Unity Bank had the opportunity to attend the CFMEU SA Picnic Day on the 2 December 2024.
Congratulations to our winner Andrew, who attended the conference and entered our competition! Andrew won a Shiraz Red Christmas Shopping Hamper.
We hope you enjoy your prize!!
We would also like to thank everyone who attended the event and visited our Unity Bank stall.
Unity Bank had the opportunity to attend the CFMEU MD Picnic Day in Melbourne on the 2 December 2024.
Congratulations to our winner the Ofamconi family, who attended the picnic day and entered our competition! The Ofamconi family won a mixed Unity Bank Christmas Hamper.
We hope you enjoy your prize!
We would also like to thank everyone who attended the event and visited our Unity Bank stall.
Unity Bank has sponsored the annual MUA Working Waves event for over 20 years. This surfing competition is held over a single day at Norah Head, a surf beach on the Central Coast of NSW and is organised through the MUA Newcastle Branch. It is always enthusiastically supported by members and sponsors, with some competitors travelling from interstate.
The MUA retired members have the "Barbie" going all day and it is a great event for MUA members, family, and friends.
This year was again a fantastic day out with amazing weather, and fun had by all.
We have supported the Mining & Energy Union (MEU) for over 50 years and understand the highs and lows experienced over that time. The MEU is a division of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, representing mining and energy workers for over 150 years.
At Unity Bank, we’re proud to offer local and personal services in key mining areas across Australia. That’s why we support various community events and AGMs MEU are involved in throughout the year, providing exceptional service to workers across Australia. No matter when you need us, we’re here to help you make the best decisions about your financial future.
Unity Bank is a proud supporter of May Day events around Australia. May Day is a celebration of International Workers Day, which commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement. Many union members take part in marches held in all capital cities and regional towns.
In Newcastle, union members from 24 different unions marched from Newcastle Museum to Foreshore Park to celebrate Workers and enjoyed a family fun day with carrnival rides, food stalls, entertainment and more.
Sadly, instances of elder financial abuse are increasing and are predicted to escalate as our population ages. You may not be familiar with the crime of elder financial abuse, which is defined by Relationships Australia as:
“The illegal, mismanagement or improper use of the older person’s finances. This includes stealing money or possessions, controlling their finances without permission, threats or coercion to gain power of attorney or pressuring them for early inheritances.”
This crime is usually committed by a person or people who are trusted by the older person and it can take place over a considerable period. Anyone can be targeted, but those over the age of 50 are most at risk.
Warning signs of elder financial abuse include:
You have not been receiving your usual mail, including your bank statements, but you have not cancelled the service.
You feel that you have to request permission from another person to spend your own money.
Someone is pressuring you to sign a power of attorney granting control of your bank account to them, or someone else.
Someone is very interested in your Will and is perhaps forcing you to change it.
If you have appointed someone as your power of attorney, you feel that they are not acting in your best interests, i.e. they are using your money for their own interests.
Someone else has control of your bank account/s – your access card/PIN/credit cards – without your consent.
Your signature has been forged on cheques or legal documents.
Unexplained transfers, withdrawals or payments have appeared on your account statements; be particularly suspicious of large amounts.
You have become aware of new investments, debts or loans in your name or are being pressured to take out such investments, debts or loans in your name.
Your bills have not been paid, despite requesting someone to arrange this for you.
Someone is arranging to sell or is threatening to sell your property without your permission.
You are experiencing threatening behaviour, such as someone threatening to isolate you from your family and friends if you do not comply with their wishes.
Someone is making you feel guilty if you do not give them money.
You are feeling intimidated, possibly involving verbal abuse, cajoling, anger or threats.
You no longer feel in control of your finances.
If you feel that you or your loved ones are at risk, get support
Build strong relationships with people who can help you or your loved ones. Ideally, create your support team from a mix of contacts, for example, your GP, your accountant, a friend and a family member.
Need help?
If you are worried that you or your loved ones are vulnerable, seek help:
Relationships Australia publish a list of state and territory assistance services, such as the NSW Elder Abuse Hotline 1800 628 221.
Lifeline provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those in crisis.
moneysmartgov.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.
At Unity Bank, our team has been trained to help identify the warning signs of financial abuse. Our members can contact us on 1300 36 2000 (8.00am – 7.00pm weekdays) to discuss any concerns with their account. We’re ready to help you.
You may find the article What is elder financial abuse? of interest.
