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Unity Bank had the opportunity to attend the ETU State Conference from the 1st to the 2nd of July 2025. It was an extremely successful event with a variety of different organisations attending and representing their core business products and services.  Unity Bank conducted a prize draw, with one prize up for grabs.  Congratulations to our winner Ben, who attended the conference and entered our competition! Ben won a $1,000 EFTPOS gift card! We hope you enjoy your prize Ben!! We would also like to thank everyone who attended the event and visited our Unity Bank stall.

August 7 is National Aged Care Employee Day, a time to recognise and celebrate the dedication, compassion, and commitment of aged care workers across the country. We see this day as an important opportunity to show our appreciation for the individuals who play such a vital role in supporting our communities. Standing with our key workers Aged care employees are an important part of our communities, providing essential care and dignity to some of the most vulnerable Australians. We proudly support aged care workers through our membership, partner networks, and tailored financial services, recognising them as a vital part of our broader key worker community. As a mutual bank, our mission is driven not by profit, but by people. That means backing essential workers with products and services designed to ease financial stress and help them thrive, like our Essential Worker Home Loan, created specifically for those in caring and community service roles. Values-based banking that makes a difference Our support for aged care employees reflects our values-based approach to banking, one guided by integrity, fairness, and a commitment to social impact. We believe financial services should be a force for lasting positive change, benefiting not only individuals but the broader community. That’s why we continue to back initiatives that uplift essential workers and invest in those who give so much. Being named the 2024 Finder Innovation Award winner in the Social Impact Innovation category is a testament to our dedication to developing products and services that go beyond expectations, delivering real, meaningful support where it’s needed most. Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) in action Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy reinforces our focus on social responsibility and community wellbeing. Supporting aged care workers sits firmly within our social impact pillar, acknowledging that sustainability includes caring for those who sustain our communities every day. We also engage with organisations aligned to this vision, amplifying the impact of those who advocate for aged care staff, enhance training, and promote wellbeing within the sector. To all aged care employees, thank you. Your care, dedication, and hard work make a real difference every day. You help bring comfort, dignity, and connection to so many in our communities. Find out more about how we’re backing essential workers and building stronger, fairer communities through banking with purpose.  

The Australian Federal Police are urging Australians to be wary of a new scam spreading across social media, in which criminals lure individuals into opening legitimate bank accounts in their own name. After the account is opened, control is then handed over to the fraudster in exchange for payment. Known as a ‘money mule scam’, this scam tricks people into becoming part of a criminal operation. The bank accounts are later used to launder money or receive funds from other fraudulent activities.Serious Legal ConsequencesWhile it may seem like a harmless favour or an easy way to make money, acting as a money mule is a criminal offence. Those who take part, knowingly or not, may face: Bank account bans or closure Permanent marks on their credit file Investigation by law enforcement Criminal charges for money laundering, which carry heavy penalties including prison time What to Watch Out ForBe cautious of the following red flags: Job offers on social media promising “quick money” for minimal effort Requests to open a new bank account for someone else to use Being asked to share your bank login details or bank card Vague explanations about the purpose of the account We take fraud prevention seriously. We monitor for unusual account activity and work closely with law enforcement and other financial institutions to shut down suspicious accounts. However, we also rely on our members to be vigilant. Never allow anyone else to use a bank account in your name.Need help?If you believe someone has gained access to your bank account and/or personal information, even if the scam appears unrelated to your finances, you should contact your bank immediately. A timely response can be critical. If you have concerns about your account contact us immediately. You can report cybercrime directly to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). Find out how scams work, how to protect yourself, what to do if you’ve been scammed or report a scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via Scamwatch. As always, we remain committed to your security and privacy online. To understand how we help to keep you safe, please refer to our Security page. For information on common scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the News section of our website.

