The last remaining NRMA agency in Byron Shire is closing its doors on March 31.
According to owners, Warren and Dennise Simmons, NRMA does not consider the agency financially viable, with the increasing volumes of online sales and transactions.
Dennise told The Echo, ‘They have closed many agencies around the state – including us’.
Road service breakdown and towing services will not be affected, the couple say, but for personal one-on-one NRMA insurance and member services, customers will now have to travel to Ballina or Tweed.
For approximately 50 years, the Byron Bay agency has been under the ownership of the Simmons’, and was initially run from the Golden Fleece/Caltex Service Station, and then from its own office, opposite the police station, in Byron Bay.
‘There will be a (sad) celebration held throughout the last trading day’, Dennise said.
‘We would like to thank our local customers, and those who have supported us over so many years’, she added.
‘We are planning to have coffee and cake during the morning, and “other refreshments” in the afternoon. We officially go “off the air” Friday 31, at 3pm’.
Invitation
‘We would like to extend an invitation to our customers to call in, and farewell our valued and loyal staff: Wayne, Noel and Nigel, who have been with us for a combined total of approximately 100 years.
‘A massive effort for any local business’.
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