Supporting First Nations peoples to build confidence around money conversations requires more than financial knowledge, it requires culturally appropriate tools, practical resources and a strong understanding of community.
That’s exactly what ANZ’s free MoneyBusiness Coach Training, delivered through ICAN Learn and co-funded by Australian Government Department of Social Services, aims to provide. Developed specifically for First Nations communities and the workers who support them, the training helps participants build the skills and confidence to talk about everyday money matters in a safe, respectful and practical way.
For ICAN’s newest Grow Officers, Bradley and Conell from Palm Island, MoneyBusiness was about more than learning new skills — it was about taking that knowledge back home.
“The financial literacy knowledge that we gained through the MoneyBusiness training was priceless, and we want to pass on all that knowledge to our Palm Island community,” said Brad.
Since 2005, MoneyBusiness has helped more than 99,800 people across over 320 communities build financial knowledge, skills and confidence. The program continues to grow through strong community connections and word of mouth.
“Once one community area undertakes MoneyBusiness, they talk about it with their peers and colleagues, and then we get the opportunity to come back,” says MoneyBusiness trainer Annette Devereaux.
Practical skills for real-life conversations
MoneyBusiness equips workers with tools to support conversations about budgeting, banking, bills, financial goals, scams and making money last between paydays. It also recognises that money is closely linked to wellbeing, confidence and people’s ability to make choices.
“Money impacts people’s ability to make choices and have control over their lives,” Annette says. “Having conversations about money is important, and that’s what MoneyBusiness does.”
For ICAN Grow Officer Lorraine, one of the most valuable parts of the training was the practical resources workers can use immediately.
“It’s really helpful because they’re supplying a bunch of tools that we can use in our Thrive work to build financial capability and financial literacy confidence in our clients.”
She said the training also helped workers better understand loans, contracts and financial products that can sometimes place vulnerable people at risk.
“Often in vulnerable situations a client is looking for a solution, and they may not be aware of what they’re actually signing up for.”
The two-day training provides accredited coaches with access to free resources including guides, activities, handouts and conversation tools that can be adapted to different community settings.
Reflecting on Money, Culture and Community
One of the things that sets MoneyBusiness apart is its focus on cultural awareness and reflection.
Participants are encouraged to explore the historical, social and cultural influences that can shape attitudes towards money, helping workers have more respectful and meaningful conversations with clients.
“I think the cultural awareness activities are really important,” Annette says. “They give us time to stop and reflect on historical and cultural impacts, while also considering how Western society values and uses money.”
The training also creates valuable opportunities for workers from different organisations to connect and learn from one another.
New modules added for today’s challenges
MoneyBusiness has recently expanded to include two new modules focused on digital confidence and scams.
The modules cover practical skills such as accessing Wi-Fi, checking data usage, identifying phishing attempts, recognising scams and understanding how to report them. Workers who have already completed MoneyBusiness can access the new material through a short two-hour online upskill session.
Knowledge that benefits the whole community
As community workers continue to support people through everyday money challenges, programs like MoneyBusiness are helping ensure those conversations are practical, culturally appropriate and grounded in community.
With new skills, resources and connections to take back to their workplaces, participants leave the training ready to make a real difference where it’s needed most.
As Annette puts it, “Financial wellbeing is just as important as physical and emotional wellbeing, and when workers have the confidence and tools to yarn about money in ways that are practical, respectful and culturally appropriate, the benefits can flow through entire communities”.
Ready to Build Your Skills?
Find out more or find out where MoneyBusiness is heading next here.