National NAIDOC Week 2025: Celebrating culture, history, and achievement National NAIDOC Week 2025 will be celebrated across Australia from 6 July to 13 July, providing an important opportunity for all Australians to come together to recognise, reflect on, and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures. It has grown from a day of advocacy in the 1930s to a nationwide celebration of the oldest continuing cultures on Earth. National NAIDOC Week 2025 marks 50 years of celebrating Indigenous culture, spirit, and leadership. This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, honours not only the achievements of the past but also the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of Indigenous ancestors. How to get involved National NAIDOC Week is celebrated through events held across the country, both in First Nations communities and in schools, workplaces, and communities. To get involved: Attend cultural and community events – Join local festivals, art exhibitions, storytelling sessions, performances, enjoy BBQs, marches, sports events. Take part in ceremonies – Experience smoking ceremonies, Welcome to Country, and traditional dances. Celebrate Indigenous excellence – Learn about the NAIDOC Awards and outstanding Indigenous leaders. Explore local history – Discover the stories of Traditional Owners and your area’s Indigenous heritage. Support Indigenous businesses – Buy from Indigenous-owned stores and artists. Everyone is encouraged to take part, whether by joining local events, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, exploring the works of Indigenous authors, or having meaningful conversations that foster understanding. Find local NAIDOC events in your area or learn more about the NAIDOC awards. As we journey through 2025, NAIDOC Week remains a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, respect, and reconciliation among all Australians. Let’s walk together in celebration and solidarity, honouring culture and ensuring the voices of First Nations peoples continue to be heard and valued. Indigenous initiatives Through our relationship with the Australian Mutuals Foundation, we’re proud to support Barnardos Australia’s Yurungai Learning Centre, an after-school program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary school children that offers homework support, cultural enrichment activities, and nutritious afternoon meals. Through this partnership, we are helping build pathways for strong, resilient Indigenous communities and contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate Australia. As a member owned bank, we are committed to making banking easy, inclusive and accessible for all of our members. We are a participating lender under the Victorian Homebuyer Fund, with the Victorian Government helping to fast-track eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants’ path to home ownership, requiring only a 3.5% deposit and eligible for up to a 35% shared equity contribution. We have also recently commenced work on developing our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and essential benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination. We look forward to sharing more as we progress our RAP and supporting initiatives. For more information about NAIDOC week visit the NAIDOC website.  

Win a holiday getaway and help kids get to where they need to be! The Australian Mutuals Foundation, with generous support from Transport Life and Leisure, is running a raffle fundraiser to help Barnardos Australia buy a much-needed new bus.Every ticket sold brings Barnardos’ Yurungai Learning Centre in Waterloo one step closer to their goal - and gives you the chance to win an unforgettable holiday escape!The Barnardos Australia Yurungai Learning Centre in Waterloo provides essential services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including homework help, cultural learning, life skills development, and nutritious meals. For many children, the bus offers a reliable means of reaching the Centre. However, the current bus is nearing its end of its usability and urgently needs replacing.Raffle PrizesTwo winners will each receive a holiday package worth up to $1,200, choosing from eight stunning NSW coastal destinations: Batemans Bay, Byron Bay, Hawks Nest, Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie, The Entrance, Tweed Heads, or Woolgoolga.Key Dates• Raffle opens: 1st May 2025• Entries close: 5:00 PM AEST, 30th June 2025• Winners drawn: 2nd July 2025Enter the raffle and read the terms and conditions at: www.australianmf.org.au/yurungai-bus-raffleYour participation will help provide safe transportation for children to access vital educational and cultural programs. Thank you for your support! About Barnardos AustraliaBarnardos Australia is a leading non-government, non-denominational child protection charity in Australia. They work together with children, young people and families to break the cycle of disadvantage, creating safe, nurturing and stable homes, connected to family and community. About the Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF)The primary purpose of the AMF is to provide a vehicle for Mutual Banks, Credit Unions, Building Society and Cooperative banking to assist needy children in Australia, and to alleviate poverty in some of the poorest communities in South East Asia and the Pacific by the creation of sustainable cooperative financial organisations.

