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Scam alert: Watch out for mobile fraud

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:46:43 Z

This Scam Alert is a joint warning from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch.

Recently, it's been reported by Scamwatch that criminals are committing fraud by taking control of mobile phone numbers or making unauthorised changes to phone accounts. Once they gain access to your phone, they can receive verification codes, reset passwords, restrict access to your systems, and get access to a wide range of services that rely on your mobile number for security checks, including:

your bank accounts
myGov
subscription services
rewards programs.

Some people are at risk of mobile number fraud when their email account is compromised. Mobile phone fraud can also occur when scammers gain access to your ID documents or passwords through phishing attempts and following data breaches.

Who’s at risk

Anyone with a mobile phone number can be targeted by this scam. However, people who know or suspect they have been in a data breach may be at greater risk of being targeted.

Warning signs to look out for

Unexpected alerts about changes to your mobile account.
Verification codes you didn’t request.
Account login attempts or password reset emails you didn’t initiate.
Your phone suddenly stops working, shows no signal or switches to ‘SOS only’.

If you've been affected

If your phone stops working unexpectedly or you notice suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately then contact your phone provider.
Change passwords on all your devices and online accounts and notify your bank or card provider straight away.
Monitor your bank statements and account activity for anything unusual.

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) or National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) – Scamwatch.
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.
Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts.

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 more information on common scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the News section of our website.

Interest Rate Change – March 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:17:45 Z

On Tuesday 17 March 2026, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced an increase of 0.25%p.a. to the official cash rate.

Following this, we have reviewed the interest rates applicable to our variable rate home loans and advise that the rates will increase by up to 0.25%p.a. for existing variable rate mortgage holders effective from 27 April 2026 and commercial variable rate mortgage holders effective from 1 April.

Members with a loan account will be advised individually of any change to their interest rate and minimum repayments.

Whilst changes to the RBA cash rate is one of the factors that informs our pricing decisions, there are other factors that we consider such as economic and market conditions, cost to lend and the competitor landscape. This helps us to assess and to continue to offer competitive rates to our members.

If you would like further information on any of our products or services, please review the information on our website or contact us to see how we can help.

Scam alert: Tai Chi and community activities malware scam

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:46:43 Z

Recently, it's been reported by Scamwatch that scammers are advertising ‘free’ classes and creating fake social media groups on various platforms and search engines such as Facebook and Google for a range of activities including Tai Chi, dancing, walking, or hiking.

Once you join the online group, you will receive a call or message from the group administrator. You’ll be advised to download an app from a website to view and register for the free classes. The website may have a button or link to click to ‘Download’ the app from an app store but once you click, it will immediately begin downloading the malware directly to your device. This malware can access and steal your money.

Who’s at risk

Web and social media users
People interested in free or new activities

Warning signs to look out for

Offers for free classes, activities, and events that require you to click on links, download attachments or install software.
Calls or messages from "group administrators".
Class locations and times not freely available.
being asked to download an app from a third-party website.

Need help?

If you have concerns about your account contact us immediately.
You can report cybercrime directly to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) – Scamwatch.
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.
Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts.

Clean Up Australia Day

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 02:55:26 Z

Each year on 1 March, communities across Australia roll up their sleeves and take part in one of the country’s most recognisable environmental initiatives where volunteers work in small groups to remove rubbish from local parks, beaches and streets. Clean Up Australia Day is a community event reminding everyone that caring for our environment is a shared responsibility that requires collective action year-round.

Clean Up Australia Day was first established in 1990, when Ian Kiernan founded Clean Up Australia to encourage everyday people to care for their local environments. What began as a grassroots effort quickly became a national movement, empowering millions of Australians to take practical action against pollution and environmental degradation. The message has always extended beyond a single day of picking up litter. The organisation works year-round with communities, governments and businesses to promote sustainable living and long-term environmental solutions.

According to Clean Up Australia, Australia now produces around 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, roughly 100 kilograms per person. Yet only about 13% is recovered, while 84% ends up in landfill.

Even more troubling is the impact on marine ecosystems. Each year, an estimated 130,000 tonnes of plastic enters the ocean from Australian consumption alone. Scientists warn that by 2025, 99% of seabirds worldwide are expected to have ingested plastic, a stark indicator of how deeply pollution is affecting natural systems. These figures highlight a critical environmental challenge that cannot be solved by governments or individuals alone, it’s a collective coordinated effort by whole communities.

What can you do at home? Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle, recover. Starting with these five simple actions can be a practical way to stop litter ending up in our environment and keep more waste out of landfill.

To get involved in Clean Up Australia Day you can register a new clean-up, join an existing one (use the official interactive map to search by postcode or suburb) or donate at https://www.cleanup.org.au/. Clean-ups can be registered any day of the year.

Mutually valuable banking for people and planet

We are always looking for ways to minimise the impact our business operations have on the environment.

Our head office was recently refurbished to improve efficiency and wellbeing and as part of our commitment to waste reduction, we repurposed much of our existing furniture. Remaining items were made available to staff or donated to Barnardos Australia’s child and family centres and Planet Ark’s City Recycling program. Newly installed water systems, upgraded lighting and presentation technology were selected to reduce resource consumption and improve energy efficiency. This complemented the office’s comprehensive four-bin recycling system for dry-waste, organics, recyclables, and paper - to help prevent contamination, reduce waste and minimise landfill.

We have also undertaken a Greenhouse Gas Assessment to better understand our emissions and identify reduction opportunities, completing our submission to Climate Active, an Australian Government program driving voluntary climate action. Last year, we offset 1,847 tCO2-e using 80% Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) and 20% Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).

Through our ESG Strategy, we have delivered a number of impact initiatives including recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral, accessible and inclusive service enhancements, our Essential Worker Home Loan, Green Car Loan, Green Upgrades Loan, Worker Support Benefits and our Responsible Banking Policy.

Changes to Fees and Charges - March 2026

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:55:26 Z

Members are advised of changes to our fees and charges effective 10 March 2026.

We will be expanding the Consent Fee to cover consent to subdivide, substitute, lease, cross-collateralise or any other matter where we need to reassess the loan in any way. The Consent Fee will remain at $300.

This expansion will result in an increase to the fee associated with security variation (from $200 to $300) and an increase in the fee associated with subdivision (from $250 to $300).

We will be introducing the following new fees:

Re-documentation Fee of $250 for instances where a member requests to Fixed Rate Lock after their loan offer and contract documentation has been provided, but prior to loan settlement.
Foreign Cheque Deposit Fee of $20 for cheques up to $25,000 or $50 for cheques over $25,000.

These changes will take effect on 10 March 2026. If you would like to discuss any of these changes, please contact us.

ClickFit: Are you fit to click-date?

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:46:43 Z

ClickFit: Are you fit to click-date?

