The first new BankWest branches are now open in the Sydney suburbs of Parramatta and Mount Druitt, and a further six New South Wales stores are set to open before the end of 2007, in Burwood, Bondi Junction, Hornsby, Miranda, Penrith and Chatswood.

BankWest retail chief executive Ian Cornfield said: Until now, banking has been seen by most Australians as a tedious chore to be completed as quickly as possible. BankWest is changing all that and making banking a convenient and enjoyable experience. Today’s announcement highlights what BankWest is all about – giving customers better access to better deals and a fresh alternative to the big four banks.