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# ICAN

Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://ican.org.au/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Palm Island: A New Chapter for Financial Wellbeing](https://ican.org.au/palm-island-a-new-chapter-for-financial-wellbeing/) - A new chapter is beginning for financial wellbeing support on Palm Island. ICAN is establishing the Palm Island Financial Wellbeing Hub, creating a permanent local presence that builds on years of financial counselling and financial capability outreach in the community. The Hub has been designed to provide early intervention and prevention support, delivered by Palm
- [Turning Outages into Accountability](https://ican.org.au/turning-outages-into-accountability/) - Under new reporting requirements that came into effect on 30 June 2026, telcos are now reporting significant local outages[1] via unified and accessible public registers, creating a long-term public record of where outages have occurred, how long they lasted and how often they're happening. For advocates and communities, it's an important step towards making telecommunications
- [Building Stronger Communities Through MoneyBusiness](https://ican.org.au/building-stronger-communities-through-moneybusiness/) - 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
- [ASIC review of car loan practices raises concerns for North Queensland communities](https://ican.org.au/ican-welcomes-asics-investigation-into-the-car-loan-sector-highlighting-risks-faced-by-north-queensland-communities/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) has strongly welcomed the release of ASIC’s landmark report, Lifting the bonnet: ASIC’s review of car loans, which confirms longstanding concerns raised by ICAN about harmful practices in the car finance industry. ICAN has repeatedly raised issues with regulators about the impact of car sales and lending practices on
- [Access Denied](https://ican.org.au/access-denied/) - Distance can make support harder to reach for people experiencing financial abuse. At the recent Wujal Wujal Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Day March, The Yarn spoke with Deb Corbett from the Wujal Justice Group and ICAN financial counsellors Zack Wildy and Unaisi Buli about the need for more face-to-face support. In remote communities, financial
- [Tackling Scambling](https://ican.org.au/tackling-scambling/) - Members of ICAN’s Workforce Development team travelled to Darwin earlier this month to run the first Mobile Phone Filmmaking for Social Impact - “Scambling Awareness” course with project partner HK Training and Consultancy (HKTC). “Scambling”, also referred to as “Ding Ding" or “Gammon Ding Ding”, is an emerging online gambling scam disproportionately affecting First Nations
- [Breaking Down Banking Barriers in Prison: ICAN Hosts Banking Industry Engagement at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre](https://ican.org.au/breaking-down-banking-barriers-in-prison-ican-hosts-banking-industry-engagement-at-lotus-glen-correctional-centre/) - In an Australian-first, ICAN recently took representatives from six major banking organisations inside Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC) to hear directly from their incarcerated customers and correctional staff about the realities of accessing banking services while in custody. Representatives from CommBank, Bendigo Bank, ANZ, Westpac, HSBC and the Australian Banking Association (ABA) travelled up the
- [Bringing Peace of Mind Through Free Tax Support](https://ican.org.au/bringing-peace-of-mind-through-free-tax-support/) - When it comes to tax, some people don’t know where to start, especially if things have fallen behind. That’s where the free JCU Tax Clinic steps in to help. The Yarn recently spoke with Kerry Orro from the JCU Tax Clinic to find out what help is available and the difference it’s making for people
- [A theoretical model of ICAN’s financial counselling practice](https://ican.org.au/a-theoretical-model-of-icans-financial-counselling-practice/) - Over the past six years, Carmen Daniels, ICAN cofounder and Research Manager has been examining ICAN’s financial counselling practice in a First Nations context, as part of her doctorate studies. A key outcome from the study has been the development of a theoretical model of First Nations financial counselling. The model provides a seminal theoretical
- [Meeting Community Where It Matters Most: ICAN’s New Shopfront at Raintrees](https://ican.org.au/meeting-community-where-it-matters-most-icans-new-shopfront-at-raintrees/) - There’s something powerful about meeting people where they are, not just in theory, but in practice. That’s exactly what Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network is doing with an exciting new approach to community engagement: a dedicated shopfront at Raintrees Shopping Centre. What started as a simple booth through the Yarnin’ Energy program has grown into something
- [ICAN Ramps up Telco Remediation Outreach](https://ican.org.au/ican-ramps-up-telco-remediation-outreach/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) is encouraging people across North Queensland to check whether they may be eligible for remediation after being sold an unsuitable mobile phone plan through Telstra or Optus. ICAN is currently delivering dedicated Telco Remediation Outreach services, helping people who may have been signed up to plans that were too
- [Scams Are Getting Smarter – Here’s How to Stay Safe](https://ican.org.au/scams-are-getting-smarter-heres-how-to-stay-safe/) - Across North Queensland and remote communities, scams are becoming more sophisticated. At the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN), our financial counsellors are seeing more people caught out by scam messages, fake phone calls and even online gambling sites designed to steal money or personal information. The good news is that knowing how these scams work
- [From Community to Career: Jay-Kaylah’s Journey into Financial Counselling](https://ican.org.au/from-community-to-career-jay-kaylahs-journey-into-financial-counselling/) - At ICAN, workforce development is more than training—it’s about creating pathways for people to grow, lead, and give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Jay-Kaylah Grogan-Creed’s journey is a powerful example of how the right support, opportunity, and determination can transform not only a career, but entire communities. Having recently completed her Certificate III
- [Remediation available for Optus customers impacted by inappropriate sales practices](https://ican.org.au/remediation-available-for-optus-customers-impacted-by-inappropriate-sales-practices/) - Optus is taking action to make things right for customers, following Federal Court proceedings by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against Optus for sales misconduct. This misconduct involved the sale of Optus products (such as a phone, iPad, tablet or any accessories) and services (such as connecting to a mobile network). Have you
- [Super Made Easy: Building Confidence, Supporting Communities, Strengthening Futures](https://ican.org.au/super-made-easy-building-confidence-supporting-communities-strengthening-futures/) - Understanding superannuation shouldn’t be a barrier to financial wellbeing; it should be a pathway to stronger futures. That’s why the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) is continuing to roll out Super Made Easy, a practical online training and professional development program designed to build confidence, capability and culturally responsive support across the financial wellbeing sector. Developed
- [Plugging the Gaps: ICAN Calls for Stronger Scam Protections](https://ican.org.au/plugging-the-gaps-ican-calls-for-stronger-scam-protections/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) has joined a national coalition of consumer advocacy organisations calling on the Australian Government to strengthen its proposed scam protections and close critical gaps in the current framework. ICAN is among a group of leading organisations; including CHOICE, Consumer Action Law Centre, ACCAN, Financial Rights Legal Centre, Mob Strong
- [Northern Star](https://ican.org.au/northern-star/) - Welcome home Jillian! How does it feel to be back in Cairns? It feels exactly like coming home! Growing up here, I never appreciated how beautiful it is. Now, everywhere I go I am struck by the beauty of this area. And I am so glad I don’t have to go through another Melbourne winter!
- [New Year, Clear Focus](https://ican.org.au/new-year-clear-focus/) - The new year is a good time to reflect, reset, and focus on what matters most. Like many of you, I tend to be skeptical about New Year’s resolutions. This year, instead of making personal promises I might not keep, I want to share ICAN’s resolutions for 2026. These are practical commitments based on what
- [Rebuilding from the inside: ID and Banking Access at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre](https://ican.org.au/rebuilding-from-the-inside-id-and-banking-access-at-lotus-glen-correctional-centre/) - Many people entering or leaving prison struggle to rebuild their lives because they lack access to banking services while inside and basic identification when they leave. Research shows that people released without ID face immediate delays accessing housing, income support, health care, and financial services. This increases their risk of homelessness, financial hardship, and reoffending.