ClickFit: Romance Scams is designed to get Australians to stop their scroll, check the warning signs of romance scams, and protect their hearts and wallets from cybercriminals. Think of ClickFit as a road-safety campaign for digital dating: every online user is being urged to slow down, swerve around romance scam tactics, and stay one step ahead of cybercrime.

Why ClickFit matters?
Many victims of romance scams experience feelings of embarrassment, fear and disapproval, which prevents them from coming forward. To help Australians navigate online dating safely, it's important they can recognise the warning signs of romance scams. ClickFit will make it easier for Australians to date online and click on love with caution and confidence.

Get ready to click-date in six steps:

If asked, don't move the chat to another platform
Always verify the person online
Ask to video call or meet in person
Never send money or share accounts
Watch out for romance scam tactics
Talk to someone you trust

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.

Scam alert: Qantas impersonation scam

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:46:43 Z

Spike in reports of scammers impersonating Qantas to steal your personal information and money.

What’s happening

Scammers are impersonating Qantas in emails and text messages to steal your personal information and money. They create a sense of urgency to try and get you to act quickly without checking first.

Scammers will use Qantas logos and branding to make the communication look real. The email or text message will urge you to click a link to either:

claim a refund
claim a gift
redeem points that are about to expire.

If you click this link you will be directed to a scam website designed to steal any information you enter.

Qantas has been warning of these sorts of scams, which were first identified in August 2025, and encourages customers to be alert to continued scam activity. The airline does not contact customers to ask for their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords in text messages or email.

More information can be found on Qantas.com dedicated scams page. The NASC and Qantas work collaboratively to share scam intelligence and to disrupt scams.

Who’s at risk

Anyone could be targeted by this scam. You do not need to be an existing Qantas customer or Qantas Frequent Flyer. However, people who know or suspect they have been involved in a data breach may be at greater risk of being targeted.

If you’ve been affected

Don’t be embarrassed about being scammed.

If you’ve had money or personal information stolen, contact us immediately.
If you think your accounts have been compromised, change your passwords immediately.
Monitor your bank statements and accounts for unusual activity.
If you’ve been scammed or have provided personal information, call IDCARE on 1800 595 160.
Help others by reporting to Scamwatch.

Warning signs to look out for

Suprise offers that come from unsolicited emails or messages.
Sender names, email addresses or website addresses that have been changed and look different from the legitimate domain of an organisation.
Limited time offers creating urgency such as expiring loyalty points or "missing out" on a refund or gift.
Communications that ask for your personal details, password, PIN, credit card or banking information.
Communications that ask you to click a link and enter personal or sensitive login information.

Protect yourself from scams by:

STOP. Scammers create a sense of urgency. Don’t rush to act, take your time. Never click a link, download an attachment, or enter personal or sensitive login information via a link in an email or message.

CHECK. Check whether the message or email you’ve received is really from Qantas by using your official Qantas app, visiting the Qantas website, or calling Qantas directly using a number you source yourself. Qantas updates its scams awareness website with advice for customers.

PROTECT. If you’ve given any personal information to someone you suspect is a scammer, act quickly. See more about what to do if you’ve been scammed and what steps you can follow.

Need help?

If you have concerns about your account contact us immediately.
You can report cybercrime directly to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) – Scamwatch.
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.
Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts.

Source: Scamwatch

Interest Rate Change – February 2026

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 08:57:11 Z

On Tuesday 3 February 2026, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced an increase of 0.25%p.a. to the official cash rate.

Following this, we have reviewed the interest rates applicable to our variable and fixed rate home loans and advise that the rates will increase by up to 0.50%p.a. for new loans effective from 6 February 2026, with increases of up to 0.36%p.a. for existing variable rate mortgage holders effective from 18 March 2026.

Our variable savings rates including Bonus Saver Account will increase by up to 1.75%p.a. effective from 1 March 2026.

Members with a loan account will be advised individually of any change to their interest rate and minimum repayments.

Whilst changes to the RBA cash rate is one of the factors that informs our pricing decisions, there are other factors that we consider such as economic and market conditions, cost to lend and the competitor landscape. This helps us to assess and to continue to offer competitive rates to our members.

If you would like further information on any of our products or services, please review the information on our website or contact us to see how we can help.

Unity Bank CEO Transition

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:18:51 Z

The Board of Unity Bank is pleased to announce that following the successful merger of G&C Mutual Bank and Unity Bank in March 2025, the long-planned transition of CEOs took effect this week.

As detailed in the Member Information Document, and an integral part of the merger process, the initial CEO Danny Pavisic was scheduled to step aside after taking on the role in March 2025 and Rosanna Argall has re-assumed the role of CEO (having served as the CEO of G&C Mutual Bank until the merger in March 2025).

The timing of the transition provides for a smooth handover as the bank moves through its annual Board strategic planning cycle and provides an opportunity for Rosanna to continue to enhance on the integration that has already taken place since March 2025, overseen by Danny.

In announcing the transition, Mr. Pavisic, who has been with Unity Bank for 21 years, the last 6 as CEO said, “it has been an honour to lead the bank during the merger process, in particular as the team met the challenge of bringing two highly successful entities together and guaranteeing our collective future.”

Unity Bank Chair, Steve Helmich paid tribute to Mr. Pavisic, noting “the Board is very appreciative of the critical role Danny has played in achieving this merger of equals, and his tireless work in bringing the two organisations together. He hands over to Rosanna with the bank exceptionally well placed to capture the many opportunities that lie ahead”.

Incoming CEO, Rosanna Argall thanked Danny for his leadership and for working harmoniously together to take the first steps in the integration of the two banks. Rosanna also noted that she was ‘looking forward to continuing to engage with our members, our staff and our various partners and stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of our organisation for the benefit of everyone well into the future.”

G&C Mutual Bank Community Support Package

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:49:06 Z

With the recent Queensland floods and Victorian bushfires, we stand prepared with G&C Mutual Bank's Community Support Package to assist you.

Deferred home loan repayment

Deferred loan repayment option available on qualifying existing and new G&C Mutual Bank home loans and home loan refinances¹

Member support

Practical and tailored assistance to help you and your family get your finances back in shape

If you have been impacted by the Queensland floods and Victorian bushfires, we are ready to assist. Please give us a call on 1300 364 400.

Disclaimer
Credit eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. 1. Loan deferment option available at the discretion of the Bank and subject to approval. Interest accrues and is capitalised to the loan throughout the approved loan repayment deferral period. Unity Bank Limited ABN 72 087 650 637 | AFSL & Australian Credit Licence 238311

NSW Ambulance 2025 Employee of the Year

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:19:57 Z

G&C Mutual Bank has sponsored the NSW Ambulance Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year Awards for over a decade. It’s our way of thanking NSW Ambulance employees for their service to the community.

Employee of the Year, 2025 – Martin G, Paramedic (Lead Volunteer Facilitator, Community First Responders)

Left to right: Unity Bank CEO, Danny Pavisic; NSW Ambulance Employee of the Year 2025, Martin G; NSW Ambulance Commissioner and Chief Executive, Dominic Morgan

The NSW Ambulance Employee of the Year Award for 2025 has been presented to Queanbeyan paramedic Martin G, in recognition of his dedication to education, teamwork, and community-based emergency response.

