1st Austinmer Scout Group recently completed a refurbishment to Austinmer scout Hall, which was co-funded by both a federal grant and a community grant from Horizon Bank. Federal member Alison Byrne met with Scout group members, and Kaylee from Horizon Bank Thirroul to see the outcome of the refurb, which included major roof repairs to the hall.
Paul Rustomji, from Austinmer Scouts said "we are very grateful for the grant funding Horizon Bank has provided to us. It makes a big difference to grass roots community groups such as our scout group and the other hall hirers to be able to maintain our community infrastructure".
The Long Beach Community Association has been announced as a successful recipient of a Horizon Bank Community Grant, securing $2,500 to purchase an alarmed public defibrillator for Long Beach Recreation Park. The lifesaving device was officially unveiled at the Long Beach Christmas Markets on Sunday 14 December, 2025 with Horizon Bank Moruya Branch Manager Jenny McKenzie attending the event to mark the occasion.
Public access defibrillators play a critical role in cardiac emergencies. Research shows that for every minute a person in cardiac arrest does not receive defibrillation; their chance of survival drops by around 10 per cent. (Source: St Johns Ambulance Australia) Having a defibrillator readily available in a well-used community space like Long Beach Recreation Park could be the difference between life and death.
The installation of the defibrillator reflects the community’s commitment to improving safety and reducing the risk of heart-related fatalities in the local area, ensuring residents and visitors alike have access to vital emergency equipment when it is needed most.
Pictured: Ian Gray and Moruya Branch Manager, Jenny McKenzie
Goodbye transaction fees!
We’re making everyday banking simpler and more affordable for our members. From 1 November, Horizon Bank has removed everyday transaction fees across a range of services, so you can keep more of your money for the things that matter to you.
From taking out cash to paying your bills, everyday banking with Horizon is now fee free. This includes:
ATM withdrawals*
Balance enquiries
EFTPOS purchases
BPAY payments
Direct debits
In-branch transactions**
These changes reflect our commitment to fair, community-focused banking. We know that small fees can add up over time, especially for anyone keeping a close eye on their budget. Removing them is just one way we are making banking easier for our members. You don’t need to do a thing for these changes to take effect. The updates apply automatically to all eligible Horizon Bank accounts, so you can enjoy fee-free banking straight away.
As a bank run for locals by locals, everything we do is about supporting the people and communities we serve. Fee-free everyday banking is just another reason to speak with your friendly local Horizon team. If you have questions or want to learn more about how these changes benefit you, visit your nearest branch or get in touch with us online.
*ATM transactions are fee-free when using ATMX and most major Australian bank ATMs. ATM fees may still be charged by private owners. **Fees may apply in circumstances such as large cash withdrawals or coin deposits, speak to your branch for further details or see our Fees & Charges brochure. For full terms and conditions visit our Disclosure documents.
What is Confirmation of Payee?
Confirmation of Payee is an industry-wide service that matches the bank account details entered by a payer with the account details held by the recipient’s bank and displays a match outcome to the payer. It’s a new layer of protection for Australian consumers and businesses when they’re making a payment to a BSB and account number.
How does it work:
Confirmation of Payee matches the account name, BSB and account number entered by the payer with the account details held by the recipient’s bank and displays the outcome.
The payer can then make an informed decision about what to do next – pay, check the details with the intended recipient or choose not to proceed with the payment altogether.
Who offers it
Confirmation of Payee is an industry-wide service and is an initiative of Australian Payments Plus (AP+).
Why does it matter?
Confirmation of Payee can help safeguard people and businesses from fraud, scams and mistaken payments, and help protect their money.
It provides confidence that the details entered match the details held by the recipient’s bank.
It gives banks and financial institutions another vital tool to combat fraud and scams and further builds trust when paying a BSB and account number in Australia.
Click here or more information on Confirmation of Payee
Horizon announces app upgrade
We’re excited to announce improvements to the Horizon Bank app, including a new confirmation of payee feature!
