LEADING the way, Mansfield’s National Australia Bank (NAB) has extended its hours, as part of a nation-wide commitment to maintain face-to-face banking.

NAB Group Executive for Personal Banking, Ana Marinkovic confirmed that while digital is foundational, human touch is just as important with the service considered essential by many Australians.

Local branch manager Renee Leslie said the bank had listened to the community, with Mansfield one of the first branches regionally to return to full trade opening from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday.

Bucking a national trend, the NAB has also announced it will not close any branches in its rural and regional networks until at least July 31, 2027, with the financial service provider focusing on customer-centric initiatives.

Of the top four major banks, NAB maintains the strongest regional presence with almost 50 per cent of its branch network serving regional communities.

The Mansfield NAB is one of 210 branches located in a regional or rural area, with the return to extended opening hours at the High Street location serving as a pilot to inform service delivery at other country branches.

“The bank has recognised the area is high growth and has seen how much foot traffic we get through the door,” said Ms Leslie.

“The return to full trade allows us to deliver the customer service we want to deliver.

“Another great thing is the bank is so committed to investing in regional and rural that we will be getting a massive upgrade.

“We are also looking to turn the branch into more of a business hub to complement our strong personal banking service, with more permanent placement of staff who can advise on small business and agriculture alongside increased access to our home lending executive.”

Ms Leslie confirmed the team will also be expanding and reiterated that they are all locals, so know firsthand what the community wants and needs.

Taking that into consideration, the Mansfield NAB will be hosting a scam and fraud awareness session, with a date yet to be confirmed in May.

“Whether you bank with NAB or not, everyone is welcome,” she said.

“Come along and have a chat and learn all about the different ways that you can protect yourself financially.

“And there is more coming with community programs, grants and funding.

“It’s all part of our commitment to Mansfield and to the community,” Ms Leslie said.