About Us 
Our History
The story below traces the history of Horizon Credit Union since its inception in 1964. It pays tribute to the body of helpers who founded our Credit Union and those men and women who have selflessly served through the years to make it the success story it is today.
The Formation of Horizon
In 1964, Stan Arneil, who was the Government appointed organiser of Credit Unions at that time, visited Wollongong and spoke to various employees of the Illawarra county Council regarding the possibility of forming a Credit Union. Council granted permission for a meeting to be called and on the 20th day of November, 1964, the formation meeting of our Credit Union was held.
The then Chairman of the Illawarra County Council, Alderman F Finch, was present, together with the County Clerk, Mr M J Syer. Mr Syer read a letter of congratulations from the Hon. A A Landa, Minister for Co-operatives. At this meeting, the Credit Union Rules, which had previously been drafted, were adopted.
It should be noted that the Aldermen and Officers of the Illawarra County Council had given their full support and assistance to the Credit Union at its inception and continued to contribute to its success. At the formation meeting, Mr Syer had promised Payroll Deductions for Credit Union Members, and these commenced on the 22nd day of January, 1965.
The first Loans Committee was elected at the January meeting. The first loan was for the sum of $80.00 for the purchase of a vacuum cleaner.
At the February 1965 meeting of the Board of Directors, this Credit Union with its 33 members, became affiliated with the New South Wales Credit Union League, (now Credit Union Services Corporation (Australia) Ltd), whose assistance during the years, and particularly in our infancy, has been invaluable.
The Expansion of Horizon
The initial rules for the Illawarra County Council Staff Credit Union provided that only employees of the Council could join the Credit Union. This rule remained unchanged until September 1971, when members approved a change allowing family members to join. However the most significant membership rule change was that of the transfers of engagements of the following Credit Unions:
- Bega Valley Credit Union Ltd
Was formed in 1963 as Bega Valley County Council Employees Credit Union Ltd. In 1974 the credit union expanded to cover other local councils and the name was then changed to Bega Valley Credit Union Ltd. The Bega Valley Credit Union Ltd transferred to Illawarra County Council Staff Credit Union Ltd in May 1980. Bega Valley Credit Union had assets of $500,000 and 450 members at the time of transfer. Following the transfer, the name was subsequently changed to ICC Mutual Credit Union Ltd. - Wollongong City Council Employees Credit Union Ltd
Was formed in 1964 and transferred to ICC Mutual Credit Union Ltd in December 1982. The statistics at the time of transfer were as follows: assets $2,675,000, membership 1400. Following the transfer, the name was changed to Southern Counties Credit Union. - Candelo Community Credit Union Ltd
Was formed in 1956 and transferred to ICC mutual Credit Union Ltd in December 1982 at the same time as Wollongong City Council Credit Union. Candelo had assets of $41,000 and their members totalled 180. - Illawarra District Hospitals and Ambulance Employees Credit Union Ltd
Was formed in 1967 and transferred over to Southern Counties Credit Union in May 1983. Their assets were $257,000 and they had 360 members. - Shoalhaven City Employees' Credit Union Ltd
Was formed in 1967 and transferred to Southern Counties Credit Union in March 1995. Their assets at that time were around $22 million and their members totalled 5,000. The name of our credit union was changed at that time to Horizon Credit Union Ltd - Eurobodalla Credit Union Ltd
Eurobodalla Credit Union was formed in June of 1971 and transferred to Horizon Credit Union on the 1st of May 2009. Their assets at that time were around $3m and they had 684 members.
Vision, Mission and Values
Our vision illustrates what we want our Credit Union to be, and that is ... 'To be the best Credit Union in Australia'. Our Mission Statement typifies what our Credit Union is here for. It refers to the benefit of being a member of Horizon Credit Union. Whether it be the provision of loans to buy things that are needed or wanted, offering products and services that allow more convenience, delivering financial advice in a friendly and efficient environment, everything we do contributes to ... 'Enhancing our Members' Lifestyles'.
- Commitment to People
We strive to deliver genuine personal service and care for the financial well being of all of our members. We will foster a harmonious and supportive environment that encourages employee excellence. - Honesty and Integrity
We will always treat our members and suppliers openly and with equality. - Financial Stability
We will ensure our Credit Union meets the strict legislative requirements and prudential standards required of us. - Safety and Security
We will participate in the Credit Union Movement's Depositor and Liquidity Protection scheme, which provides a maximum protection of member's funds. - Democracy and Cooperation
Our Credit union operates under the principal of mutuality - one member one vote. Members elect the Board of Directors.
The Mutual Banking Code of Practice
The Mutual Banking Code of Practice is the code of practice for Australia’s credit unions and mutual building societies. The Code has been developed in close consultation with the community, government, consumer groups and our members.
Credit unions and mutual building societies are owned by our members — this is what being a mutual means. As such, we are focused on member-benefit, community involvement, fairer fees and customer service.
Read more about the Mutual Code of Banking Practice and our 10 key promises to you
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