FCVic’s first quarter of 2025 has been marked by high-impact work across all areas — from the successful Housing Summit and major project milestones, to key policy submissions and growing sector influence. As planning ramps up for the 2025 FCVic Conference and our next Strategic Plan, FCVic’s CEO, Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope, reflects on a powerful start to the year and the collective effort driving progress.

Our CEO, Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope, relfects on the success of our Housing Summit to upcoming advocacy efforts for the federal election, and how we’re driving important conversations on financial stress and support. We’re also excited to announce our Sparking Change conference, new Ministerial Guidelines for hardship policies, and a major update from our Rank the Energy Retailer project—plus a personal note on new beginnings

FCVic CEO, Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope, shares his insights into our future events and projects, and shares some personal news for the month ahead.

Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope, FCVic’s Chief Executive Officer, gives a glimpse into a jam-packed 2025 for the organisation.

Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope, FCVic’s Executive Officer, reflects on an eventful year, and what comes next in 2025.

October was a big month for FCVic, highlighted by our Conference, where new ideas and conversations took root. We celebrated award-winning members and announced a Housing Summit for March 2025, responding to urgent issues in housing affordability. At the Representative Council meeting, we discussed sector trends, farewelled Anne Crouch, and welcomed new directors Vicki Penner and Carolyn Piper. Looking ahead, our draft 2025–26 State Budget Submission aims to address sector needs and support a sustainable future for financial counselling.

FCVic’s Executive Officer looks ahead at October, encompassing our Conference and Anti-Poverty Week—both events that focus on advocacy for a fairer society. He also reflects on the recent work being done by our members, our team and the broader society to tackle injustice via regulators and in the insurance space, working with carers and our recent advocacy-driven submissions.

This month, FCVic made significant progress in advocacy, including the launch of our Unsettled report, which addresses the financial challenges faced by households after the October 2022 floods in Victoria due to insurers’ reliance on cash settlements. We also look forward to our upcoming October Conference, continuing our commitment to advocating for fairness and transparency in the financial counselling sector.

FCVic’s Executive Officer reflects on a recent Conference where he discussed the campaign for increased sector funding, highlights from July’s Board Governance webinar, and the launch of expressions of interest for a $15 million financial counselling funding round via Consumer Affairs Victoria.

As we approach the end of the financial year, FCVic’s Executive Officer takes stock oft he significant milestones and upcoming changes.