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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.

August 7 is National Aged Care Employee Day, a time to recognise and celebrate the dedication, compassion, and commitment of aged care workers across the country. We see this day as an important opportunity to show our appreciation for the individuals who play such a vital role in supporting our communities. Standing with our key workers Aged care employees are an important part of our communities, providing essential care and dignity to some of the most vulnerable Australians. We proudly support aged care workers through our membership, partner networks, and tailored financial services, recognising them as a vital part of our broader key worker community. As a mutual bank, our mission is driven not by profit, but by people. That means backing essential workers with products and services designed to ease financial stress and help them thrive, like our Essential Worker Home Loan, created specifically for those in caring and community service roles. Values-based banking that makes a difference Our support for aged care employees reflects our values-based approach to banking, one guided by integrity, fairness, and a commitment to social impact. We believe financial services should be a force for lasting positive change, benefiting not only individuals but the broader community. That’s why we continue to back initiatives that uplift essential workers and invest in those who give so much. Being named the 2024 Finder Innovation Award winner in the Social Impact Innovation category is a testament to our dedication to developing products and services that go beyond expectations, delivering real, meaningful support where it’s needed most. Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) in action Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy reinforces our focus on social responsibility and community wellbeing. Supporting aged care workers sits firmly within our social impact pillar, acknowledging that sustainability includes caring for those who sustain our communities every day. We also engage with organisations aligned to this vision, amplifying the impact of those who advocate for aged care staff, enhance training, and promote wellbeing within the sector. To all aged care employees, thank you. Your care, dedication, and hard work make a real difference every day. You help bring comfort, dignity, and connection to so many in our communities. Find out more about how we’re backing essential workers and building stronger, fairer communities through banking with purpose.  

National NAIDOC Week 2025: Celebrating culture, history, and achievement National NAIDOC Week 2025 will be celebrated across Australia from 6 July to 13 July, providing an important opportunity for all Australians to come together to recognise, reflect on, and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures. It has grown from a day of advocacy in the 1930s to a nationwide celebration of the oldest continuing cultures on Earth. National NAIDOC Week 2025 marks 50 years of celebrating Indigenous culture, spirit, and leadership. This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, honours not only the achievements of the past but also the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of Indigenous ancestors. How to get involved National NAIDOC Week is celebrated through events held across the country, both in First Nations communities and in schools, workplaces, and communities. To get involved: Attend cultural and community events – Join local festivals, art exhibitions, storytelling sessions, performances, enjoy BBQs, marches, sports events. Take part in ceremonies – Experience smoking ceremonies, Welcome to Country, and traditional dances. Celebrate Indigenous excellence – Learn about the NAIDOC Awards and outstanding Indigenous leaders. Explore local history – Discover the stories of Traditional Owners and your area’s Indigenous heritage. Support Indigenous businesses – Buy from Indigenous-owned stores and artists. Everyone is encouraged to take part, whether by joining local events, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, exploring the works of Indigenous authors, or having meaningful conversations that foster understanding. Find local NAIDOC events in your area or learn more about the NAIDOC awards. As we journey through 2025, NAIDOC Week remains a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, respect, and reconciliation among all Australians. Let’s walk together in celebration and solidarity, honouring culture and ensuring the voices of First Nations peoples continue to be heard and valued. 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 to fast-track 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. For more information about NAIDOC week visit the NAIDOC website.  

Win a holiday getaway and help kids get to where they need to be! The Australian Mutuals Foundation, with generous support from Transport Life and Leisure, is running a raffle fundraiser to help Barnardos Australia buy a much-needed new bus.Every ticket sold brings Barnardos’ Yurungai Learning Centre in Waterloo one step closer to their goal - and gives you the chance to win an unforgettable holiday escape!The Barnardos Australia Yurungai Learning Centre in Waterloo provides essential services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including homework help, cultural learning, life skills development, and nutritious meals. For many children, the bus offers a reliable means of reaching the Centre. However, the current bus is nearing its end of its usability and urgently needs replacing.Raffle PrizesTwo winners will each receive a holiday package worth up to $1,200, choosing from eight stunning NSW coastal destinations: Batemans Bay, Byron Bay, Hawks Nest, Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie, The Entrance, Tweed Heads, or Woolgoolga.Key Dates• Raffle opens: 1st May 2025• Entries close: 5:00 PM AEST, 30th June 2025• Winners drawn: 2nd July 2025Enter the raffle and read the terms and conditions at: www.australianmf.org.au/yurungai-bus-raffleYour participation will help provide safe transportation for children to access vital educational and cultural programs. Thank you for your support! About Barnardos AustraliaBarnardos Australia is a leading non-government, non-denominational child protection charity in Australia. They work together with children, young people and families to break the cycle of disadvantage, creating safe, nurturing and stable homes, connected to family and community. About the Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF)The primary purpose of the AMF is to provide a vehicle for Mutual Banks, Credit Unions, Building Society and Cooperative banking to assist needy children in Australia, and to alleviate poverty in some of the poorest communities in South East Asia and the Pacific by the creation of sustainable cooperative financial organisations.