Martin has been acknowledged for his leadership as the lead volunteer facilitator for Community First Responders (CFR) in the Southern Tablelands town of Captains Flat. CFRs are volunteers, often drawn from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire Service (RFS), who provide vital first aid and patient support during medical emergencies and major incidents while awaiting the arrival of paramedics.

Through his commitment to training and continuous improvement, Martin has strengthened the skills and confidence of the Captains Flat CFR unit. His work has improved communication between volunteers and paramedics, enhanced operational performance, and built stronger connections between NSW Ambulance and the local community.

Martin said the award reflects the dedication of the volunteers he supports.

“I’m really proud of all the Community First Responders - who have their own jobs and then come home and are on call. They really inspire me,” he said.

“I’m very humbled and honoured by this award, which is also testament to the efforts of the volunteers and the other facilitators from NSW Ambulance.”

We extend our warmest congratulations to Martin and thank him for his exceptional service to the community. We are honoured to have sponsored the NSW Ambulance Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year Awards for over a decade and are proud to recognise and reward the dedication and hard work of NSW Ambulance employees like Martin.

Article source: NSW Ambulance

About the NSW Ambulance employee awards

Each month, a staff member is recognised with the Employee of the Month Award for demonstrating outstanding performance or innovation. At the end of the year, the Employee of the Year is chosen from the Honour Roll of monthly award recipients.

NSW Ambulance is an integral part of the NSW Health System delivering mobile health services and providing high quality clinical care, rescue and retrieval services to those people of NSW with emergency and medical health needs.

Scam Alert: Increased scam activity following Bondi Beach Attack

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:46:43 Z

Following the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, there is an increased risk of scam and financial crime activity. Scammers are known to exploit major public events by impersonating trusted organisations, creating fake donation appeals, or pressuring people into making urgent payments.

This article outlines common scam types, safe payment practices, and practical tips to help you stay protected.

Common scams to be aware of

After major incidents, scam activity often increases. Watch out for:

Fake charities and donation requests: Scammers may impersonate legitimate charities or emergency relief funds, requesting donations via text messages, emails, social media posts, or fake websites.
Fake government or compensation messages: You may receive contact from someone claiming to represent a government agency or authority, offering compensation, refunds, or financial support. These messages often ask for personal details or immediate payment.
Urgent or emotionally charged payment requests: Scammers frequently use urgency to pressure people into acting quickly without verifying the request.

Use secure payment methods

Before making a payment or donation, consider whether the payment method being requested is appropriate for the situation. Legitimate organisations do not require urgent or unusual payment methods. Scammers often request payment methods that are hard to recover, including PayID or real-time bank transfers, international transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.

Stick to trusted and secure payment methods, which often have built-in buyer protection and fraud prevention features to help safeguard your purchases. If you are being pressured to pay quickly or in a specific way, stop and verify the request before proceeding.

How to protect yourself

Here are 4 practical tips to help you stay protected:

Verify the organisation or recipient using official websites or trusted contact details.
Do not click links in unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media posts.
Donate only through official charity channels.
Take time to check the request. Scammers often use urgency to pressure people into paying.

Need help?

If you have concerns about your account contact us immediately.
You can report cybercrime directly to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) – Scamwatch.
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.
Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts.

ClickFit: Are you fit to click?

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:46:43 Z

The Australian Federal Police (AFP)-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) has launched ‘ClickFit’: a national awareness campaign designed to get Australians to stop their scroll, check the warning signs of scams, and protect themselves from cybercrime.

Think of 'ClickFit' as a road-safety campaign for the internet: every online user is being urged to slow down, swerve around scam links, emails, and messages, and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. The campaign promotes safe online behaviour, helps people recognise scams, encourages incident reporting, and supports stronger cyber protection measures.

Recent findings suggest too many Australians are not adopting necessary safety measures online and too few are reporting incidents to police when targeted by cybercriminals, with reporting rates in 2024 ranging from 8% for malware to 22% for fraud and scams. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology’s Cybercrime in Australia 2024 report, many victims believed their experience was not serious enough to report or that nothing could be done. Every cybercrime report helps police track criminals, shut down their networks, assist in building intelligence on emerging cyber threats, and prevent other people from being targeted.

AFP Acting Commander of Cybercrime Operations Marie Andersson said the message for digital consumers was clear – the online world was incredible, but it was important to develop cyber tools and skills to navigate it confidently and safely.

“Research shows our online habits directly impact our risk profile and many Australians overlook simple steps to stay secure online, which can prevent their victimisation,” Acting Commander Andersson said.

Real examples:
In a recent case investigated by Tasmania Police, a man lost more than $400,000 to a sophisticated cryptocurrency investment scam – despite advice from his bank and police. Acting Commander Andersson said this demonstrated just how convincing and persistent scammers could be.

In another case, a mother reported to South Australia Police that she booked a family holiday for four through an online advertisement that appeared reputable, even checking the business had an ABN. However, after paying thousands of dollars for flights and accommodation, she arrived at her destination only to discover the hotel did not exist.

Despite Australians rating their tech knowledge highly, many fail to use basic protections such as strong passphrases, multi-factor authentication and regular software updates – a critical gap ClickFit aims to close.

Why ClickFit matters
Research shows that unsafe online behaviours can significantly increase the risk of being targeted by cybercriminals. However, there are good habits ahead - if you introduce just six steps into your everyday digital routine, this will help protect you from cybercrime, scams, and keep you safe online. This is how you become 'ClickFit'.

Get ClickFit:

Create strong and unique passphrases for every account.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication. This adds an extra lock on your accounts, even if your password is stolen.
Install software updates on phones, apps, and computers to close security gaps.
Stay alert to emerging scams and cybercrime trends.
Stop and think before you click. Criminals rely on urgency and distraction. Don't rush.
Verify the source before you click, call or pay. Call or check directly with the legitimate organisation/trusted source before clicking on a link.

Take a moment to reflect on your online habits, have conversations with friends and family about scam safety, and help spread the message, are you ClickFit?

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.

Shop smart: Expert tips to avoid scams this sales season

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:46:43 Z

With Boxing Day and other seasonal sales just around the corner, online shopping is set to surge, and unfortunately, so is the risk of scams. As the holiday sales approach, the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) is urging consumers to remain vigilant.

“Scammers often use tactics like creating a sense of urgency to get customers to make immediate decisions and payments. Knowing that pressured shoppers are less likely to spot a scam, criminals deliberately target events like Boxing Day sales,” COBA Head of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience Martin Latimer explained.

According to ACCC’s Scamwatch, there have been more than $8 million in reported losses from shopping scams in 2025 so far.

To help savvy shoppers stay safe, COBA’s financial crimes team share their expert tips on how to spot, and avoid, such scams.

