AN era in the district banking sector ended on Friday, when the inaugural Kerang branch manager of the Bendigo Bank retired after holding the role for close to 30 years.
It was a low-key farewell for Barham resident, Maurie Auricht, who began in the position at the then Bendigo Building Society in April 1986.
Mr Auricht began his banking career as a teller with Rural Bank New South Wales, later the State Bank, working his way up the ladder in various positions and locations across New South Wales.
After 20 years away from the area, Mr Auricht wanted to return home to Barham, with the position at Kerang coming at the right time.
“Although I was born in Barham; Kerang, Koondrook, Cohuna and Barham are all the same area to me,” he said.
“One of the staff worked out that I completed 16,000 interstate trips during my time as branch manager. I must put a claim form in for it!”
Mr Auricht’s first two weeks in the role were spent walking around Kerang’s streets meeting potential clients as the finishing touches were put on the bank’s Victoria Street headquarters.
“I remember spending that time shouting some of the most prominent people in Kerang lunch during that time,” he said.
Much has changed since that first shift; from the services provided to how banking is managed.
“There were only two of us on the staff when the branch opened and basically only two products – home loans and savings, Mr Auricht said.
“The evolution of credit cards, personal loans, agribusiness and small business accounts came over time.”
Another major change has been the way technology has altered the role banks play.
“Customers have so many choices now with internet and online banking, but our customers still have the choice to visit us at the branch and have a chat,” Mr Auricht said.
Mr Auricht plans to spend more time with his family, fishing around the district and using golf as a form of exercise during retirement.
“It has been a privilege to look after all of the customers who have come through the bank during the past 30 years,” he said.
“I can class every one of my customers, as well as the current and former staff members, as friends.”