What you can expect in the app
The app features a new user-friendly design.
After logging in, users will now land directly on the Accounts Summary screen.
The Transfer screen will no longer open in a separate Online Banking window, making the experience more seamless.
The main menu has moved from the top left corner to a bottom quick link bar, which is accessible from any screen within the app.
A new Profile tab has been added, featuring:
The ability to add a personalised picture to your app
Access to your account settings
Options to set up Quick Balance and Savings Goals
The Home screen has been enhanced with Savings Goals now positioned at the bottom of the Accounts list. Users can also customise this screen by reordering or hiding accounts to suit their preferences.
… and a new Confirmation of Payee feature that provides a layer of protection for payments.
What is Confirmation of Payee?
Confirmation of Payee is an industry-wide service that matches the bank account details entered by a payer with the account details held by the recipient’s bank and displays a match outcome to the payer. It’s a new layer of protection for Australian consumers and businesses when they’re making a payment to a BSB and account number.
How does it work:
Confirmation of Payee matches the bank account details entered by the payer with the account details held by the recipient’s bank and displays the outcome.
The payer can then make an informed decision about what to do next – pay, check the details with the intended recipient again or choose not to proceed with the payment altogether.
Notice of Annual General Meeting Horizon Credit Union Ltd
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Horizon Credit Union Ltd ABN 66 087 650 173 trading as Horizon Bank, will be held on Thursday, 6th November 2025, 5.30pm at 27 Stewart St, Wollongong.
For more information, click here.
ABN 66 087 650 173
We're pleased to announce that from September, our new Horizon Visa Debit and Credit cards will commence circulation. If you have a Horizon Visa Debit or Credit card, it will continue to function as usual. You will receive the new card design when your card is due for renewal.
The cards celebrate our coastal locations and they include the following features:
Portrait front design. Landscape design on the back
Flat durable card numbers in large font - overcoming the issue of ink erosion on raised embossed numbers
Made with 82% recycled plastic – in keeping with our sustainability efforts
The design includes a notch and braille for the visually impaired
Satin finish on the card for ease of visibility
Silver coloured chip design feature
No signature panel to sign
Cardholders will start to see the new designs in their Horizon app. While the graphic may change in the app, existing cards retain the same functionality.
Introducing ... Handy Card Controls
Also commencing Monday 1 September 2025, members will have the ability to restrict certain types of transactions for their card via Card Controls in the Horizon App. This is achieved via the Cards menu in the Horizon Bank app.
Card controls available include:
Toggle on/off the ability to use the card online purchases, Digital Wallet purchases, ATM withdrawals and international transfers.
Change your PIN (note this can also be done within Online Banking)
Temporary lock – if you've lost your card, you can temporarily lock it. Recurring transactions will continue to be unaffected.
Report lost or stolen cards.
How to access card controls
Card Controls are available exclusively through the Horizon Bank App. For your security, our customer service team can’t set these up on your behalf, but they’re happy to help if you have any questions.
Toggle On/Off with Ease
To manage your card settings:
1. Log in to the Horizon Bank App2. Tap the ‘Cards’ tab3. Swipe to select the card you'd like to manage4. Scroll down to see controls on online purchases, Digital Wallet purchases, ATM withdrawals and international transfers5. Toggle settings for the features you want from the slider on the right-hand side
In response to the Reserve Bank of Australia decision on 12 August 2025 to reduce the cash rate by 0.25%, Horizon Bank will be passing on the full benefit of this interest rate cut to our variable rate residential mortgage borrowers. This 0.25% decrease will take effect on 1 September 2025.
Port Kembla Public School were the worthy recipient of a Horizon Bank Community grant for 2024/25. They used their grant for an Indigenous Garden Project which features a Yarning Circle with repurposed sandstone boulders, positioned at the front of the school.
As part of the school's NAIDOC Week celebrations, a traditional smoking ceremony was held to mark the occasion and the completion of the Yarning Circle.
This initiative creates a welcoming and educational space that serves as a reconciliation garden for all students.