Beware of fake websites

Scammers often create ‘phantom’ websites that are designed to trick even the savviest shopper.

Latimer urges Australians to be extra cautious when browsing online deals, and to double-check the legitimacy of a website before you decide to make any payments.

Look out for poor website design and spelling or grammatical errors, as well as a lack of customer feedback or reviews for the seller or product.

“Scammers are experts at creating convincing fake websites that closely resemble legitimate retailers. Pay close attention to the domain name, because even a small typo could mean you're on a scam site,” Latimer advised.

Shoppers are urged to verify the site's legitimacy by looking out for a privacy policy, terms and condition, or even contact details - many fake websites don’t include this level of information.

If you are shopping on an Australian website, you can use the Australian Domain Authority’s website register to see which company or trademark registered it.

Don’t click on unsolicited links

Phishing is a tactic criminals use to steal your personal and financial information, such as login credentials or credit card details.

Scammers often send unsolicited emails or messages pretending to be legitimate retailers, delivery companies or payment processors, in an attempt to trick shoppers to click on links or download suspicious attachments.

“A common phishing tactic is a scammer sending an email or text message about a sale or delivery, urging you to click on a link. These links then lead to fake websites or download malware onto your device,” Latimer explained.

“Never open attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware. Instead, always go directly to the retailer’s official website.”

Use secure payment methods

Before making any online purchases, make sure your payment is protected. Check that the website shows “https” and a padlock icon to safeguard your financial information.

Latimer added: “Scammers will often encourage you to use untraceable payment methods, like wire transfers or cryptocurrency, so avoid these. Stick to trusted and secure payment methods, which often have built-in buyer protection and fraud prevention features to help safeguard your purchases.”

Trust your instincts. If something appears suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.

Need help?

If you have concerns about your account contact us immediately.
You can report cybercrime directly to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) – Scamwatch.
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.
Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts.

Scam alert: social media minimum age scams

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:46:43 Z

From 10 December 2025, some social media platforms will be restricted, by law, to people aged 16 and over. These laws require affected platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent anyone under 16 from creating or holding accounts.

These measures are designed to protect young people from the risks and pressures associated with social media use. Information about the new restrictions is available at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub.

There are 4 potential scams that opportunistic criminals may use to take advantage of these changes.

Who’s at risk

Young people and their families affected by the new social media age restrictions
Social media users

What the scams might look like

Platform impersonation scams
Scammers may pretend to be social media platforms or age verification providers, and ask you to verify your age or risk losing your account.
Government impersonation scams
Scammers may pretend to be from government or law enforcement, claiming you have breached the new laws and threaten fines unless you provide proof of age.
Fake ID scams
Scammers may offer fake IDs or access to age-verified accounts for a fee, targeting young people under 16 and their families.
‘Hi Mum’ scams
Scammers might impersonate young people aged 16 or older, contacting their parents or guardians to claim they need help verifying their age to use a social media platform.

If someone contacts you about the social media age restrictions

STOP. Don’t be rushed to share age verification details quickly. Don’t make any payments. No legitimate platforms are requesting payment associated with these laws.
CHECK. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Find out how your social media platforms are communicating with users about the restrictions and how they are verifying users’ ages. You can visit eSafety's frequently asked questions page for more information.
PROTECT. If you’ve given any personal information, such as your age or proof of identity, or money to someone you suspect is a scammer act quickly. The What to do if you’ve been scammed page on scamwatch.gov.au has steps you can follow.

Need help?

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.
Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts.

International Computer Security Day 2025

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:46:43 Z

Every year on 30 November, International Computer Security Day highlights the importance of protecting personal and organisational information in an increasingly digital world. First acknowledged in 1988, the day is now recognised globally by schools, businesses, and communities of all kinds.

As our reliance on technology grows, so does our exposure to cyber risks. Personal data, financial details, and business information can all be exploited if not properly secured. International Computer Security Day encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to reflect on their online habits and strengthen their digital defences.

Over the past five decades, computers and digital devices have become essential to daily life, from work and study to banking and shopping. This dependence highlights the need for strong security practices and awareness.

Cybercriminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities through identity theft, fraud, ransomware, and malicious software. Taking early, preventive measures is crucial to protecting both personal and business data.

International Computer Security Day serves as a timely reminder to assess your digital security and put effective safeguards in place. Below are practical actions you can take to enhance your online safety:

Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account:
- A passphrase is a more secure version of a password.
- Passphrases are hard for cybercriminals to crack, but easy for you to remember.       
- Create passphrases that are:
  - 15 or more characters
  - Unpredictable: use 4 or more random words. Avoid identifying information such as family names, birth dates or addresses.
  - Unique: are different for every account.
  - Learn more about how to set secure passphrases at cyber.gov.au
Always set up multi-factor authentication (MFA):
- Enable multi-factor authentication where available to add an extra layer of security to all of your online accounts.
- MFA requires two or more proofs of identity to log in to your account
- MFA adds an extra layer of security
- Start with setting up MFA on your most important accounts (such as online banking and email accounts)
- Learn more about how to turn on multi-factor authentication at cyber.gov.au
Install all software updates to keep your devices secure:
- Installing regular updates will keep your devices secure and makes it harder for cyber criminals to access them.
- Make sure that automatic updates are switched on so that you are notified when an update is available.
- Learn more about how to update your devices at cyber.gov.au
Be cautious of phishing attempts
- Always verify unexpected text messages, emails, links, and attachments before opening them.
- Check the sender’s details carefully and confirm the email address or phone number is legitimate.
- Hover over links to inspect the URL, and if in doubt, open a new browser window and navigate to the website manually rather than clicking the link.
- Look for spelling errors, urgent language, unusual requests, or unfamiliar sender details.
- Never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages.
Back up your data
- Regularly back up important files to a secure location to prevent data loss.
- Use offline backups (such as an external hard drive) or encrypted cloud storage for added security.
- Ensure your backups are protected with strong passwords or encryption.
- Test your backups periodically to confirm they can be restored if needed.

This International Computer Security Day, consider taking time to assess your digital habits. Updating passwords, reviewing privacy settings, installing security updates, or educating those around you about safe online behaviour are all meaningful steps toward better protection. Every proactive action contributes to a more secure digital landscape.

This day is a prompt to prioritise cybersecurity in our daily lives, ensuring that our personal, professional, and organisational information remains safe in an increasingly digital world.

If you have concerns about your account mmediately.
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.

Buy Nothing Day

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:46:43 Z

Buy Nothing Day is an annual awareness day that highlights the environmental and social impacts of over-consumption. In many parts of the world, it aligns with Black Friday sales on 28 November, but is held on 29 November in Australia. Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and Buy Nothing Day encourages individuals to pause before purchasing and consider how consumer habits contribute to waste, carbon emissions, and resource depletion. The aim is not to discourage all buying permanently, but to promote a more conscious approach to what we choose to own, use, and value.

