member magazine WINTER 2008

Spare cash?
INTEREST RATES ARE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU

No place like home

how to survive BUYING a home

taking up the challenge

Combining business planning and social vision
 Welcome
Notice to members
2008 AGM
BCU’s Annual General Meeting will be held
at the Urunga Bowling Club, Bonville Street,
Urunga NSW on Monday, 24 November 2008.
Nominations for the office of Director
A member wishing to nominate for the office
of Director should contact BCU’s Company
Secretary to obtain a nomination pack.
Directors M J Spear, P E Dunstan and
G C Johnson retire in accordance with the
constitution of the credit union and are eligible
for re-election, and as such, have indicated their
intention to re-nominate.
Nominations close on 31 July 2008 and must
be lodged by 5pm at BCU’s registered office at
14 Cooper Street, Macksville NSW 2447.
D S Bevan
Company Secretary
page 
In recent months some banks have
consistently raised interest rates over
and above those set by the Reserve
Bank and mortgage brokers are feeling
the pinch.
These media reports highlight the value for money
that BCU, as a community credit union, offers its
members. Our lending figures are up, our mortgage interest rates
are some of the best, and our lending criteria remain unchanged.
Here at BCU, members have every reason to feel extremely
pleased with BCU’s performance as our most recent quarterly
figures show that, against all the trends, our lending is up. In the
three months to the end of April, BCU posted impressive growth
figures with loans increasing by 4.5% and a projected annual
growth rate of 12% to the end of this financial year.
With last quarter’s encouraging growth
figures, the challenge now facing BCU is
to attract deposits so we can continue to
offer to our members loans with competitive
interest rates.
Just look at the back page to see how we compare against
our competitors.
In this issue of Let’s Talk, we focus on the source of our savings,
investment and superannuation accounts; that is, term deposits, our
new online Direct Saver accounts and retirement savings accounts.
We also provide some timely advice for those buying their first
home and the importance of the relationship between you and
your lender.
Having worked in the credit union industry for over 40 years,
I know that it’s true – community banking really is about locals
investing and borrowing locally, and everyone enjoying the
mutual benefits.
David Bevan, BCU’s Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Controller
is retiring on 20 June 2008 after 12 years of service. I’d personally
like to thank David for the enormous contribution he has made
to our credit union and it goes without saying he will be greatly
missed. During David’s time at BCU, the number of branches grew
from 13 to 21, and our assets grew from $214 million to a present
total of $903 million. David will be retained on a contract basis until
8 August when his successor takes over. From all of us here at
BCU, we wish David all the best for the future.
Ray Battle
Chief Executive Officer
 contents LET’s TALK WINTER 2008

Mykel Watson from Coffs Harbour was the lucky winner of a

weekend Pamper and Play package for two at the Crowne Plaza
Royal Pines Golf Resort, Gold Coast from Round 7 of BCU’s Out-tip
a Titan online footy tipping competition. There are still many great
weekly prizes to be won and all you have to do is go online at
www.bcu.com.au, follow the links to register and start footy tipping.

Crowne Plaza Royal Pines Golf Resort and Spa is the official
golf course and function venue for the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans.
A proud sponsor, since its foundation and located 10 minutes
from the new Skilled Park Stadium, home of the Titans, it’s the
ultimate location for accommodation and leisure when catching
a Titans’ game on the Gold Coast.

Special offers for Titans fans

For exclusive discount rates on accommodation packages
as well as tickets, transfers and more, go to:
www.royalpinesresort.com.au/titans/?page=titans
and type in the following password ‘Accommodation’.
For more information, call (07) 5597 1111.

Letters to the editor Let’s Talk: Issue 7

From Stephen, Boambee East
Thank you for mailing out a very convenient card-sized calendar
each year … it’s just one way BCU makes its members feel valued.
It goes into my wallet every year and comes in handy often. There
are many other things you do that make our lives easier and simpler
… so, for me, the choice is easy, with BCU.
From Robyn, Coffs Harbour
A hastily scribbled note but just an idea you might like to consider.
I love the mag – but in others I have seen a small lottery offered
in each issue, the numbers being selected at random from
membership numbers. It was always a very popular feature.
There’s no place like home..................... 4
BCU launches TrustDefender.................. 7
Taking up the challenge.......................... 8
Fare deal................................................. 9
Interest rates......................................... 10
Brain strain............................................ 12
A big first year for CSAs........................ 13
In your community................................. 14
M2M....................................................... 15