- [ICAN and Financial Counselling Australia Formalise Workforce Collaboration](https://ican.org.au/ican-and-financial-counselling-australia-formalise-workforce-partnership/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) and Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing a shared commitment to building a strong, culturally safe and sustainable financial counselling and financial capability workforce across Australia. The MoU aligns ICAN’s workforce development partnerships with FCA’s Strategic Plan 2024–28, the National Workforce Strategy (2025–30)
- [ICAN Joins National Call for Action as ACCC Exposes Widespread Harm from the sale of Lemon Cars](https://ican.org.au/ican-joins-national-call-for-action-as-accc-exposes-widespread-harm-from-the-sale-of-lemon-cars/) - A major new report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has brought national attention to what ICAN and its partners have long warned about: the serious and far-reaching harm caused by the sale of faulty second-hand cars across Australia. The report, Consumer issues in the sale of second-hand cars, highlights the systemic nature
- [ANZ and ICAN expand delivery of financial education to First Nations communities following funding boost](https://ican.org.au/anz-and-ican-expand-delivery-of-financial-education-to-first-nations-communities-following-funding-boost/) - ANZ has welcomed a $100,000 funding boost from the Federal Government to support the continued delivery of its long-running financial education initiative, MoneyBusiness, delivered by the bank’s community partner, Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN). The contribution will join ANZ’s own funding of $200,000, bringing the total cash investment to $300,000. In addition, ANZ will also
- [ICAN backs new ‘Right to Power’ report calling for urgent action to end energy insecurity in First Nations communities](https://ican.org.au/ican-backs-new-right-to-power-report-calling-for-urgent-action-to-end-energy-insecurity-in-first-nations-communities/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd (ICAN) has strongly endorsed the Right to Power report, a landmark national study revealing the severe and often hidden impacts of electricity prepayment systems on First Nations households and communities. The report — the first of its kind in Australia exposes how prepayment arrangements have left many First Nations
- [Consumers Deserve to Know](https://ican.org.au/consumers-deserve-to-know/) - Consumers deserve to know where and when telco outages occur, and need to see a transparent, public register of outages, says peak communications consumer body ACCAN in a new position paper published earlier this month. Australia's current framework for outage reporting requires telecommunication providers to inform customers and the public if there is a major
- [ICAN/ICAN Learn 2025 Annual Report](https://ican.org.au/ican-ican-learn-2025-annual-report/) - At ICAN, everything starts with people. In 2025, we strengthened our team, supported First Nations change-makers through scholarships and mentoring, and built sector pathways that reflect and respect the community. From Yarnin’ Energy to Super Made Easy, we’re making financial well-being practical and accessible. Through partnerships like Money Business, we’ve trained over 160 professionals, creating
- [Trapped in Debt: How Money3 Loans Drove Families Into Hardship](https://ican.org.au/trapped-in-debt-how-money3-loans-drove-families-into-hardship/) - When Mary (not her real name) bought a second-hand car through a dealer, she thought she was investing in a better future for her family. Living in a remote community, a car wasn’t a luxury—it was essential for getting the kids to school, picking up groceries, and accessing medical appointments. But the loan she was
- [2025 Annual Report](https://ican.org.au/2025-annual-report/)
- [‘Building Futures, Not Barriers: Superannuation That Works’](https://ican.org.au/building-futures-not-barriers-superannuation-that-works/) - A super system overhaul is needed to close the gap for First Nations Australians A groundbreaking new report by Super Consumers Australia and Mob Strong Debt Help has found that Australia’s superannuation system is failing too many First Nations Australians — locking them out of funds they have rightfully earned and deepening existing social and
- [Yarnin' Energy at Raintrees](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-energy-at-raintrees/) - The Yarnin’ Energy team has set up shop at Raintrees Shopping Centre this August, bringing energy education and financial wellbeing support directly to the community. Operating five days a week from 8:30 am to 5 pm, the team is using the central location to connect with clients, share information about the Yarnin’ Energy project, and
- [ASIC Cracks Down on Predatory Lending in Far North Queensland](https://ican.org.au/asic-cracks-down-on-predatory-lending-in-far-north-queensland/)
- [Celebrating Strength, Vision & Legacy at ICAN’s NAIDOC 2025 Event](https://ican.org.au/celebrating-strength-vision-legacy-at-icans-naidoc-2025-event/) - NAIDOC Trivia Team Winners show off their huge trophies! As Australia marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week, the 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, holds deep significance for the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) and the communities we serve. More than a commemoration, this year’s theme celebrates the power of young leaders,
- [Empowering Communities Through MoneyBusiness](https://ican.org.au/empowering-communities-through-money-business/) - Join us as ICAN TV1 heads to the Financial Counselling Australia Conference in Adelaide, where we dive into the transformative ANZ MoneyBusiness program. In this special “Out & About” episode, host Alex explores how this initiative is reshaping financial literacy support across Australia, particularly for Indigenous communities. MoneyBusiness is more than just financial training—it's an
- [Super Made Easy: New Video Series for First Nations Communities](https://ican.org.au/super-made-easy-new-video-series-for-first-nations-communities/) - Understanding superannuation just got easier, thanks to a new collaboration between the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN), AustralianSuper, and the First Nations Foundation. Responding to requests from community members, the team produced the Super Made Easy video series—short, visual explainers that break down key superannuation topics into simple terms. From “What is super?” to “Insurance
- [Our Yarnin' Energy winner shares his story and savings wisdom](https://ican.org.au/our-yarnin-energy-winner-shares-his-story-and-savings-wisdom/) - Yarnin' Energy competition winner Robert Spratt (L) and ICAN Thrive's Elizabeth Carr (R) When Robert Spratt entered ICAN’s Yarnin’ Energy competition, he never expected to walk away with the $1,000 prize. But on Tuesday, May 13th, that’s exactly what happened, bringing relief and a powerful message on energy awareness to his community. “I felt happy
- [Recognising Dark Patterns: Shop safely and stay in control](https://ican.org.au/recognising-dark-patterns-shop-safely-and-stay-in-control/) - In today’s fast-paced digital world, shopping online has become second nature. With the convenience of purchasing anything from clothes to groceries from the comfort of our homes, it's no surprise that more Australians are turning to online platforms to stretch their budgets. However, as online shopping booms, so do the tactics some businesses use to
- [Celebrating the next generation of First Nations changemakers](https://ican.org.au/celebrating-the-next-generation-of-first-nations-changemakers/) - 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
- [Putting People Before Profit: Why Telco Sales Must Change](https://ican.org.au/putting-people-before-profit-why-telco-sales-must-change/) - Putting People Before Profit — Why Telco Sales Must Change Australia’s leading consumer advocates are calling time on the broken telco sales system. The Fair Call Coalition, a powerful alliance of 23 consumer bodies including the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN), is urging the federal government to replace the telecommunications industry’s failed self-regulation model with
- [First Nations Advocates Demand Action on Super Funds’ Harmful Practices](https://ican.org.au/first-nations-advocates-demand-action-on-super-funds-harmful-practices/) - "Super funds excel at collecting our money, but miserably fail us when we need it most," say advocates demanding immediate reform. A scathing report by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) released this week reveals alarming delays, distress, and inequity in superannuation claims handling, disproportionately impacting First Nations families. Leading Indigenous advocates urgently call
- [ICAN Welcomes ASIC Review of Car Finance Sector to Protect Regional and First Nations Consumers](https://ican.org.au/ican-welcomes-asic-review-of-car-finance-sector-to-protect-regional-and-first-nations-consumers/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) has welcomed the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) timely review of the motor vehicle finance industry. The review aims to address systemic issues affecting consumers in regional, remote, and First Nations communities. ASIC's review, announced in March, will scrutinise lenders, brokers, and intermediaries for compliance with consumer protection
- [ICAN Partnerships Committed to Workforce Development](https://ican.org.au/ican-partnerships-committed-to-workforce-development/) - Building a sustainable First Nations workforce in urban, regional, and remote communities is a key focus for ICAN over the next three years. In an exciting new project, ICAN will work with four community services organisations across Australia to provide training and development support for their First Nations financial counselling and capability staff. The project will
- [Meet Carmilla Dennis, one of ICAN's new Grow Officers!](https://ican.org.au/meet-carmilla-dennis-one-of-icans-new-grow-officers/) - Carmilla Dennis is a proud Torres Strait Island woman born and raised in Cairns. Carmilla recently joined ICAN as a “Grow Officer” - a professional development position designed to develop and foster future First Nations Financial Capability and Financial Counselling professionals. We are excited to yarn to Carmilla this month to find out how she’s
- [The Price of Sausages](https://ican.org.au/the-price-of-sausages/) - By Carmen Daniels [Did you know that ICAN co-founder Carmen Daniels is Cree Métis (First Nations) from Canada? Many years ago, she wrote a story about her grandfather Stan Daniels, who was a consumer advocate for First Nations peoples in Alberta, Canada (during the 1960s until his death in 1984), who was a great influence
- [Another year another natural disaster in North Queensland](https://ican.org.au/another-year-another-natural-disaster-in-north-queensland/) - Above: Ollera Creek Bridge, north of Townsville, fell into floodwater leaving communities throughout Far North Queensland without fresh produce for up to three weeks in Coles and Woolies supermarkets. North Queensland has just experienced another catastrophic flooding event, marking the second "once-in-a-century" flood in just six years. Ingham and areas surrounding Townsville were inundated, leading
- [Yarnin' Energy Competition Extended](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-energy-competition-extended/) - The Yarnin’ Energy team have picked up where they left off in 2024, continuing a social media campaign to promote their mentor services and the $1000 Energy Credit competition. The first cab off the rank in the Yarnin’ Energy social media series, is a short video promoting the importance of contacting your Energy company or
- [Mob Helping Mob, thanks to CommBank Scholarships](https://ican.org.au/mob-helping-mob-thanks-to-commbank-scholarships/) - ICAN's Elizabeth Carr is a passionate advocate for First Nations people. She yarned to us this month about how obtaining a CommBank Scholarship transformed her life. Now, she wants other First Nations people to have the same opportunity by applying for a CommBank Scholarship to empower themselves and their communities. My name is Elizabeth Carr.
