The Government Savings Bank of NSW established an agency in Nowra Post Office on September 22, 1879. Jeremiah Green was the postmaster at the time.

The banking facilities were provided at the Post Office until November 4, 1912 when a branch was opened in Junction Street, the 94^th in the state.

In 1931 the Bank of Commerce amalgamated with the Government Savings Bank of NSW and it became the Bank of New South Wales. W.F Calcraft was the first manager at "The Wales", as it was called.

In the early 1930s there were five banks in Nowra serving the municipal population of 3000.

Women had been employed in banks as typists and clerks since early in the century, but during World War 2 they performed the traditional male duties, especially as tellers. After the war, the first accounting machines were introduced.

On August 29, 1955 the Bank of New South Wales moved to new premises in Junction Street.

The manager, W. F Robertson stated at the time "not only was new structure necessary because of the growth in the bank;s business, but it demonstrates the confidence that the 'Wales' has in Nowra and district. The clients will benefit from the improved service which the new building should make possible and that the general public will agree that the structure is in itself a civic asset to the town."

An advertisement in the Shoalhaven and Nowra News on August 23, 1955 boasted a "new building of attractive and modern design" with natural light, modern banking facilities and ample public space.

September 1982 saw the Bank of New South Wales merge with the Commerical Bank of Australia Ltd, to become Westpac Banking Corporation.

Westpac's local staff had risen to near 30 in 1987 when on November 23 it opened new premises adjacent to the Commonwealth Bank in Junction Street. The manager was M.K. Buckley.

Information provided by Shoalhaven Historical Society