From Karen Smith, Senior Advisor, Abacus BCU mobile lenders.............................. 15

I’d like to congratulate BCU on the informative article in the
autumn issue of Let’s Talk about how to avoid direct debit dishonour
fees. It is this sort of education that really sets mutuals apart from
the banks.
Tell us what you think!
For every letter we publish in Let’s Talk, we’ll give the sender a
Greater Union double movie pass. Email us at letstalk@bcu.com.au
or write to Let’s Talk, PO Box 198, Macksville, NSW 2447. BCU
reserves the right to edit all correspondence before publication.
In order to achieve cost savings for our
credit union, to avoid distributing unwanted
material and to protect the environment,
we have sent one copy of Let’s Talk to each
BCU member household or business. If, for
some reason, you have received more than
one copy, please let us know so that we can
check that our records are accurate.
 Family
There’s no place like home
Betty Hartnett, BCU’s Port Macquarie lending manager
outlines the home-buying process
Feeling jittery at the thought of borrowing the
largest amount of money you’re likely to in your life?
Don’t understand the process? You’re not alone.
For most people, buying their first house is fraught
with anxiety because they are choosing a home
and home loan at once and both processes can
be complicated and time-consuming. But it doesn’t
have to be that way. For those about to enter the
world of home ownership, here are a few tips to
make the process a rewarding and, dare we say
it, enjoyable experience.
In buying and borrowing for a house, you will deal
with three different property specialists, and it’s
important to understand what they do and how
they can help you.
Your lender
We recommend that you establish a solid working
relationship with your lender before doing anything
else. Make an appointment to obtain pre-approval
page 
for your loan. Your lender will assess your ability
to borrow and process your first home buyers
grant application.
After your financial situation is known, you will
be granted an ‘approval in principle’ or pre-loan
approval. This is the maximum amount you can
borrow and, with the first home buyers grant
(currently $7000) plus your own savings, gives
you the total amount of money you can spend.
Knowing your price range before you speak to any
real estate agents will save a lot of disappointment
if you find what you think is your dream home only
to discover you can’t afford it.
The other benefit of visiting your lender first is that
the guidance you will get from an experienced
lending manager is invaluable. An experienced
lender can make all the difference between the
buying process being a stressful ordeal or an
informed and happy experience.
 LET’s TALK WINTER 2008

Now was the right time to buy

Deciding that rent
was dead money,
Steve and Kristy
approached BCU for a
home loan. ‘BCU was
the obvious choice.
Banks, it seemed, were
raising interest rates
every other day while
BCU’s rates were very
competitive, and BCU
has always been such
a friendly place to do
business. The staff
know your name and
Steve and Kristy Patterson with their two Petricia Bless and
they are really friendly,’
daughters, Kyla and Emmi Dan Johnson
said Kristy.

The speed with which BCU processed the loan allowed the Pattersons
to negotiate an early settlement and move into their new home quickly.
They also took advantage of BCU’s offset facility to help reduce their
interest liability. ‘Dealing with BCU is like being with friends. You’re Happy to be home
always welcome, nothing is too much trouble and problems are dealt
When Let’s Talk spoke to first-home
with straight away. There were simply no negatives,’ said Kristy.
buyers Petricia Bless and fiancé, Dan
Johnson, they’d been in their new house
for a week. ‘We just love it and Dan’s
The real estate agent and you will need their help
already planted a new front garden,’
Next stop is the real estate agent. when it comes to getting copies
said an elated Petricia.
of contracts, making an offer or
Do your research. Online listings Like all new home buyers, Petricia and
bidding at auction.
are a good place to start but it’s Dan were initially daunted by the task of
important to get out and study the Even if a property you like is not
finding both a new home and a mortgage
areas where you want to live. Go to listed with all agents, your agent
at the same time. ‘A work colleague had
as many open house inspections can get ‘conjunction’ with other
attended the BCU First Home Buyers
as possible. Seek advice on agents and get access to most
Information Night at Port Macquarie and
what determines property values properties, without you having to
told us how friendly and helpful BCU
– location, number of bedrooms, deal with numerous agents.
were,’ recalled Petricia, ‘All our friends
swimming pool, gardens, quality Let your agent know you have a said that BCU had the cheapest rates,
fixtures and fittings etc. pre-approved home loan (though so they came highly recommended.’
Remain clear-headed about what use your discretion when revealing
Disappointed when their first house offer
makes one property more valuable your maximum spending limit).
fell through, Petricia was gratified by the
than another. Don’t be swayed by This tells them you are a genuine
advice and assistance they got from BCU.
personal bias which could see you buyer and can exchange quickly.
‘They made us feel really comfortable.
pay too much for a property. This can help in having your
For us, it was the biggest decision we’ve
offer accepted if there are two
Talk to several real estate agents had to make and BCU made it easy for
interested buyers and the other
without making any commitments. us, explaining the process, and making
doesn’t have a pre-approved loan.
Remember that the agent is, in the sure we understood exactly what was
first instance, working on behalf The agent will negotiate between happening. Then when we did find our
of the vendor, but they can be a you and the vendor to achieve a dream home, the loan was approved
very good source of information price agreeable to both parties. and ready to go.’
 Family

