A growing petition is urging the Commonwealth Bank to reverse its decision to close the Kenmore Village branch, with residents warning the move will leave vulnerable community members without vital banking services.
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The online petition, hosted on Change.org, describes the branch as far more than just a banking facility, calling it a cornerstone for seniors, small business owners and residents who rely on face-to-face banking in their daily lives.
Cr Greg Adermann has voiced his support for the campaign, warning about the impact on those who can least afford to travel further for basic services. “The decision to close this branch will have a significant impact on our local community,” Cr Adermann said.
“It provides an essential service, particularly for seniors, small businesses, and residents who rely on face-to-face banking. Its closure would force many people to travel further for basic services, placing unnecessary strain on those least able to manage it.”
The petition highlights particular concerns for elderly Kenmore residents, many of whom find digital banking platforms overwhelming and intimidating. For these customers, the familiar faces and personal service at their local branch offer more than convenience—they provide reassurance and a sense of security that online banking simply cannot replicate.
“For many seniors in Kenmore, the personal touch of face-to-face banking is irreplaceable,” the petition states. “Technology can often be overwhelming, and the familiar faces at the Kenmore Village branch offer reassurance and comfort to those who find digital banking challenging.”
The petition emphasises that while digital banking adoption continues to grow, many community members still depend heavily on in-branch services to manage their finances safely and effectively. Forcing these residents to dramatically rearrange their daily routines would place an unnecessary burden on the community.
Local small businesses are also raising alarms about the proposed closure. Business owners say they depend on the convenient services the branch provides to manage their finances efficiently. Losing the branch would mean additional time spent travelling to other locations, cutting into productivity and operational efficiency during already challenging economic times.
The Kenmore closure comes despite recent commitments by major banks regarding regional branch closures. In February 2025, Commonwealth Bank extended its commitment not to close regional branches until the end of July 2027, following a deal struck by Treasurer Jim Chalmers with Australia’s big four banks.
However, the commitment applies specifically to regional branches as defined by the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Metropolitan areas like Kenmore, despite being suburban communities, fall outside this classification.
The distinction has sparked debate elsewhere. In 2023, the bank faced criticism for closing its Nerang branch on the Gold Coast, despite the area being listed in Commonwealth Bank’s own Regional Movers Index report as a popular destination for people relocating from cities to regional areas.
According to data from the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority, branch numbers have declined by 34 per cent in regional and remote areas and 37 per cent overall since the end of June 2017. While metropolitan closures haven’t been subject to a moratorium, they continue across the country.
While banks point to increased digital adoption to justify closures, community advocates argue that transaction volume doesn’t tell the full story of a branch’s value to its community, particularly for those who have few alternatives.
The petition calls on Commonwealth Bank to recognise its responsibility to provide equitable services across all areas and to reconsider the closure in light of the profound impact it would have on long-time customers.
“Maintaining the Kenmore Village branch open is vital for preserving the quality of life for many of its long-time patrons and ensuring the resilience of our local businesses,” the petition states.
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Campaign organisers are also urging Federal Member for Ryan Elizabeth Watson-Brown to escalate the issue with the relevant minister in Canberra and push for intervention. Community members can sign the petition via Change.org.
Published 21-January-2026
