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2016
19 January 2016
Farewell to Mary as Rylstone bank instore closes
Around 150 people attended a farewell for Mary Wainwright at the Rylstone Club following the closure of the Westpac instore in Rylstone. Mary has been the officer in charge at the instore since 2000 and before that was with the branch since 1988 - a total of 27 years.
The popular local identity has been inundated with flowers, gifts and lots of lovely messages during the week prior to the closure on Wednesday, January 13. She said it's been overwhelming.
'People have been coming in and signing the book and giving me lot of hugs. I'm feeling very hugged up at the moment, but that's what Rylstone is like. I'll really miss it if I have to go.'
Mary said she's not sure where her future lies now. She's looking for work and may have to leave the district.
Instore proprietor Neil Brodie said the closure is very disappointing.
'I really can't see the bank's logic. They have 140 instore's and they've made the decision to close the lot. It's not as though it was a huge burden for them. All they supplied was the office equipment and stationary. We supplied the building, paid the rates, paid the wages and long service, and looked after everything else.'
It's certainly a big change of direction since the local Westpac instore was awarded the honour of being the number one instore in Australia just over three years ago in March 2012.
The instore was ranked number one for overall performance within the Westpac group at that time for its customer service and advocacy, relationship with its parent branch in Mudgee and its contribution to business growth within the Westpac group.
Mr Brodie said he is currently negotiating other options, but if they don't eventuate he and his wife Maureen may put the building up for sale. Rylstone now has only one bank - the CBA which operates at reduced hours1 .