‘Local is best’, says Tony

Even after having bought and sold several
properties, Tony Muller was still surprised
by what he learnt at BCU’s recent
Clarence Valley Home and Investment
Seminar. ‘The legislation changes often
and you’ve got to keep up,’ he said. The
seminar, held in April, included talks from
a lender, solicitor, valuer and an insurance
expert, making it a one-stop shop on
borrowing and property investment.

Construction has started on his latest

house, funded by a loan from BCU. Tony
and his wife have lived in the Grafton area
for many years and the most important
thing for him was having a lending
manager that he knows and trusts. ‘I really
do believe that local banking is best,’ he
said, ‘For a while I joined a big national
bank, but I soon realised that the levels
of service and knowledge you get from
a local lender are so much better than
anything a big bank can provide.’

Tony and Once again, it is extremely important to remain calm
Shona Muller and clear-headed when negotiating property prices.
Make sure you have read and fully understand the
sale contract and the cooling-off period available
to all buyers (except for auctions).
This leads us to the third party in the home-buying
process.
Your conveyancer or solicitor
You will need to engage a solicitor or conveyancer
in readiness for the legal property transfer. While it
is possible to do your own property conveyancing,
most people engage a specialist to manage this
complicated legal process for them. Look for a
conveyancer or solicitor who offers ‘fixed price’
conveyancing as this could save you dollars.
Once you have negotiated the sale price, the real
estate agent will forward the property’s and vendor’s
details to your conveyancer to commence the sale
process. Your conveyancer or solicitor will conduct
property checks on your behalf, eg building and
pest inspections, title searches etc. While this is
being done, your lender will arrange for a property
valuation to be carried out.
page  Home loans available to approved applicants only. Normal lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Interest rates, fees and charges are payable and are subject to change without notice.
Once the sale price has been agreed upon, the
conveyancers will arrange for both parties to sign
two copies of the contact – ‘exchanging’ contracts
– and you will pay a deposit (usually 10% of the
purchase price). At this point you have entered into
a binding legal contract to purchase the property.
We recommend at this point that you arrange house
insurance from the day you exchange in case of fire
or damage prior to settlement. (Settlement is the
day you pay the balance of the funds for the house
and ownership transfers to you.)
At this point, you re-visit your lender and complete
the loan process. Now is also the time that your
lender should lodge an application for your first
home buyers grant so that the money is available
at settlement.
Now start packing so you can move into your new
home on the day of ‘settlement’ which is usually
4–6 weeks after ‘exchange’. During this time, your
conveyancer and lender complete the process that
conveys the property into your name.
On settlement day – celebrate the wonderful feeling
of being a first-time home owner.
 LET’s TALK WINTER 2008

BCU launches
TrustDefender
An Australian
first in internet
banking security ...
and it’s FREE!
The recent introduction of security
tokens provided a ‘second layer’ of
internet security should anyone find
out your password. BCU now goes one
step further. With the pending launch of
TrustDefender in July, BCU is adding a
‘third layer’ of protection for iBank users.

How does TrustDefender work?

