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Protect your passwords. Protect your account.

Scammers can sound convincing. They may pretend to be from a bank, fraud team or trusted organisation, and often use pressure and urgency to encourage people to act before they have time to think.  One simple way to help protect yourself is to use strong, unique passwords for your banking and online accounts. Avoid using personal information that someone else could guess, find online or connect back to you, such as your date of birth, name, address, phone number, children’s names, pet names or favourite sporting team.  Using something familiar may feel easier to remember, but it can also make it easier for scammers to try to access your account. Strong passwords and passphrases add another layer of protection, especially as impersonation scams become more sophisticated. During Scams Awareness Week, we’re continuing the conversation through our Tea and Tips: Staying Safe from Scams event, sharing practical ways to help Members and the wider community stay safer online.    How to create a safer password  Use a long password or passphrase that is hard to guess.  Avoid personal details, including your date of birth, name, address or phone number.  Do not reuse your banking password for other accounts.  Keep your password private and never share it with anyone.  Change your password straight away if you think someone else may know it.      Does something not feel right? The Mutual Bank will never ask you to:  move your money to another account  share your one-time passcodes  share your passwords or security codes  act urgently over the phone or by text  If you receive a call or message that does not feel right, stop, hang up and contact us using the phone number listed on our website.  If you believe you have shared your password or security details with someone else, contact us immediately so we can help you take the next steps.    We’re here to help  When something feels wrong, it is always worth pausing and asking for help. If you’re concerned about your account or believe you may have shared personal or banking information, please contact The Mutual Bank so we can help you take the next step. 

The Mutual Bank appoints Melanie Howard as CRO

The Mutual Bank appoints Melanie Howard as Chief Risk Officer  The Mutual Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Howard as Chief Risk Officer (CRO).  Melanie has served as Acting Chief Risk Officer since November 2025, providing strong leadership during a period of significant activity and regulatory focus for the Bank. Her appointment reflects the confidence of the Board and Executive Leadership Team in her ability to continue leading the Risk and Compliance functions while strengthening the Bank's risk management framework.   Melanie brings extensive experience in the customer-owned banking sector, combined with strong professional credentials and a practical understanding of prudential regulation, risk management and compliance. Throughout her career with The Mutual Bank, she has demonstrated sound judgement, professionalism and a collaborative leadership style.  Chief Executive Officer Mark Williams said Melanie's appointment provides valuable continuity for the organisation.  "Melanie has demonstrated exceptional leadership during her time as Acting Chief Risk Officer,” he said.  “Her deep knowledge of the Bank, commitment to our customer-owned values and ability to foster strong relationships across the organisation make her an outstanding appointment to this role."  Throughout her time with The Mutual Bank, Melanie has played an important role in supporting the Bank's strategic, prudential and operational risk priorities, while building collaborative, high-performing teams and maintaining a strong focus on regulatory obligations.   Her appointment will help ensure continued momentum across the Bank's risk and compliance functions while supporting The Mutual Bank's ongoing commitment to protecting Customers and maintaining a strong, sustainable future.  Please join us in congratulating Melanie on her appointment as Chief Risk Officer. 

2026 Business Hunter award finalists

The Mutual Bank is proud to be recognised as a finalist in multiple categories at the 2026 Business Hunter Awards, reflecting its ongoing commitment to its people, Members and the Hunter community.  The customer-owned bank has been named a finalist in:  Contribution to the Region  Excellence in Large Business (100+ Employees)  Employer of Choice (21 Employees and Over)  Outstanding Employee, recognising Bronte Edwards  The acknowledgement follows a year of continued investment in people, technology and community initiatives that support The Mutual Bank's purpose of helping people thrive.  Chief Executive Officer Mark Williams said being named a finalist reflects the efforts of employees across the organisation and its commitment to supporting Members and communities across the region.  "We're delighted to be named a finalist across a number of categories in this year's Business Hunter Awards," Mr Williams said.  "For us, these nominations reflect the commitment our people make every day to support our Members, strengthen our workplace and contribute positively to the communities we serve. We're proud to see those efforts recognised."  The Mutual Bank's nominations for Contribution to the Region and Excellence in Large Business recognise its long-standing role in supporting the local economy through lending, employment, community partnerships and local decision-making.  The Employer of Choice nomination reflects the Bank's focus on building a positive and inclusive workplace, supported by leadership development, wellbeing initiatives, flexibility and opportunities for employees to grow and contribute.  The Outstanding Employee nomination recognises Head of Data and Analytics, Bronte Edwards, whose leadership has strengthened the Bank's data capability, driven innovation and helped build future capability across the organisation.  Mr Williams said the recognition also highlights the important role customer-owned banking continues to play across the Hunter region.   "As a customer-owned bank, our success has always been closely linked to the success of the communities around us," Mr Williams said.  "For more than a century, we've been focused on helping local people, businesses and communities thrive. As the region continues to grow and change, we're continuing to invest in the communities we serve, so our Members can access the support they need close to home. We're honoured to be recognised alongside so many respected organisations and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the Hunter business community."  The 2026 Business Hunter Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the region, recognising organisations that make a meaningful contribution to the Hunter community. Winners will be announced at the Business Hunter Awards event in September this year. 

