The Warrnambool CBA branch staff in 1962, when men predominated.
ONE of Liebig Street's longest established bus-inesses is celebrating its 2012 anniversary with 90 candles.
The Commonwealth Bank has been servicing the south-west for the past nine decades.
The milestone coincides with Common-wealth Bank Australia's (CBA) centenary as Australia's first national bank, which is being recognised with a series of Melbourne-based celebrations.
Warrnambool branch manager Geoff Hamill yesterday said he thought the south-west's strong agriculture industry was the hook that drew the Commonwealth to establish a Warrnambool branch in 1922.
"I think it was seen as a district that had potential," he said.
Mr Hamill said the branch had shifted from predominantly male workers to predominantly female during the years, but no change was as great as the evolution of technology.
He said since the introduction of ATMs to Warrnambool in 1981, the bank had been catering to a mentality that was "all about the card".
"We now have the new Kaching technology," he said.
"It's a (mobile phone) app that makes banking more user-friendly for the client with a busy lifestyle. Our clients can pay their bills anywhere, anytime."
Today's branch also has less day-to-day teller staff and more staff in specialist areas including financial planning, business banking and agricultural economy.
Mr Hamill said the number one priority that all CBA branches encompassed was customer service.
"In the last 10 years we've spent more time looking after our clients," he said.
"We're like other banks. We all have the same product so it's about how we provide it."
Mr Hamill said the Warrnambool branch had always maintained a focus on community involvement and often participated in Relay For Life, the Very Special Kids campaign and Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal.
"I encourage the staff to get involved in sporting groups and other activities when they can as well," he said.
