The bank’s automatic teller machine is also out of action and will need to be replaced, but no time frame has been put on this work.
Lockmore Financial Services, which operates the Rochester, Lockington and Elmore Community Banks, executive officer Lauren Ross said floodwaters reached about a metre high at their peak in the Rochester branch.
“Extensive damage has been done to both the building and our electronic systems within,” Ms Ross said.
“It is likely that the space will need an entire refurbishment and we expect to know further details by the end of next week.”
While the ATM at Rochester is out of action, the machine at Elmore is operational 24/7.
The Lockington branch does not have an ATM, but customers can complete cash withdrawals within the branch.
Staff from the Rochester branch have been provided with paid Natural Disaster Leave while they attend to their homes and families.
“While our Rochester site is closed, we will likely have excess staff members at periods in time,” Ms Ross said.
“We will be stationing a staff member at the Rochester Presbyterian Church daily from 11am to 2pm from Monday (October 24) to assist local customers with non-cash transactions.
“We will also be exploring other ways that any excess staff can assist our community.”
Elmore and Lockington branches will continue to operate as normal.
The bank has put a Natural Disaster Assistance package together for its customers.
“Every customer’s situation is different, so the support available depends on their individual situation,” she said.
“Assistance may come in the form of loans, insurance claims or accessing funds.”
More information can be found about this at: www.bendigobank.com.au/support/natural-disasters/
The assistance package is available to business customers, as well as personal customers.
Ms Ross said CGU, the bank’s insurance partner, was providing a specialist team to assist customers with their claims and they could do so by phoning 132 480 or lodging a claim through www.cgu.com.au/claims
“Our Community Bank team are more than happy to assist our customers with any questions or to provide support when completing claims,” she said.
Ms Ross said in the immediate short-term the bank was assisting its affected locals and volunteers by supplying free coffees at the volunteer hub (Rochester Presbyterian Church) and through local businesses as they reopen.
“We will continue to explore meaningful ways to contribute in the short-term and are very open to suggestions from our locals,” she said.
“We are working closely with local community groups to determine the best ways we can assist our community in the medium and long-term.”
Community Bank Heathcote has provided a generous donation to the Rochester community, which the Rochester branch will be administering on the Heathcote bank’s behalf.
“Further to this, the Community Enterprise Foundation (Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm) are running a Victorian Flood Appeal which will further provide support to our region,” she said.
For assistance, Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester can be contacted at Community Bank Elmore on 5432 6706 and Community Bank Lockington on 5486 2304, while the Financial Hardship hotline is 1300 652 146 and other banking assistance (or outside of business hours enquiries) can be provided on1300 236 344.
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