Bank Celebrates 100 years in town

MALENY has seen many changes since the late 19th century, from its evolution from a timber-based economy to a dairying economy and now to tourism.   Banking in Australia has also seen many changes in this time.   From the days when transactions were handwritten with ink pens in leather-bound ledgers and all calculations were worked manually, to mechanisation in the 1950s followed by the introduction of computers in the 1960s.

Banking was also largely a male domain throughout the 19th and early 20th century and branch managers generally lived on the premises, affording extra security for the bank.  Women only began to be hired in earnest to fill the vacancies left by men who enlisted to serve in the First World War. The mechanisation of banking during the 1950s saw a steady increase of female employees who were hired to operate ledger machines.   Now it is common for women to be employed in banking roles from customer service through to branch manager.   Today, under the management of Judy Fredriksen and her all female team, ANZ Maleny proudly celebrates 100 years of banking services.   (See Photo right)

ANZ forebear, The English, Scottish and Australian Bank commenced business in Maleny in late 1906 as an agency of the Nambour branch.   In a report dated November 14 1906, the General Manager, Charles Wren advised the London board of the bank’s opening at Maleny, noting the ‘'prospects appear good'. (Photo left  -  First  E.S.& A.  Bank)

There are stories of the agency being conducted on horseback along the ridges of the Blackall Range from Landsborough.  Maleny quickly prospered and was upgraded to a full branch on 1st January 1908.   Alexander Curran – the first agency officer, was appointed branch manager. (Photo right- Maleny E.S. & A- believed early 1920's) Claude Herbett Dinning, who succeeded Curran as branch manager from 1908-1928, became a prominent and well-liked figure in Maleny.   He is best remembered not only for his sterling services as banker and financial adviser, but also as a citizen who gave his best for the welfare of the district.

On his retirement in 1928, representatives from government, business, philanthropy and sporting Bank celebrates 100 years in town bodies attended what was described as an “impressive farewell.”   Dinning was presented with an illuminated address and a substantial wallet of notes and Mrs Dinning was presented with a silver teapot & hot water jug!

The ES&A was the only bank in Maleny until 1946, when another ANZ forebear – the Union Bank of Australia – established a branch opening in the post-war period on 30 October.   At this time Maleny was the second largest country branch of the ES&A Bank in Queensland.

Hugh Joseph Aitken, the first branch manager at the Union Bank had his work cut out for him.   In his first annual report, Aitken noted that while the district was ‘sound and prosperous’, competition was keen and the ES&A had a strong foothold.

The Union Bank purchased the site on the corner of Maple and Teak Streets in 1951.  The building, built in 1935 was originally a butcher’s shop of wood and fibro construction with iron roof.   A major refurbishment was undertaken in 1954.   In 1970, Maleny returned to being a onebank town when the business of the two branches consolidated under the ANZ banner.

Following the 1970 merger with ES&A, ANZ – Maleny had two branches.   A dual representation committee comprised of both ES&A and ANZ staff recommended unanimously to consolidate the business into the ES&A premises as soon as practicable after merger.   At time of merger, the ES&A held approximately twice the business of the ANZ branch in Maleny and progress was reported as slow, overall.

By the late 1980s, more modern premises were required to accommodate changes in technology and improved working conditions for staff.   New premises were constructed on the former site at Maple and Teak Streets and in April 1990 the branch relocated its operations.

During the week of November 20 to 24, the manager and staff of ANZ Maleny invite all ANZ customers to join them for morning tea between 10am-11am daily.    A banking memorabilia display will also be on view during normal banking hours for any interested parties.