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Protect yourself from booking a scam holiday

Travel smart: Protect yourself from booking a scam holiday Have you considered booking a holiday in 2025? While booking time off is exciting, it’s important to ensure your plans are legitimate so you don’t end up the victim of a travel scam. To help ensure your holiday plans go ahead, COBA’s financial crimes team share tips on how to identify and avoid travel scams. What is a travel scam? A travel scam can be identified by cheap flights and accommodation offers, free vacations, or exclusive holiday rentals. Scammers create fake listings for popular travel destinations that mimic legitimate online travel agencies. They will then require payment upfront or request unusual and unsecured methods of payment that scam victims out of money. Travel scams can take many forms, including:- Fake travel websites, booking platforms or rental listings advertised online.- Unsolicited calls or emails offering free or heavily discounted luxury vacations.- Fraudulent online marketplaces where scammers demand upfront payments for non-existent bookings. Tips to protect yourself Do your research: Verify that websites, agencies, or accommodation listings are legitimate. You can do this by reading reviews from other travellers or asking for proof of the agency’s accreditation or certification. Red flags include listings with limited photos, vague descriptions, or deals significantly cheaper than market rates. Be sceptical of unsolicited travel offers: Avoid holiday deals that seem too good to be true, especially if they’re unexpected. You may receive emails notifying that you’ve won a free vacation and ask you to click a link to claim the prize – this is likely a scam, especially if you haven’t entered any competition. Use secure payment methods: Avoid transferring money or paying through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. What to do if you suspect a scam If you encounter a potential scam, report it to ScamWatch.gov.au to help protect others from falling victim. If you’ve been scammed, let us know by contacting us.

Community

Eurobodalla Woodcraft Guild Receives Community Grant from Horizon Bank (1)

The Eurobodalla Woodcraft Guild used their $2,000 community grant to purchase a Chainsaw and safety helmet to assist with timber milling. This equipment allows the club to safely trim donated tree trunks so that they fit into their milling machine, producing useable timber slabs for their members and use in community projects. Another great bonus is that eligible club members will be trained in the operation and safety aspects before using the new equipment. Horizon’s Community Grants Program will open for applications in mid-2025. 

Community

Cambewarra Pony Club Receives Community Grant from Horizon Bank

Cambewarra Pony Club received a Horizon Bank Community Grant totalling $3,800 to purchase and install essential updated safety equipment to their club house. The Cambewarra Pony Club have been operating in the region for over 50 years and cater for people aged 5 – 79 years old. Due to the increase in members and volunteers at the club, there is also a welcomed increase in events & activities happening at the club. Club President, Lesley Lee, explains the impact in their application, “Our safety project will have a lasting benefit to a large number of people in this community who work in partnership with our organisation and share our facilities”. They were able to purchase 2 new fire extinguishers, 2 additional fire alarms, a crim safe security door and extra flood lights for the outside of the club house. The addition of this equipment has increased the safety of the clubhouse significantly.  Here you can see some of the members & horses with their new crim-safe door. Horizon’s Community Grants Program will open for applications in mid-2025.

Community

Murrah Hall Preservation Association Receives Community Grant from Horizon Bank:

The Murrah Hall Preservation Association have power!Thanks to a Horizon Bank Community Grant of $5,000, the organisation was able to purchase the electrical equipment required to connect power to the incredible newly built outdoor amphitheatre at the rear of the Murrah Hall. The connection of power to the amphitheatre means more events & entertainment in the space for people of all ages, bringing the community together. Here you can see one of their first music events held recently in the amphitheatre, how good does that look! Horizon’s Community Grants Program will open for applications in mid-2025. 

Community

Berry RSL Sub-Branch Receives Community Grant from Horizon Bank

The Berry RSL Sub-Branch were thrilled to be successful in receiving a Horizon Bank Community Grant of $5,000 to replace the timber walkway access into the hall. The walkway had become weathered and dangerous for patrons using the hall, and as a commonly used hall for the community this deterioration was dangerous for the elderly and disabled people accessing the hall. The organisation was able to have the decking replaced as well as installation of new handrails, increasing the safety of the entrance to the hall. Horizon’s Community Grants Program will open for applications in mid-2025. 

Community

Stanwell Park Arts Theatre Receives Community Grant from Horizon Bank:

Stanwell Park Arts Theatre were the worthy recipients of a $4,450 Horizon Bank Community Grant recently which allowed them to facilitate a much-needed replacement of the velvet stage curtains and the stage wings in their theatre. The Stanwell Park Arts Theatre is a multipurpose space for many things such as theatrical performances, rehearsal space, workshops, movie nights and community group rentals just to name a few. The organisations President, Sonia Westwood, describes the importance of the theatre in their application stating “The hall’s role is a cultural hub - supporting theatre, arts workshops, community cinema and new writers’ underscores – it's importance is as a cornerstone of cultural life in the region, fostering creativity and community cohesion for all residents… This improvement is particularly significant for the northern Illawarra community, including members from isolated areas like Helensburgh, who rely of SPAT for cultural engagement and artistic expression”. This upgrade helps to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the theatre, as well as improving the functionality of their stage area. As their old curtains perished over time, meaning they were experiencing issues during performances which they have been able to mitigate by upgrading. Here you can see the fresh, new velvet curtains installed looking very flash! Horizon’s Community Grants Program will open for applications in mid-2025.