TrustDefender provides a ‘security
health check’ for your computer. It
goes beyond traditional anti-virus
software by analysing all the programs
and disabling those that are unknown
or potentially dangerous. It creates
an electronic shield that isolates and
protects your financial and personal
information while transacting online.
TrustDefender operates in conjunction
with other security measures including
anti-virus software, firewalls and tokens.
Why use TrustDefender?
Nearly 60% of Australians are very
concerned about unauthorised access
to their personal information while
transacting online.*
Financial institutions, including BCU,
protect their customer information via
firewalls, encryption, anti-virus software
and password security. However, there
is one area that traditional security
measures can’t control … the internet
user’s own computer.
* Unisys Security Index for Australia, May 2008.
Yes, your computer!
This is where most online fraud occurs,
and with cyber crime on the rise (it’s
now bigger than the illicit drug trade),
protection in this area is needed.
How do I get the software?
TrustDefender software will be
available to BCU members to download
from BCU’s website free of charge.
Information, including full instructions
on how to download the software, will
be provided. It does not take long,
and once installed, TrustDefender
protects your personal information
while transacting online using iBank.
TrustDefender
national launch
To take place in Coffs Harbour in
early July. Further details will be
posted on BCU’s website as they
become available.
Fraud warning!
BCU does not ask members to
confirm personal information by
email response or by clicking onto
links to unknown sites. Should any
member receive such emails, ignore
and delete the request.
Tokens take off
Following the launch of security
tokens last month, the response
has been overwhelming. With our
initial supply exhausted, a second
order has been placed to meet
the demand.
This is what Karen from Coramba
had to say: ‘At $15 each, tokens are
great value for money and provide
peace of mind. They are so easy to
order online and simple to activate.’
To order a security token, log onto
iBank at www.bcu.com.au and
follow the prompts.
 Business

taking up the challenge

Above (L–R):
Marc Priest,
Coffs Challenge combines business creativity, social
Sean Robinson, responsibility, new technology and green awareness
Brian Goode,
Kerrie Saunders Coffs Challenge has been providing employment
and Ian Wade, and training to people with a disability on the
Coffs Challenge’s Coffs Coast since 1957. It currently supports
General Manager 46 people with a disability in employment and
training programmes and since 1993, following
its separation from NSW Challenge Foundation,
Coffs Challenge is a wholly owned and managed
local Coffs Coast business.
Business planning was essential to the
success of the venture. ‘We developed
a strategy and wrote a business plan’
Over the years, the business has branched
out into several commercial areas, including
ironing, cleaning and degreasing machinery,
manufacturing hardwood stakes and secure
document destruction.
World first for Coffs
Coffs Challenge recently installed a new recycled
mulch matting operation, using recently engineered
equipment imported from New Zealand.
‘We were looking to augment our successful
document shredding service, and we approached
EcoCover in New Zealand who were developing
the prototype,’ said Ian Wade, General Manager
of Coffs Challenge, ‘Ours is the world’s first
commercial operation, so it’s really exciting.’
The new plant cost $1.8 million, helped by a
$500,000 loan from BCU as well as other private
and government funds. The paper is collected
locally, mostly high-quality waste paper from local
businesses and, when fully operational, the plant
has the potential to convert nine tonnes of waste
paper a week into biodegradable mulch matting
for gardens and landscaping.

