Member news

We are very excited to announce that Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV) have secured a second year of funding for the Integrated Services Project, a partnership project between SSRV and FCRC. This project was launched in late 2018 at the FCRC Conference. Its aim is to explore integrated service between financial counsellors and social security law experts, with a vision of improving client outcomes by bringing the work of these two sectors closer together.

In each issue of the Devil’s Advocate, FCRC shines the spotlight on one of our members. This month, Kylie McLoughlin, Family Violence Financial Counsellor at Anglicare in Box Hill describes her recent experience in Canberra as part of the campaign to reform payday lending practices.

In alternating issues of the Devil’s Advocate, the FCRC Executive Officer contributes a message to the sector. This month, Sandy Ross acknowledges the valuable work of the Constitution Review Committee of the FCRC Board. After a lengthy review process, a draft new constitution has now been released for further consultation with members. Sandy also reflects on the new opportunities for a stronger relationship between the financial counselling sector and State Trustees.

In each issue of the Devil’s Advocate, FCRC shines the spotlight on one of our members. This month, Jo Parkin, from Uniting ReGen, describes her years of experience working in the homelessness service sector before transitioning to financial counselling. Jo also shares the unique nature of her role and the incredible client outcomes that make it all worthwhile.

In alternating issues of the Devil’s Advocate, the FCRC Chairperson contributes a message to the sector. This month, Julie Barrow reflects on recent changes that can both benefit and impact the people we work with.

In each issue of the Devil’s Advocate, FCRC shines the spotlight on one of our members. This month, Troy West, Team Leader at Anglicare in Bendigo, describes the twists and turns on his journey to find rewarding work as a financial counsellor.

This month, the FCRC Board adopted its new Strategic Plan for 2019-2021, which has been the result of a consultative process with our members. The plan acknowledges the need for sector expansion, while ensuring the wellbeing of our financial counsellors.

Nicola Howell (PhD researcher, Melbourne Law School and Senior Lecturer at QUT) is researching the impact on consumer debtors of financial difficulty assistance/hardship variations, bankruptcy and debt agreements. A better understanding of how people experience the different options, and whether they improve the lives of debtors in the short and longer term, can help us assess how well the relevant laws are working, and whether changes are needed.

In each issue of the Devil’s Advocate, FCRC shines the spotlight on one of our members. This month, Elyse Hoskins shares the details of her transition from a corporate career to that of a financial counsellor.