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Two Unity Bank employees, Erika and Issac, had the opportunity to attend and represent Unity Bank at the 2023 Trundle Bush Tucker Day on 2 September 2023. It is a beloved Australian festival for the whole family to enjoy. Read about Erika’s experience: “Issac Theobald, myself with my husband tagging along as a driver, went out to be a part of the Trundle Bush Tucker Day event. This was held at the Trundle Showground arena. The weather put on a spectacular show, which encouraged good participation from many in the community. They had live entertainment on the centre stage with various singers throughout the day, and vendor stalls were positioned to create an alleyway moving down towards the centre stage. The type of vendors participating in the festivities included local blacksmiths, metal garden art stalls, country clothing and bootwear, and a group of arts and craft stalls selling homemade food items and kitchen apparel. Along the perimeter of the showground, large fire pits were being manned to provide stations for the bush ovens where various bush tucker recipes were being cooked, along with some smaller ground oven pits with large pots offering a variety of dishes. They also had the Australian National Female whip cracking champion who had just returned from the World Championships where she was placed 3rd. She had whip-cracking displays throughout the day, entertaining the crowds. She was amazing and very skilled at her craft. Adult ticket price was set at $50 a single ticket with $5 for children under 16yrs. All profit funds for the day were to be distributed back into the Trundle Community, supporting local groups such as Trundle Men’s Shed, Trundle Pony Club, and the Country Women’s Association groups in Trundle. I had two local community members approach me to tell me how much they appreciated having Unity Bank in their community, noting the distances they would need to travel to do their banking if we were not in town. Supporting events like the Trundle Bush Tucker Day gives weight to our commitment to smaller rural communities.” If you would like to find out more about Trundle Bush Tucker Day, visit their Facebook page.

Winter sunshine flooded Longmuir Playing Fields on in July for the annual CFMEU Miner’s Cup rugby league shield primary school carnival, where close to 350 young players turned out for a day of fun competition. Unity Bank along with Westfund and Mine Super are supporters of the Gala Day and went along to show their support for the local communities with showbags for all the participants. St Xavier’s School, Gunnedah, claimed the coveted shield, with a quinella in the open boys’ division won by the Dragons team, with the Eels runners-up. The league tag championship went to Gunnedah South Public School, with a team from Walgett Community College Primary School the runners-up in their debut performance at the carnival. The Player of the Day Kerry Dennis played her heart out for Walgett, where the team left at 5am to make it in time for the carnival. Organiser Ross Whittaker was pleased with the number of players turning out for a day of league in perfect weather. We had at least 100 more players than last year and apart from a break during COVID, the competition has been running for about 30 years,” he said. The original concept was to give small schools especially the chance to enjoy a gala day with the opportunity to field a team by combining players from nearby small schools. Special thanks must go to the Mining & Energy Union, Unity Bank, Westfund and Mine super plus all associated sponsors who make this day possible every year.” Representatives from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were on hand during the day, to remind spectators of its value in a crisis. “When there has been an accident there is no better sound than the sound of a chopper flying in to help,” Ross said. “The Mining and Energy Union members contribute more than a million dollars to the chopper each year through workplace contributions with a further million dollars donated by other means.” Players came from Werris Creek, Bingara, Barraba, St Michael’s Manilla, Narrabri, Gunnedah Public, Gunnedah South, St Xavier’s, Walgett, Boggabri and for the first time Carinya Gunnedah fielded a team. Every player received a Steedon football, courtesy of NSW Country League, with the winners awarded trophies and the runners-up a medallion. A great day was had by all participants and everyone is looking forward to next year where they will strive to take out the CFMEU Miner’s Cup rugby league shield 2024. Story provided by Marie Hobson – Gunnedah Times

We have supported the Mining & Energy Union (MEU) for over 50 years and understand the highs and lows experienced over that time. The MEU is a division of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, representing mining and energy workers for over 150 years. At Unity Bank, we’re proud to offer local and personal services in key mining areas across Australia. That’s why we support various community events and AGMs MEU are involved in throughout the year, providing exceptional service to workers across Australia. No matter when you need us, we’re here to help you make the best decisions about your financial future.

Unity Bank is a proud supporter of May Day events around Australia. May Day is a celebration of International Workers Day, which commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement. Many union members take part in marches held in all capital cities and regional towns. In Newcastle, union members from 24 different unions marched from Newcastle Museum to Foreshore Park to celebrate Workers and enjoyed a family fun day with carrnival rides, food stalls, entertainment and more. 

Unity Bank has sponsored the annual MUA Working Waves event for over 20 years. This surfing competition is held over a single day at Norah Head, a surf beach on the Central Coast of NSW and is organised through the MUA Newcastle Branch. It is always enthusiastically supported by members and sponsors, with some competitors travelling from interstate. The MUA retired members have the "Barbie" going all day and it is a great event for MUA members, family, and friends. This year was again a fantastic day out with amazing weather, and fun had by all.