The Jeparit, Rainbow, and Nhill branches of the NAB are amongst 114 smaller regional branches throughout Australia that will be adopting a with a new model that will see hundreds of jobs maintained a more consistent banking experience for customers.

Under this new model, which will come into effect from 17 August, opening hours will be changed to 9.30 am to 12.30 pm in these branches, but the days of opening will remain as they are currently. All the existing staff will be retained and divided their time between over the counter service and digital or phone banking support, as more customers move online.

NAB Group Executive Personal Banking Rachel Slade said “It is clear the face of banking is changing, especially in the way customers want to interact with us,

“Our branches continue to be a really important part of many local communities, especially for local businesses. On average a quarter of transactions take place between 9.30 am and 10.30 am in our regional branches. Through this new model, we can continue to be there to serve our customers and have meaningful conversations while also adapting to the way our customers are now banking.”

“We think this move will strike that balance, keeping the doors open at 114 branches around the country, providing the opportunity for around 300 bankers to learn skills while we continue to serve our customers well.”

More than 90% of NAB’s customer interactions are now taking place online or by phone, and more than half of their customers log onto NAB banking via the app or online each month. Over-the-counter transactions are declining steadily and have reduced by a quarter in the past year.

NAB will provide its bankers at these branches with the training and tools required to support customers across phone and online chat and support them through the changes.