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

World Environment Day, held every year on 5 June, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and driving action for the health of our planet. Recognised worldwide, it serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the environment. In 2025, the theme Beat Plastic Pollution calls on individuals, governments, and industries to confront one of the most widespread and harmful environmental issues facing our world today. Launched by the United Nations in 1972, World Environment Day has become the leading international platform for environmental awareness and action, engaging millions of people across more than 150 countries. As the planet faces mounting challenges, including climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution, this day encourages reflection, awareness, and decisive action to protect ecosystems and human health.   Why plastic pollution matters This year’s theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, highlights a critical and urgent issue. In 2024 alone, over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A significant amount of this waste ends up in oceans, rivers, and natural landscapes, harming wildlife, contaminating food chains, and accelerating climate change. In March 2022, 175 nations agreed to create a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, marking a pivotal step toward global accountability. Yet, without further action, plastic waste is projected to nearly triple by 2060, potentially reaching one billion tonnes annually.   What you can do You don’t have to be an environmental expert to make a difference. Small changes in everyday habits can spark powerful, lasting impact. Here are some practical actions you can take: Reduce your use of single-use plastics—carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils. Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Say no to disposable bags, straws, cutlery, and bottles. Recycle properly by following local guidelines and avoiding contamination. Support brands and businesses that prioritise sustainable packaging and practices. Educate others about the impact of plastic pollution and advocate for systemic change. Participate in local clean-up efforts, environmental events, or social media campaigns to raise awareness. Even small changes in daily habits can create powerful ripple effects.   A future without plastic pollution Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, it threatens human health, food security, and climate stability. Yet, it remains one of the most solvable environmental challenges of our time. Let 5 June be more than just a date on the calendar, because when we choose to beat plastic pollution, we choose a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.   Our impact As a member-owned bank, we’re always striving to make a positive impact, and we are committed to a more sustainable future for our members and their communities. We recognise the importance of sound practices as part of our responsibility to members, employees and the communities in which we are part of. One way we seek to do this is by trying to reduce the environmental impact of our business operations, via a number of key initiatives: Introduction of recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral across the G&C Mutual Bank suite of debit and credit cards, with plans to extend this to Unity Bank cards in the future. Development of our Responsible Banking Policy, guiding our approach to lending and investing with respect to our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy. Undertaking a Greenhouse Gas Assessment to better understand and reduce our emissions. Comprehensive recycling program at our Elizabeth Street Head Office through our building management operating a four-bin waste system: dry waste, organics, mixed recycling, and paper and cardboard.   Together, through conscious action and collective effort, we can help protect the planet and shape a brighter tomorrow.

Customer-owned banks including Unity Bank have once again been named Australia’s most trusted banking sector, according to the latest Roy Morgan Bank Trust and Distrust Scores Report.  The report, based on Roy Morgan’s ongoing Risk Monitor surveying approximately 25,000 Australians1 each year, marks customer-owned banking’s second consecutive recognition as most trusted sector and shows a further improvement in their collective Net Trust Score2 since the previous report in May 2023. The improved score for the mutual sector contrasts starkly with the broader banking industry. Since May 2023, distrust has worsened with 3.2 million (14.2%) of Australians aged 14 and over now expressing distrust towards either specific banks or the overall banking sector in general. The banking sector as a whole ranked 24th out of 27 industries for net trust, only surpassing telecommunications, supermarkets, and social media companies. In contrast, customer-owned banks ranked 7th on the scale. “Trust is something that is earned, and customer-owed banks’ people-first approach translates to competitive rates, innovative products, superior services, and a strong commitment to local communities, which explains why Australians continue to place their trust in mutual banks,” Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) CEO Michael Lawrence explained. “Customer-owned banks are built differently. We’re owned by our customers, which means our purpose is to create long-term value for them and their communities. Unlike listed banks, financial performance is not our purpose - it enables our purpose,” he added.   The report also found Australians define trust using terms like ‘reliable’, ‘good service’, and ‘honest’, but describe distrust with expressions like ‘greedy’, ’profit-driven’, and ‘unethical’.  Customer-owned banks, which includes mutual banks, credit unions and building societies, collectively serve over 5.4 million Australians and have been providing purpose-led banking for nearly 180 years.  1 Reporting period is 12 months to January 2025. The customer-owned banking sector outperformed even the highest-rated investor-owned bank, with a collective Net Trust Score higher than any individual bank 2 The customer-owned banking sector recorded far more trust than distrust, resulting in an overall Net Trust Score of 1.00. In contrast, the entire banking industry recorded a Distrust Score of -14.26 and a Net Distrust Score of -3.97. This places the overall banking sector deeply in Net Distrust territory.  

