{"id":184676,"date":"2026-04-09T10:00:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T00:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/?p=184676"},"modified":"2026-04-09T09:48:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T23:48:14","slug":"committee-for-lorne-bendigo-bank-closure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/news\/committee-for-lorne-bendigo-bank-closure\/","title":{"rendered":"Committee for Lorne: Bendigo Bank closure"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lorne branch of the Bendigo Bank\u2019s Community Bank is closing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,<\/em><\/p>\n

Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit<\/em><\/p>\n

Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,<\/em><\/p>\n

Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

This verse, from Edward FitzGerald\u2019s translation of Omar Khayy\u00e1m\u2019s incomparable 11th-century collection of Persian quatrains [a quatrain is a Persian poetic form consisting of four-line stanzas with an AABA rhyming scheme], is one of the most beautiful in all literature.\u00a0 Depicting inevitability, it reminds us\u2014as if we needed reminding\u2014that everything changes, and that we can never turn back the clock.<\/p>\n

Perhaps this is why, as once-secure institutions, comfort zones, old-familiars, and anchors are superseded, dismantled, and replaced by new technology-rich but person-poor machines and algorithms, we troll Dylan Thomas\u2019s father to rave and rage at the passing of their light.\u00a0 It is only when those who so keenly champion each progressive societal change themselves grow old that they will understand how these lifetime motes of loss can accumulate.<\/p>\n

Sadly, another \u2018passing\u2019 is upon us.\u00a0 Just as Lorne once supported at least five petrol stations and now has but one, the town once proudly boasted local branches of all four major banks and, since the summer of 2017\/18, a branch of Bendigo Bank\u2019s Community Bank [https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/msn7jd7x<\/a>].\u00a0 However, soon only one bank will remain, for the Community Bank is closing its doors.\u00a0 Pete Spring wrote an eloquent summary of its founding, and the substantial community benefits our town has derived from our local branch … SCT: 9\/11\/23 [https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/n7eyczph<\/a>] … and it will be devastating to see it go.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Community Bank, true to its mission statement, has become an integral part of our town.\u00a0 Indeed, the bank\u2019s sponsorships, donations, and steady financial foundation have provided vital support to many of our local groups, societies, and sporting organisations. \u00a0But nothing lasts forever, and change is inevitable.<\/p>\n

Like Omar\u2019s moving finger, it is time for Bendigo Bank to move on, and while it is deeply saddening, we must accept their corporate judgment that their time in Lorne has come to an end … and thank them for all the bank has done for us.<\/p>\n

The Lorne branch will close on 17\/06\/26 and merge its operations with its branches in Anglesea and Winchelsea, which together form Corangamite Financial Services.\u00a0 Sadly, small-town branch banks are no longer sustainable, and Lorne\u2019s Community Bank branch has been operating at a loss for several years. It\u2019s easy to forget that a bank, like any other business, must turn a profit to survive, and Lorne\u2019s branch was not proving profitable.<\/p>\n

Banking has changed enormously in the last two decades.\u00a0 Face-to-face business has dropped dramatically as cash transactions have waned, the cheque era has faded to obscurity, and online banking now dominates.<\/p>\n

As banking margins have progressively tightened, storefront services in country towns and even major cities have become increasingly uneconomical.\u00a0 In Lorne, local staff have been hard to find and, unable to afford to live in Lorne, are travelling from beyond Anglesea.<\/p>\n

As a bank\u2019s profit comes from lending\u2014especially in the housing sector\u2014Lorne presents a further unique challenge. Since most properties in Lorne are either owned outright or financed by absentee landlords elsewhere, loan activity at the local branch has been minimal. \u00a0Furthermore, as most loans are now finalised online using \u2018DocuSign\u2019 technology, face-to-face attendance at physical bank branches has been relegated to a practice of the past.<\/p>\n

Although most bank customers are now computer-literate, arrangements are being made for those Lorne residents who are not, or who still prefer over-the-counter transactions, to continue their human interface through the Post Office.<\/p>\n

Not only will physical over-the-counter services cease, but the Community Bank ATM will also close, reflecting the progressive decline in the cash economy.\u00a0 For those who still depend on cash, the impact is yet to be seen, particularly as Lorne is an international tourist destination and many travellers still prefer the single transaction fee applied to ATM cash withdrawals to the multiple transaction fees that accompany individual card purchases.<\/p>\n

One important change that may affect local businesses and sporting organisations may be the synchronous closure of the banks\u2019 night and day deposit facility.\u00a0 Local clubs and societies may need to consider this at future committee meetings.<\/p>\n

It’s always disruptive when a service facility shuts its doors\u2014whether a bank, post office, service station, or store that locals have come to depend on. \u00a0We can’t blame the Bendigo Community Bank for its decision\u2014and honestly, it hasn’t come as a surprise\u2014but it is<\/u> a community loss that will be deeply felt.<\/p>\n