- [FCA welcomes $44.1M funding boost for National Debt Helpline](https://ican.org.au/fca-welcomes-44-1m-funding-boost-for-national-debt-helpline/) - The Albanese Labor Government is ensuring vulnerable Australians experiencing financial stress and hardship have the support they need to manage their finances. No Australian should be held back because they are struggling. To assist, the government is boosting and expanding the National Debt Helpline – along with funding better coordination, training and support for staff
- [Strengthening Consumer Rights](https://ican.org.au/strengthening-consumer-rights/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN), alongside CHOICE, the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), Westjustice, Consumer Action Law Centre, LawRight, Redfern Legal Centre, Consumer Credit Legal Service (WA) Inc. (CCLS), and the WA Consumer Advocacy Network, has jointly submitted feedback on the Government’s proposal to introduce civil prohibitions and penalties for breaches of consumer guarantees
- [Breaking Barriers to Reintegration](https://ican.org.au/breaking-barriers-to-reintegration/) - ICAN Launches the ID and Banking in Prison Project ICAN is proud to announce the launch of the ID and Banking in Prison Project, an innovative initiative aimed at addressing one of the most significant barriers to reintegration for men in custody at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC): access to proper identification. Funded through the ICAN
- [Yarnin' Energy launches a 'Get emPOWERed!' competition](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-energy-launches-a-get-empowered-competition/) - ICAN’s Yarnin’ Energy team launched a ‘Get emPOWERed!’ competition on Monday the 11th of November. The competition has been designed to engage people to participate in the coaching component of our Yarnin’ Energy program. “The first fifty people to book and attend an appointment with one of our Yarnin’ Energy Mentors will receive a FREE
- [Partner with ICAN to Build a Stronger, Sustainable Financial Wellbeing Workforce](https://ican.org.au/partner-with-ican-to-build-a-stronger-sustainable-financial-wellbeing-workforce/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd (ICAN) invites expressions of interest from community organisations committed to advancing financial counselling and capability in First Nations communities. If you're striving to develop a local First Nations workforce and enhance financial wellbeing in your region, this partnership could be the key to making a lasting impact. Why Partner
- [Funding Crisis: When Demand Outpaces Resources](https://ican.org.au/funding-crisis-when-demand-outpaces-resources/) - FCAQ recently released its report 'Give Financial Counselling in Queensland a Fair Go' requesting $15M per annum from the Queensland Government over five years to support state-based financial counselling services. With the burgeoning demand for services and the cost-of-living crisis, we asked ICAN's Operations Manager, Jillian Williams, how the sector is coping when there's just
- [Graduation](https://ican.org.au/graduation/) - In this episode, Alex heads to Springvale in Melbourne for ICAN Learn's very first Commbank-sponsored Multi-Cultural Scholarship Program Graduation. The Commbank Scholarship Program combined a mixture of accredited training delivered by ICAN Learn and practical volunteer experience provided through South-East Community Links (SECL).
- [Yarnin' Energy at NAIDOC](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-energy-at-naidoc/) - In this episode, Alex catches up with Sinead and Libby from ICAN's Yarnin' Energy Team at the Cairns NAIDOC celebrations.
- [Palm Island Financial Wellness Week](https://ican.org.au/palm-island-financial-wellness-week/) - In this episode, Alex attends a Financial Wellness Week event on Palm Island and catches up with event organiser Eddie Buli from the First Nations Foundation and Deniece Geia from the Palm Island Justice Group.
- [2024 Annual Report](https://ican.org.au/2024-annual-report/)
- [Strengthening Food Security in Remote First Nations](https://ican.org.au/strengthening-food-security-in-remote-first-nations/) - Photo Credit: GetUp Strengthening Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities ICAN is united with CHOICE, Community Credit Legal Service Western Australia (CCLSWA), Financial Counselling Australia (FCA), Financial Rights Legal Centre (FRLC), and Mob Strong Debt Help, in supporting the proposed National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities. We believe this Strategy
- [Financial Wellbeing sector to benefit from Federal funding of MoneyBusiness program](https://ican.org.au/financial-wellbeing-sector-to-benefit-from-federal-funding-of-moneybusiness-program/) - ANZ welcomes funding from the Federal Government to expand the reach of MoneyBusiness Coach Training through delivery partner Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN). Over the next twelve months, ICAN will upskill community professionals nationally on how to use MoneyBusiness financial education content to better support their clients. MoneyBusiness is an ANZ initiative, developed to build
- [ICAN launches new Yarnin' Energy project](https://ican.org.au/ican-launches-new-yarnin-energy-project/) - ICAN’s Yarnin’ Energy project launched earlier this month after receiving funding from the Queensland Department of Energy and Climate’s, Enable Grants Program. ICAN CEO, Aaron Davis, said, “Inflation has seriously impacted household budgets and higher energy costs contribute to the current cost of living crisis. We’re excited to launch our Yarnin’ Energy project, which combines,
- [Youpla Support Program Launches](https://ican.org.au/youpla-support-program-launches/) - The Youpla Support Program phone line, designed to support First Nations people impacted by the collapse of funeral insurance provider the Youpla Group, opened for incoming calls on 1July 2024. The Youpla Group, also known as the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund (ACBF), sold funeral insurance policies to First Nations people. When they collapsed in 2022,
- [New study highlights complexities for understanding First Nations’ financial abuse](https://ican.org.au/new-study-highlights-complexities-for-understanding-first-nations-financial-abuse/) - Today, ICAN releases its literature review: A study of local economic abuse in First Nations communities with a special focus on Australia and Canada. The study was undertaken by Professor Jerry Buckland from the Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) and Carmen Daniels, Research Manager at ICAN. ICAN’s purpose in undertaking the research, was to review the
- [Fast Tracked For Success](https://ican.org.au/fast-tracked-for-success/) - ICAN Prison Project team members, Elise Deemal (L); Sharon Edwards (R) Remember Elise Deemal who was living the dream as a Yarnin’ Money Mentor last time we yarned? Thanks to CBA’s First Nations Scholarship Program she’s now on track to graduate as a Financial Counsellor later this year and thriving in her new role with
- [Increased funding for financially vulnerable people and communities](https://ican.org.au/increased-funding-for-financially-vulnerable-people-and-communities/) - The Honourable Amanda Rishworth beamed into the recent annual Financial Counselling Australia conference in Perth a day after the budget announcement with some welcome news for the financial counselling sector. The Government will invest around $23 million over four years and ongoing, to provide more pre-crisis and early intervention supports, taking the total recent additional
- [New Report Released Today: From Surviving to Thriving](https://ican.org.au/new-report-released-today-from-surviving-to-thriving/) - New Report Released Today: From surviving to thriving: Embedding a well-being framework into financial counselling practice In 2020, the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) set out to widen the scope of its financial counselling services by looking at how it could deliver a holistic financial counselling framework that could better meet the financial and well-being
- [From Canada to croc country: Look who's back!](https://ican.org.au/from-canada-to-croc-country-look-whos-back/) - Jerry Buckland is not only a Professor of Economics and International Development at Mennonite University in Canada, but he’s also a great friend of ICAN. Jerry recently bid farewell to the Canadian winter and embraced the tropics of Cairns for a six-week volunteering stint with ICAN. G’day Jerry – welcome back to Australia! What interested
- [The Price is Not Right!](https://ican.org.au/the-price-is-not-right/) - As a provider of education, advocacy, and financial counselling services to people across North and Far North Queensland, ICAN recently provided a submission to the Inquiry into Supermarket Pricing in Queensland. Our submission focused on the significant price differences people experience when shopping depending on whether they are based in metropolitan Queensland or remote and
- [Thrive Matched Savings Officially Launched](https://ican.org.au/thrive-matched-savings-officially-launched/) - Achieving Financial Goals through Matched Savings ICAN is thrilled to announce the launch of its innovative Thrive Matched Savings program, a pioneering initiative designed to empower individuals on their journey towards financial independence. As an organisation committed to fostering financial wellbeing, ICAN introduces this program to not only support savings efforts but also to double
