General News
29 January, 2026
Community agrees it’s time to act to keep banking services in town
Oakey Chamber of Commerce is moving towards forming a steering committee to drive the push to keep banking services in Oakey following the decision of Heritage Bank to close its local branch.
Chamber President Dave Cooper started the meeting by asking the community to be constructive.
“We all have the same grievance,” he said.
“The situation is beyond disappointing - there’s a lot of other adjectives I’d use.”
In attendance were around 60 disgruntled community members, representative from Crows Nest Community Services Ltd and Darling Downs Bank, and state and federal MPs.
Federal MP for Groom Garth Hamilton expressed his disillusionment noting that People First Bank was opening a new multi-storey building near his CBD electorate office.
“I don’t think I’ll be going to that opening (of People First Bank's new headquarters) in Toowoomba,” he said.
Former accountant Bruce Finlayson recommended gathering financial support and resources to help the new Darling Downs Bank (formerly Warwick Credit Union) establish a branch.
“Their enthusiasm with our need could make for a perfect mixture,” Mr Finlayson said.
“There would be overheads and outlay costs, but the only way we can keep banks here is to support them.
“This means we should forgo the free Visa cards and Master Cards that the bigger banks offer us.”
Starting a community bank was another option discussed.
Progressive Community Crows Nest director Baden Brown, who operates a branch in conjunction with Heritage Bank in his town provided some advice.
“If you’ve got a community will to drive it, you’re halfway there,” Mr Brown said.
“But it takes a lot of hard work to set one up and even more to keep it going.”
The problem of immediate loss of services after the bank's impending closure on March 12 was also discussed.
Australia Post Oakey offers Bank@Post services, but there are few wheelchair-friendly bus options for people to continue to do their banking in a Heritage branch in Toowoomba.
At the meeting, the Chamber resolved to progress forward with the following options:
Inquire with Heritage to have it extend its closing date, for a further 3 months to allow customers to find an alternative solution.
Encourage customers to write a letter to Heritage asking for it to extend its services in town
Speak to the owner of branch building in Oakey in regards to keeping the current fit out for future potential banks to reduce start up costs
Seek a commitment from Armaguard to continue providing cash to Oakey
Confirm with NAB that it isn’t closing its ATM in the near future
Communicate with TRC to facilitate transport for the elderly and disabled around pension days
Ask Garth Hamilton to request more mobile Centrelink bus visits to Oakey to assist with banking and financial assistance
Speak to Goondir Health Services about using its bus which has wheelchair accessibility
Formulate a letter of commitment to potential banks from businesses and community
Speak to potential banks that may come to Oakey
Find criteria for these prospective banks - what are they looking for to start a branch in Oakey?
Continue communications with Darling Downs Bank and Crows Nest Community Bank about their models
Speak with Government about Centrelink having a permanent set up in the current Goondir building
Garth Hamilton to speak with the Customer Owned Banking Association to see if there are any potential opportunities there to start a bank here
Oakey RSL is looking at putting in another ATM at its building entrance and are in discussions with ANZ Bank.
The meeting resolved that with an expected population growth of 1100+ people in Oakey over the next few years, the needs of the town are growing, requiring a bank and sufficient financial facilities.
