Same predicament as 12 years ago

Your last front page article reports the closure of the Westpac Branch at Umina.

This is the same predicament which led to the opening of the Bendigo Bank at Ettalong Beach some 12 years ago.

This was when the Commonwealth Bank left Ettalong.

Who is to say that the Commonwealth Bank at Umina, as the only remaining bank, will not close its doors any time soon?

Umina residents need to know that they don't have to travel to Woy Woy to conduct their banking activities.

They can take a shorter and easier journey to Bendigo Bank at Ettalong where they will receive great service and be able to transact all of the same banking services which they can undertake at Westpac Umina.

Over the past 12 years, Ettalong Bendigo Bank has returned more than $460,000 to the local community in grants and sponsorships for Peninsula sporting and welfare groups.

Dividends of $86,000 have been paid to shareholders, including a seven cents in the dollar dividend for 2015-16.

We now support over 45 local organisations under our community bank model.

We provide financial support to football clubs, surf clubs, bowling clubs, netball clubs, craft groups, welfare groups and all manner of organisations on the Peninsula.

We have a hard-working board of directors led by long-term local resident and ex-banker chairman, Mr Mick Gage.

Our directors are unpaid and provide their services in a voluntary capacity for the benefit of the community here on the Peninsula.

We have a great group of staff led by experienced manager, Mr Peter McKeon, who will do all that they can to support you with your banking needs.

The bank has recently undergone a major renovation and we invite you all to come and have a look at our refreshed facilities.

Email, 1 Dec 2016

Ken Dixon, Ettalong