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International Day of Older Persons, 1 October, is a time to celebrate the contributions of older people and raise awareness of the challenges they face. First established by the United Nations in 1990, the day raises awareness of the importance of supporting older persons in all aspects of life. This year’s theme, “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights,” highlights the essential role older people play in building strong and fair communities. Using their knowledge and experience, they help improve health, support financial security, strengthen communities, and protect human rights. Yet, ageing can also bring challenges. Many older people face challenges like discrimination, loneliness, poor healthcare access, and financial pressures. As the world’s population ages, it’s vital that governments, organisations, and communities create fair policies that respect their dignity and provide equal opportunities. The 2025 International Day of Older Persons is also a chance for older people to share their voices, advocate for their rights, and be heard. The number of people aged 65 and over is growing rapidly, rising from 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021, and is expected to make up 17% of the global population by 2050. This highlights the importance of promoting health, preventing illness, and creating supportive environments that help older people stay active, independent, and engaged in their communities. “As this year’s theme reminds us, older persons are powerful agents of change.  Their voices must be heard in shaping policies, ending age-discrimination, and building inclusive societies.” – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Elder financial abuse One of the most serious issues facing older people today is elder financial abuse. This occurs when someone illegally or improperly uses an older person’s money, property, or assets. Sadly, it often happens at the hands of those closest to them, including family members, carers, or trusted professionals. Financial abuse can take many forms, such as: Using an older person’s bank account or credit card without their permission Coercing or tricking them into signing legal or financial documents (e.g. property transfers, wills, or loans) Misusing a power of attorney for personal gain Stealing money, valuables, or essential household items Moving into the person’s home without consent or failing to contribute financially Pressuring them to give away money, assets, or make changes to their will Promising care in exchange for money or assets, but then neglecting to provide that care Preventing them from accessing their own money, financial records or financial advice Warning signs of financial abuse may include: Unexplained loss of money or valuable items Sudden changes in banking habits or unexplained withdrawals Missing financial documents or confusion about recent transactions Inability to pay for basics like food, clothing, or medications Transfers of property or large gifts made when the person appears confused or unwell Fear, anxiety, or withdrawal, especially around certain people Visible neglect (e.g. malnutrition, poor hygiene) despite having financial resources What can you do? Learn to recognise the signs of elder abuse Listen with empathy and without judgment if someone shares concerns Speak up if you suspect abuse, report it to the appropriate authority Support older people’s independence and decision-making wherever possible Promote respect and inclusion for older adults in your community Concerned you might be a victim of financial abuse? Here’s some helpful tips: Keep your mail, bank cards, PINs, and passwords secure. Store cash, cheque books, and legal documents in a safe place. Review bank statements regularly for suspicious activity. Avoid signing anything you don’t fully understand. If setting up a power of attorney, consider appointing more than one trusted person. Limit the number of accounts to make monitoring easier. Our impact As a customer-owned bank, we are a member focused, values-driven organisation and we are committed to making banking easy, safe and accessible for all of our members – especially those most vulnerable. That’s why we are ready to help with tools and information on how to help keep you and your banking safe. We’ve put together some helpful information in our Elder Financial Abuse Guide to help you protect yourself or someone you love from elder financial abuse. It covers the various types of elder financial abuse, how to recognise the warning signs and safeguard against financial abuse, scams and fraud, as well as the various resources and support services available to assist. As part of the respect and protect initiative, our terms and conditions were updated to help prevent the misuse of products and services and combat financial abuse. Staff have also been further trained to help identify the warning signs, red flags and assess transaction data for signs of financial abuse. Additional member education and support has been introduced through content aligned to hardship, financial abuse, accessibility and navigating challenging life events. We’re constantly working towards ensuring our products, services and platforms are for everyone. This includes a designed specifically for members 55 years or older, banking guides providing step-by-step instructions to help members navigate our online and digital banking channels, and the ability to contact us using the National Relay Service or Translating and Interpreter Service. Get support Form a support network that includes people like your GP, lawyer, accountant, a friend, and a family member. Your GP can assess your capacity to make decisions—raise concerns during check-ups. A lawyer can help with your will, legal documents, and power of attorney. Free legal advice is also available through Legal Aid or community legal centres. An accountant can note power of attorney arrangements and help watch for unusual account activity. Need help? If you are worried that you or your loved ones are vulnerable, seek help: Elder abuse phone line 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374) directs callers to the elder abuse service in their state or territory. Relationships Australia publish a list of state and territory assistance services. Lifeline provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those in crisis. MoneySmart.gov.au publish a range of resources that can help you. The Australian Institute of Family Studies also publish a list of elder abuse support services. Be Connected provides online learning resources to empower all Australians to thrive in a digital world.

