ICAN Grow Graduates L-R: Sinead Singe, Elizabeth Carr, Fredrick Savage, Elise Deemal
Tuesday, 29 April, marked a proud milestone for the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) as its Grow Officers officially graduated in a heartfelt ceremony at The Chambers in Cairns. The event celebrated academic achievement, cultural leadership, and financial empowerment of the next generation of First Nations financial wellbeing advocates.
The graduates, Elise, Sinead, Libby, and Fred, each brought their unique voices and experiences to the day, reflecting on the journey that led them to this moment and the powerful future they are helping to build.
“It’s a pretty special moment,” said Elise. “Graduating alongside my colleagues makes it even more meaningful, our hard work has paid off. This is for my parents and my Aunty Joyce and Uncle Peter (dec), for all the things they had to forgo raising all of us kids. I’ve also followed in the footsteps of my Aunt Susan Cook, who was one of the first First Nations financial counsellors in Australia. It’s such an honour to walk the path she helped pave.”
For many, the course provided more than just theory, it brought about real-life transformation.
“Being the youngest in the course, it opened my eyes about making big purchases in the future,” said Sinead. “It allowed me to see where people with little financial literacy go wrong, and what I can look out for to make informed decisions.”
Libby shared how the learning has extended beyond the classroom and into her home.
“It’s been great. I have been sharing my knowledge with my son, and he has achieved some awesome goals, like saving and being able to read contracts when he was purchasing his car,” she said.
Each graduate spoke of the doors opened through the ICAN Learn scholarship program – opportunities they now use to empower others in their communities.
“It’s opened the door for me to deliver financial counselling services in the local prison,” Elise explained. “That’s important to me, especially with the overrepresentation of First Nations people in custody. Many offences are money-related, so getting in there and delivering financial literacy can make a difference.”
Libby added, “Having the scholarship has enabled me to finish my Cert IV in Community Services CHC42021, and now I can study my Diploma of Financial Counselling CHC51122. It also sets a good example for my children, that if you study hard, you can achieve your goals.”
All the graduates echoed the importance of representation in the financial wellbeing sector.
“Having more First Nations people within this sector means voices can be heard a lot more, especially when advocating on systemic issues that only a First Nations person can understand,” said Fred.
“As a First Nations person, reaching out for help and feeling shame can be a big issue,” Sinead shared. “But as a First Nations service worker, you can relate to a client’s situation and have a deeper cultural understanding. Having someone you can connect with can knock down some barriers and make engaging other First Nations people easier.”
As for what’s next, Libby’s goals reflect a powerful commitment to breaking cycles and creating futures.
“My goals for the future are to start and complete my financial counselling diploma and purchase a house so that I can create generational wealth for my children.”
And Elise offered this final call to action for those considering their own path forward:
“Apply for the ICAN Learn scholarship to become qualified, represent our mob, and be part of real change in the sector. The benefits go beyond the classroom, it brings job stability, career growth, and personal empowerment. I feel so enlightened now, and I’m proud to be qualified to give real advice… even if my son cringes at it sometimes!”
Applications for the 2025 ICAN Learn Scholarships are now open. Apply for yours today!
ICAN Learn can also help with your corporate training needs. To find out more, contact us at administration@icanlearn.edu.au or phone (03) 5471 7777.