Latest News
2023 Collie Show Prize Draw Winners
Congratulations to the six lucky winners; John, Allan, Vivian, Anne, Laurelie and Jane, of the Unity Bank Collie Show prize draw! These winners, who attended the 2023 Collie Show and participated in our competition, each won a $50 Visa Eftpos gift card! A heartfelt thank you goes out to all attendees who joined the event and dropped by our Unity Bank stall.
Savings Interest Rate Changes
We are increasing the interest rates for the following savings products, effective 1 December 2023.
- Pensioner Security Account S8 for balances $1 - $45,400 interest rate increased by 0.10% to 2.86%1.
- Pensioner Security Account S8 for balances $45,400.01 and over interest rate increased by 0.10% to 3.00%1.
New Unity Bank Website: Coming Soon on December 4th
We are pleased to announce that the brand-new Unity Bank website will be launched on December 4th to provide you with a seamless, user-friendly, and modern interface for a better banking experience.
What to Expect: Modern Design, Same Trusted Values
The new website will introduce a refreshed visual identity that better reflects our commitment to the industries and communities we serve. Navigating the website will also be more intuitive, allowing you to easily explore our range of services, compare options, and find the information you need to make well-informed decisions.
Website Consolidation: A Unified Member Experience
Bringing together the strengths of both Unity Bank and Reliance Bank, the new Unity Bank website will offer a seamless and cohesive platform for all our Members. You will notice the website will feature Reliance Bank information and contact details under the Unity Bank brand.
Why Are We Moving to One Website?
The costs involved in maintaining two websites are significant, and we are conscious that it is your money as a member-owned bank. The products and services are the same for Reliance Bank and Unity Bank, so it makes sense not to duplicate the costs and resources involved in maintaining two websites.
Internet Banking
The new website will have clearly marked separate login buttons for Unity Bank and Reliance Bank Internet Banking in the top-right corner, which will both operate the same as they do now.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 36 2000.
2023 Annual General Meeting
Published on 20 October 2023
We are pleased to advise that this year’s Annual General Meeting will be a face-to-face meeting held on 29 November 2023 at 3:00pm at the Ground Floor Training Rooms, 365 Sussex Street Sydney NSW 2000. For those who are unable to attend in person, we will be live streaming the meeting on our website, here. Please also note that we are not required to send hard copies of the Notice of Annual General Meeting to members this year.
Cyber Security Awareness Month
'Be cyber wise - don't compromise'
October is Cyber Security month and an annual reminder for all Australians to stay secure online.
Unity Bank supports Cyber Security Awareness Month, showing our commitment to your security and privacy online. We will continue to raise awareness to remind all members of the importance of adopting strong digital security.
This year, we encourage you to ‘Be cyber wise – don’t compromise’. There are 4 simple steps you can take to be cyber wise and significantly boost your cyber security:
1. Update your devices regularly
Turn on automatic updates for your devices and software. This ensures you have the latest security in place.
- Check out our top tips to stay cyber secure
- Learn how to update your devices
- Test your knowledge by taking Australian Cyber Security Centre’s short quiz: how cyber secure are you
2. Protect your accounts with multi-factor authentication.
Turn on multi-factor authentication to add another layer of protection to your accounts.
- Learn about protected your account with multi-factor authentication
- Use the how-to-guide to protect your devices and accounts using multi-factor authentication.
3. Back up your important file
Safeguard your data from threats and avoid costly data recovery by having your important files backed up.
- Set up and perform regular backups
- Use Australian Cyber Security Centre's advice for backups to learn more about the files and devices to back up regularly.
4. Use passphrases and password managers
Passphrases are passwords that use 4 or more random words. Don’t compromise your accounts by re-using passwords or passphrases. Consider using a password manager to help generate or store secure and unique passwords.
- Set secure passphrases
- Learn how to protect your passphrases using a password manager.
If you suspect someone has gained access to your personal information, you should contact us immediately on 1300 36 2000. You can also report a scam through the Scam Watch website, and find additional information on scams and how to protect yourself.
Risks associated with investments promised via Facebook
We are urging our Members to be cautious of investments promised via Facebook Marketplace.
Scammers via Facebook Marketplace use a variety of tactics to manipulate buyers and sellers of the platform, often disguising themselves as one or the other. These scammers often send emails or text messages that reflect an investment scheme asking you to click on a link to find out more.
Possible scenario
Fake emails are sent to Marketplace sellers that look like they’re from a payment service such as PayPal confirming a payment has been made for the product you are selling. However, no payment has been made, and the scammer has received the product for ‘free’.
How to protect yourself from this type of scam
- Take time to read suspicious emails or text messages (scammers often use urgency as a tactic to trick you into giving money or personal information).
- Check the email thoroughly (these emails often mention a problem that needs a solution quickly). Check the facts and details before taking action.
- Do not send any personal data or information (often these scammers use profile pictures of employees in a familiar business to convince you of their legitimacy).
If you believe you have been scammed, call us immediately on 1300 36 2000.
2023 Trundle Bush Tucker Day
Two Unity Bank employees, Erika and Issac, had the opportunity to attend and represent Unity Bank at the 2023 Trundle Bush Tucker Day on 2 September 2023. It is a beloved Australian festival for the whole family to enjoy. Read about Erika’s experience:
“Issac Theobald, myself with my husband tagging along as a driver, went out to be a part of the Trundle Bush Tucker Day event. This was held at the Trundle Showground arena.
The weather put on a spectacular show, which encouraged good participation from many in the community.
They had live entertainment on the centre stage with various singers throughout the day, and vendor stalls were positioned to create an alleyway moving down towards the centre stage. The type of vendors participating in the festivities included local blacksmiths, metal garden art stalls, country clothing and bootwear, and a group of arts and craft stalls selling homemade food items and kitchen apparel.
Along the perimeter of the showground, large fire pits were being manned to provide stations for the bush ovens where various bush tucker recipes were being cooked, along with some smaller ground oven pits with large pots offering a variety of dishes.
They also had the Australian National Female whip cracking champion who had just returned from the World Championships where she was placed 3rd. She had whip-cracking displays throughout the day, entertaining the crowds. She was amazing and very skilled at her craft.
Adult ticket price was set at $50 a single ticket with $5 for children under 16yrs. All profit funds for the day were to be distributed back into the Trundle Community, supporting local groups such as Trundle Men’s Shed, Trundle Pony Club, and the Country Women’s Association groups in Trundle.
I had two local community members approach me to tell me how much they appreciated having Unity Bank in their community, noting the distances they would need to travel to do their banking if we were not in town.
Supporting events like the Trundle Bush Tucker Day gives weight to our commitment to smaller rural communities.”
If you would like to find out more about Trundle Bush Tucker Day, visit their Facebook page
Merger Announcement
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 Mick Doleman Board Chair, Unity Bank |
 Danny Pavisic Chief Executive Officer, Unity Bank |
It is now around 4 years since G&C and Unity last gave active consideration to a potential merger between the two Banks. Although the Boards of both organisations ultimately resolved not to proceed with a merger at that time (partly due to the onset of COVID), both parties nevertheless acknowledged that the underlying rationale for a merger remained compelling and undertook to maintain close contact and to re-visit the merger opportunity at an appropriate time.
After several months of confidential discussions, the Boards of Unity and G&C have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which sets out an agreed timetable under which the two organisations plan to merge. The merger provides an exciting opportunity to combine the strengths and proud histories of the two organisations in a “merger of equals” which will allow us to offer improved products and services for our combined membership base.
The merger will create one of Australia’s largest nationally operating mutual banks with projected assets as at the merger date of around $4 billion, a network of 28 branches and a full suite of digital services. The increased scale and cost synergies from the merger will allow the merged organisation to fund further innovative products and community support initiatives.
The merger is great news for Unity and G&C staff, as there will be no branch closures and all employees will be offered a role in the merged organisation with the added benefit of improved career and development opportunities.
Further details about the merger and the implementation timetable will be communicated to members over the coming months. Key points to note are summarised in the attached Q&A and include:
- Subject to the required regulatory processes, we anticipate having the merger approved by members by the end of 2024. A comprehensive Member Information Document (MID) will be provided to all Members well prior to a vote being scheduled.
- The Board of the merged organisation will comprise an equal number of Directors from the Unity Board and the G&C Board. The initial Chair of the merged Bank will be drawn from the transferring G&C Directors and the initial Deputy Chair will be drawn from the transferring Unity Directors.
- The CEO of Unity, Danny Pavisic will become the initial CEO of the merged Bank, and the CEO of G&C, Rosanna Argall will become the Deputy CEO. After 12 months from the effective merger date, Rosanna will assume the long-term CEO role.
- All trading names currently used by G&C and Unity will be retained in the period immediately following the merger, with the intention that Unity Bank will become the merged organisation’s name.
- There will be no change to the pricing or features of products held prior to the merger by G&C and Unity members.
Click here to access Frequently Asked Questions.
Coal Miners Cup 2023
Winter sunshine flooded Longmuir Playing Fields on in July for the annual CFMEU Miner’s Cup rugby league shield primary school carnival, where close to 350 young players turned out for a day of fun competition. Unity Bank along with Westfund and Mine Super are supporters of the Gala Day and went along to show their support for the local communities with showbags for all the participants.
St Xavier’s School, Gunnedah, claimed the coveted shield, with a quinella in the open boys’ division won by the Dragons team, with the Eels runners-up.
The league tag championship went to Gunnedah South Public School, with a team from Walgett Community College Primary School the runners-up in their debut performance at the carnival. The Player of the Day Kerry Dennis played her heart out for Walgett, where the team left at 5am to make it in time for the carnival. Organiser Ross Whittaker was pleased with the number of players turning out for a day of league in perfect weather.
We had at least 100 more players than last year and apart from a break during COVID, the competition has been running for about 30 years,” he said.
The original concept was to give small schools especially the chance to enjoy a gala day with the opportunity to field a team by combining players from nearby small schools.
Special thanks must go to the Mining & Energy Union, Unity Bank, Westfund and Mine super plus all associated sponsors who make this day possible every year.”
Representatives from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were on hand during the day, to remind spectators of its value in a crisis. “When there has been an accident there is no better sound than the sound of a chopper flying in to help,” Ross said. “The Mining and Energy Union members contribute more than a million dollars to the chopper each year through workplace contributions with a further million dollars donated by other means.” Players came from Werris Creek, Bingara, Barraba, St Michael’s Manilla, Narrabri, Gunnedah Public, Gunnedah South, St Xavier’s, Walgett, Boggabri and for the first time Carinya Gunnedah fielded a team. Every player received a Steedon football, courtesy of NSW Country League, with the winners awarded trophies and the runners-up a medallion.
A great day was had by all participants and everyone is looking forward to next year where they will strive to take out the CFMEU Miner’s Cup rugby league shield 2024.
Story provided by
Marie Hobson – Gunnedah Times
Winner of AWU Victoria Delegates & HSR's conference 2023 prize draw
Congratulations to our winner Laura, who attended the 2023 AWU Victoria Delegates & HSR’s conference 2023, on 25 August, in Melbourne and entered our competition! She’s won a $500 EFTPOS gift card! We would also like to thank everyone who attended the event and visited us at our stall.
Tax time SMS and email scams
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning fellow Australians about a high volume of SMS and email scams pretending to be from the ATO.
These scams encourage people to click on a link that directs them to fake myGov sign-in pages designed to steal their username and password.
Scammers use many different phrases to trick recipients into opening these links. These include (but are not limited to):
- 'You are due to receive an ATO Direct refund.'
- 'You have an ATO notification.'
- 'You need to update your details to allow your Tax return to be processed.'
- 'We need to verify your incoming tax deposit.'
- 'ATO Refund failed due to incorrect BSB/Account number.'
- 'Due to receive a refund, click here to receive a rebate.'
The images below are examples of the format this scam can take:
Do not open any links or provide the information requested.
The ATO won't send you an SMS or email with a link to log on to online services. They should be accessed directly by typing ato.gov.au or my.gov.au into your browser.
While the ATO may use SMS or email to contact them, they will never ask you to return personal information through these channels.
Report any suspicious contact claiming to be from the ATO to ReportScams@ato.gov.au.
Source: "Scam Alerts" https://www.ato.gov.au/general/online-services/identity-security-and-scams/scam-alerts, July 2023.
Protect Yourself from Scams and Fraud: Essential Tips for Online Banking Safety
Scams and fraud are on the rise in Australia, with scammers becoming smarter in accessing money and personal information. While we are dedicated to safeguarding your funds, it is equally important for you to take proactive steps in protecting yourself from potential online threats.
To ensure your online banking remains secure, here are some practical tips to follow.
- Frequently Change Your Passwords: Your passwords are the first defence against unauthorized access. Regularly update your passwords and avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdates or common words. Opt for a strong combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever available, enable 2FA for an added layer of security. 2FA requires a second form of verification, such as a one-time code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. This makes it significantly harder for scammers to gain unauthorized access to your account.
- Regularly Monitor Your Bank Accounts: Check your bank accounts for any unusual or unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to Unity Bank on 1300 36 2000.
- Beware of Unsolicited Contact: Be cautious when receiving unexpected phone calls, text messages, or emails requesting personal details, especially if the sender claims to represent Unity Bank or any other financial institution. Scammers often pose as legitimate entities to gain your trust. If in doubt, hang up or delete the message and call us on 1300 36 2000.
- Exercise Caution with Electronic Payments: Once you initiate an electronic payment to another bank account, the funds are beyond the control of your bank. Before making any transfers, double-check the recipient's details and ensure they are trustworthy.
It's important to note that Unity Bank, including our Financial Crimes team, will never ask you to transfer money to another institution, disclose your online banking security codes, or request remote access to your device. If you encounter such requests, consider them red flags and call us on 1300 36 2000 immediately.
Changes to Privacy Policy and Privacy Notification
There are changes being made to our Privacy Policy and Privacy Notification.
Read more: Changes to Privacy Policy and Privacy Notification
Latest Scam Alert: Remote Access Scams
You most likely wouldn’t hand over the keys to your front door to a stranger, nor would you invite someone into your home that you didn’t know. You’re probably also cautious to not let anyone look over your shoulder when you’re using an ATM. So why would you give someone access straight into your bank account?
It might seem extreme, but this is essentially what many people end up doing every day through remote access scams. In April 2022, Australians lost more than $1.88 million dollars in these types of scams alone.
A remote access scam occurs when a person contacts you to inform you of a problem with your computer, internet or device, and offers the software or fix for the problem. The scammer will often pretend to be a staff member from a computer or telco company, or may claim to be a technical support service provider. They may also claim you have been hacked in some way.
They may then request remote access to your computer or device to find out the problem and help fix it, by sending you a link to click. They could also request personal information, or credit card details to cover the ‘cost’ of the supposed ‘fix’ they are offering you.
While their manner may start out calm and professional, the scammers can quickly change to a more aggressive tone and put pressure on you to act.
While in the past, scam numbers may have looked like they come from overseas, these days numbers can easily be spoofed, and look like they’re coming from a local source. And you can still receive scam calls, even if you have listed your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register.
If you receive a call out of the blue from someone claiming you have a problem on your device or service, Leanne Vale, Director Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience for Customer Owned Banking Association, says the best course of action is to hang up the phone.
“Your best defence is to just hang up the phone and not talk to them,” she says.
“If someone calls saying they’re from a telco provider or utility company, and you think there may be some legitimacy to their claims, still hang up the phone. Then go and ring back that organisation on the official number that you have found independently.”
No matter whether there is a legitimate problem or not, Leanne says a telco or utility company will never ask for access to your device. And if there is an issue and a company does reach out to you, they would never hold it against you for doing your own due diligence and calling them back independently.
“No company needs access to your device, and you should treat your device like you would your house or your car,” says Leanne.
“The minute you open your bank account to these scammers, you are at risk of losing everything in there.”
Unity Bank Joins NSW's Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper, Making Homeownership Dreams a Reality!
Dear Members,
It gives me great pleasure to announce some incredibly exciting news.
