It seems like NRMA may be the ones in need of HELP as they make the massive public relations blunder of trying to hide that they are closing a third of their branches in NSW.
As news filters through that the NRMA offices in Glen Innes and Moree are set to close at the end of March, locals are taking to social media to express their disgust, but it’s not clear what other offices will stay or go. Moree is feeling hardest hit by the slated closure, which coincides with recent closure of the Westpac Bank branch, and an announcement that the ANZ branch will also close soon. The Moree NRMA branch celebrated 50 years in business in 2018. .
In a rather cowardly act, the NRMA has not published the full list of branches they are closing and has no information on their website or social media about the closures. The New England Times has confirmed that 30 branches are closing across the state, leaving just 60 remaining, but the IAG (parent company of NRMA) media team refused the request to provide a list of the branches that are closing. Tamworth, Armidale and Narrabri branches are believed to be saved from the cuts. The Inverell branch is not closing, but is moving to a different site in town. The Glen Innes NRMA branch will also be closing.
NRMA roadside services are not impacted by the changes.
Asked about the Moree closure, an NRMA spokesperson said the changes were part of a continual review of their services.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant decline in people visiting our NRMA Insurance branches, including Moree, as customers increasingly prefer to contact us online or over the phone.”
“Unfortunately, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close or consolidate certain branches at the end of March this year.”
“As part of the changes, our Moree site will close 31 March 2023. Our Narrabri site will remain open.”
“Our Moree proprietors, the Hiltz Fitzsimmons Group, have been supporters of NRMA Insurance for many years and we’re grateful for their dedication and service they’ve provided to our customers.”
“We wish them the very best for the future,” said the spokesperson.
As part of their less-than-transparent approach to the closures, they are only notifying those customers who have attended one of their offices in person in the past year, not their entire membership.
Heather is one of the people who have taken to social media to criticise the closure and praise the excellent service of the Moree staff.
“The staff are so helpful and knowledgeable. As if tick a box online services can replicate that,” she wrote.
“They provide such a good service and the whole community would lose if this goes ahead.”
One man commented that he left Moree 5 years ago but still calls the NRMA office in Moree because the staff are so knowledgable and helpful.
Many people have expressed concern about elderly people or their parents who don’t like to do things online or on the phone, and the challenge of trying to sort out a problem without being able to go in and talk to someone in person.
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