National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held annually from 27 May to 3 June, is a significant time for all Australians to reflect, learn, and engage in the journey toward reconciliation. It provides an opportunity to honour our shared history, acknowledge past injustices, and work together to build respectful relationships and a more just, equitable future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The dates of National Reconciliation Week mark two critical events in Australia's reconciliation journey: 27 May – The anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, when over 90% of Australians voted to amend the Constitution to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and allow federal laws to be made for them. 3 June – The anniversary of the 1992 Mabo Decision, the High Court ruling that recognised Native Title and officially rejected the policy of terra nullius, the idea that Australia was empty land belonging to no one before British colonisation. Each year, Reconciliation Australia sets a theme to guide reflection and action. The 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, urges all Australians to connect past lessons with a shared vision for a more inclusive future, through truth-telling, allyship, and meaningful change. Reconciliation is more than a symbolic gesture; it requires real action. It’s about: Confronting the truth of Australia’s history Addressing inequality across health, education, and economic opportunity. Protecting land rights and cultural heritage. Valuing Indigenous voices in decision-making.   Indigenous initiatives Through our relationship with the Australian Mutuals Foundation, we’re proud to support Barnardos Australia’s Yurungai Learning Centre, an after-school program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary school children that offers homework support, cultural enrichment activities, and nutritious afternoon meals. Through this partnership, we are helping build pathways for strong, resilient Indigenous communities and contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate Australia. As a member owned bank, we are committed to making banking easy, inclusive and accessible for all of our members. We are a participating lender under the Victorian Homebuyer Fund, with the Victorian Government helping eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants’ path to home ownership, requiring only a 3.5% deposit and eligible for up to a 35% shared equity contribution. We have also recently commenced work on developing our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and essential benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination. We look forward to sharing more as we progress our RAP and supporting initiatives.   Getting involved During National Reconciliation Week, we encourage everyone to: Attend local events such as art exhibitions, cultural ceremonies, and community walks. Educate themselves and others about Indigenous history and perspectives. Support Indigenous-owned businesses and organisations. Reflect on their role in advancing reconciliation in their everyday lives.   Looking forward together Reconciliation is not just a national goal; it’s a personal journey for all of us. By acknowledging the past and committing to real change, we can work together toward a future built on trust, respect, and shared understanding.  

The ongoing flood emergency in New South Wales has caused catastrophic damage, leaving communities devastated, and tragically, lives lost. To provide much needed support and financial assistance, the Australian Mutuals Foundation has activated its emergency/disaster relief donations portal. This portal provides the ability for the broader Australian co-operative and mutual community members to donate essential funds, that will be used to help communities recover in the wake of the devastation caused by the floods. We are committed to supporting these communities and with your help we can make a difference to all those affected. In response, we have donated $5,000 via the Australian Mutuals Foundation's (AMF) disaster relief portal to help support those impacted by this crisis. Your support today can make a huge difference. Donate now through the Australian Mutuals Foundation.

On Tuesday 20 May 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced a decrease 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 for existing mortgage holders will decrease by 0.25%p.a., effective from 1 June 2025. Our variable savings rates will decrease by up to 0.30%p.a., effective from 26 May 2025. Whilst the Bonus Saver Account decrease will be effective from 1 June 2025. Members can refer to their upcoming statements for information in relation to their loan product/s and any relevant repayment changes. 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.