Alice Springs branch closure - frequently asked questions

• We have made the difficult but necessary decision to permanently close the People’s Choice branch in Alice Springs due to ongoing safety and security concerns for our people.

• We recognise the important role that bank branches play in local communities, and we are proud to be part of the communities that we serve, however the safety and wellbeing of our people remains our top priority.

• We have a duty of care to protect our people from harm, and unfortunately this has meant that the branch will be permanently closed.

The branch will close on 30 August, however a number of measures will be in place to ensure members continue to have access to a range of banking products and services.

To ensure minimal disruption to our members, we’re implementing the following transition period:  

• 18 July – 30 August – The Alice Springs branch will remain open from 9.30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, with additional security. 

• 30 August – Final day of trading at the Alice Springs branch. 

• Specialised phone support will be available to affected members for six weeks post-closure.  

• Ongoing support will be available for members via our National Contact Centre on 13 11 82 daily from 7:00am to 10.30pm.  

• Unfortunately, People’s Choice has no other branches near Alice Springs, however other cash services are available

• Members will be able to withdraw cash and make deposits in person fee-free using the Bank@Post services at Australia Post outlets. Members can also withdraw cash fee-free from ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac ATMs, and access free cash-out facilities at supermarkets and participating retailers with purchases.

• Assistance will also be provided to members who would prefer to open an account with another local financial institution. We are notifying the Branch Managers of the other local banks to seek their support for our members who may need to find an alternative bank that offers face-to-face services.

• Importantly a range of measures will also be in place to ensure members have access to their banking products online, via phone banking or the mobile app.

• Our branches at Casuarina, Darwin and Palmerston will continue to operate.

As a member-owned bank, we greatly value each and every one of our members and we are committed to supporting their banking needs and minimising the impact of this change. For the overwhelming majority who bank online with us there will be no impact.

We have a range of measures in place to support members transition to alternative ways of banking which includes:

• Additional employee in the branch, access to our National Contact Centre 7:00am to 10.30pm 7 days a week, and a dedicated virtual team for six weeks after closure to support members and respond to their enquiries.

• In-branch education and assistance on digital and card usage, including providing assistance to register for phone banking or use the mobile app.  

• Cards and PINs for all members who currently do not have them.  

• First Nations members can use our Employee Assisted Account Balance phone service for help with balances and transactions. 

• Face to face community agency engagement and support during the notice period and six weeks post closure. 

• Dedicated phone support for local agencies.  

• Posters/flyers at the branch and in communities. 

• Assistance and help guides to support members open an account with another local financial institution if self-service is not suitable.  

• We recognise that some of our members will require additional support during this change, and we will work with our members to support their individual needs and circumstance.  

• We are also contacting a range of local community groups and other relevant stakeholders in Alice Springs to seek their support to ensure community members are aware of this change and have our collective support.

• Members will be able to withdraw cash and make deposits in person fee-free using the Bank@Post services at Australia Post outlets. Members can also withdraw cash fee-free from ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac ATMs, and access free cash-out facilities at supermarkets and participating retailers with purchases.  

• We will also provide a dedicated support line for members for six weeks after closure to assist members with their banking needs. 

• Assistance will also be provided to members who would prefer to open an account with another local financial institution. 

• We are notifying the Branch Managers of the other local banks to seek their support for our members. 

All employees at the Alice Springs branch will be offered an alternative employment opportunity with us.

Members can contact our National Contact Centre team on 13 11 82 to discuss how we can continue to serve them and alternative banking options. The team are available 7:00am to 10.30pm every day. Our members can also visit us in our Alice Springs branch during this transition period, we will have extra team members available to assist our members.