Every product has an environmental footprint. Manufacturing requires raw materials and energy. Packaging and distribution rely on transportation networks that produce significant greenhouse gas emissions. Once discarded, many items, particularly clothing and electronics, end up in landfill or are shipped offshore as waste. The fashion industry alone accounts for an estimated 10% of global carbon emissions, as reported by the United Nations, and e-waste is growing faster than any other waste stream worldwide. Furthermore, fashion is one of the most labour-dependent industries in the world, with each piece of apparel traveling through a complex supply chain. The demand for fast, low-cost fashion and the lack of visibility along these supply chains has led the fashion industry to become the second-largest sector, after technology, to support modern slavery. Buy Nothing Day provides space to reflect on the larger impacts behind everyday purchases.

The day encourages the reassessment of needs versus wants and exploring more sustainable options, such as repairing, borrowing, sharing, or buying second-hand. Rather than engaging in impulse purchasing or chasing short-term discounts, Buy Nothing Day promotes long-term thinking: choosing fewer items of higher quality, supporting businesses with ethical and sustainable practices, and valuing experiences, community connection, and creativity over material accumulation.

Ways to participate:

Spend nothing for the day and reflect on your purchasing habits
Repair or maintain items you already own
Donate or exchange items through community swap meets or op shops
Declutter and repurpose where possible
Spend time outdoors or take part in free activities that do not require consumption

Op shops and charitable resale events help extend the life of clothing and reduce textile waste, while also supporting community initiatives. An example of this is the Peter Pan Op Shop in Sydney, a long-running charity fashion sale that raises funds for Barnardos. This year, Unity Bank employees volunteered to help sort donated clothing, assist guests, and support the event, reinforcing the link between sustainability and community impact. Events like these demonstrate how reuse can be both environmentally responsible and socially meaningful.

Buy Nothing Day has evolved into a broader movement encouraging reflection on sustainability, climate impacts, ethical supply chains, and minimalism. While the awareness day lasts 24 hours, its message encourages long-term behavioural change. Becoming a more conscious consumer can help reduce waste, support sustainable industries, and build habits that prioritise environmental responsibility.

The day is ultimately a reminder that every purchase is a choice, with environmental and social consequences, and that by consuming more thoughtfully, individuals can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

Stay alert this Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:46:43 Z

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are among the year’s biggest online shopping events, with millions of Australians searching for bargains. While retailers prepare for increased demand, scammers do too, building fake websites, sending phishing messages and placing deceptive ads designed to steal money and personal information. Fraudulent activity typically rises during major shopping periods.

Common scams to watch for:

AI fake online stores – Professional-looking websites that use deepfake videos, fake reviews, manufactured product images and convincing logos to appear legitimate.
Phishing emails and texts – Messages that appear to come from trusted retailers or delivery companies, asking you to “confirm your order” or “track your parcel.”
Social media ads – Ads promoting unrealistic prices or fake giveaways that redirect you to malicious sites.
Payment scams – Requests for direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency payments instead of secure options like credit cards or PayPal.

It’s also important to note that even legitimate retailers may occasionally use misleading promotions, such as limited-time claims that create false urgency, “store-wide” discounts that exclude most products, or “up to X% off” deals where only a small number of items receive the highest discount.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is conducting a sweep of retailers to ensure their sales advertising is accurate, transparent, and not likely to mislead or deceive consumers.

If you’re planning to shop during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, check prices before promotions begin so you can compare and ensure the discount is genuine.

How to protect yourself

You can still enjoy the sales, just shop smart:

Stick to trusted retailers:- Buy from official brand websites or authorised sellers.
Check URLs carefully:- Look for subtle spelling differences, extra characters or unusual domain names.
Recognise fake website: AI generated images and videos can show unnatural facial expressions, inconsistent lighting, blurred lip movements. Verify the legitimacy by checking the contact details.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Type the retailer’s URL directly or use a bookmark instead of following links from emails, texts or social media.
Use secure payment methods: Credit cards and PayPal generally offer better buyer protection than direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency if something goes wrong.
Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true: They usually are.
Don’t succumb to pressure: Don’t let countdown timers or low stock pressure you into buying.
Verify social media offers: Don’t rely solely on celebrity videos or influencer posts, check the retailer’s official channels.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales can provide a great opportunity to save on your purchases, but it’s also a prime time for scammers. Take a moment to double-check before you click, buy, or share any personal information. A few seconds of caution can save you from weeks of stress and financial loss.

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.
Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts.

National Recycling Week

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:46:43 Z

National Recycling Week is one of Planet Ark’s flagship campaigns, held each year during the second week of November. Since its launch in 1996, the initiative has aimed to inspire individuals, businesses, and communities to take meaningful action toward reducing waste, reusing, and recycling correctly.

Over the years, Australia’s recycling efforts have made remarkable progress. What began with only 7% of materials recycled, around 1.5 million tonnes, has now grown to more than 60%, exceeding 43 million tonnes. This transformation demonstrates how education, awareness, and improved recycling systems can make a real difference.

Recycling plays a vital role in protecting our planet. By keeping valuable materials such as paper, glass, metals, and plastics out of landfill, we conserve natural resources and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Every item we recycle helps cut down on pollution and the energy required to produce new products from raw materials.

This National Recycling Week, Planet Ark is encouraging everyone to rethink their waste habits, from recycling household items properly to choosing reusable alternatives and reducing overall consumption. Small steps, such as sorting recyclables correctly or buying products made from recycled materials, can create a big collective impact.

Recycling at Home

Households generate significant waste daily, and effective recycling helps reduce landfill waste. Here are some practical ways to recycle at home:

Sort waste properly – Understanding your local council regulations is key to proper recycling and preventing contamination. Check your local council's guidelines.
Reuse and repurpose – Before discarding items, find creative ways to give them a second life. Glass jars, plastic containers, and old clothes can often be repurposed for storage, crafts, or household use.
Start a compost bin – Set up a compost bin for food scraps and garden waste to reduce organic waste. Learn more about how to get started.
Dispose of e-waste properly – Take electronic waste, such as old phones, televisions and batteries, to designated drop-off locations to ensure safe recycling. Find your nearest e-waste collection point.
Container deposit schemes – From 2025, Australia will be the first continent to be fully covered by container deposit schemes. Under these programs you can return a range of aluminium, glass, and plastic drink containers to designated locations for a 10cent refund per eligible item. Learn more about these schemes in each state.

Kerbside recycling

As mentioned above, recycling rules vary by council, but in general the following materials can go into kerbside recycling bins for collection:

Paper and cardboard – Newspapers, magazines, office paper, cereal boxes, and flattened cardboard boxes.
Glass – Bottles and jars (rinsed). Do not include broken glass, ceramics, or Pyrex (cookware).
Plastics – Hard plastics such as soft drink bottles, milk containers and shampoo bottles.
Metal – Aluminium cans, steel cans and foil trays.
Cartons – Milk and juice cartons.

