New $6 million CommBank branch investment to enhance Ballarat services

CommBank has invested $6 million into a new branch and business centre in Ballarat, boosting face-to-face support for the local community it has served for more than 100 years. The new branch in Bridge Mall offers improved accessibility with dedicated areas for in-depth conversations, access to specialist support and improved everyday banking for local customers and businesses.

The new Ballarat branch is part of the bank’s broader commitment to upgrade its metropolitan and regional branch network, with a further $140 million to be invested in FY27 to strengthen how CommBank customers access banking services.

The Australia-wide investment program brings together digital, phone and in-branch support, so customers can choose how they bank, while still having access to face-to-face support when it matters most.

Michelle Dixon, CommBank Area Manager for Central Victoria, said the investment in Ballarat reflects the important role branches continue to play in regional communities.

“CommBank has been part of the Ballarat community for more than 100 years. When we decided to upgrade the branch, we focused on how local customers prefer to bank. We know the community values both digital services and face-to-face support, so this new branch has been designed to deliver both. The upgrade ensures we can continue to meet the needs of our customers now and into the future,” she said.

Built for Ballarat

While many everyday transactions are increasingly done digitally, the new Bridge Mall Ballarat branch has been designed to better support the moments that matter, especially when customers want to sit down, ask questions and make important decisions with confidence.

The new space includes:

• A more open layout with dedicated areas for longer, in‑depth conversations.
• Access to a broad range of specialists, including lenders, business bankers and relationship managers aligned to local needs.
• Updated in‑branch technology to make everyday transactions faster and simpler.

These enhancements make it easier for customers to move between digital, phone and branch support, creating a more connected and flexible banking experience.

Supporting our people and the local community

The new branch has been designed to better support frontline teams, helping them spend more time with customers and deliver more personalised support.

“Our Ballarat team is made up of local people who live and work here. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting customers through some of life’s biggest moments, from starting their first job to buying a car or a home,“ Dixon said.

“We’re really proud of those connections. This upgraded branch gives us the space to continue supporting our customers with more meaningful conversations and the personalised service they value and expect.”

Backing local businesses

CommBank is supporting Ballarat’s business community with greater access to local bankers and specialist expertise to help them manage and grow.

“For many businesses in Ballarat, the conversations we’re having are about how they invest for what’s next – whether that’s expanding, managing costs or navigating changing conditions,” said Sophia Lee‑Steere, General Manager, Regional Business Banking Victoria & Tasmania.

“What matters in those moments is having someone who understands the local market and can have a practical conversation about their plans and challenges.

“This new branch and business centre brings our bankers and specialists together in one place, making it easier for businesses to access the support they need – whether that’s day-to-day banking or more complex decisions.

“Ballarat has a diverse and growing business community and our focus is on backing those businesses with local expertise and support.”