Special event | Tea and Tips: Staying Safe from Scams

Scams Awareness Week is back from 24–28 August 2026, and this year we’re once again taking our message even further into the community.  This year’s theme, “No one’s just a number”, puts a human face to the scale of the problem. Behind every scam report is a real person, someone who has had money, time or trust stolen.  Last year, we held our first successful Tea and Tips scam awareness event, bringing customers together for an open conversation about scams, how they happen, who they target, and how to stay safe. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees taking away practical information to help protect themselves and their loved ones.  This year, we’re continuing that momentum with a local event designed to open up the conversation, raise awareness, and empower our community to take action. The more we talk about scams, the more we can help others recognise the warning signs and feel confident to speak up.  What’s Happening This Year?  Our team will be hosting “Tea and Tips: Staying Safe from Scams”, a special event on Wednesday 26 August from 10.00am to 11.30am at Easts Leisure and Golf Club, 2 Tenambit Street, East Maitland NSW 2323.  Hosted by our CEO, Mark Williams, the event will feature members of our team sharing real-life scam stories and practical ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.  Attendees will also receive helpful take-home resources to continue the conversation with friends, family and loved ones.  Why It Matters  Scams can happen to anyone. In 2025, Australians made 481,523 scam reports, with total combined financial losses of $2.2 billion. Of those reports, 274,577 Australians were scammed.  While the biggest losses came from investment scams, payment redirection scams, romance and relationship scams, and remote access scams, we have also seen the growing impact of buy/sell scams and impersonation scams. These scams often involve criminals posing as trusted organisations, such as banks, government agencies, or telecommunication providers. These figures show just how sophisticated and widespread scams have become.  Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressure people to act quickly, and make communications look like they come from organisations, suppliers or people we know and trust. That’s why the national campaign encourages three simple steps for any scam, in any situation: Stop. Check. Protect.  Stop. Take a moment before giving money or personal information to anyone.  Check. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Use contact details you have found yourself, not details provided in a message.  Protect. If something feels wrong, act quickly. Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details, and report the scam to Scamwatch.  By sharing stories and starting conversations, we can help others spot scams before they happen. We want our customers to feel confident, informed and supported.  How You Can Get Involved  Attend our Tea and Tips event. RSVP by Wednesday 19 August here or by calling us on 1300 688 825.  Talk about scams. Sharing experiences helps others recognise the signs and feel less alone.  Stop. Check. Protect. Take a moment, verify who you’re dealing with, and act quickly if something feels wrong.  We’re proud to be part of this national campaign and invite all customers to join us in making our community safer. 

