23/10/2025
The below was published in the Pingelly Times this week.
Spotlight on 5 Parade Street
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN BANK / BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES
The Westpac branch at Pingelly in WA began in 1902 as a branch of the Western Australian Bank (W.A.B.). The WAB began services on 16 June that year, operating out of the Pingelly Hotel while the new branch was constructed. A photograph of that branch was taken in 1906, and appears above.
In 1927, the Western Australian Bank (WAB) was amalgamated with the Bank of New South Wales (BNSW), at which time the former WAB branch became a branch of BNSW.
(see photo below - 1906)
COMMERCIAL BANK OF AUSTRALIA (CBA)
In 1982, the Commercial Bank of Australia merged with the Bank of New South Wales to create Westpac.
The Commercial Bank of Australia was also represented in Pingelly, opening a branch in 1905, located in Park Street.
(see photo below Park Street)
A new Commercial Bank was constructed between 1910 and 1911, the location is given as being on the corner of Parade and Pastures Street, and it is described as being ‘a two storey brick building containing the Banking premises and Manager’s residence’.
(see photo below 1910 approx and Now)
NEW BRANCH, 1980 – 5 PARADE STREET
A new branch was constructed by the Bank of New South Wales in 1980 at 5 Parade Street, opening on 15 June. This branch was re-branded Westpac in 1982 following the merger with CBA. This branch closed on 20 August 1999, with business transferred to an ‘in-store’ branch in shared space with the Shire of Pingelly at 5 Parade St.
(see photo below 1980 Westpac Branch)
BENDIGO BANK PINGELLY
Opened in 2002, the same year its parent company, Pingelly Brookton Community Financial Services Limited, was established. The bank celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022.
(see photo below Current Bendigo Bank)
