Westpac has extended its regional branch moratorium until 2030 and launched a pilot for a new Community Banking Service aimed at enhancing access to banking in regional Australia. 

The Westpac regional branch moratorium, first introduced in 2023 and previously extended until mid-2027, will now remain in effect for a further three years. 

Westpac will begin the Community Banking Service pilot, developed in partnership with the regional councils in early 2026.  

This pilot will initially launch in five locations, with the first three trial locations confirmed at Dungog, Bulahdelah, and Manilla towns in New South Wales. 

The service will provide customers with access to regular visiting bankers who can assist with general banking needs and connect them to specialist lenders. 

Westpac CEO Anthony Miller said: “The new measures follow a full review of the bank’s regional banking services. 

“Strong regional communities are vital for a strong Australia, and we want to make sure these areas have access to the services they need to prosper and grow. 

“We’ve conducted a coast-to-coast review of our services and are increasing our investment in key areas to help build stronger regions. 

“This has included opening our first new regional service centre last month in Moree, designed to bring the best of our digital banking capabilities together with face-to-face support to assist with daily banking tasks and business banking needs.” 

Westpac plans to invest over $65m to upgrade 50 regional branches, modernising facilities to better support customers. 

In addition, the bank will introduce a regional graduate programme in 2026, offering placements in ten regional centres. 

These placements are designed to provide training, development, and employment pathways for local talent. 

Further support for regional communities will come through over $1.5m in annual funding for local events and sponsorships. 

New service centres are set to open in Leongatha, Victoria, and Smithton, Tasmania, joining the existing Moree service centre. 

These centres will offer face-to-face banking, ID verification, lending services, fraud and scam support, and access to Smart ATMs. 

Miller added: “Personal relationships matter in regional areas, and we understand the value of sitting down across the table with someone who knows your business, your family and your goals. 

“But we’re not chasing a one-size-fits-all model and we need to get the balance right. 

“Approximately 96% of all transactions are now completed digitally, so we need to consider how we can deliver world-class banking services that meet all needs of our customers in the regions – whether that’s physically, digitally or personally.”