- [Save Sorry Business Coalition welcomes Youpla announcement](https://ican.org.au/save-sorry-business-coalition-welcomes-youpla-announcement/) - L-R: Alex Price-Busch (ICAN); Bettina Cooper, Mark Holden (Mob Strong Debt Help); Daphne Naden (ICAN) The Albanese Labor Government has announced an enduring resolution for people impacted by the collapse of the insurance provider Youpla Group. For 30 years, the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund, trading as Youpla, aggressively sold poor-value funeral plans to Aboriginal and
- [Dealing with the Aftermath](https://ican.org.au/dealing-with-the-aftermath/) - As flood waters recede throughout Tropical North Queensland, thousands of people have been left to mop up the pieces. Financial counsellors and capability workers play a major role in supporting people to get back on their feet. “Whether it be connecting them to government disaster assistance schemes, community emergency relief payments or banking emergency assistance
- [Plan your Money and Thrive in 2024!](https://ican.org.au/plan-your-money-and-thrive-in-2024/) - Aimee Williams, ICAN Thrive Money Mentor We know that life throws us many curveballs, but if we were to create a well-thought-out plan, we could turn those curveballs and scary expenses into smaller and more manageable chunks. The way to do this is to write down all the fixed and large expenses you may face
- [Recycling, Refunds, and Raising Money-Smart Kids](https://ican.org.au/recycling-refunds-and-raising-money-smart-kids/) - In the magical land where recycling meets refunds, and pocket money teaches lifelong lessons, parents have discovered a treasure trove of opportunities to impart financial wisdom while saving the planet. Enter the dynamic trio: recycling, refunds, and the art of earning and saving. Buckle up for a journey where caring for country meets financial savvy,
- [Yarnin' Money Tips and Tricks](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-tips-and-tricks/) - Want to reduce your money going out and increase money coming in? Then follow the Yarnin' Money (SHORTS - Tips & Tricks) video series, as it explores Tips and Tricks to reduce your spending and increase your income. In this clip, we look at the best time to go market shopping in Cairns. You could
- [Youpla Interim Scheme Extended](https://ican.org.au/youpla-interim-scheme-extended/) - First Nations consumer advocates from the Save Sorry Business Coalition have greeted the announcement that the Federal Government will extend its Interim Youpla Scheme with a renewed call for establishing a fair and culturally appropriate resolution. Bettina Cooper, Boandik woman and Save Sorry Business Coalition Coordinator & Aboriginal Financial Counsellor at Mob Strong Debt Help
- [Is your career ready to thrive?](https://ican.org.au/is-your-career-ready-to-thrive/) - 2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year for ICAN and ICAN Learn, with the expansion of our financial capability work through ICAN’s new business unit, ICAN Thrive. Applications for a Financial Capability Development Manager to lead this exciting new direction are currently open. (link) Our new Financial Capability Development Manager will lead us into 2022
- [Financial mentor service launched in Cairns](https://ican.org.au/financial-mentor-service-launched-in-cairns/) - Yarnin’ Money Mentor: Service Launch We are thrilled to announce our new initiative that embodies our commitment to empowering First Nations People and fostering financial wellbeing. The Yarnin' Money Mentor program is a comprehensive service that offers vital support, knowledge, and guidance to help individuals take control of their financial futures. Yarnin' Money: A Catalyst
- [Help for Telstra Customers in Far North Queensland](https://ican.org.au/help-for-telstra-customers-in-far-north-queensland/) - ICAN Financial Counsellors Unaisi Buli and Zack Wildy visited Thursday Island this month to talk with people in the community who had purchased goods from Telstra. Their visit was a result of remediation funding provided by Telstra to explore mis-selling and misconduct at their retail stores, which targeted First Nations consumers across Cape York and
- [Meet Elise Deemal, our new Financial Counselling Trainee!](https://ican.org.au/meet-elise-deemal-our-new-financial-counselling-trainee/) - Elise recently joined ICAN as a member of the Thrive team and has just commenced her Diploma of Financial Counselling studies thanks to the Commbank/ICAN Learn Indigenous Scholarship Program. Elise is on a mission to break down barriers, change lives, and make her family proud. Welcome Elise! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
- [My top 5 well-being resources](https://ican.org.au/my-top-5-well-being-resources/) - The pesky pandemic has followed us into 2021, as the annual cyclone, flood and fire season marches on. Here at ICAN we are also witnessing the stress, finances or ‘lack there, of’ cause at this time of the year. If your New Year’s resolution was to keep well in amongst all of this, I have
- [Banking on Change](https://ican.org.au/banking-on-change/) - Anne-Maree Barron, ICAN Financial Counsellor A recent review by ASIC found that some individuals in high-fee transaction accounts, including First Nations people, are paying up to $3000 in overdraw fees over a year, despite being eligible for a low-fee 'basic' account. ICAN Financial Counsellor Anne-Maree Barron yarns with us here about her first-hand experience helping
- [Winning at Financial Wellness Week!](https://ican.org.au/winning-at-financial-wellness-week/) - First Nations Foundation invited several organisations, including ICAN, to participate in its Financial Wellness Week in Cairns and Yarrabah in August. ICAN Financial Counsellor, Zack Wildy, went along and told The Yarn why these events are an excellent opportunity for people to get their finances in shape. ICAN was excited to join representatives from organisations
- [ICAN Applauds ASIC Action](https://ican.org.au/ican-applauds-asic-action/) - ASIC has been successful in its action against Cigno Pty Ltd (Cigno) and BHF Solutions Pty Ltd (BHF Solutions), with the Federal Court finding that both companies engaged in credit activities without holding an Australian credit licence. ASIC also obtained permanent injunctions against Cigno and BHF Solutions to protect consumers. The decision came after ASIC
- ['Success our Way'](https://ican.org.au/success-our-way/) - ASIC’s Indigenous Financial Services Framework outlines key learnings which ASIC has developed through extensive consultations with a range of stakeholders on First Nations peoples’ access to and engagement with the financial system[1]. Here, Danille Abbott, Senior Manager of ASIC’s Indigenous Outreach Program, tells The Yarn why the framework was developed and what organisations can do
- [Indigenous scholarships change lives, just ask ICAN's Fred Savage](https://ican.org.au/indigenous-scholarships-change-lives-just-ask-icans-fred-savage/) - Fred Savage, ICAN Thrive Financial Capability Trainee This month we yarn with ICAN Thrive’s Financial Capability Trainee, Fred Savage, who swapped his demanding job as a chef for a new career, and reclaimed the time he’d been missing with his young family. Welcome to ICAN, Fred! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and
- [ASIC takes Enforcement Action against Money3](https://ican.org.au/asic-takes-enforcement-action-against-money3/) - ICAN has welcomed ASIC's enforcement action against used car lender Money3. ASIC has issued Court proceedings against the lender claiming that it did not do the financial checks needed to ensure the loans they gave were affordable to the borrowers. ASIC also claims that Money3 staff were not properly trained to follow the credit laws
- [Lessons from the Past](https://ican.org.au/lessons-from-the-past/) - With the Senate currently considering bank closures in regional Australia, ICAN has reflected on the lessons it has learned over many years from talking to people in regional and remote communities about the barriers they face in accessing basic banking services. In 2005, ICAN participated in the National Indigenous Money Management Agenda, a project led
- [<strong>Meet Nicola Breeze, ICAN’s new Financial Capability Trainee!</strong>](https://ican.org.au/meet-nicola-breeze-icans-new-financial-capability-trainee/) - Nicola’s dream of a new career to support her young family came true when she joined the ICAN Thrive team as a Financial Capability Trainee, complete with a Certificate IV in Community Services Scholarship. We caught up with Nicola to find out how it’s going so far. Welcome to ICAN Nicola! Can you tell us
- [ICAN helps customers connect](https://ican.org.au/ican-helps-customers-connect/) - ICAN recently received funding from Telstra to identify any instances of product misselling across several Indigenous communities in North Queensland, from the Cape to Palm Island. The funding comes on the back of the $50M fine Telstra was ordered to pay by the Federal Government in 2021, the second-highest fine ever issued under Australian Consumer
- [A Day of Action](https://ican.org.au/a-day-of-action/) - The Save Sorry Business Coalition met in Canberra this week to get money returned to the thousands of people harmed by the Youpla collapse. The coalition comprised First Nations representatives from consumer organisations and Youpla policy holders from across Australia. The team held a press conference, media interviews and had follow-up meetings with key politicians.
- [Preparing for a National Day of Action](https://ican.org.au/preparing-for-a-national-day-of-action/) - The #SaveSorryBusiness coalition is busy preparing for a National Day of Action to be held on the 28th of March. The coalition wants to highlight the harm caused by ACBF/Youpla, by raising the voices of those who have lost money or who are supporting someone who has. To do that, we need your help. How can you help? The
- [Demand for financial counselling rises along with cost-of-living crisis](https://ican.org.au/demand-for-financial-counselling-rises-along-with-cost-of-living-crisis/) - As the cost-of-living crisis sends some people to financial counselling for the first time, other people previously managing their debt are now considering bankruptcy. As the crisis escalates, so does the demand for financial counselling services. Peter* is a 31-year-old First Nations man working full-time to support his wife and five children, including a newborn
- [Make 2023 your time to Thrive!](https://ican.org.au/make-2023-your-time-to-thrive/) - 2023 is already shaping up to be another big year for the national ICAN Thrive financial literacy program. Last year the Thrive team delivered training to organisations including the Queensland Police Service, Department of Defence, Literacy for Life Foundation, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and several local employment agencies. ICAN Thrive Program Manager, Nadine Frances,
- [Consumer protections for high-cost and harmful payday loans and consumer leases finally pass Parliament ](https://ican.org.au/consumer-protections-for-high-cost-and-harmful-payday-loans-and-consumer-leases-finally-pass-parliament/) - As we come to the end of 2022, Consumer Advocacy groups across Australia are celebrating the passing through the Federal Parliament of long overdue reforms that will protect consumers from falling into payday loans and consumer lease debt traps. The Financial Sector Reform Bill 2022 finally passed after 6 years of advocacy by the Stop
- [How ready are you for cyclone season?](https://ican.org.au/monsoon-madness/) - With the annual monsoon on track to arrive early this year, it’s time to get your 2022 emergency plan into place. Although the last couple of wet seasons in North Queensland have been AWOL, it would be a mistake to get complacent and dismiss the 2022 ‘Get Ready Queensland’ campaign. Being prepared and having a
- [First Nations advocates welcome $7.2m in Budget for interim](https://ican.org.au/first-nations-advocates-welcome-7-2m-in-budget-for-interim/) - The Save Sorry Business Coalition has welcomed the Federal Government’s initial $7.2 million Budget allocation for the Youpla Funeral Benefits Program. This interim scheme will help a small percentage of First Nations families affected by the collapse of Youpla to conduct the important cultural practice of Sorry Business. This initial commitment is a first step
- [Car sales in remote Indigenous communities, Part  two: A broken system](https://ican.org.au/car-sales-in-remote-indigenous-communities-part-two-a-broken-system/) - Need to know Indigenous residents from remote communities in Far North Queensland are being sold dodgy cars from dealerships in Cairns The systems for redress when sold a lemon car are difficult to navigate and hard to enforceAdvocates are calling for changes to the system to make it more accessible and affordable It's July 2022 and
- [Remote Indigenous communities left with broken cars and no redress: Part one](https://ican.org.au/remote-indigenous-communities-left-with-broken-cars-and-no-redress-part-one/) - Need to know Remote Indigenous consumers in Far North Queensland are regularly being sold lemon carsIn Wujal Wujal the impact of the dodgy car sales is widespread CHOICE speaks with Indigenous consumers who've had trouble getting redress for their lemon vehicles Cedric Friday says that every time he looks at his broken-down Holden Captiva it makes
- [Youpla Funeral Benefits Program](https://ican.org.au/youpla-funeral-benefits-program/) - A 30 second #SaveSorryBusiness advertisement for the Australian Government's Youpla Funeral Benefits Program. You can find out more about the program by calling 1800 296 989 or visiting their website at https://treasury.gov.au/youpla .
- [5 Minutes with Aimee Williams, ICAN's new Financial Capability Trainee!](https://ican.org.au/5-minues-with-aimee-williams-icans-new-financial-capability-trainee/) - Aimee is a Barkindji woman from Menindee, far west NSW, now living in Cairns. She recently left a career in childcare to take up one of the CommBank and ICAN Learn Cert IV in Community Services Scholarships that includes a skill set in financial literacy education. We had a yarn with Aimee to find out
- [60 CBA Scholarships to increase diversity in the Financial Counselling, Capability and Resilience sector](https://ican.org.au/60-cba-scholarships-to-increase-diversity-in-the-financial-counselling-capability-and-resilience-sector/) - Over the next three years, ICAN and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) will provide 60 scholarship opportunities to advance career pathways for people from Indigenous and multicultural backgrounds in the Financial Counselling, Capability and Resilience sector. From entry-level financial capability worker positions to financial wellbeing program manager roles, ICAN will be offering a vocational
- [Truth telling at National Consumer Congress](https://ican.org.au/truth-telling-at-national-consumer-congress/) - Earlier this month, ICAN Director Daphne Naden gave a keynote address on the Indigenous Consumer Perspective at the National Consumer Congress in Sydney. Sharing the stage with Cynthia Gebert, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and the Honourable Stephen Jones MP, Assistant Treasurer, Daphne spoke about the ongoing impacts of colonisation and the continued exploitation of Indigenous consumers.
- [Get a job and a qualification when you join the ICAN Thrive team](https://ican.org.au/get-a-job-and-a-qualification-when-you-join-the-ican-thrive-team/) - The ICAN Thrive™ team is currently recruiting for identified positions in Queensland and Victoria, giving successful applicants an opportunity to be employed and get a qualification at the same time. As ICAN Thrive™ Financial Capability Development Manager, Damian Finitis, explains, The ICAN Thrive™ program builds upon the work that ICAN has been doing in the
- [Meet Damian Finitsis](https://ican.org.au/meet-damian-finitsis/) - This month, we catch up with Damian Finitsis, the newest member of the ICAN Team. Damian recently joined us as the Financial Capability Development Manager, responsible for leading the development and delivery of the "ICAN Thrive" financial capability program. Welcome to ICAN, Damian! Can you tell us a bit about the work you will be
- [ICAN & ICAN Learn 2020 Annual Report](https://ican.org.au/ican-ican-learn-2020-annual-report/) - 2020 has been another big year for ICAN and ICAN Learn! Our Annual Report video looks at our achievements this year and how we transformed our services during COVID to maintain our vision of Empowering Indigenous Consumers and developing the financial counselling and capability sectors. To all of our readers – thank you for being
- [Time to finally end the harm done by Cigno loans](https://ican.org.au/time-to-finally-end-the-harm-done-by-cigno-loans/) - Consumer groups and financial counsellors are urging the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to act now to put an end to the use of harmful lending models used to charge excessive fees on top of short-term loans. For over four years, fringe lender Cigno has signed people up to short-term personal loan arrangements using
- [Food Insecurity](https://ican.org.au/food-insecurity/) - Prepping is no longer a pastime reserved for fringe doomsayers or northerners stocking up for the cyclone season. Over the past weeks COVID-19’s Omicron variant has brought the country’s food supply chain to its knees. In regional cities like Cairns, supermarket shelves often lay bare. "Take a moment and try to imagine that this food
- [Stuck with a bomb and a big loan](https://ican.org.au/stuck-with-a-bomb-and-a-big-loan/) - In regional and remote Australia, a family vehicle is a basic and essential need. However, for over twenty years far too many people that we see are getting stuck with bomb-y cars and a big loan they cannot afford when trying to access this basic need. Accessing safe, affordable, and durable vehicles is a critical challenge facing the
- [The Christmas Crunch:  Don’t Pay Later](https://ican.org.au/the-christmas-crunch-dont-pay-later/) - With Christmas only weeks away, we asked ICAN Financial Counsellor Yvette Taylor about the reality of using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services. Many BNPL advertise their services as having no interest or charges. Does this mean you only pay back what you borrow? In one word - No! It doesn't mean there is no interest
- [ICAN Director appointed to National Advisory Council](https://ican.org.au/ican-director-appointed-to-national-advisory-council/) - ICAN director and matriarch of Indigenous financial counselling, Susan Cook, was appointed to a 13-member Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council that will inform the development of the next National Plan to end family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia. “Our role on the advisory committee is to come up with a plan to
- [Systems Change](https://ican.org.au/systems-change/) - ICAN is leading the charge in addressing changes to banking systems for people in prison. In a recent submission to the Australian Bankers Association (ABA) Code of Banking Practice Review, ICAN highlighted five practical recommendations that the banking industry can make to address current inequities. The recommendations tackle the structural barriers witnessed first-hand by ICAN financial
- [Meet Zack Wildy](https://ican.org.au/meet-zack-wildy/) - The newest member of the ICAN Team! Zack tells us about his experiences working in remote WA and the career path that eventually brought him back to Cairns. Welcome to the ICAN Team, Zack! Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from and how you ended up working in the Cairns office? I’m from
- [Student Placement Leads to $14K Debt Waiver](https://ican.org.au/student-placement-leads-to-14k-debt-waiver/) - This month we caught up with ICAN’s newest recruit, Yvette Taylor, Financial Counselling Associate, to find out about her biggest win to date! When my client Jack* walked through the door of the ICAN Townsville office, he was very despondent and still carrying the trauma of losing everything in the devastating 2019 Townsville floods. Jack is
- [It takes a village](https://ican.org.au/it-takes-a-village/) - This month, we reflect on: the expression it takes a village to raise a financial counsellor and the road we travel together with our students and graduates, on their journey to become practicing financial counsellors. When Pearl Turner, Financial Counsellor and Team Leader with Save the Children’s Financial Wellbeing program, asked ICAN to deliver Yarnin’ Money to Gulf
- [Unaisi wins prestigious award](https://ican.org.au/unaisi-wins-prestigious-award/) - On May 19th, ICAN’s own Unaisi Buli was awarded the prestigious Jan Pentland Prize at the national Financial Counselling Australia Conference held in Darwin, in recognition of her outstanding work in financial counselling. For Unaisi, her work as a Financial Counsellor is a journey that began with seeing injustices happening to her people on a
- [Meet Jenny King](https://ican.org.au/meet-jenny-king/) - Congratulations on graduating from ICAN Learn’s Diploma of Financial Counselling course, Jenny! Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a Financial Counsellor? I completed the Diploma in Community and Human Services when I first started in community services 25 years ago. I worked in various roles including Tenants Queensland and Qld Statewide Tenant
- [Yarnin' Money in Lotus Glen Correctional Centre](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-in-lotus-glen-correctional-centre/) - Lotus Glen Correctional Centre (LGCC) has partnered with the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) to focus on delivering strong financial skills training for prisoners. The focus of the collaboration is to increase prisoners access to skills such as budgeting and management of finances which are critical skills for everyday living. These skills bring a value
- [Energy Emergency](https://ican.org.au/energy-emergency/) - ICAN Connect partner, Weipa Community Care are tackling energy inequities in surrounding Indigenous Powercard communities through the establishment of a Powercard emergency relief program. The community driven program was made possible through ICAN Connect with funding from donors, the Ecstra Foundation and the Queensland Government’s financial resilience program. Napranum is the first community to benefit
- [Overcoming the Tyranny of Distance](https://ican.org.au/overcoming-the-tyranny-of-distance/) - For many organisations, the COVID pandemic has forever changed how we think about service delivery over large geographic areas like Queensland. In the not-too-distant past, travel costs made remote service delivery inconsistent at best and inaccessible at worst. COVID lockdowns have forced us to use technologies, build relationships and design services in new ways. For
- [Stopping the Debt Disaster](https://ican.org.au/stopping-the-debt-disaster/) - ICAN is a proud member of a coalition of organisations opposing the Government plans to axe Australia’s safe lending laws through the Save Safe Lending campaign. The National Consumer Credit Protection Amendment Bill will remove fundamental protections that Australian families cannot afford to lose. On 15 March 2021, the Bill to axe responsible lending laws passed
- [Introducing The Yarn](https://ican.org.au/introducing-the-yarn/) - Welcome to our new E-News publication ‘The Yarn’. The Yarn is replacing our existing E-Newsletters and will provide you with a monthly summary of the best stories from our community. For our readers, you will still find the same content that you have subscribed to – we are just streamlining the way we deliver our
- [ICAN Connect kicks off in Weipa](https://ican.org.au/ican-connect-kicks-off-in-weipa/) - A new partnership for Cape York communities ICAN is excited to announce our new partnership with Weipa Community Care thanks to the generous funding provided by the Ecstra Foundation. Our collaboration will give remote Indigenous communities across Cape York access to much needed financial counselling services through our ‘ICAN Connect’ program. ICAN Connect allows Weipa Community Care staff, who
- [EnergyAustralia scholarship program reaps the rewards](https://ican.org.au/energyaustralia-scholarship-program-reaps-the-rewards/) - Johanna Barnard works with the Centacare Reunification Service in South Australia and was a recipient of one of the ICAN Learn/ EnergyAustralia [EA] scholarships in 2018. She is the first graduate of the EA scholarship program which provided opportunities for people across South Australia, Queensland, NSW and Victoria to become financial counsellors and really make
- [What is financial counselling and how can a financial counsellor help you?](https://ican.org.au/what-is-financial-counselling-and-how-can-a-finial-counsellor-help-you/) - https://youtu.be/gfxVRl3WvX8
- [Release of new Stolen Wages guide a ‘must read’ for claimants and community workers](https://ican.org.au/release-of-new-stolen-wages-guide-a-must-read-for-claimants-and-community-workers/) - A new information guide titled Stolen Wages: a guide for community workers supporting recipients of stolen wages is now available to help claimants of the Stolen Wages Settlement Scheme – and Community Service Providers who support them – navigate the financial, consumer, credit and debt issues that they may encounter and understand their rights and
- [Diploma opportunities for Indigenous service providers closes soon!](https://ican.org.au/diploma-opportunities-for-indigenous-service-providers-closes-soon/) - ICAN’s long-standing partnership with CBA has facilitated the education of approximately 45 Indigenous Australians to become financial counsellors over the last 6 years. Many of these graduates are now in leadership and formative positions across the country. In 2017 ICAN Learn was formed to ensure that the empowerment of Indigenous people could continue by increasing
- [Tackling Financial Hardship Together](https://ican.org.au/tackling-financial-hardship-together/) - The Ergon Energy Retail and Powerlink sponsored ‘Empowering Community Services’ webinar series couldn’t have come at a better time according to ICAN/ICAN Learn CEO, Aaron Davis. “Financial counsellors and the broader community services sector are bracing themselves, as planned reductions in social security payments and the lifting of debt recovery moratoriums will lead to inevitable
- [Meet Alex Price-Busch, a new face in the Cairns office!](https://ican.org.au/meet-alex-price-busch-our-new-financial-counselling-support-officer/) - Welcome to the ICAN family, Alex! How does it feel to start your journey into becoming a financial counsellor? It feels really good to be here, thanks to everyone for the warm welcome into the ICAN family! I am very excited about beginning my journey, and I look forward to a challenging but rewarding experience.
- [Looking after the Locals](https://ican.org.au/looking-after-the-locals/) - Yarnin' Money with the latest Qld Police Recruits Peter Ingrim, Protective Services Training QLD Coordinator for the Queensland Police Service (QPS), recently approached ICAN to run Yarnin’ Money with the Mob training for six new Protective Services Officer recruits from Palm Island. The intake of these six local recruits at a special ceremony on Palm
- [Register now for our latest Ergon/Powerlink webinars](https://ican.org.au/register-now-for-our-latest-ergon-powerlink-webinars/) - Don't miss these fantastic Professional Development opportunities! Are you a Community Service Provider or Financial Counsellor in Queensland, whose clients present with energy hardship issues? Then you need to register now for our Professional Development Webinars! When you Register for Webinars 2 and 3 of our 'Empowering Community Services' series, you will learn how to:
- [Empowering Community Services](https://ican.org.au/empowering-community-services/) - Ergon, Powerlink and ICAN Learn announce a new Diploma of Financial Counselling Scholarship Program, to support the development of new financial counsellors in regional Queensland. Financial counselling and community support services are expecting increased demand as a direct result of the economic fall-out caused by COVID-19. In addition to the scholarship program, ICAN will be
- [Generosity reigns during COVID-19](https://ican.org.au/generosity-reigns-during-covid-19/) - For over ten years, ICAN's website PayPal donation button sat alone in cyberspace waiting for a donor's generosity. Competing with so many worthy charities, and sitting within an organisation that never invested the time to fundraise, the PayPal button was sure to remain abandoned. Then came COVID-19 and all that changed. All of a sudden
- [Flooded with Debt: A Case Study](https://ican.org.au/flooded-with-debt-a-case-study/) - Life was good for Jacob and Ivy*. Like most young couples starting out, they moved into a rental property in Townsville which they proudly called home, and were excited to be living independently from their families for the first time. It didn't matter that they were just beginning their careers; they had enough money to
- [CBA Indigenous and Multicultural Scholarship Applications are now open!](https://ican.org.au/cba-indigenous-and-multicultural-scholarship-applications-are-now-open/) - ICAN and our social enterprise, ICAN Learn, would like to thank the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) for their ongoing commitment and continued partnership to support diversity, by building the representation of Indigenous and Multicultural financial counsellors within the broader financial counselling sector. The three-year CBA sponsorship agreement will see two place-based Diploma of Financial
- [Price Gouging Update](https://ican.org.au/price-gouging-update/) - If you read our May E-News story, 'Help ICAN and CHOICE make price gouging illegal!', you'll know that ICAN and CHOICE wrote a joint letter to the QLD Attorney General, proposing new legislation to end price gouging during a crisis. You can now read the letter (and join the campaign) in CHOICE’s Media Release https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?u=270103a13e38b9f6643b82a8e&id=96cc822c0b
- [It’s Time to Reconnect](https://ican.org.au/its-time-to-reconnect/) - The current COVID-19 landscape has posed extreme new health threats to vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Australia. Communities already struggling with limited access to services are now physically isolated, more than ever before. The necessary government travel restrictions are preventing the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) from providing essential financial counselling and
- [Help ICAN and CHOICE make price gouging illegal!](https://ican.org.au/help-ican-and-choice-make-price-gouging-illegal/) - The recent COVID-19 panic buying spree left most of us feeling frustrated and bewildered. More alarmingly, it left the elderly and our most vulnerable at risk of not having access to essential everyday items – or worse - risking their health trying to find them. The opportunities for price gouging have never been higher, both
- [Scamwatch: Coronavirus](https://ican.org.au/scamwatch-coronavirus/) - Unfortunately, as the effects of the Covid-19 virus in Australia have become increasingly serious, a number of scammers have sought to take advantage of consumers. The ACCC’s Consumer Consultative Committee (of which ICAN is a member) has provided the latest information about frequently reported coronavirus scams, scams targeted at specific sectors, and advice for consumers.