Items to avoid placing in kerbside recycling bins:

Plastic bags
Broken glassware or mirrors or glass from a photo frame
Batteries – Dispose of them at e-waste collection points.
Clothing and other textiles
Food containers with leftover food
Building materials, such as timber, bricks and other construction debris.
Paper towels

Understanding your bin system:

Yellow-lid bins – Used for recyclable materials.

Red lid bens (landfill) - Intended for general waste that cannot be recycled.

Green lid bins - Designed for garden waste, such as leaves, grass clippings, small branches, plants, flowers, weeds, and twigs.

Some councils may allow additional organic materials in green bins, such as food scraps (fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bread, pasta, eggshells) and compostable packaging. Check your local council’s website for specific bin guidelines.

Recycling labels

It is important to check and understand product labels and follow recycling instructions to ensure proper disposal and avoid contamination.

Most products and packaging made from plastic have a small triangle on them with a number inside. This is a plastic identification code, used to identify the type of plastic the product is made from. Unfortunately, the triangle is often confused with the global symbol for recycling, the Mobius Loop, but it is not an indication the item can be recycled.

The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is a labelling system for Australia and New Zealand, that provides consumers with easy-to-understand recycling information on packaging. It removes confusion, saves time and reduces contamination in the recycling stream by providing clear, detailed instructions on how to dispose of all parts of the packaging.

Preventing recycling contamination

Contamination in recycling bins is a significant issue that can cause entire batches of recyclables to be sent to landfill. When food waste, liquids, or non-recyclable items are mixed in, they can ruin otherwise recyclable materials. To avoid this:

Ensure recyclables are clean and dry before disposal.
Keep soft plastics, such as plastic bags and wrappers, out of standard recycling bins.
Do not place hazardous items, such as batteries or electronic waste, in recycling bins, use designated collection points instead.
Follow signage and guidelines on bins to ensure proper waste separation.

By keeping recycling streams clean, we improve efficiency, lower costs, and ensure materials can be effectively repurposed.

Recycling in your workplace

Workplaces generate a substantial amount of recyclable waste, including paper, plastic, and electronics. Here are some steps to enhance recycling in your workplace:

Recycling bins – Use any designated recycling bins throughout your workplace to ensure proper waste disposal and support sustainability efforts.
Go paperless – Consider the need to print. Reduce paper waste by digitising documents and using electronic communication where possible.
Recycle office supplies and equipment – Check if your workplace has collection points for used printer cartridges, batteries, and outdated electronics. Speak to your colleagues about donating or responsibly recycling old office furniture and IT equipment. Find e-waste collection points near you.
Embrace reusable items – Utilise reusable coffee cups, water bottles, lunch containers, plates and cutlery instead of disposables alternatives.

Mutually valuable banking for people and planet

As a member focused, values-driven organisation, acting responsibly and ethically is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to the ongoing promotion and creation of mutual value and strive to make a positive impact for our members and the communities we are part of. It is this sentiment that underpins our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy - Mutually valuable banking for people and planet.

We are always looking for ways to minimise the impact our business operations have on the environment. Our head office features a comprehensive four-bin recycling system for dry-waste, organics, recyclables, and paper - to help prevent contamination, reduce waste and minimise landfill.

We also recently refurbished our head office to improve efficiency and wellbeing. As part of our commitment to waste reduction, we repurposed much of our existing furniture. Remaining items were made available to staff or donated to Barnardos Australia’s child and family centres and Planet Ark’s City Recycling program. Newly installed water systems, upgraded lighting and presentation technology were selected to reduce resource consumption and improve energy efficiency.

Through our ESG Strategy, we have delivered a number of impact initiatives including recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral, accessible and inclusive service enhancements, our Essential Worker Home Loan, Green Car Loan, Green Upgrades Loan, Worker Support Benefits and our Responsible Banking Policy.

Join us in making a difference

This National Recycling Week, let's reflect on our recycling habits and how we can contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment. Simple actions, like sorting waste properly, using recycled products, and supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability, can make a significant difference.

Together, we can make recycling second nature and help build a more sustainable Australia.

Banking on Values Day: Reshaping how AI describes banking

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:46:43 Z

As part of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), this Banking on Values Day 2025 (November 10) we are seeking to explore the relationship between one of the defining technologies of our time– generative AI– and banking. We’re conscious that for good or ill, AI will shape so much of how our future looks and also how people understand it.

We began by thinking about how AI describes banking to the rest of the world. We paid particularly close attention to the way that, when one asks a generative AI chatbot (like ChatGPT or Claude) about banking, it mainly produces information that reflects only very conventional banking, and knows little about banking on values which can reinforce unhelpful and outdated perceptions of what banking could be.

As part of Banking on Values Day 2025, GABV has launched a digital tool to reshape how AI describes and understands the purpose of banks, moving beyond profit to highlight their potential to serve people and planet.

We believe technology is a powerful force to facilitate financial inclusion, help address environmental challenges and build a fairer future for us all. Collectively, we can help shape the future of AI and redefine banking through the lens of values.

AI has rapidly become one of the world’s most commonly used digital tools. In 2025, 83% of AI users say they prefer AI-driven tools over traditional search engines for their accuracy and conversational tone, yet when asked, “What is banking for?”, large language models (LLMs) barely inform the public about the benefits of ethical, community-focused banking options. With recent research highlighting the extent of misrepresentation in news reporting (up to 45%), the GABV is seeking to expose the bias stemming from AI’s reliance on data dominated by conventional, profit-driven finance and excluding real-world examples of ethical and values-based banking.

“AI is rewriting how the world understands banking and, right now, it’s leaving purpose and impact out of the picture. If we want a financial system that truly serves people and planet, we must make sure AI learns that too. This is a defining moment. AI does learn from the data it has access to - so the more positive, high-quality stories it finds about values-based banking, the better the insights and outcomes it can generate for everyone.” Martin Roher, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).

Search ChatGABV

To expose and address this imbalance, GABV created ChatGABV, a new interactive educational tool featuring two AI personas: ChatBAU (Business as Usual), representing mainstream, profit-focused AI responses, and ChatGABV, offering an alternative, values-driven view of finance. It highlights the potential of banking to drive positive social and environmental change, allowing users to compare and contrast the two. ChatBAU responds to a question like ‘What is banking?’ by highlighting ‘maximising profits for shareholders’, whilst ChatGABV highlights the role of value-led finance to ‘drive positive change in society’.

To tackle this information gap, the GABV invites everyone to shape AI and participate in a collective day of digital action, posting their responses to the question ‘What is a bank for?'. This collaborative intervention aims to expand the pool of knowledge that future AI models draw from, ultimately influencing how AI defines the purpose and potential of banking for the public.

