General News
14 January, 2026
People First Bank announce closure of Oakey, Pittsworth and Millmerran branches
People First have announced their intention to close their Oakey, Pittsworth and Millmerran branches by March 12.
The announcement included notice that 12 other branches and three agency outlets are also set to closed across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
“The way people bank is changing significantly, with most using card payments, internet banking and our app for their day-to-day banking,” said Chief Customer Officer Maria-Ann Camilleri.
“Less than 1% of our transactions occur in branches and fewer than 0.7% of our customers use a branch regularly.
“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.
“We know how important branches are to communities, so these decisions are only made after careful consideration as to how best serve our customers, now and into the future.
"We will do everything we can to support those affected and help them continue banking with us.
“The fact that our Oakey and Pittsworth branches were the last bank branches in town made this decision especially difficult.
"Despite our efforts to maintain these branches with reduced hours, customer use remained too low for these branches to remain viable.”
People First said all employees at the affected branches will be offered an alternative role with the bank.
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, who grew up on a farm near Oakey, said he was appalled at the announcement.
"This decision is a betrayal of the heartland and is devastating news for our region," he said.
"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.
"The meaning of mutuality might be lost on executives and directors in Adelaide and Sydney but it means the world for dozens of communities and thousands of people across the Darling Downs and Queensland.
"Local banking services, local jobs, support for local family businesses, sponsoring community events and a dedication to local causes all underpinned with a sense of pride knowing everyone had a stake in the ownership of their local bank.
"As many of you know, this is personal for me as I spent nearly a decade working at Heritage Bank with leaders deeply committed to the principles of mutuality.
"I opened my daughters’ first bank accounts with Heritage Bank over the counter in Pittsworth so to hear that beautiful town will now be left without any banking services leaves me speechless.
"It’s time they re-thought their name as there is nothing “People First” about this decision."
Member for Condamine Pat Weir, whose electorate office is across the road from the Heritage branch in Oakey said he was surprised at the announcement.
"Those are the last banks in town. (I'm shocked) particularly due to the language that was given with the merger - People First," Mr Weir said.
"That name is ringing a little hollow at the moment."
"Obviously, I'll be reaching out to (the PDA) - they represent the businesses in the town. I'll be looking for a meeting with People First.
"If people have concerns, please get in contact with our office condamine@parliament.qld.gov.au. If you have any strong opinions, I will pass them on."
Oakey Chamber of Commerce President Dave Cooper said the announcement was a sad day for Oakey and Pittsworth.
"I am shocked to hear that this is the course the bank has taken and disappointed that they didn't consult with Oakey 'people first'.
"We need Government to assist with incentives for banks to operate in regional towns to support all the banking needs of country people.
"I and all the Oakey Chamber of Commerce members will definitely work with any groups interested in a collaborative effort to ensure we keep this bank in Oakey."
A representative of the Pittsworth District Alliance said the announcement was a shock to the community.
"The announcement of the upcoming closure of the People First Bank in Pittsworth on March 12th has been met with deep disappointment from the Pittsworth District Alliance, including businesses, community groups and residents who rely on these branches for their banking needs," the representative said.
"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.
"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."
People First said its customers will continue to have access to their banking products and services via Internet Banking, the App and the 24/7 People First national contact centre.
It pointed to other in-person banking and cash access options that will remain available, including Australia Post banking services, ATMs, eftpos, and other branches.
They noted that customers can withdraw cash and make cash and cheque deposits in person fee-free using the Bank@Post services at Australia Post outlets, including:
• 77 Campbell Street, Oakey, 200 metres from the branch
• 81 Yandilla Street, Pittsworth, 250 metres from the branch
• 39-41 Campbell Street, Millmerran, 20 metres from the branch.
People First said customers can withdraw cash fee-free from major bank ATMs, including NAB in Oakey, Pittsworth and Millmerran, and Commonwealth Bank in Oakey.