page 

It currently operates one day a
week and has already created
four new jobs. Coffs Challenge
has plans to increase production
to full-time which would see an
additional 20 jobs created, and
so far, interest in the new product
has been extremely positive.
‘We already supply several
local businesses, and places
further afield such as Lismore,
Mullumbimby, Macksville,
Kempsey, Port Macquarie, even
as far as Newcastle,’ said Mr
Wade, ‘Here in Coffs, mid-way
between Sydney and Brisbane
and with great transport links,
we’re ideally situated to service
the whole northern NSW coast
and beyond so we’re really
optimistic that this product will
find a ready market.’
Role of business planning
For Ian Wade, careful business
planning was essential to the
success of the venture.
‘Our philosophy has always been
that the community is enriched
by diversity, including those
with a disability,’ explained Ian,
‘Commercial and not-for-profit businesses differ in the way
they distribute profit, but at the end of the day, they are
both businesses and both need to be well managed and
ready to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.’
‘However, we realised that in
order to keep fulfilling that charter,
we needed a financially viable
income stream so we developed
a business strategy and wrote a
business plan. That was in 2004.’
EcoCover ticks many boxes
– economic, environmental and
social. It creates a value-added
product out of local waste paper,
the equipment is easy for Coffs
Challenge employees to operate,
and it taps into the growing
LET’s TALK WINTER 2008
consumer awareness about
environmental sustainability. Fare Deal
Recipe from BCU member, Room 101,
While many in not-for-profit Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach
organisations feel that business
planning doesn’t apply to their
sector, Ian believes there is
everything to gain from a well-
planned business strategy.
‘Commercial and not-for profit
business differ in the way they
distribute profit, but at the end of
the day they are both businesses
and both need to be well managed
and ready to take advantage of
opportunities as they arise.’
Multiple benefits
‘The overall benefits of business
planning are hard to quantify’,
said Ian, ‘There is the immediate Cajun squid with ginger and chilli
benefit whereby jobs and and a lemon soy glaze
training opportunities are created
for people with a disability,
500g fresh squid, cut ½ cup chopped
but the social, economic and
into thin strips shallots
environmental benefits are much
broader than that. Ours is a 1 cup plain flour ½ tsp grated
fully owned and managed local 1/3 cup Cajun spice lemon zest
business, we collect local waste vegetable oil for frying 2 cups shredded
and employ local people, we have vegetables (Asian
1 tbs sesame oil
borrowed locally to invest in the greens, capsicum,
1 small chilli, mushroom)
equipment, we sell our products
chopped finely
1 tbs sweet soy sauce
1 tsp pickled ginger,
chopped finely
½ tbs oyster sauce
Coat the squid in a mixture of plain flour
and spice and deep or shallow fry in hot oil
for 20 seconds.
In a separate deep frying pan or wok,
to local businesses and then the
heat sesame oil.
profits we make are returned to
the community.’ When hot, add chilli, ginger, shallots,
lemon zest and shredded vegetables and
Ian added, ‘I’d even go as far as to fry for 1 minute until wilted.
say that good business planning
Add the squid to the vegetable mixture and
is probably more important in the
toss through with soy and oyster sauces.
non-profit sector because the scale
of operations is smaller, there is Serve immediately on its own or with rice
less money to go around and you or noodles.
have to be financially independent. Serves 4.
You can’t rely solely on government
subsidies, grants and benevolent
donations.’
Photography by Peter Sechi Photography
www.petersechiphoto.com
 Products
Interest rate rises are good news for anyone
with spare cash
Every cloud’s got a silver lining. While many are
worried about rising mortgage repayments, the
recent interest rate hikes translate into better
returns for savings accounts and term deposits.
BCU offers members two long-term savings
vehicles – our usual term deposits and our recently
launched Direct Saver account which is a fully
online savings account. Both are designed for
people serious about putting their savings to
work. Both offer attractive rates of return and
different access options.
However, when devising a long-term savings plan,
you need to weigh up the features and benefits
and choose a savings account that’s best for you.
Term deposit
Term deposits are simple in structure. You invest
an amount of money for a set period of time for
an agreed fixed rate of return. With a BCU term
deposit, you can start with as little as $1000 for
page 10
Interest
rates
… now for the
good news!
as short a time as one month. The interest rate
is tiered, so the more you invest, the better the
interest rate.
The other great feature of term deposits is their
security. They provide a guaranteed rate of interest,
interest is calculated daily and you pay no extra
charges or ongoing account-keeping fees.
Term deposits are ideal for those with a lump sum
to invest for a known amount of time, with little or
no immediate need to access the money.
Direct Saver
Our recently launched BCU Direct Saver account
is an online savings account for those with $5000
or more to invest.
A Direct Saver differs to a term deposit in
several ways. There’s no fixed term and you can
make unlimited deposits into and withdrawals
from your Direct Saver account.* Because it has
 LET’s TALK WINTER 2008

been designed to help you Features at a glance

avoid the temptation of regular
withdrawals and maximise your Term deposits
savings, a BCU Direct Saver 

You can earn up to 8.3% pa**
account has no CueCard,


A secure and guaranteed
ATM, EFTPOS, BPAY, cheque, savings option
overdraft or over-the-counter

Tiered interest rates
transaction facilities.


Higher interest rates for 55 plus
You manage your account 

Fixed interest rate for the
via telephone and internet agreed term
banking. A Direct Saver


Choice of fixed terms from
account gives you flexibility one month to 24 months
in managing your money while


Choice of interest frequency
at the same time you earn an to assist with budgeting
attractive rate of interest.

No ongoing account-
Being linked to a transactional keeping fees
account also lets you create a 
No transaction fees
savings plan using BCU’s free,
Direct Saver
unlimited periodical payments
where money is electronically  
You can earn up to 7.25% pa**

transferred on a regular basis 

Tiered interest rates
from your nominated linked 
No fixed term
BCU transaction account into 
Unlimited online access 24
your BCU Direct Saver account. hours a day, seven days a week
It’s a hands-free way to save. 
No limit on additional deposits

Direct Saver accounts suit 


No limit on withdrawals to
your nominated linked BCU
people saving for a defined
transaction account
goal, such as a home deposit
or an overseas holiday because 
Interest calculated daily and BCU: APRA regulated
credited monthly As a result of the ongoing US sub-prime
you can start with a modest