Community

Bermagui Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Receives Community Grant from Horizon Bank

The Bermagui Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism were the recipients of a $3,845 Horizon Bank Community Grant recently which allowed them to organise the Bermagui Star Light Display in the township. Following the rough last few years of bushfires, floods, lockdowns and more, the Chamber’s aim for their light project was to lift the spirits in the township of Bermagui through the decoration of community buildings & small businesses over the holiday period. In their application the manager of the Bermagui Visitor Information Centre, Christine Bimson, explained more on this saying “Bermagui Chamber wants to bring some happiness and good vibes back to our lovely seaside village and its beautiful community, make them feel positive about the town and our future, join people together to celebrate and encourage our younger generation to feel safe and loved in this town.” The Chamber plan to continue this display each year for many years to come, giving the town something exciting to look forward to in the community come the festive season. What a fantastic project that the Bermagui Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism have implemented to encourage community engagement & spread the cheer! Here you can see how fantastic their light display turned out this year. Horizon’s Community Grants Program will open for applications in mid-2025. 

Community

Moruya Public School P&C Association Receives Community Grant from Horizon Bank

Recently Moruya Public School P&C Association were the worthy recipients of a $3,500 Horizon Bank Community Grant to assist with their canteen equipment upgrade project, meaning they could purchase a new oven as well as pans, cutting boards and more. The new oven upgrade was the star of the show, as their old oven had been inoperable for some time due to a shattered glass door. This update to the canteen equipment means that the canteen staff can provide more meals for the hungry Moruya Public School students. Here you can see the new equipment in action! Horizon’s Community Grants Program will open for applications in mid-2025. 

Community

Windang Surf Lifesaving Club Receives Community Grant from Horizon Bank

Windang SLSC used their Horizon Community Grant to run an "All in for the Sea" interactive exhibit for visually impaired children and their families. This program created a safe and interactive exhibit for the participants to touch replicate marine life. There was also great surf education provided in a UV poster created specially for the visually impaired. The highlight and everyone’s favourite part was pretending to be a lifesaver for a day. Everyone got dressed up in red and yellow uniforms and used the surf club facilities and equipment. A great day was had by all. Horizon’s Community Grants Program will open for applications in mid-2025. 

Vale Stirling Scard

Vale Stirling Scard We celebrate the life of a remarkable man, Stirling Scard—a name synonymous with integrity, dedication, and service. Stirling, by name and truly sterling by nature, he lived a full and impactful life. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his community, and he will be dearly missed. Stirling dedicated 30 years to Horizon Bank, with 17 of those years as Chairman. His tenure was marked by vision, innovation, and a steadfast belief in the power of community. He joined the Board of what was then known as the Southern Counties Credit Union in 1983, bringing with him sharp wit, financial savvy, and a deep sense of purpose. It was no surprise when, just five years later, his peers entrusted him with the mantle of Chairman—a role he embraced with vigour and determination. Under Stirling’s guidance, Horizon Bank experienced transformative growth. He oversaw milestones that reshaped the organisation, including the pivotal merger with Shoalhaven City Council Employees’ Credit Union in 1995 and the renaming to Horizon Credit Union. That same year, Stirling championed the opening of a flagship branch in Nowra’s CBD, a significant step in broadening the Horizon’s reach. Not stopping there, Stirling oversaw the establishment of a new head office in 1997 and led the opening of branches in Bermagui, Albion Park, and Thirroul—strategic moves that expanded Horizon’s footprint and reinforced its commitment to serving its communities. Stirling’s leadership shone brightest during challenging times. He guided Horizon through the turbulence of the Global Financial Crisis in 2007 with a steady hand and a clear vision. His final achievement—a merger with Eurobodalla Credit Union—was the crowning glory of an extraordinary thirty year tenure. To say Stirling’s contributions to Horizon Bank were immense would be an understatement. His wisdom, humility, and passion were the cornerstones of his leadership, and his impact will continue to ripple through the organisation and the community for years to come. Beyond his professional achievements, Stirling was a family man. His love for Joan, his wife, and the entire Scard family was unwavering. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Joan and the family during this time of loss. Stirling was more than a leader; he was a custodian of trust, a beacon of progress, and a pillar of strength. His legacy is etched in the history of Horizon Bank and in the hearts of all who knew him. Thank you Stirling, for your service, your wisdom, and your unwavering belief in the power of community. Vale, Stirling Scard.

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