Rumours abound that Narromine’s Commonwealth Bank (CBA) branch in Dandaloo St is set to close, despite a denial from the multi-billion dollar business that operates it.

A Narromine resident attending a function in the region last week told Dubbo Photo News a speaker not affiliated with the CBA stated publicly that the local CBA branch was to close “within ten days”, shocking many of those present.

Our source added the speaker alleged the CBA considers the Narromine branch an “agency”, not a “branch”, because it is only open at nominated times each week.

We have elected not to reveal the event where this announcement was allegedly made, and by whom, however, we have also heard other recent murmurings about the future of the Narromine CBA branch.

Closure of the local branch, which employs two people, would have a significant impact on those who rely on the CBA for their banking, including many elderly residents and some local businesses. It is also the nearest branch outside Dubbo supporting surrounding communities.

WIth recent job cuts announced across the wider banking sector, the Country Mayors Association of NSW has come out swinging, with Chair Mayor Rick Firman OAM believing the decision to axe staff will result in yet more bank closures or a further reduction in services in rural communities across Australia.

“Australian banks are some of the most profitable in the world. When will greed for more and more returns finally give way to customer service and equitable access?" Cr Firman asked.

"The decisions banks are making to withdraw services from rural communities is insidious," he added.

“We constantly see a pattern of behaviour that is deliberately designed to justify closures. First there is a lowering of staff, next the hours are cut, then there are fewer services followed by advice the data shows customers are choosing online banking over face-to-face.

"Finally, we are told that because of falling use, the bank branch will be closed. Well, no surprises there, the outcome has been deliberately engineered by the bank,” a frustrated Cr Firman said.

Enquiries to CBA about the reported impending closure of the Narromine branch drew a swift denial from the bank’s media spokesperson.

“I can confirm the CommBank branch in Narromine is not closing and will continue trading as usual,” the spokesperson told Dubbo Photo News.

“We’re committed to regional Australia in line with our regional branch moratorium, which has been in place since July 2023,” they added, directing us to media statements on its website.

In February this year, CBA formally announced it was extending its existing commitment to regional Australia - but only until July 2027.

“All regional branches [will] remain open until at least July 31, 2027,” the bank said in a statement on its website.

“Our focus is on supporting our customers in regional and remote communities into the future.

“We’re actively and directly communicating with community leaders across Australia so we can serve and support our regional retail and business customers with their banking needs, as well as help familiarise communities with the full range of banking services available to them,” the statement continued.

“As part of maintaining Australia’s largest banking presence, CBA will this year invest $100 million in upgrading its branches and [automatic teller machine] fleet.

“The extension of the commitment announced in July 2023 ensures CBA continues to offer the largest branch network in Australia and offers reassurance to regional communities,” the bank concluded.

How long will the CBA branch remain open in Narromine? We'll continue to watch this space.