The Bendigo Community Bank has not just been a bank … it has donated more than $300,000 back into the community over the past eight years. It has sponsored and funded numerous LAAC fishing competitions, Lorne Football and Netball Club events, the scoreboard at Stribling Reserve, activities at the Lorne Country Club, the Lorne Bowls Club, and the Lorne Surf Lifesaving Club. \u00a0It has donated essential equipment to each of these organisations, including sponsoring the installation of multiple life-saving defibrillators across the town, and has generously contributed to the Lorne Hospital, the SES, the Lorne Fire Brigade, and the Lorne Ambulance, while also giving strong support to the Lorne Independent.\u00a0\u00a0Two other groups deserve special mention: the Lorne Op Shop and the Lorne Men\u2019s Shed, whose relationships with the Bendigo Community Bank have become the stuff of local legend. \u00a0All will sorely its presence in the town.<\/p>\n

Despite the lack of a physical presence after 17 June 2026 Lorne will continue to be an integral part of the Community Bank and both Lorne customers and the Lorne community will continue to receive the Community Bank\u2019s support.<\/p>\n

How does a community express its gratitude to a bank? \u00a0We can\u2019t exactly throw a party. \u00a0Sending roses seems a bit underwhelming. \u00a0And while this article may help alert to the gap the closure will leave in the fabric of the town, it also seems grossly inadequate.<\/p>\n

Perhaps in recognition that nothing is forever, nothing is immutable, and all good things must come to an end, we should simply pause to reflect on Omar Khayy\u00e1m\u2019s timeless message of inevitability \u2014 \u201cthe moving finger writes, and, having writ, moves on\u201d <\/em>\u2014 a line that could be aptly applied to a great many changes now underway in townships along the Great Ocean Road.<\/p>\n

Then just say …<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

John Agar<\/strong>
\nFeature Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A word from the chairman<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hello
\nWhat an Easter that was! In the midst of global conflict and fuel shortages, people needed an escape or perhaps just wanted to come out to play. And what better place to do that than in our beautiful town. The weather was kind (well for most of the time!) and Lorne put on hospitality and events to meet all tastes. It was great to see our beaches so busy in early April.
\nOn Thursday, the long weekend kicked off with the well-attended opening of the 2026 Lorne Photographic Exhibition at Lorne Community Connect. The exhibition includes the works of talented local amateur photographers and is well worth a look at Community Connect until April 12th.
\nOn Good Friday, Lorne hosted football and netball at Stribling Reserve against Apollo Bay in the opening round of the 2026 season. Our footballers had a great day out with 5 wins from 5 games, including a win to our Under 12s, their first since formation last year. Well done to all our players! Our netballers also had a good day out with 4 wins from 6 games. A great start all round. A good crowd turned out to watch the games as well as about 80 supporters who attended the President\u2019s lunch in the Stribling Reserve Pavilion and heard from President Carly and senior football coach Ed Curnow about their exciting plans and hopes for this year.
\nOn Saturday morning, the foreshore market was abuzz with the biggest crowd seen for several years, giving a much-appreciated boost to our school\u2019s coffers. On Sunday morning there were large attendances at church services, and then the Men\u2019s Shed came out to play with their model boats at the Swing Bridge. Their self-constructed remote-control yachts put on an impressive display of sailing and navigation skills. Meanwhile at the other end of town, there was a well-patronised (in the circumstances, with no access to the pier) fishing competition conducted by the Aquatic Club. Please explain why law-abiding anglers were not permitted to use the pier, while every other Tom, Dick and Harry had free run of the pier, day and night, over the weekend with no impediment, no enforcement and no consequences! And we are now told the pier lights are off for \u201csafety reasons\u201d!!!
\n*****
\nA very important award in the Lorne community is the Doug and Mary Stirling Community Cup. Named after two of our most esteemed and respected citizens, the award honours outstanding service to, and leadership in, the Lorne community and is awarded biennially.
\nDetails and criteria for the award will be posted on the Committee for Lorne website and nomination forms can be obtained from the Visitor Information Centre, the School, the Post Office or online \u2013 at www.tinyurl.com\/stirlingcup. Nominations for the award are open until 30 June 2026 and are confidential. The award will be presented at a Committee for Lorne lunch to be held in September. More information about the history of the award will be provided through this column in the coming weeks. Please start thinking about your nomination.
\nCheers<\/p>\n

Lorne Ward Events Calendar<\/strong><\/h1>\n

April<\/strong><\/p>\n

3-12 Photographic Exhibition,\u00a0<\/strong>at Lorne Community Connect, 10am-5pm<\/p>\n

18 <\/strong>Lorne Dolphins F<\/strong>ootball and Netball V Colac Imperials, <\/strong>at Stribling Reserve, juniors match from 8:45am, seniors at 2pm<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Lorne branch of the Bendigo Bank\u2019s Community Bank is closing. \u201cThe Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.\u201d This verse, from Edward FitzGerald\u2019s translation of Omar Khayy\u00e1m\u2019s incomparable […]<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":149,"featured_media":184680,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-184676","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCommittee for Lorne: Bendigo Bank closure - Surf Coast Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Bendigo Community Bank in Lorne will close in June 2026, ending years of local support and raising concerns for residents and businesses.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/news\/committee-for-lorne-bendigo-bank-closure\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Committee for Lorne: Bendigo Bank closure - 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