Former Moyne Shire councillor Jill Parker is leading the push after reaching out to Bendigo Community Bank to gauge its interest in opening a branch in the town of about 1400 residents.

The ANZ announced earlier this year it would close the Mortlake branch in March 2021 due to a shift towards online and phone banking, leaving the closest bank branches in Camperdown and Warrnambool.

"It seems small towns are losing services as time progresses," Mrs Parker said.

"There are those things that face-to-face provide that online services don't."

She said residents had reached out to three community bank branches but talks remained in very early stages and interest was mild.

"Generally there doesn't seem to be much interest from Bendigo in setting up a new branch. Whether there are other options for existing branches I don't know, that's what we are looking into," Mrs Parker said.

"Any organisation that wants to come in would be doing their due diligence to see what they would be getting."

Bendigo Bank south-west Victoria regional manager Jason Chuck said any proposals for Mortlake were at a "discussion stage".

"The banks are not in a phase at the moment of opening up new branches, but I am happy to look at whatever option we have in towns such as Mortlake," Mr Chuck said.

Port Fairy and District Community Bank branch manager Andrew Long said the branch would receive a vehicle next week that could provide mobile services to Mortlake.

"We would be more than happy to reach out and visit people and service people in a different way," Mr Long said.

The Mortlake residents have planned a community meeting to discuss banking options for the town, including explaining what banking could occur at Mortlake's post office.

"People might not be aware of the facilities we already have available because we are so used to using the bank," Mrs Parker said.

The meeting is planned for 7pm December 7 at the Soldiers Memorial Hall.

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