A trip to the bank isn’t usually considered a luxury experience, but Penrith’s refurbished ANZ branch is challenging that notion after its grand re-opening last Friday.
The new office invites customers into a welcoming space with light oak furnishings, lush greenery, and the classic ANZ blue.
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown praised the renovation and congratulated the bank on its investment in the community after cutting the ribbon.
“ANZ has put about $1.4 million into the refurb of this branch,” McKeown said.
“They’ve increased staff, so it’s gone from about eight staff to 11 staff which is great for local employment.”
Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere aren’t the only attractions at the financial institution.
“The technology that’s been incorporated here well and truly brings us into the 21st century,” McKeown explained.
“They’ve got all the additions to help people who are not that computer literate that maybe don’t have all the devices at home that they need, they can pop in here and speak to the staff and they’re more than ready, willing and able to assist.”
Branch Manager Tushar Mehta said he couldn’t be prouder of the refurbishment, and explained that while they were closed, their dedication to the community never waivered.
“It took about six weeks to complete, but the important thing is we were not ready to give up, so we actually started a kiosk in Westfield Penrith,” Mehta said.
“The idea behind it was to make sure customers were still attended to.”
The temporary kiosk was so successful, it will now be kept until January 2025 as a second point of contact.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.