Change your linked account mortgage crisis, consumers have become
amount, add additional
at any time more security conscious about where they
funds on either a regular or
do their banking.
occasional basis and watch 

No ongoing account-
your savings accumulate until keeping fees BCU is an ADI (or authorised deposit-taking
you reach your goal. 
No transaction fees institution) regulated by APRA (Australian
Prudential Regulatory Authority), an
* Through a linked transactional account. Term deposits and savings accounts issued by Bananacoast Community Credit
Union. Interest rates current at 02 June 2008 and subject to change without notice. **8.3% pa payable on amounts $20,000
Australian Government agency. This means
– $49,999 for 24 months for term deposits. 7.25% pa payable on whole balance over $100,000 for Direct Saver accounts.
Interest is payable on maturity for term deposits. Our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) (which includes information about
that BCU is regulated in exactly the same
terms, conditions, fees, charges and interest rates) is available on request and should be considered before deciding to
open an account. Before making a decision to invest in a BCU RSA you should read and consider the disclosure statement way as are the banks, providing consumers
available at any branch and if appropriate seek the assistance of a financial advisor. BCU’s Wealth Creation Advisors are
licensed through Community and Corporate Financial Services Pty Ltd (ComCorp). Please note that our RSA does not offer with maximum security for their investments.
life insurance. BCU recommends that you consider taking out separate life insurance. This information is prepared without
taking into account your particular financial situation. Information is current as at 02 June 2008.

RSAs: Low cost, low risk and secure

For those nearing retirement, a BCU retirement savings account (RSA) is a low-cost, easy-to-use and flexible
alternative to traditional superannuation products. It is a long-term savings account paying an attractive rate of
interest, giving you a capital guaranteed return. Its performance is not directly linked to share prices and the stock
market. Moreover, it is a fully compliant, tax-effective superannuation product which preserves your benefits until your
retirement. With the end of the financial year approaching, now’s the time to take stock of your investment options.
To find out more about a BCU RSA, contact any BCU branch or BCU Direct on 1300 228 228 to obtain a BCU RSA
product disclosure statement.
 Brain strain

1. Which Australian athlete has won the most 7. Who is the current Prime Minister of New Zealand?
Very, very trivial

Olympic gold medals?
2. Name the Danish architect who designed the
Sydney Opera House.
3. Who wrote The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith?
4. What are the first names of The Leyland Brothers?
5. Which cities have hosted the last five summer
Olympic Games?
6. What is the name of the largest sand island in
the world, located off the coast of Queensland?
Riddles for kids
8. Only two Australians have won the gold medal
in the same event at three consecutive Olympic
games. Who are they?
9. Who was the captain of the Bounty when Fletcher
Christian led the mutiny?
10. Name the mother, father and sister of Star Wars’
character Luke Skywalker.
11. What feats are Australians Edwin Flack and
Sarah ‘Fanny’ Durack remembered for?

Sodoku
A cowboy rode to the saloon on Friday, stayed two
nights and left on Friday. How is this possible?
What animal has no wings, but yet will fly?
9 3 8 2
6
1 7 3 9
1 2
6 1 5 7 4
5 6
2 9 1 6
7
4 5 7 8
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and
every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9.

Each flower contains three words which share the same middle letters. The first two and last two letters of each
Blooming words

word appear in the same colour petal on each flower. Fill in the missing letters.

S E D
L X E
A
N

V
T
R

A
E

I
O

D
E

E
I

G P D
A
D

N
T

T A
E H T S E
R
E

V
I
N

N
E

I
M
N

R
A

H M
A
S

E
L

S E
INSURE, VISUAL. 5. DECADE, CICADA, VACANT.
Blooming words. 1. SLEDGE, NEEDED, CREDIT. 2. THIGHS, ENIGMA, REIGNS. 3. EXEMPT, AXEMEN, TREMOR. 4. ASSUME,
woman to win Olympic gold medals.
10. Padmé Amidala, Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader and Princess Leia. 11. They were the first Australian man and
1992 – Barcelona, 1988 – Seoul. 6. Fraser Island. 7. Helen Clark. 8. Dawn Fraser and Andrew Hoy. 9. William Bligh.
TRIVIA: 1. Ian Thorpe. 2. J ø rn Utzon. 3. Thomas Keneally. 4. Mike and Mal. 5. 2004 – Athens, 2000 – Sydney, 1996 – Atlanta,
page 12 RIDDLE FOR KIDS: 1. Friday is the name of the cowboy’s horse. 2. A caterpillar will one day become a butterfly and will fly.
 Community LET’s
LET’s TALK
TALKAUTUMN 2007
WINTER 2008