"Values-based banking has the power to transform lives and communities. We have seen the good it can do to help underserved populations around the world. As generative AI becomes more engrained in the financial industry, those of us in the GABV must help shape these models to harness banking as a powerful tool to help drive good in society. Our voices and experiences can not only influence people’s perceptions, but also that of this emerging technology." David Reiling, Chair of the GABV and CEO of Sunrise Banks (US)

Note

The campaign intentionally uses AI-generated content as part of its storytelling to reflect the growing role of AI in shaping public understanding. Rather than avoid this technology, the GABV chose to engage with it to demonstrate that banking can be values-driven. While aware of ethical concerns such as environmental impact, data bias, and effects on creatives, they addressed these by using licensed and owned materials and offsetting the carbon footprint of the video production. This approach aims to spark a global conversation and ensure AI reflects a vision of banking that serves people and the planet.

To learn more about ChatGABV and use the tool visit: www.chatgabv.org

Prompt - What is a bank for?

As a member-focused, values-driven organisation, acting responsibly and ethically is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to the ongoing promotion and creation of mutual value, including empowering our members with financial education that supports informed decision-making and long-term wellbeing. This sentiment underpins our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy - Mutually valuable banking for people and planet.

Through our ESG Strategy, we have delivered a number of impact initiatives including recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral, accessible and inclusive service enhancements, our Essential Worker Home Loan, Green Car Loan, Green Upgrades Loan, Worker Support Benefits and our Responsible Banking Policy.

We believe in promoting a positive, viable banking model that’s focused on meeting human needs and sustainability. We are an Associate Member of the GABV, a network of independent banks and credit unions using finance to deliver sustainable economic, social and environmental development. The GABV comprises 70+ financial institutions operating in 45 countries across Asia, Africa, Australia, Latin America, North America and Europe. Collectively, they serve more than 50 million customers and hold over USD 265 billion of combined assets under management.

We were also the first financial institution globally to be accredited under the Mutual Value Measurement (MVM) Framework, developed by the BCCM and researchers at Monash University’s Business School to help mutual organisations measure their total value creation (mutual value) through a set of common dimensions and shared language about measuring and reporting mutual value.

We’re always striving to make a positive impact and we are committed to a more sustainable future for our members and their communities. That’s why we’re striving to deliver mutually valuable banking for people and planet.

Hats Off to Australia’s Teachers This World Teachers’ Day

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:46:43 Z

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated across Australia on 31 October, recognising the vital role teachers play in shaping our communities and future generations. From early childhood educators to university lecturers, teachers dedicate themselves to helping others learn, grow, and achieve their best.

This year’s theme, “Hats off to teachers,” is a chance for all of us to recognise the dedication and care teachers bring to their work every day. You can get involved in simple ways: send a message of thanks, give a shout-out to a teacher who made a difference, or even share a fun selfie wearing your favourite hat in tribute. No matter how you join in, your gesture helps show teachers just how much their work is appreciated. Find out how on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) website.

This World Teachers’ Day, let’s take a moment to say hats off to the incredible teachers who make a difference every single day. By recognising and supporting them, we help create an environment where great teaching thrives and where students across Australia can continue to grow and succeed.

We’re proud to celebrate the teachers who shape our future. Their patience and determination deserve recognition every day, but especially today.

Award-winning support for teachers

As a member-focused, values-driven organisation, we are committed to the ongoing promotion and creation of mutual value, striving to make a positive impact for our members and the communities we are part of.

We have a proud history as a customer-owned bank supporting key worker groups and state government employees, including NSW Ambulance and Corrective Services, as well as those in teaching and healthcare.

As such, we have long provided special offers and product features to help support the financial wellbeing of these members.

Our Essential Worker Home Loan is a low interest, variable rate home loan specifically designed to recognise the contribution essential workers, like teachers, make to the community by supporting their home ownership journey with a value and feature packed product.

Independently recognised as winner of the 2024 Finder Innovation Award in the Social Impact Innovation category and with three 2025 Mozo Experts Choice Awards, our Essential Worker Home Loan demonstrates our commitment to support those who support others.

It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to essential workers for the work they do in always serving our community.

International Credit Union Day

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:46:43 Z

International Credit Union Day, Thursday 16 October 2025, marks the 77th anniversary of celebrating the global credit union movement. Championed by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU), it provides an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, achievements, and member experience. This year’s theme, “Cooperation for a Prosperous World” highlights the role of credit unions in supporting prosperity and well-being for individuals and communities through collaboration. International Credit Union Day is a reminder of our shared vision to bring communities together through mutuality and community spirit.

Celebrating cooperative values
Financial co-operatives, such as credit unions, building societies and mutual banks, were formed when groups of like-minded workers and communities came together to create building societies, credit unions and mutual banks. We were established with the purpose of providing key worker groups with financial services that prioritised members over profit. We are proud to be a part of the global cooperative movement that puts people first, and we're dedicated to providing our members with exceptional products and services while actively contributing to the betterment of our community.

Our commitment to community extends beyond the world of finance. We recognise that strong community ties are integral to our past and future success. In financial year 2024-25, over $259,000 was invested in sponsorships, donations and alliance partnerships, demonstrating our commitment to strengthening industries, empowering communities, and supporting those most in need.

We believe in the power of collaboration and collective action. We are supporters of the Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF), helping disadvantaged Australian children and youth, in partnership with Barnardos Australia. The AMF also assists remote and disadvantaged communities in impoverished Southeast Asian and South Pacific countries to alleviate poverty through the creation of sustainable financial co-operatives via a partnership with the Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU).

We are a member of the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA), the industry association for Australia’s customer-owned banking institutions, with a vision for more Australians to benefit from a resilient banking sector that is centred on people and communities.

As an Associate Member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, we are part of a network of values-based financial institutions working to transform the banking system and finance positive economic, social, and environmental impact.

We are a member of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM), the peak body for co-operatives and mutuals in Australia, uniting member-owned businesses operating in all industries to increase awareness and recognition of co-ops and mutuals and the important contribution they make to the economy and community.

We have recently joined the Regional Banking Investment Alliance, a group of regional banks and supporters fighting for their local communities to ensure that face-to-face banking continues sustainably into the future.

These partnerships are examples of how we are fostering cooperation for a prosperous world.

Member first approach
Putting people first and helping our community are central to our ethos. We strive to help our members and be there for them when they need us most. We’ve stood by our members through droughts, fires, floods, recessions, industrial disputes, and the hardships of COVID-19. Through our Community Support Loan, special financial support measures, and Protected Action Clause, we continue to support members through challenging times.

Award-winning products
Our products continue to be recognised with awards from industry experts for their outstanding value and quality. We offer specially designed products to support first homebuyers, refinances, and essential workers with their path to home ownership.

Mutually valuable banking for people and planet
As a member focused, values-driven organisation, acting responsibly and ethically is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to the ongoing promotion and creation of mutual value and strive to make a positive impact for our members and the communities we are part of. It is this sentiment that underpins our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy - Mutually valuable banking for people and planet.

