I am thrilled that we can share FCVic’s ‘Actions Report’ on our March Summit in this month’s Devil’s Advocate. This report contains a host of insights and reflections for all stakeholders on how we can respond to the changing face of hardship and the cost-of-living crisis in practical, empathetic ways. I encourage everyone to review this document and reflect on how you can take forward these ideas into your workplace. I am heartened that as a sector we continue to demonstrate an extraordinary capacity for collaboration, reflective practice, and diligent action. We will use this document as a record of this keystone event, as a forward plan for how we support and engage with stakeholders on alleviating hardship, and as a communications tool to share these issues and reflections widely. I want to thank again everyone who attended and supported this event, and particularly all of the panellists who so thoughtfully contributed their expertise and experience to our shared understanding. Thank you.
As we come to the end of April we are only one week away from learning the outcome of our cost-of-living campaign. On 7 May 2024, the Victorian Government will announce the State Budget, and we will learn how they have listened to our sector’s stories and insights about the ongoing hardship facing vulnerable Victorians. I know that services across the state are stretched and that many of you are, like us, awaiting this announcement with bated breath given the current uncertainty about the continuation of specialist services and resourcing for the sector. I am pleased to advise that for the first time (I think!) in FCVic’s history we have been invited to attend the Government’s private sector briefing to announce the 2024-25 Victorian budget on 7 May. We believe this is a good indication that FCVic and the sector are being noticed, and we will provide more information about what the budget means for our sector as soon as we can.
Finally, I am very excited to announce that we have finalised our theme for our 2024 Conference as “Fearless and Forthright”. We believe that this represents a core set of the principles and values of financial counsellors and that it is absolutely relevant given the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, the pressures that financial counsellors are under, and how you advocate for and support vulnerable clients. It also represents an ideal for how these clients can be when they are given the necessary tools and supports to be in control of their own circumstances and to be effective self-advocates. Finally, it speaks to the role of all of us working in the community sector to speak truth to power and stand up for fairness and justice in our communities. I hope that this theme resonates with you, and I invite you to submit your own abstracts for how you might become involved in our conference and respond to our theme this year. Click here to read the full Abstract Guidelines, including judging criteria.