Each year on 29 September, Australians pause to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This day carries deep meaning not only for the policing community but also for families, colleagues, and the wider public who rely on their service and dedication. National Police Remembrance Day honours officers who have died while performing their duties, as well as those who later passed away from injuries or illness sustained in service. It is also a time to support the families left behind, acknowledging their loss and recognising the contribution of their loved ones to the safety of our communities. Memorial services are held across the country in capital cities, regional towns, and police academies. Commemorations include wreath laying ceremonies, moments of silence, and community gatherings that allow us to reflect on the bravery and commitment of police officers. The day also coincides with the Feast Day of Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police. For the community, it serves as a powerful reminder of the risks police face every day, whether patrolling our streets, responding to emergencies, or providing support in times of crisis. Their work is central to maintaining safety, order, and trust. The day follows on from the Police Federation of Australia’s Police Week (13th - 29th September) which includes the Wall to Wall: Ride for Remembrance. Riders travel from their state memorial to Canberra to meet up with others from across the country, to then journey as one group through the nation’s capital to the National Police Memorial. As a customer-owned bank, we have a long history supporting key worker groups and state government employees and are proud to support our members who serve in the police force and deeply value the role they play in protecting our communities. We stand alongside all officer’s past and present and their families in remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. On 29 September, we encourage everyone to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the dedication of police officers who continue to serve and protect us all. Helping those who help our community As a member focused, values-driven organisation, strong community ties are an integral part of our past and future success. Our Essential Worker Home Loan was designed to help police officers and other frontline professionals 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 category, and with three 2025 MOZO Experts Choice Awards, our Essential Worker Home Loan demonstrates our commitment to support those who support others. We believe in giving back to the people who give so much of themselves. Supporting frontline workers in achieving home ownership is one way we can honour their service and invest in their futures.

Unity Bank had the opportunity to attend the VTHC Women's Conference on the 5th of September, 2025. It was an extremely successful event with a variety of different organisations attending and representing their core business products and services.  Unity Bank conducted a prize draw, with one prize up for grabs.  Congratulations to our winner Debra, who attended the conference and entered our competition! Debra won a Myer Hamper! We hope you enjoy your prize Debra!! We would also like to thank everyone who attended the event and visited our Unity Bank stall.

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

Manage your daily transaction limits directly in Online Banking for a range of payment types, including BPAY, external transfers, international transfers, and OSKO payments. Whether you’re increasing a limit for a one-off payment or lowering a limit to enhance your account security, it’s now quick and easy to adjust to suit your own individual payment needs. Benefits include: Adjust your limits instantly, anytime, via Online Banking Set limits that suit your personal transaction needs Lower limits to reduce your exposure to fraud or unauthorised transactions To learn how it works and view frequently asked questions, visit our Daily Transaction Limits page.

Members are advised of updates to our Account and Access Facilities Terms and Conditions, effective 26 August 2025. The key change is to the existing transaction limits section, to accommodate the new feature enabling members to manage their own daily transaction limits within Online Banking. While we have provided an overview of the key change, we recommend you take the time to read through the updated Account and Access Facilities Terms and Conditions, to familiarise yourself with the changes and understand how they may impact you. By using your account and access facilities after the date the changes take effect, you agree to the updated terms and conditions applying. We’re ready to help you If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.