Through our ESG Strategy, we have delivered a number of impact initiatives including recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral, accessible and inclusive service enhancements, our Essential Worker Home Loan, Green Car Loan, Green Upgrades Loan, Worker Support Benefits and our Responsible Banking Policy.

We were the first financial institution globally to be accredited under the Mutual Value Measurement (MVM) Framework, developed by the BCCM and researchers at Monash University’s Business School to help mutual organisations measure their total value creation (mutual value) through a set of common dimensions and shared language about measuring and reporting mutual value.

Our growth and evolution
We have always remained true to our proud origins and history, as we continue to evolve and grow through mergers, transformations and the changing financial services landscape.

As we reflect on our past and look towards the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering our members and advancing financial well-being through cooperative values. With this in mind, we’re excited to build on our strong history and create a brighter future, together.

Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:02:41 Z

Unity Bank Limited ACN 087 650 637 (the Company)
Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting

Notice is given that the 66^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company will be held on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at Level 25, 201 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000, commencing at 3:30pm.

Agenda

Apologies
To receive Unity Bank Limited’s Financial Report, Directors’ Report and Auditor’s Report for the financial year ended 30 June 2025.

By Order of the Board
Rosanna Argall Company Secretary
01 October 2025

How to Participate in the Virtual Meeting

This year the AGM will be held via Teams meeting with members able to view presenters, ask questions, make comments and vote on resolutions via electronic poll. Given the nature of the virtual meeting we ask that you send your questions in advance of the meeting by emailing returningofficer@unitybank.com.au at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to ensure they can be answered during the meeting. To participate in the virtual meeting follow these steps:

Email your expression of interest to returningofficer@unitybank.com.au by 14 November. You will receive a Teams meeting registration link via return email.
Register using the email link provided by 3pm 15 November. You will then receive your own individual Teams meeting link.
Click on the individual Teams meeting link or phone in using the contact details provided on 18 November at 3:30pm.

Proxy Voting

You can appoint a proxy to attend and vote at the AGM on your behalf. The proxy does not have to be a member of Unity Bank. Alternatively, you can appoint the Chair of the Meeting as your Proxy by completing an Appointment of Proxy Form. An Appointment of Proxy form may be obtained by emailing returningofficer@unitybank.com.au or calling 02 9307 5409. To be valid, your completed Proxy Form must reach the Company no later than 48 hours before the AGM.

If you have any further enquiries with respect to the AGM please contact us at returningofficer@unitybank.com.au before Monday 17 November 2025.

Annual Report

This year’s Annual Report will be made available to all members via our website www.unitybank.com.au at least 21 days prior to the AGM. If you are unable to access our website, please contact our Member Service team on 1300 364 400 to arrange a hard copy.

2025 Annual Report

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:33:38 Z

2025 was another highly successful year for G&C Mutual Bank. Review our financial summary and see how our Member-first approach has made all the difference.

Read Now Download

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the 2025 Annual Report, please give us a call at 1300 364 400 or send an email request to info@gcmutual.bank

Building our cyber safe culture

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:15 Z

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, an important reminder that small, consistent actions help protect what matters most online.

This year’s theme “Building our cyber safe culture” underscores the importance of proactive online safety measures, supported by a range of resources designed to help individuals and businesses to prioritise cyber security.

There are simple actions everyone can take to safeguard themselves online:

1) Install all software updates to keep your devices secure:

Installing regular updates will keep your devices secure and makes it harder for cyber criminals to access them.
Make sure that automatic updates are switched on so that you are notified when an update is available.
Learn more about how to update your devices at cyber.gov.au

2) Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account:

A passphrase is a more secure version of a password.
Passphrases are hard for cybercriminals to crack, but easy for you to remember.
Create passphrases that are:
- 15 or more characters
- Unpredictable: use 4 or more random words. Avoid identifying information such as family names, birth dates or addresses.
- Unique: are different for every account.
Learn more about how to set secure passphrases at cyber.gov.au

3) Always set up multi-factor authentication (MFA):

Enable multi-factor authentication where available to add an extra layer of security to all of your online accounts.
MFA requires two or more proofs of identity to log in to your account
MFA adds an extra layer of security
Start with setting up MFA on your most important accounts (such as online banking and email accounts)
Learn more about how to turn on multi-factor authentication at cyber.gov.au

Cyber Security Awareness Month focuses on building capability and encouraging action, giving Australians the skills and confidence to take control of their online safety. The goal is to ensure both individuals and organisations have the knowledge and tools to stay secure.

A strong cyber culture develops through small, consistent actions that become everyday habits. Simple practices, such as questioning unexpected emails, pausing before clicking links, and regularly checking account security, can make a big difference. By embedding these behaviours into daily routines, cyber safety becomes second nature at home and in the workplace.

Everyone has a role in creating a resilient digital community. By staying alert and practising good cyber hygiene, we can reduce risks and better protect the things that matter most.

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.

Your Bank | Your News

Scam alert: Watch out for mobile fraud

Who’s at risk

Warning signs to look out for

If you've been affected

Need help?

Interest Rate Change – March 2026

Scam alert: Tai Chi and community activities malware scam

Who’s at risk

Warning signs to look out for

Need help?

Clean Up Australia Day

Mutually valuable banking for people and planet

Changes to Fees and Charges - March 2026

ClickFit: Are you fit to click-date?

ClickFit: Are you fit to click-date?

Scam alert: Qantas impersonation scam

What’s happening

Who’s at risk

If you’ve been affected

Warning signs to look out for

Protect yourself from scams by:

Need help?

Interest Rate Change – February 2026

Unity Bank CEO Transition

G&C Mutual Bank Community Support Package

Deferred home loan repayment

Member support

NSW Ambulance 2025 Employee of the Year

Scam Alert: Increased scam activity following Bondi Beach Attack

Common scams to be aware of

Use secure payment methods

How to protect yourself

Need help?

ClickFit: Are you fit to click?

Shop smart: Expert tips to avoid scams this sales season

Beware of fake websites

Don’t click on unsolicited links

Use secure payment methods

Need help?

Scam alert: social media minimum age scams

Who’s at risk

What the scams might look like

If someone contacts you about the social media age restrictions

Need help?

International Computer Security Day 2025

Buy Nothing Day

Stay alert this Black Friday and Cyber Monday

National Recycling Week

Recycling at Home

Kerbside recycling

Recycling labels

Preventing recycling contamination

Recycling in your workplace

Mutually valuable banking for people and planet

Join us in making a difference

Banking on Values Day: Reshaping how AI describes banking

Search ChatGABV

Hats Off to Australia’s Teachers This World Teachers’ Day

International Credit Union Day

Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting

Unity Bank Limited ACN 087 650 637 (the Company)Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting

Agenda

How to Participate in the Virtual Meeting

Proxy Voting

Annual Report

2025 Annual Report

Building our cyber safe culture

Unity Bank Limited ACN 087 650 637 (the Company)
Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting