By ALENA HIGGINS
THE owner of Bank of Queensland (BOQ) Warwick has announced the branch will close later this month.
Owner and manager Gary Kelly said he made the tough decision to step down following a recent heart attack.
“BOQ head office decided to close the branch after looking at their options following my decision to step down as owner-manager due to my recent heart attack,” Mr Kelly said
“My decision to exit the business has been the toughest I’ve had to make in my life but I’m proud of what the current and past teams and I have achieved over the last seven years but I also know that my young children, Holly, Melody and Jesse and my health has to come first and I need some time to recover away from the stresses of running a small business.”
Mr Kelly said accounts will be transferred to BOQ’s Rangeville branch which is also run by an owner-manager by the name of Charlie Aston.
However, he stressed he will be around until the branch shuts on 23 October to help customers transition to their new arrangements.
“My team and I are around until late October,” he said.
“I also have no intention to leave Warwick and BOQ are allowing me to still assist with transition of clients post closure.
“I value the new and renewed friendships and business relationships that have developed over the past 20 years since I came back to Warwick and I will always be around to help.”
Four staff will be affected by the decision.
“One has taken a role with a BOQ branch on the Sunshine Coast and another has a role outside banking lined up,” he said.
“The other two are still exploring their options but they, like me, are looking forward to a holiday first.”
Customers are welcome to ring or text Mr Kelly on 0419 775 657 or Mr Aston on 0427 734 517 or 4613 6466 should they wish to discuss matters.
