Illawarra Credit Union is becoming
Community First Bank
From 1 April 2026, the Illawarra Credit Union brand will transition to Community First Bank - this is final step in our member-approved merger.
One brand, built on what you know
Following last year’s member-approved merger between Illawarra Credit Union and Community First Bank, we are now completing the final stage of that journey. From 1 April 2026, the Illawarra Credit Union brand will be formally retired and we will operate under one unified brand – Community First Bank.
While our name is changing, our legacy of trust, community values and member-first service remains central to who we are.
We remain a customer-owned mutual bank - one member, one vote
Your Wollongong store and local team remain
Your account number/s and the BSB number - 512 170 - remain the same
Your member protections remain, including coverage under the Financial Claims Scheme
Your existing card numbers won't change, though new, renewed or re-issued cards will switch to Community First branding
From 1 April 2026, some things will change
Illawarra Credit Union website will be decommissioned
From 1 April 2026, illawarracu.com.au will be re-directed to communityfirst.com.au. If you have this address bookmarked, this will automatically be redirected to communityfirst.com.au.
Our phone number will change
Our phone number will change to Community First’s contact number – 1300 13 22 77. Our contact centre operating hours and international phone number will stay the same.
Our email address will change
If you need to email us after 1 April 2026, please email us at askus@communityfirst.com.au. When we email you, the sender email address will be from Community First.
Replacement and Reissued Cards Will Look Different
If your card is due to expire after 1 April 2026, or you request a replacement card, it will be issued with Community First branding. Your card numbers will not change
Why are we making this change?
The retirement of the Illawarra Credit Union brand is a planned and important step in the merger strategy members endorsed. Importantly, our structure remains unchanged — we are a customer-owned mutual bank focused on delivering long-term benefit to members, not shareholders.
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Operating under one unified brand allows us to:
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This is an evolution — not a departure from who we are. It is the final step in delivering the stronger, unified community bank our members voted for.
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I’m incredibly proud of the Illawarra Credit Union legacy, supporting the Illawarra community since 1972. Under the Community First Bank name, that local commitment continues — with the same people, the same care, and ongoing partnerships with our local community partners. This transition reflects the strategy our members endorsed — strengthening our organisation so we can continue serving this region for generations to come.” — Anthony Perkiss, CEO
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Locals Supporting Locals - Today and Tomorrow
Our Wollongong team remains in place, continuing to support members and local community partners as they always have.
Under the Community First Bank name, that local commitment continues — with the same people, the same care and the same dedication to helping members achieve their financial goals.
“Our Wollongong team is incredibly excited about this next chapter as we transition to Community First Bank, and we look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces into our refreshed store at the end of March. While our brand is evolving, what remains unchanged is our local team — the same trusted faces, the same personalised service, and the same commitment to putting our members first.
We’re proud to continue supporting our local members and the broader community as they work toward their financial goals. This transition represents growth and new opportunities, but at its heart, we remain focused on delivering the friendly, community-based banking experience our members know and value.”
— Jenna Steel, Wollongong Store Manager
“Over the past five years, our partnership with Illawarra Credit Union has played a vital role in supporting the development of our future local sporting stars. Their annual sponsorship has strengthened our Athlete of the Month program, providing meaningful financial recognition and helping to cover key expenses, while their team has also delivered valuable financial education sessions at our orientation day.
Just as importantly, our athletes are encouraged to give back to the community through volunteering at local events. We are truly grateful for this support and look forward to continuing our partnership with Community First Bank in the years ahead.”
Salv Carmusciano – Illawarra Academy of Sport CEO
Frequently Asked Questions
This change completes the merger between Illawarra Credit Union and Community First Bank was approved at a special annual general meeting in late 2024.
This is not an end, but the next step in the strategy our members voted to support. Uniting under one brand reduces duplication and costs, strengthens our capital position, and allows greater investment in better products, technology and member service. By coming together as one stronger mutual bank, we build on that foundation to deliver long-term.
The Illawarra Credit Union brand will be retired by the end of March 2026. From 1 April 2026, all services will operate under Community First Bank. Please note that you may notice some changes occur during the month of March.
No action is required however it is important to be aware of this change because anywhere you currently see Illawarra Credit Union branding will transition to the Community First Bank brand by 1 April 2026. This includes mobile banking, communications, community partnerships and our Wollongong store. Some of these changes will begin to happen during March.
From 1 April 2026, some key details will change:
- illawarracu.com.au will be redirected to communityfirst.com.au
- Call 1300 22 77
- Email askus@communityfirst.com.au
No, your account numbers and card numbers will not change. You should only be using the Community First BSB number 512-170.
No, your card number will not change.
From 1 April 2026, any new, replacement or re-issued cards will be issued as Community First branded cards.
Yes.
In the unlikely event that a bank, Building Society or Credit Union becomes insolvent, the Australian Government may activate the Financial Claims Scheme, which enables quick access to deposits that are protected under the Scheme.
The Scheme is also referred to as the Australian Government Guarantee on Deposits. Under the Scheme, certain deposits are protected up to a limit of $250,000 for each account-holder at any bank, Building Society or Credit Union that is authorised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). These institutions are known as authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs).
The Scheme limit of $250,000 applies to the sum of an account holder’s deposits under the one banking licence. This includes accounts with any other banking business that the licenced banking institution may operate under a different trading name. Community First Credit Union Limited operates the brands Illawarra Credit Union, Community First Bank and Easy Street Financial Services. For the purpose of the Scheme, all deposits held under the different brands are added together to determine the Scheme entitlement for an account holder.
For more information refer to www.fcs.gov.au.
No. The Wollongong store and local team, including back office staff will remain. Only the branding inside and outside of the building will change.
These changes will take place throughout the month of March and will be completed by 1 April. We do not expect any disruption to accessing the store during this time. In the unlikely event we do, we will advise our members as soon as possible.
You will continue to bank online as you do today via the same internet banking platform. The website address will redirect to communityfirst.com.au, but your login details and experience will remain the same. You’ll still find the internet banking login button on the top right of the Community First website.
Following last year’s member-approved merger between Illawarra Credit Union and Community First Bank, we are now completing the final stage of that journey.
Uniting under one brand reduces duplication and operating costs, strengthens our capital position, and enables greater investment in better products, improved technology and enhanced member service. By coming together as one stronger mutual bank, we build on our shared foundation to deliver long-term value, stability and innovation for members and communities.
Yes. We will remain a customer-owned mutual bank, operating under a one member, one vote structure.
From 1 April 2026, please email askus@communityfirst.com.au or call 1300 13 22 77.
Prior to this date you can continue to use the existing Illawarra Credit Union contact details.
Community First has been in operation for more than 60 years having started in 1959 as the Sydney Water Board Officers Credit Union Co-Op. Community First strives to offer members something different and truly puts members first in the delivery of products and services which help them achieve their personal financial goals. Community First also operates the online brand Easy Street Financial Services.
We have been communicating updates to members through a range of mediums since the merger. If you don’t recall receiving any communication regarding this change, we encourage you to check your address and email details are up to date. If you don’t have a valid email or postal address, we may not have been able to send you a direct communication.
No. When we completed the system migration in September 2025, the Illawarra Credit Union Moneytree app was decommissioned and members were advised to download the Community First mobile app – which you should continue to use. You will notice that the co-branding in the app will be removed during the month of March 2026, reflecting only the Community First Bank brand.
You will have noticed that some of our communications have been co-branded. By 1 April 2026, all communications will be from Community First Bank.