A big first year for CSAs Is your community

group here?
Northern Storm Football Club
Coffs Harbour Music Society
Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club
Botanic Gardens Foundation
Bellingen High School
Caringa Enterprises
Orama Public School

Above: Coffs SLSC President, Terry Maher (left) and Treasurer, Matt Karpik Coffs Coast Pink Cocktail Party for
(centre) with BCU Northside’s branch manager, Eleanor Coutts. Right: Breast Cancer
Coffs Coast Pink Cocktail Party supporters celebrate raising funds for local Rotary Club Dorrigo
breast cancer sufferers throughout the year and the money stays local. Raleigh P&C Association
St Mary’s School, Bellingen
BCU’s new community saver accounts (CSAs) are proving popular with
Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium
community groups and supporters. In the eight months since their launch,
Sawtell Junior Rugby League
over 1000 CSA accounts have been opened. And it’s easy to see why!
First Sawtell Guides Australia
Supporters earn a great rate of interest and once a year BCU donates Sawtell District Soccer Club
an additional 1% of the total average balance to their nominated group. Grafton Artsfest
Minnie Water Surf Life Saving Club
For community groups, it’s a hassle-free way to secure a regular annual
Chrysalis School
income without laborious fundraising.
Coffs Coast Tigers Football Club
It’s easy to register your organisation and it’s easy for supporters to open Port Macquarie Junior Titans
and manage their accounts. Once your CSA is opened, you deposit as Toormina Community Preschool
much or as little as you wish as often as you like. Your money is available Stuarts Point and District Athletics
at anytime via phone banking or iBank. And don’t forget that you if know Nambucca Valley Netball Association
anyone who’d like to help out (other family members, for instance), they Macksville Amateur Swim Club
don’t have to currently be a BCU member to open an account and get Woolgoolga Netball Club
involved. It really is a win–win situation for everyone. Macksville Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club
Nambucca District Pony Club
Orara Valley Junior Rugby League
Scotts Head Boardriders
Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club
Bowraville Junior Rugby League
Sportz Central

To find out who you can support, or

better still, to get your favourite community
group to sign up as a BCU CSA recipient,
For Orama Public School, near Bellingen, BCU’s CSA donation will go contact your local BCU branch or call
towards the cost of excursions for children from this small, remote school. BCU Direct on 1300 228 228.
 Out and about

In your community
1 2 3

4
1. Karin Thompson and Kim Clair from Woolgoolga
were the happy recipients of flowers from a BCU
member grateful for their help in re-financing his loan.
2. BCU’s Bellingen branch manager and keen
netballer, Karen Mills was recently elected to the Board
of Management of the North Coast Academy of Sport,
a position she was honoured and delighted to accept.

4 3. The annual Woolgoolga Red Cross Doorknock took

place in late March, and BCU’s Robyn Moss (left)
helped collect and count the donations which this
year totalled more than $5,000.
4. The BCU-sponsored People’s Choice Award at the
2008 Scotts Head Art Show was won by emerging
local artist, Gus Kelly. He’s shown here holding his
prize-winning work with
5 6 BCU’s Macksville branch
manager, Rowena Thomas.
5. Former Jetstar Gold Coast
Titans’ player, Matt Peterson
with his wife, Tahnee after
opening a BCU Titans
Community Saver Account
for their new baby, Harley.
6. In April, the BCU team
contributed over $4,500
to the total of $22,000
raised for the NSW Cancer
Council’s Relay for Life
held at the Macksville
Showground.

Competition winners Name the US sub-prime scorpion: Karina Sutton, Terry Deefholts, Cecil Ian Tate, Chris Brown, Michael Connolly, Jane Jones.
2008 Coffs Harbour Home Show Giveaway: Jade Fisher. Clarence Valley Home and Investment Loan Information Night Lucky Door Prizes: Dianne Reimer,
Josh Ninness, Tony Muller, Donna Smith. Port Macquarie BBQ Breakfast Giveaway: Kurt Crane, Gary Turnbull.

page 14
 M2M LET’s TALK WINTER 2008

Fortune favours
the bowled
A BCU business member since opening in August 2007,
the Kegel Barn in Coffs Harbour firmly believes in locals
doing business with locals, and so banking with the local
member to member
credit union was a no-brainer.
Heinz Gress
Shortly after opening, the Kegel Barn signed up for
BCU’s M2M program as one way of giving back to
the community.