Scambling: the fake online gambling scam every Member should know about

A new type of scam is using the look and feel of online pokies and casino-style games to steal money and personal information from Australians.  Known as scambling, these scams lure people into fake gambling platforms that appear genuine. They may offer bonuses, small early wins or referral rewards to make the site feel legitimate and encourage people to share it with friends, family or community members.  The National Anti-Scam Centre has warned that scambling is becoming a growing concern in Australia, with reported losses increasing sharply in recent years. While anyone can be targeted, First Nations communities have been particularly impacted.  These scams can spread quickly because they often come through people or platforms that feel familiar, including social media, messaging apps or referrals from someone the person knows.    How scambling works  Scambling sites are made to look like real online gambling or casino platforms. People may be asked to deposit money and are then shown fake winnings to encourage them to keep playing or add more funds.  When someone tries to withdraw their money, the site may block the payment, ask for extra fees, or disappear altogether. Some people may also be pressured into letting scammers use their bank account, which can lead to serious consequences.    Warning signs to look out for  You are offered free spins, bonuses or guaranteed winnings to join an online casino-style game.  You are encouraged to invite friends, family or community members to earn rewards.  You are shown early wins, but then cannot withdraw your money.  You are asked to pay extra fees, taxes or deposits before winnings can be released.  You are asked to let someone else use your bank account, PayID or personal details.  The website or app appears suddenly on social media, messaging apps or through a referral.    How to protect yourself  Be wary of online gambling or casino-style games promoted through social media or messaging apps.  Never share your internet banking passwords or one-time passcodes with anyone, and only provide your PayID, banking or personal details when you are certain the request is genuine.  Never allow another person to use your account to receive or move money.  Take your time before sending money, even if the offer has come from someone you know.  If something feels wrong, stop contact, do not send more money and seek help early.    If you think you have been targeted  If you believe you have shared personal or banking information, or sent money to a scambling platform, contact your bank immediately. The sooner you act, the more support may be available.  You can also report scams to Scamwatch and learn more through the Australian Government’s scam information services.   We’re here to help   At The Mutual Bank, we know scams can happen to anyone. We’re committed to supporting the financial wellbeing of our Members and the communities we serve, and we’re here to listen if something does not feel right.   If you’re ever unsure about activity on your accounts, or you’re worried you may have shared personal or banking information, please reach out to our team before sending more money or taking further action. A quick conversation may help you take the right steps to protect yourself, your family and your community.

Scam Awareness

What is financial abuse of older people?

Monday 15 June marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness of an issue that is often hidden but increasingly affecting older Australians.  Financial abuse is the most common form of abuse experienced by older Australians. As our population ages, the importance of recognising and responding to this issue has never been greater. Over the past 40 years, the proportion of Australians aged 65 and over has doubled, and this trend is expected to continue in the decades ahead.  So, what is elder financial abuse, and what can you do if you suspect something isn’t right?  Financial abuse occurs when someone illegally or improperly uses an older person’s money, property or assets.  Sadly, the person responsible is often someone the older person knows and trusts. In many cases, it involves adult children, close family members, carers or friends. Because it can happen without the older person’s knowledge, financial abuse can be difficult to detect and deeply distressing.  Financial abuse can take many forms, including:  Coercion or pressure to change a will, sign over property or alter financial arrangements Unauthorised control over bank accounts or finances, limiting access to their own money Misuse of Power of Attorney, where decisions benefit the appointed person rather than the older person  Direct theft, such as stealing cash, cards or personal belongings  Banking exploitation, including using financial documents or accounts without permission How to spot the signs  Financial abuse often happens behind closed doors, but there are warning signs to look out for.  You might notice:  Unpaid bills or utilities, despite having sufficient income Large or unusual bank withdrawals or transfers A sudden lack of money for everyday essentials like food or medication Unexpected changes to wills, legal documents or financial arrangements  Confusion or uncertainty about financial decisions A new person taking control of finances or becoming overly involved If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to trust your instincts and look a little closer.  What to do if you’re concerned  If you believe you or someone you know may be experiencing financial abuse, support is available and taking early action can make a real difference.  Call 1800 ELDER HELP (1800 353 374)  This free, confidential service will connect you to your local state or territory support service for advice and assistance.  Visit Compass  Compass is a government-funded website offering practical resources and information about elder abuse.  Contact your financial institution  If the situation involves bank accounts or financial pressure, speak to your bank immediately. The Mutual Bank has trained team members who can help protect accounts, including placing holds or reviewing access.  Review Power of Attorney arrangements  If a Power of Attorney is being misused and the older person has capacity, it can be changed or revoked. In NSW, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) can investigate concerns and appoint independent decision-makers if needed.  Contact police in urgent situations  If there is theft, fraud, threats or immediate danger, contact your local police straight away.  We’re here to help  At The Mutual Bank, we’re committed to supporting the financial wellbeing of our Members and the communities we serve.  If you’re ever unsure about activity on your accounts or need support, please reach out to our team. We’re here to listen and help you take the right steps to protect yourself or someone you care about. 

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