Starting from the 1st of July, Unity Bank will become a participating lender in NSW’s Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper.
Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper is an initiative to help lower-income single parents, older singles, and first-home buyers who are key workers realise the dream of owning their own home. Under this program, the government will contribute a proportion of the purchase price in exchange for an equivalent interest in the property.
Smaller deposits, no lenders mortgage insurance, and no interest on the Government’s equity share means this initiative is a great option for eligible singles and key workers who no longer want to rent and prefer the security of home ownership.
Unity Bank was founded on the principle of supporting everyday Australians. As such, being in a position where we can help those who are struggling to break into the housing market is something we don’t take lightly.
For Unity Bank to be selected for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper from an extensive list of candidates is an amazing achievement and something we should all be very proud of. For me, this acknowledgement is a reflection of Unity Bank’s continual drive and dedication to our members.
If you would like further information on NSW’s Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper, or to find out if you are eligible for the initiative, please visit https://www.unitybank.com.au/shared-equity-home-buyer-helper.html.
With all this in motion and much more to come, 2023 is shaping up to be another stellar year for Unity Bank. We look forward to servicing new and existing members through Shared Equity from the 1st of July.
Yours faithfully,
Danny Pavisic
Chief Executive Officer
Savings Interest Rate Changes
We are increasing the interest rates for the following savings products, effective 1 July 2023.
- Bonus Saver (S7) for balances $1 - $100,000 interest rate increased by 0.35% to 4.60% (inclusive of the base plus bonus rate)1.
- Power-Up eSaver (S6) for balances $1 and over interest rate increased by 0.25% to 2.90%2.
- Pensioner Security Account S8 for balances $1 - $45,400 interest rate increased by 0.10% to 2.76%3.
- Pensioner Security Account S8 for balances $45,400.01 and over interest rate increased by 0.10% to 2.90%3.
The NEW Internet Banking is available now
We're very excited to announce that our NEW Unity Bank Internet Banking is now available for you to use.
Changes to our Account & Access Facility Conditions of Use document - ePayments Code
We have recently updated our Account & Access Facility Conditions of Use as result of changes to the ePayments Code.
Generally the updated Code gives more protections for members and provides clarity around mistaken internet payments and unauthorised transactions.
A summary of the key changes to the Account & Access Facility Conditions of Use, which come into effect on 2 June 2023, are set out below:
Section 2 – Definitions
The following definitions have been amended:
- ‘Passcode’- updated to include a code provided to a member by SMS, email or in a mobile application, and to clarify that it includes single use and repeated use passwords or codes.
- ‘Device’ - updated to include virtual debit or credit cards.
- ‘Pay anyone banking facility’ - updated to exclude BPAY and PayTo payments.
- ‘Unauthorised transaction’ – now clarifies that these occur only where a third party has made the transaction without the member’s consent, and not where the member has made the transaction themselves.
- ‘Mistaken internet payment’ - updated to clarify that a mistaken internet payment does not include transfers of funds made by members as a result of a scam.
Section 6 – Passcode Security Requirements
- Clauses 6.2 and 6.3 have been amended and a new clause 6.9 has been introduced.
Section 9 – Mistaken Internet Payments (MIP)
- Clause 9.3 now states that if a member reports an MIP and we are satisfied that an MIP has occurred, within 5 business days of receiving the member’s report, we must request the receiving ADI to return the funds.
Our latest Account & Access Facility Conditions of Use can be found here. If you would like to discuss any of these changes, please contact us on 1300 36 2000 8:00 am to 7:00 pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
Read more: Changes to our Account & Access Facility Conditions of Use document - ePayments Code
2023 May Day Newcastle
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.
MEU AGM Northern Mining NSW 2023
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.
More Articles...
- Bank Impersonation Scams
- Unity Bank MUA Working Waves 2023
- How strong passwords can help protect your money
- Latest Scam Alert: Linkt Scams
- Free Bank@Post Withdrawals
- Updates to our Fees and Charges Transaction Limit Document
- Protecting Your Data
- Protecting Your Information
- 2022 Annual Report
- How to Protect Your Privacy Online
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