June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a globally recognised event that brings attention to a growing but often overlooked issue: the abuse, mistreatment, and neglect of older people. Established by the United Nations in 2006, WEAAD provides a platform for communities, organisations, and governments worldwide to raise awareness and promote effective responses to prevent elder abuse. In 2025, as populations continue to age rapidly, this day holds even greater urgency and relevance. Understanding elder abuse Elder abuse affects millions of older adults globally, leading to serious physical, emotional, psychological, and financial harm. In severe cases, it can even result in death. Increasing awareness is essential to preventing abuse, protecting vulnerable individuals, and ensuring that older adults are treated with the dignity, care, and respect they deserve. What is elder abuse? Elder abuse refers to any act or failure to act, that causes harm or distress to an older person. It can occur in private homes, within communities, or in aged care facilities. Common types of elder abuse include: Physical abuse (e.g. hitting, pushing, restraining) Emotional or psychological abuse (e.g. threats, humiliation, manipulation) Sexual abuse Financial abuse (e.g. fraud, theft, misuse of funds or assets) Neglect (e.g. failure to meet basic needs such as food, hygiene, or medical care) Why are older adults vulnerable? Older adults are especially vulnerable to abuse due to physical limitations, cognitive decline, social isolation, and dependence on others. These factors can make it hard to report abuse, with fear, shame, or hopelessness often preventing them from speaking out. In aged care/nursing home facilities, abuse may go unnoticed due to poor oversight or ignored concerns. Sadly, it is sometimes not taken seriously by authorities, worsening the impact. Financial abuse is one of the most common and under reported forms of elder mistreatment. It can include: Using an older person’s bank account or credit card without their permission Coercing or tricking them into signing legal or financial documents (e.g. property transfers, wills, or loans) Misusing a power of attorney for personal gain Stealing money, valuables, or essential household items Moving into the person’s home without consent or failing to contribute financially Pressuring them to give away money, assets, or make changes to their will Promising care in exchange for money or assets, but then neglecting to provide that care Preventing them from accessing their own money, financial records or financial advice Warning signs of financial abuse may include: Unexplained loss of money or valuable items Sudden changes in banking habits or unexplained withdrawals Missing financial documents or confusion about recent transactions Inability to pay for basics like food, clothing, or medications Transfers of property or large gifts made when the person appears confused or unwell Fear, anxiety, or withdrawal, especially around certain people Visible neglect (e.g. malnutrition, poor hygiene) despite having financial resources What can you do? Learn to recognise the signs of elder abuse Listen with empathy and without judgment if someone shares concerns Speak up if you suspect abuse, report it to the appropriate authority Support older people’s independence and decision-making wherever possible Promote respect and inclusion for older adults in your community Concerned you might be a victim of financial abuse? Here’s some helpful tips: Keep your mail, bank cards, PINs, and passwords secure. Store cash, cheque books, and legal documents in a safe place. Review bank statements regularly for suspicious activity. Avoid signing anything you don’t fully understand. If setting up a power of attorney, consider appointing more than one trusted person. Limit the number of accounts to make monitoring easier. Understanding power of attorney and enduring power of attorney A power of attorney (POA) is a document created by your lawyer that grants one or more persons the authority to act on your behalf for financial and legal matters. This means that the designated person or persons can operate your bank accounts, spend money on your behalf, and buy and sell your assets: property and/or shares. The general POA is only effective while you have the mental capacity to make and express decisions for yourself. An enduring power of attorney (EPOA) allows someone to continue to make financial decisions on your behalf if your health deteriorates and you suffer from diminished mental capacity. You can choose when your power of attorney comes into effect, and it can be tailored to your requirements. If you are thinking about appointing a power of attorney or other decision-making authority, you should carefully consider whether they have the right skills to assist you now and in the future. To avoid someone unethically exploiting their power, you should assess these arrangements at least annually, to ensure your support team continue to have your best interests at heart when helping to manage your affairs. Our impact As a customer-owned bank, we are a member focused, values-driven organisation and we are committed to making banking easy, safe and accessible for all of our members – especially those most vulnerable. That’s why we are ready to help with tools and information on how to help keep you and your banking safe. We’ve put together some helpful information in our Elder Financial Abuse Guide to help you protect yourself or someone you love from elder financial abuse. It covers the various types of elder financial abuse, how to recognise the warning signs and safeguard against financial abuse, scams and fraud, as well as the various resources and support services available to assist. As part of the respect and protect initiative, our terms and conditions were updated to help prevent the misuse of products and services and combat financial abuse. Staff have also been further trained to help identify the warning signs, red flags and assess transaction data for signs of financial abuse. Additional member education and support has been introduced through content aligned to hardship, financial abuse, accessibility and navigating challenging life events. We’re constantly working towards ensuring our products, services and platforms are available and accessible for everyone. Get support Form a support network that includes people like your GP, lawyer, accountant, a friend, and a family member. Your GP can assess your capacity to make decisions—raise concerns during check-ups. A lawyer can help with your will, legal documents, and power of attorney. Free legal advice is also available through Legal Aid or community legal centres. An accountant can note power of attorney arrangements and help watch for unusual account activity. Need help? If you are worried that you or your loved ones are vulnerable, seek help: Elder abuse phone line 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) directs callers to the elder abuse service in their state or territory. Relationships Australia publish a list of state and territory assistance services. Lifeline provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those in crisis. MoneySmart.gov.au publish a range of resources that can help you. The Australian Institute of Family Studies also publish a list of elder abuse support services. Be Connected provides online learning resources to empower all Australians to thrive in a digital world.