- [Senate Committee finds we must permanently increase income support](https://ican.org.au/senate-committee-finds-we-must-permanently-increase-income-support/) - ACOSS Media Release The Australian Council of Social Service welcomes the report of the Senate Inquiry into the Adequacy of Newstart. The Committee recommends that the JobSeeker (formerly Newstart), Youth Allowance and Parenting Payments be increased once the Coronavirus Supplement is phased out. ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie said “The Senate heard from people skipping meals,
- [URGENT CALL FOR ACTION COVID 19](https://ican.org.au/urgent-call-for-action-covid-19/) - We are three members of the Cairns Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community concerned about a number of issues in relation to the response for Covid 19 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities particularly in our urban setting in Cairns and in smaller rural towns across the Far North Queensland Region. We are calling
- [More Than Money](https://ican.org.au/more-than-money/) - ICAN and the Financial Counselling Association of Queensland (FCAQ) hosted Janet Murray, the head of a new Canadian not-for-profit social enterprise, Sustainable Livelihoods Canada (SLC), earlier this month. During her stay, Janet conducted two full-day workshops at the annual FCAQ conference and ICAN’s Cairns office. The intensive workshops provided Queensland’s financial capability practitioners and the
- [Corona Preppers](https://ican.org.au/corona-preppers/) - The ICAN team have systematically gone into Coronavirus COVID-19 prepper mode. At the time of writing this article, North Queensland has been minimally impacted; that is with the exception of the crazy doomsday shoppers. “We have an opportunity to get ahead of the game and re-think our service delivery moving forward,” explained Aaron Davis, ICAN
- [Annique Jones's Diary](https://ican.org.au/annique-joness-diary/) - Welcome to ICAN (and Townsville) Annique! You’re new to Townsville, any favourite spots yet? I’m enjoying walking along The Strand, participating in FREE exercise classes (no more excuses!) and exploring the goat tracks around the city. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and how you came into Financial Counselling? I was working in
- [ICAN teams up with QSuper for NPA community week!](https://ican.org.au/ican-teams-up-with-qsuper-for-npa-community-week/) - What’s the best way to engage remote community residents with their superannuation? Break down some of the barriers to access and bring your services to them! That’s what QSuper did when it spent a week with community peoples up in the Northern Peninsula Area (located at the top tip of Cape York, Queensland), on January 20th-24th,
- [Counting the Costs](https://ican.org.au/counting-the-costs/) - Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic) released a report earlier this month on financial counsellor stress and work overload. The report entitled, ‘Counting the Costs’, was created in response to consistent feedback from FCVic members experiencing high levels of stress and burnout linked with an ever-increasing service demand. FCVic distributed surveys to 210 practising financial counsellors across Victoria and
- [Major disasters require major responses](https://ican.org.au/major-disasters-require-major-responses/) - As of the 4th January, 2020, Australia’s bushfire crisis has caused 24 fatalities and the destruction of over 2500 buildings, including over 1300 houses. The estimated $350M+ insurance bill coupled with other associated financial impacts of this catastrophic event are unprecedented and will require a coordinated response from an already under resourced national financial counselling sector.
- [ICAN Atherton Opens in 2020!](https://ican.org.au/ican-atherton-opens-in-2020/) - ICAN hit the ground running in 2020, with the exciting news that we are preparing to open our first full-time office in Atherton in early 2020! Based on the Tablelands, Far North Qld, our new office will provide financial counselling services to the townships of Atherton, Mareeba, Malanda, Ravenshoe, and surrounds. ICAN Operations Manager, Jon O’Mally,
- [Education shapes profession](https://ican.org.au/education-shapes-profession/) - A current review on the Diploma of Financial Counselling [code CHC51115] has posed a risk to the retention of core units that are part of the Financial Counselling profession. In this article, we provide an overview of the importance of systems advocacy and community development and how these have always been foundational components of the
- [Yarns from the north (Part 2)](https://ican.org.au/yarns-from-the-north-part-2/) - Hi Alan, thanks for agreeing to this interview for our ‘Yarn’s from the north’ series. As stated on the phone I’ve been really impressed by your consumer advocacy and wanted to focus the story on that. Firstly , can you please tell me about the region that you cover as a financial counsellor? Our agency Broome
- [Watch our 2019 Annual Report video here!](https://ican.org.au/watch-our-2019-annual-report-video-here/) - 2019 was another big year for ICAN and our subsidiary registered training organisation ICAN Learn, in moving towards achieving our vision of Empowering Indigenous Consumers and developing the financial counselling and capability sectors. The Annual Report video is a review of our achievements throughout 2019. Key highlights from the video and our year include: ICAN’s community engagement
- [One-stop Yarnin' Money shop](https://ican.org.au/one-stop-yarnin-money-shop/) - ICAN and service partners the Commonwealth Bank, Centrelink, Good Shepherd Microfinance, Many Rivers, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) held a Yarnin' Money Day event on Palm Island, earlier this month. The one-stop-shop, set up at the local TAFE and provided superannuation, wills, banking, No Interest Loans (NILS),
- [Creating a Buzz in Mapoon](https://ican.org.au/creating-a-buzz-in-mapoon/) - ICAN was excited to support the “Decarbonising Remote Communities” project recently, an initiative of the Queensland Government. ICAN’s role in the larger project was to deliver energy education to the remote community of Mapoon, located in Far North Qld, around 860km north of Cairns. Our task was to consult with the residents to identify energy-related issues specific to
- ['The Debt Trap: How payday lending is costing Australians' data released](https://ican.org.au/the-debt-trap-how-payday-lending-is-costing-australians-data-released/) - The Stop the Debt Trap Alliance released new data showing the scale of Australia’s payday lending crisis earlier this month. The Debt Trap: How payday lending is costing Australians provides never before seen data demonstrating the extent of harm cause by the payday lending industry and the people who are most susceptible. Key findings from the
- [Yarns' from the north (Part-1)](https://ican.org.au/yarns-from-the-north-part-1/) - In part-1 of ‘Yarns’ from the North’, ICAN E-News caught up with Toni Cork, General Manager and Financial Counsellor at HK Training & Consultancy (HKTC), a registered training organisation, based in Darwin, NT. The team at HKTC do amazing work with the Nightcliff Renal Facility, an extremely important job given the alarming reality that 32.4%
- [Townsville FC position up for grabs](https://ican.org.au/townsville-fc-position-up-for-grabs/) - If you’ve ever wanted to make a move to beautiful North Queensland and are an experienced Financial Counsellor, we have some good news for you. ICAN just extended its application period to the 31st of October and are prepared to pay relocation costs for the right applicant. Find out more here…
- [Show me the money!](https://ican.org.au/show-me-the-money/) - How federal funding is empowering Palm Island residents Thanks to the support of ongoing federal funding, ICAN maintains its weekly visits to the community of Palm Island, where we continue to build and strengthen relationships with community members, and local and visiting service providers. This support has resulted in a strong uptake of support, advocacy and
- [Canadian Financial Diaries Project](https://ican.org.au/canadian-financial-diaries-project/) - ICAN’s recent study tour of Canada allowed us to catch up with one of our favourite people on the planet, Professor Jerry Buckland.Jerryis the Professor of International Development Studies, Menno Simons College at the University of Winnipeg. We had the pleasure of first meeting Jerryin November 2016, when he stopped in Cairns as part of an international study
- [Debt, the final straw](https://ican.org.au/debt-the-final-straw/) - Financial Counsellors across Australia witness daily the mental health impacts that unmanageable debt can have on their clients. What happens when your client has already suffered a traumatic event and the financial stress becomes the straw that breaks the camel’s back? ICAN Senior Financial Counsellor, Jon O’Mally, highlights that this financial stress can be intensified
- [STOP THE DEBT TRAP](https://ican.org.au/stop-the-debt-trap/) - Ask ICAN’s financial counsellors how many clients present with hardship issues relating to payday loans and consumer leases, and they will tell you it’s the majority. Although Small Amount Credit Contracts (SACCs) may not always be the obvious driver for someone seeking financial counselling, it’s often the underlying cause. Vulnerable people – whether they are working
- [CBA pledges new support for those affected by domestic and financial abuse](https://ican.org.au/cba-pledges-new-support-for-those-affected-by-domestic-and-financial-abuse/) - ICAN partner, the Commonwealth Bank, announced earlier this month that it would increase its support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence to achieve long-term financial independence. The additional $5 million investment and development of partnerships with leading community organisations and experts, will see new products and services for those impacted. The additional $5 million investment will support organisations
- ['It’s all about fairness, fairness, fairness.'](https://ican.org.au/its-all-about-fairness-fairness-fairness/) - Financial Counsellors in Cairns were treated to a unique meet and greet opportunity recently. ICAN extended an invitation to meet Mr David Locke, Chief Executive Officer and Ombudsman of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on Thursday, 15 August. Mr Locke met with financial counsellors from all over Cairns, including The Salvation Army’s Moneycare; Shelter Housing
- [ICAN and Wei'Num Arts join forces on Mapoon Energy communications project](https://ican.org.au/ican-and-weinum-arts-join-forces-on-mapoon-energy-communications-project/) - Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham announced in Parliament last week that the Palaszczuk Government was delivering on its $3.6 million election commitment to roll-out renewable energy. The extension of an existing solar farm in Doomadgee is already underway, with Mapoon being next cab off the rank. “These communities rely heavily on expensive, non-renewable diesel fuel
