General News
19 February, 2026
People First reject TRC offer to co-locate Oakey, Pittsworth, Millmerran branches
People First Bank Chairman Michael Cameron has rejected Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) offer to co-locate People First banking services in Council Service Centres in Oakey, Pittsworth and Millmerran.
At its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, Councillors had resolved that Mayor Geoff McDonald write to Mr Cameron offering People First Bank the use of TRC facilities in a trial at Oakey, Pittsworth and Millmerran.
It was also resolved that TRC Chief Executive Officer, Sal Petroccitto, and People First Bank Chief Executive Officer, Steve Laidlaw, meet to discuss the matters raised in the letter, namely the trial.
The Mayor did so on Wednesday, February 4th and Mr Cameron responded by letter on Tuesday, February 10th, rejecting the proposal.
“As requested by Council, I can confirm that the Council Chief Executive Officer, Sal Petroccitto, and People First Bank Chief Executive Officer, Steve Laidlaw, have met to discuss the matters raised in your letter.
“This included consideration of Council’s proposal to explore co-location of bank staff within Council-owned facilities.
“This option was carefully considered by the bank; however, due to cost, security & operational requirements, co-location arrangements are not feasible.”
Mr Cameron said People First Bank still operates more branches and employs more staff than any other bank in the Region.
Negotiations surrounding the termination of building leases in Oakey, Pittsworth and Millmerran continue.
