Australian Unity
Australian Unity is an Australian mutual company having its origins in the friendly societies movement. In 2012, Big Sky was merged with Australian Unity to become the banking arm of the company.
History
It was formed as the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows in Melbourne, Victoria, on 7 December 1840 by eight men including Thomas Strode, publisher of the Port Phillip Gazette and Augustus Greeves, inspired by Independent [Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity].In 1993, Manchester Unity merged with the Australian Natives' Association to form Australian Unity. Later mergers occurred with Grand [United Order of Oddfellows|Grand United Friendly Society] in 2005, Lifeplan Australia Friendly Society in 2009, and Big Sky [Credit Union] in 2012. Australian Unity has about 8,500 employees across healthcare, insurance and banking divisions.
In 2012, Big Sky merged with Australian Unity to become the banking arm of Australian Unity. Ownership of Big Sky Credit Union Limited was transferred to Australian Unity Limited's subsidiary Lifeplan Australia Building Society Limited and renamed Big Sky Building Society Limited. Members of Big Sky Credit Union became members of Australian Unity.
Manchester Unity Building
The company commissioned the Manchester Unity Building, a neo-Gothic Art Deco skyscraper, and one of the most well-known and recognisable buildings in Melbourne, Australia, in 1928. The building was constructed in 1932.Another Melbourne building, formerly owned by Manchester Unity Oddfellows, at 335–347 Swanston Street was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth government in 1947. The building, constructed in 1940–41, sits opposite the State Library of Victoria, adjacent to the Melbourne Central shopping centre.
Australia Unity currently operates out of the Australia Unity building at 271 Spring Street in Melbourne. This 16 level office tower overlooks Carlton Gardens, and was developed as the new headquarters for Australian Unity, combining heritage and modern elements in its design.
Predecessors and previous incarnations
;* Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows;* Australian Natives' Association
;* Grand United Friendly SocietyGrand United Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society
;* Lifeplan Australia Friendly Society
;* Big Sky Credit Union