‘We offer a 10% discount on lane hire on proof of BCU

membership and so far the offer has gone down really
well with BCU members. They really appreciate it,’ said
owner, Heinz Gress, ‘I know I always take advantage of
the BCU member discount at the Bailey Centre Mobil here
in Coffs and for me that’s the whole point of being local
– everyone helping each other out.’

‘From day one, BCU provided us with a superior level of

assistance and banking solutions, and I definitely believe
that our business couldn’t survive without local community Want to join M2M?
support,’ said Heinz, who is both the Coffs franchisee and If you’re a BCU business member and would like to
part-franchisor for Kegel Barn in Australia. join our M2M benefits program, talk to your BCU
lending manager for more details. You can view the
The purpose-built facility just off the Pacific Highway south
directory under ‘Members’, then ‘Member Benefits’
of Coffs Harbour offers a huge variety of bowling games
on our website at www.bcu.com.au.
to choose from at a very affordable price for individuals,
children and family groups with disabled access, year- M2M business benefits
round competitions, a licensed bar and café, and the • It’s FREE!
artwork occupying three walls is well worth the visit alone. • It’s easy to participate
• Reaches over 55,000 BCU members
BCU provided the finance for the building work, and • Promotes your business between Port Macquarie
Coffs Coast materials and suppliers were used wherever and Bundall, and beyond
possible throughout the construction phase. • Regularly updated
• No obligation – you can join and withdraw
If you’ve never gone nine-pin bowling before, the helpful
at any time
staff will gladly assist new customers and explain the
• Helps grow your business
games to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

BCU mobile lenders

Home and specialist lenders
Agri Manager Greg Giles 0428 530 400
Equipment Finance and Reverse Mortgages
Andy Bruce 0417 233 548
Mobile Home Lending Manager (Clarence
River) Damien Rouse 0427 424 688
Mobile Home Lending Manager
(Coffs Coast) Tony Cross 0438 576 139
Business lenders
Business Development Manager (Northern)
Rod Kilby 0409 865 599
Business Development Manager (Southern)
John Currie 0417 419 864
Coffs Harbour Brian Leiper 0429 453 322
Gold Coast John Worboyes 0438 681 621
Grafton Terry Marsh 0427 684 616
Lower Clarence Dale Hoffman 0414 483 682
Port Macquarie Mark Mooney 0403 254 767
Richmond River Craig McLaren 0428 681 622
South Grafton John Smith 0438 253 503
Toormina – Bellinger and Nambucca Valleys
Denis Payne 0428 221 930
Tweed Valley
David Cawthorne 0408 865 598
 Your money makes
your town go round
Here’s how ...
You invest and save with BCU and earn up to 8.3% pa.*
We keep your money local to provide affordable
home loans in your town.
That’s the community banking difference.

hom e loan rates

Check out these
rison rate
9.15% pa 9.18% pa compa
BCU

anent 9.41% pa
Newcastle Perm

Bank 9.44% pa
Commonwealth

Bank 9.46% pa
National Australia

ANZ 9.47% pa

Suncorp 9.47% pa

pa
St George 9.47%

pa
Westpac 9.47%

Comparison of standard variable home loan rates on a loan of

$150,000 over 25 years. Rates current at 23 May 2008. Source: Infochoice

*Term deposits and savings accounts issued by Bananacoast Community Credit Union. Interest rates current at 02 June 2008 and subject to change without notice. 8.3% pa payable on amounts
$20,000 – $49,999 for 24 months for term deposits and interest is payable on maturity. Our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is available on request and should be considered before deciding to
open an account. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees
and early repayment fees and cost savings such as fee waivers are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The advertised comparison is based on a secured
loan of $150,000 over 25 years. Home loan interest rates are current as at 23/05/08. Loans available to approved applicants only. Normal lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Interest rates,
fees and charges are payable and are subject to change without notice. Banking products issued by Bananacoast Community Credit Union Ltd ABN 50 087 649 750 AFSL no. 241077.

Head Office 14 Cooper St Macksville NSW 2447 PO Box 198 Macksville NSW 2447 1300 228 228 mail@bcu.com.au www.bcu.com.au
Bananacoast Community Credit Union ltd ABN 50 087 649 750 AFSL no. 241077 | Printed on environmentally friendly paper