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What is a remote access scam? If you have someone who contacts you unexpectedly, often via phone call, offering to help 'fix problems' with your internet, account, phone or computer by gaining access to your devices, this is a remote access scam. By gaining access to your device they are able to steal your personal information. Remote access scams are causing increasing financial loss. What happens? Scammers sound professional and it’s easy to think they’re legitimate. They’ll ask you to download a screen-sharing (or remote desktop application) software, then once they have access they will steal from you. How to spot the scam You receive an unexpected phone call from someone telling you there's a problem with your internet, computer, phone or account. They may impersonate someone from a well-known bank, internet or phone company, software company or web security business to try to gain your trust and tell you that they can help you 'fix the problem'. They tell you to download a certain software or an app which will allow them to remotely control your device to help you ‘fix the problem’. How the scam works Once you download the software or app they requested you to download, the scammer can now fully control your device. Since there is actually no problem, they don’t ‘fix’ anything. They may ask you to tell them your banking passwords or one-time security codes as a part of ‘fixing’ the problem. Once you share these, the scammer now has access to your bank accounts, personal information and can steal your money. You might not realise they have stolen your money and emptied your bank accounts until the next time you log in. Protect yourself STOP – Don’t let the sense of urgency rush you into taking actions. Hang up on anyone who asks you to download software or an app over the phone. Never provide anyone your banking information, passwords, or 2-factor identification codes over the phone.THINK – Take a second to ask yourself, do you even know this person who is on the phone with you? Take the time to call the business you're dealing with using independently sourced contact details or check you're talking to a real employee using their secure app.PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. If you've shared financial information, codes or transferred money, contact your bank immediately. Help others by reporting the incident to Scamwatch. If you've fallen victim to a remote access scam If you have lost money, contact your bank or financial institution immediately. If you've had personal information stolen or need support to recover from a scam, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160. Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch. Tell your friends and family: you can share your experience, get support and help to protect others from scams.

Following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision to increase the official cash rate by 0.25%, Horizon Bank has completed a review of interest rates across our lending and deposit products. We understand that ongoing interest rate increases continue to place pressure on household budgets, particularly for members with home loans. As a customer-owned bank, Horizon Bank carefully balances the needs of both borrowers and savers while ensuring we remain financially strong and sustainable so we can continue supporting our members and communities into the future. Changes to Variable Rate Loans From Friday 22 May 2026, Horizon Bank will increase interest rates by 0.25% p.a. on eligible variable rate home and personal loans. What this means for borrowers When the rate changesYour interest rate will change from Friday 22 May 2026. When repayments changeYour new minimum repayment amount will apply from your next repayment cycle after 22 June 2026. What you may need to doIf you have automatic transfers set up from another financial institution, you may need to review and adjust them to ensure your new minimum repayment is met. Where to find your detailsYour updated interest rate, minimum repayment amount and due date will be available in Internet Banking and the Horizon Bank App. All members impacted by this change will receive written notification with details specific to their loan. Changes to Deposit Interest Rates As part of our review, we will also increase interest rates on selected deposit products, recognising the loyalty of members who continue to save and invest with Horizon Bank. Some deposit products will have updated rates effective from Friday 22 May 2026, while others will change from Monday 1 June 2026. Updated rates will be available on the Horizon Bank website from the relevant effective dates. Do I need to do anything? BorrowersIf you have automatic repayments set up, particularly from another financial institution, you may need to review and adjust your repayment amount to ensure you continue to meet the new minimum repayment. DepositorsNo action is required. Updated rates will apply automatically from the effective dates.   We’re here to help If you have any questions about these changes, or if you are concerned about managing your repayments, please get in touch with us as early as possible so we can discuss the support options available. Visit your local branch to speak with one of our lending specialists, or call us on 1300 366 565.

2nd February 2026 Caller ID Spoofing Scam Criminals impersonate companies, including banks, by disguising their phone number. These calls can look legitimate, even though they’re not. How this scam works You receive a call that appears to be from a professional organisation, perhaps even Horizon Bank. The caller may claim to be from an admin or fraud team and warns of suspicious or urgent activity. You’re asked to share a one-time password or security code to “stop” or “reverse” a transaction. That code is then used to access or move your money. How to protect yourself Horizon Bank will never ask you to share a one-time password. Horizon Bank will never call from a private number. If a call feels urgent, unexpected or doesn’t feel right, don’t engage. Hang up and contact Horizon Bank directly on 1300 366 565. If you think you or someone else may have been targeted, notify us immediately so we can help. If you’re unsure, pause and check. Taking a moment could prevent financial loss.

Rally for Recovery operates from a converted and upgraded Eurobodalla Council Fire Service shed in Tomakin NSW. Thirty volunteers use this space to raise money for the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation, working twice weekly all year in unheated and uncooled premises. The Horizon Bank grant was used to fund the purchase and installation of a split system air conditioner, creating a comfortable environment for the volunteers who sell second-hand and donated items.

Have you noticed your Horizon Visa card in our mobile app yet? Here’s what you need to know: Digital cards means you will no longer be without access to funds if your card is lost or stolen. When a new card is ordered, card numbers will be displayed in the Horizon app immediately. The card is active – no need to activate! You can then add your Horizon Visa card to your Apple wallet, Samsung or Google wallet. You will still receive a new plastic card, which will be sent in 7-10 days. There is no pin sent, as you will need to select a PIN for this digital card via our app. You can immediately utilise card controls as well. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us.

Marine Rescue Bermagui purchased an emergency management whiteboard with funding received from a Horizon Bank community grant.  Grants Officer Stephen Knight said "The addition of this Whiteboard ensures that the Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue Operations personnel and other emergency services who come to Bermagui to plan and coordinate Search and Rescues actioned by our own Volunteers at Bermagui and other emergency services, are working in a base that has all the equipment they require to meet their needs in an emergency. We are most grateful for the support of Horizon Bank and the service we receive from your friendly Bermagui staff."

Illawarra Cancer Carers are a not-for-profit group of volunteers, working to improve the caring environment for cancer patients in the Illawarra. They were the successful applicants of a Horizon Bank Community grant for 2025/26, receiving $5,000 to upgrade sewing machines, which are used by volunteers to make garments. These are then sold to raise funds to help cancer patients in the Illawarra. Proceeds are also used to buy equipment for the Wollongong Cancer Care Centre and for cancer research. The Illawarra Cancer Carers also upgraded their massage tables and had their Lymphoedema equipment serviced.

Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet was the successful applicant of a Horizon Bank community grant for 2025/26. They serve the boating public (both locals and visitors) in Wreck Bay, Sussex Inlet, St Georges Basin and Swan Lake waterways. Their accredited Marine Radio Base operations provide both wellbeing monitoring for vessels, and receiving and responding to phone & radio calls for assistance of varying seriousness, including MAYDAY calls. The grant of $5,000 was used to purchase a backup generator. Grants Coordinator Neil McCorkell said "This generator has been installed to kick in at the flip of a switch to provide backup power to our base. This provision of backup power will allow us to provide continuous emergency services capability to save lives on the water during times when it is critically needed and mains power is down - i.e.; during flood, fire and storms". Pictured Left to right: Skippers Aaron, Tony and Jim

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