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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.  

October 9, 2025: The Regional Banking Investment Alliance (RBIA) has welcomed the newly merged G&C Mutual Bank and Unity Bank to their group advocating for a community service obligation (CSO) to keep regional bank branches open. The advocacy group recently presented a cost sharing model to the government and Treasury, proposing banks contribute to a fund to help subsidise some of the staff costs in maintaining face-to-face services in regional and remote areas of Australia. The cost sharing model presented by the alliance of regional banks has gained momentum, including interest from a number of banks outside the group. Unity Bank CEO, Danny Pavisic said the model has potential to make a real difference in regional communities. “We service members across the country who value the ability to be able to go into one of our service centres and speak to real people, with real advice and real solutions. The cost sharing model proposed by the RBIA allows regional banks a realistic opportunity to not only keep their current face-to-face services but to ensure the ongoing financial inclusion of those living in regional areas”, said Mr Pavisic. CEO of Queensland Country Bank and RBIA spokesperson, Aaron Newman highlighted the struggle that regional banks can face: “We are passionate about servicing our local communities and keeping the profits local, but it’s really tough when we are competing against giants, who are not doing the same. “Around 30% of transactions in our banks lead to pass through banking, seriously disadvantaging our ability to compete and expand. We just want the banks who are neglecting the regions to pay their fair share in keeping face-to-face services alive.” The CSO initiative would be funded by the banking industry via existing financial sector levies and amount to around $153 million, or 0.17% of the total operating income of the major banks. Under the RBIA proposal, bank branches receiving the CSO contribution would need to meet criteria that the community generally expects from retail branch services, such as cash handing, home loans, transaction accounts, and term deposit management, as well as trained staff to offer advice and support. The contribution would be directly linked to trained full time employees, ensuring face-to-face services are maintained. With the inclusion of the G&C Mutual Bank and Unity Bank brands, the RBIA includes member banks across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. More information can be found at: https://rbialliance.com.au/

In a further step toward advancing our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy, Mutually valuable banking for people and planet, we are pleased to launch two new purpose-driven products designed to help members reduce their environmental impact. We believe sustainable choices should also be affordable choices. Our Green Car Loan and Green Upgrades Loan are the latest additions to our impact product suite, making it easier for our members to take meaningful steps toward reducing emissions and saving on energy costs. “As a mutual bank, we exist to create value for our members and their communities­­ - not shareholders,” said Danny Pavisic, Unity Bank Limited CEO. “These new products reflect our commitment to helping members make positive, practical changes for a more sustainable future.” Green Car Loan Our Green Car Loan features a competitive fixed interest rate and reduced fees to support the purchase of eligible hybrid or electric vehicles. It is designed to make lower-emissions transport more accessible for members ready to make the switch. Green Upgrades Loan Our Green Upgrades Loan is a personal loan offering a competitive variable interest rate and reduced fees to help members invest in energy-efficient home improvements such as solar panels, insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, rainwater tanks, and more. Members who already have their home loan with us are eligible for a further discounted interest rate on our Green Upgrades Loan. These products directly support our ESG strategy, with a focus on reducing financed emissions, promoting environmental responsibility, and empowering members to take practical climate action in their everyday lives. “We know many of our members want to make greener choices, but cost can be a barrier,” Danny continued. “By offering these loans with competitive rates and fees, we’re helping to remove that barrier - and support more sustainable communities.” These new offerings align with our broader commitment to environmental responsibility, social impact and financial inclusion. The first impact product delivered under our ESG Strategy was our Essential Worker Home Loan, winner of the 2024 Finder Innovation Award in the Social Impact Innovation category. Designed to recognise the contribution essential workers make to the community by supporting their home ownership journey with a value and feature packed product, it has been very successful in terms of supporting our essential worker community, delivering social impact, driving loan growth and attracting new to bank members aligned to this cohort.We believe these new products will help to further retain and attract values-aligned members, contribute to our sustainable growth, assist with reporting metrics around green funding and financed emissions, but most importantly, support members who want to play an active role in shaping a cleaner, greener future.

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.