Gerringong has set a new record for the time it takes to get a Bendigo Bank branch in town.

At time of going to print, pledges amounting to $750,000 of the $800,000 needed have been lodged.

“This stage of setting up a branch usually takes 18 months,” says Steering Committee member Shane Douglas. “The bank can’t believe how galvanised the community has been.

“We are now looking at a branch opening in town in October or November.

“We are setting an example for other communities.”

Mr Douglas says that the community survey has been booked in for July, and that in the interim people should consider moving their accounts and loans to the new branch, which already has a BSB.

“It’s really important to generate new business for the branch and the bank so we can get up and running as quickly as possible.

“We are still accepting pledges in the meantime.”