camilleri said.
“In-person cash and cheque deposits and withdrawals will continue to be available fee-free through Bank@Post at Australia Post, with outlets located within a short distance of each affected branch.”
Customers will continue to have access to their banking products and services via Internet Banking, the App and the 24/7 national contact centre.
All employees at the affected branches will be offered an alternative role with the bank.
For further information or support, customers are encouraged to contact the dedicated support line on 1300 396 115.
Pat Weir MP encouraged anyone with concerns to contact his office via email on condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au
“If you have any strong opinions, I’ll pass them on,” Mr Weir said.
