Unity Bank Donates $13,000 to Support Bushfire Appeals

As a Member Owned Bank we understand the importance of supporting those who are on the front line protecting their communities during the bushfires. In response to the ongoing battle being waged by volunteer firefighters and emergency services against the bushfires affecting many States, we have donated $13,000 to bushfire appeals to help volunteers continue to support communities impacted by the fires. 

Unity Bank is donating $10,000 to the NSW Rural Fire Service and VIC Country Fire Association directly to assist the volunteer firefighters on the frontline. In addition, we have made a donation of $3,000 to the Bathurst LGA Rural Fire Service to assist the Rural Fire Shed to purchase items that are outside the scope of what can be provided by the State Government.

If you would like to donate to a State Fire Service, you can do so below.

State Fire Services

Donations can be made directly to the state-funded rural fire services. Some states allow pledges to individual brigades.

• Victoria: CFA Donate
• NSW: NSW RFS Donate
• South Australia: CFS Donate
• Queensland: RFBAQ Donate
• Western Australia: DFES Donate

QBE Waives Excess Payments For Bushfire-Related Personal Claims

QBE announced early this week that they will waive excess payments for bushfire-related insurance claims for Members who have personal QBE insurance policies. This include insurance claims on home buildings, contents, landlords, motor vehicles for private use and caravans.

Since September 2019, QBE has put in place additional resources to handle claims as quickly as possible so that emergency payments can be made to those who need immediate help with accommodation, food and clothing before their insurance claim is lodged or assessed. QBE also offered assistance to customers who were evacuated from their holiday destinations due to bushfire, helping them get back home and returning their vehicles as soon as it’s safe to access them. 

Unity Bank Members who are a QBE customer and need to make a claim, please call 1300 734 728 (lines open 24/7) or send an email to ficlaims@qbe.com with ‘URGENT’ in the subject line should you require any emergency support. Don’t worry if you don’t have your policy documentation with you. QBE can find your policy number from your name and address.

Unity Bank Relief and Assistance

We are here to support our Members and communities in times of need. Find help if you’ve been affected by a natural disaster.

Affected by the bushfires?

If the recent Australian bushfires have impacted you, we’re here to help. Unity Bank Relief and Assistance is available for Members and businesses affected by catastrophic circumstances. We understand that each Member will have different needs, and we encourage those affected to discuss their circumstances with us by phoning 1300 36 2000. If you are a business Member and have a business loan or a line of credit, please call our team or your dedicated Unity Bank Relationship Manager. Special arrangements are put in place to provide support should our Members need it, and our people are ready to assist promptly with your financial concerns and enquiries.

Emergency options

As part of the Bank’s Relief and Assistance, we can discuss a range of options, including:

• Customised assistance with repayment for Unity Bank home loan, credit card and personal loan Members who may experience difficulties due to the bushfire.

• Considering requests for additional loans, including emergency credit limit increases (subject to credit approval).

• Loan restructuring for business Members with existing loans.

• Waiving prepayment charges for the month following the event, for affected Members wishing to access term deposits and Investments ahead of the maturity date.

• Waiving other selected Fees and Charges

QBE insurance customers

If you are affected by the bushfires and need to lodge a claim or an emergency assistance support during this emergency evacuation stage, the QBE claims team is ready to help. QBE has placed additional team members to help QBE customers who want to make a claim due to bushfire damage on their property or motor vehicle. Please contact QBE as soon as you are safe and able to do so. 

To make a claim, call 1300 734 728 (lines open 24/7) or send an email to ficlaims@qbe.com with ‘URGENT’ in the subject line should you require any emergency support. Don’t worry if you don’t have your policy documentation to make a claim. QBE can find your policy number from your name and address.

Helping the volunteer firefighters

Unity Bank is donating $10,000 to the NSW Rural Fire Service and VIC Country Fire Association directly to assist the volunteer firefighters on the frontline. 

Your donation can make a difference

The Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) has activated its emergency/disaster relief donations portal to be able to accept donations from the members of Australian mutual organisations. 100% of donations received will go to the St Vincent De Paul Society to help those affected by the bushfire, to help them rebuild their lives with food, clothing, furniture, other essentials, and funds to pay bills.

If you would like to donate directly, go to www.australianmf.org.au/donate-now

Parramatta Branch Relocation

As a Member of our Mutual bank, we like to keep our Members up to date with changes to the services we provide. In the new year, we will be relocating our Parramatta branch. We will be relocating to:     

Suite 5.03, Level 5,
80 George Street, Parramatta

What does this mean for Members? 

• The current Reliance Bank Parramatta branch at Cnr of Hunter & Marsden Street Parramatta will close by midday 31 January 2020.

• We will be operating business as usual from our new premises on 3 February 2020 onwards.

We can assure you that we will be working hard to minimise disruption to Members throughout this relocation. During this time Members can still access their accounts via Online Banking, Phone Banking and our Mobile App.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new Parramatta Branch very soon.

Bushfire Appeal

Our hearts and minds are with all communities and members impacted by this ongoing bushfire crisis. We encourage everyone affected to stay safe and follow RFS instructions to avoid peril at all costs. We’d also like to remind our members that we are here to help in any way we can during this trying time.

Helping those in need. Your support can make a huge difference.

All Australians are aware of the unprecedented bushfire conditions across the country, with homes destroyed, communities devastated, and tragically, lives lost. The scale and ferocity of bushfires are also testing the resources of the firefighters, charities, and animal rescue groups.

Many have issued public pleas for financial help, warning of a worsening bushfire threat and a long road to recovery for affected communities. Most organisations are calling for monetary donations - rather than donated goods - to help them best meet the varying needs of victims. What can you do to help?

The Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) has activated its emergency/disaster relief donations portal to be able to accept donations from the members of Australian mutual organisations.

The AMF will re-direct 100% of donations received to the St Vincent De Paul Society to help those affected rebuild their lives with food, clothing, furniture, other essentials, and funds to pay bills.

Vinnies support will include:

• Providing food, clothing, essential items and grocery vouchers for people who have lost everything
• Paying unexpected bills as people work through the recovery process
• Making referrals to specialised organisations providing crisis accommodation
• Giving much-needed emotional support, as well as practical assistance to pick up the pieces after homes are lost

Donate now through the Australian Mutuals Foundation.