- [CBA Indigenous Multi Cultural Scholarship Applications close July 31st](https://ican.org.au/cba-indigenous-multi-cultural-scholarship-applications-open/) - ICAN would like to thank the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s (CBA) ongoing commitment and continued partnership with ICAN Learn to support diversity, by building the representation of Indigenous and Multi-Cultural financial counsellors within the broader financial counselling sector. The three-year CBA sponsorship agreement will see four place-based diploma of financial counselling scholarship programs being delivered
- [ICAN’s Canadian Study Odyssey Part 2](https://ican.org.au/icans-canadian-study-odyssey-part-2/) - In Part 2 of ICAN’s Canadian Study Odyssey, the team visits host Community Economic Development (CED)/Financial Empowerment organisations, SEED (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Momentum (Calgary, Alberta). ICAN Co-Founders Aaron Davis and Carmen Daniels were keen to learn more about the intersection of CED and Financial Empowerment programs at SEED and Momentum after a brief fact-finding tour
- [QSuper Community Day - NAIDOC 2019](https://ican.org.au/qsuper-community-day-naidoc-2019/) - NAIDOC week celebrations were in full swing across the country in July, including a free community event on Thursday Island at the TRAWQ Community Hall, hosted by QLD’s largest superannuation fund, QSuper. ICAN was excited to be part of the day, as QSuper has been an active participant and sponsor of the Big Super Day
- [ICAN's Canadian Study Odyssey Part 1](https://ican.org.au/icans-canadian-study-odyssey-part-1/) - ICAN’s Carmen Daniels, Jon O’Mally and Aaron Davis touched down in Toronto the day after the city’s basketball team, the Toronto Raptors, made history by becoming the first Canadian team to ever win the National Basketball Association (NBA) Championships. The city’s vibrant mood associated with the victory set the tone for what would become a
- [AFSA visits the North](https://ican.org.au/afsa-visits-the-north/) - Inspector-General in Bankruptcy, Hamish McCormick from the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) visited ICAN earlier this month to speak with the Cairns regions Financial Counselling and Capability community. Representatives from Uniting Care, Shelter Housing Action Cairns and ICAN heard first hand how AFSA is managing the application of bankruptcy and personal property security laws through
- [Pearls of Wisdom](https://ican.org.au/pearls-of-wisdom/) - This month we’re following up with Pearl Turner from Save the Children in Normanton, about her placement and study experience during the CBA Mentorship Program. Pearl is halfway through her 220 hour placement with ICAN and only has three weeks left to go. ICAN: So, Pearl, how do you feel about finally graduating later this
- [Mentorship Program's Rising Stars - (Final)](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-final/) - Every month in the lead up to our 2019 Graduation, ICAN features students of its Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program here in our E-News. This month, we meet Fallon Harris, a proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman, whose family originates from from Kalkadoon Country and Tanna/Ambrym islands in Vanuatu. Fallon has been working as
- [Scholarship Applications Close 31st May](https://ican.org.au/scholarship-applications-close-31st-may/) - This is your last chance to apply for the EnergyAustralia Diploma of Financial Counselling scholarship program, commencing mid-2019. Check out the options below to see if your State is covered, this is a great opportunity to receive a free diploma qualification (normally priced at $8000.00) that provides a real education and industry connections. EnergyAustralia –
- [Yarnin' Money Report Released](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-report-released/) - ICAN is pleased to launch its Yarnin’ Money Report 2019. The report examines how ICAN developed and delivered a financial capability program through an Indigenous knowledges framework which involves Aboriginal epistemology and pedagogy, and how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples acquired financial capability knowledge and skills through the Yarnin’ Money program over the period of 2015
- [Big (Deadly) Day Out!](https://ican.org.au/big-deadly-day-out/) - Teamwork delivers results for the Palm Island Class Action Settlement Scheme Some very nervous financial service providers from the mainland boarded a light plane to beautiful Palm Island on 3rdApril, for ICAN’s first ‘Yarnin’ Money Day’. The event, organised by ICAN Financial Counsellor, Conrad Dwyer, was to provide financial assistance to recipients of the $30M Palm
- [Financial Counselling Scholarships NOW OPEN!](https://ican.org.au/financial-counselling-scholarships-now-open/) - ICAN’s social enterprise, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) ICAN Learn has two scholarship programs commencing mid-2019, expressions of interest are now open. Check out the two options in this promotion to see if your State or Territory is covered, this is a great opportunity to receive a free diploma qualification (normally priced at $8000.00) that provides
- [It's all in the planning](https://ican.org.au/its-all-in-the-planning/) - Every three years, ICAN’s board, management and staff get together to plan for the next three. This month, the ICAN family met for a day at the Pullman Resort to break out their SWAT and PEST’s, and hash out a plan for the organisation. Reflecting on Winston Churchill’s quote, “Plans are of little importance, but
- [Past, Present, Future](https://ican.org.au/past-present-future/) - Celebrating Community with FCAQ Put a bunch of QLD financial counsellors, financial capability workers, and stakeholders together for a few days in Brisbane and what happens - besides an explosion of 80’s taffeta and bad mullet wigs! Well, thanks to the “My Community” themed 2019 FCAQ Conference held at Southbank from 5-7 March, it was
- [Talkin’ ICAN, with Desmond Tayley](https://ican.org.au/talkin-ican-with-desmond-tayley/) - This month we’re yarnin’ with our new board member, Desmond Tayley, who was appointed a Director of ICAN in December. You may already know Desmond from his deadly Facebook page, “Talking Country with Desmond Tayley” – if you haven’t checked it out already, make sure you do! Welcome to ICAN Desmond! Can you tell us
- [When it rains, it pours](https://ican.org.au/when-it-rains-it-pours/) - Financial Counselling client numbers are expected to dramatically rise as flood waters recede in the mud-soaked city of Townsville. Locally known as Brownsville due to its predominantly dry conditions, the North Queensland capital recently received one year’s rainfall over one week, causing a 1 in 100-year flooding event. The Insurance Council of Australia officially declared
- [New Year, New You!](https://ican.org.au/new-year-new-you/) - Many of us know the story. Our mob have been and gone for Christmas, the bills are piling up, and the sound of the postie bike puts you in a cold sweat. Welcome to 2019. While the bills may get put on hold trying to make ends meet over Christmas, many people wake up to
- [Meet ICAN’s new Director, Kerry Lui](https://ican.org.au/meet-icans-new-director-kerry-lui/) - ICAN kicks off 2019 with a new look board after the appointment of two new Directors, Ms Kerry Lui and Mr Desmond Tayley, at our December AGM. It was also with sadness we farewelled Director Velma Gara, who retired from the board after 8 years of incredible service. We will be profiling all of our
- [Multi-Cultural Scholarship Program Rising Stars - Part 1](https://ican.org.au/multi-cultural-scholarship-program-rising-stars-part-1/) - The first Multi Cultural Scholarship Program [MCSP], generously funded by CBA commenced in Melbourne in October 2017; giving an opportunity to develop the financial counselling skills of people from diverse backgrounds, building their capacity to provide information and support for members of their own communities. ICAN Learn's Bernadette Pasco worked with a Multi Cultural Commissioner,
- [2018 in review!](https://ican.org.au/2018-in-review/) - As 2018 draws to a close, we reflect on how ICAN has carried out our mission of Empowering Indigenous Consumers, over the last twelve months… 2018 was the year that saw ICAN Learn take its first real steps as a social enterprise and Registered Training Organisation (RTO). ICAN’s vision of contributing to the professionalisation of
- [Ian Potter partnership backs innovation](https://ican.org.au/ian-potter-partnership-backs-innovation/) - ICAN is excited to announce our ground breaking new partnership with the Ian Potter Foundation to explore the integration of Canadian Community Economic Development (CED) principles into our successful Yarnin’ Money financial capability program. Highlighting ICAN’s excitement, CEO, Aaron Davis said, “Receiving an Ian Potter Foundation grant is like winning an organisational excellence award, to
- [Mentorship Program's Rising Stars - Part 6](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-6-2/) - Every month in the lead up to our 2019 Graduation, ICAN features students of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” here in our E-News. This month, we meet Bec Gollan, a Ngarringjeri mimini (woman) from Raukkan, located approximately 3 hours southeast of Adelaide in South Australia. Bec has been working as a Financial Counsellor with
- [Mentorship Program's Rising Stars - Part 5](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-5-2/) - Every month in the lead up to our 2019 Graduation, ICAN will be featuring the students of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” here in our E-News. This month, we meet Yvette Lee-Lever, a Gamilaraay/Kamiliaroi woman. Yvette is a Financial Resilience worker with Money Care, Salvation Army in Gatton, Queensland, where for the past 19
- [Wujal Wujal Two Years On](https://ican.org.au/wujal-wujal-two-years-on/) - Wujal Wujal has noticed a significant change from just over two years of becoming Australia’s first Do-Not-Knock informed community. Desmond Tayley, Wujal Wujal Shire Council Mayor said, “We have witnessed a noticeable reduction in shonky traders selling goods door-to-door in our community, the town signs coupled with greater awareness around consumer rights has really made
- [Award Winning Vision](https://ican.org.au/award-winning-vision/) - When the peak body for financial counselling in Victoria – the Financial and Consumer Rights Council (FCRC) - celebrated its 40thyear in financial counselling and consumer advocacy recently, Bernadette Pasco, Executive Officer for ICAN Learn, didn’t know she was about to become part of the celebration. At their gala dinner, the FCRC presented Bernadette with
- [Time to have your say!](https://ican.org.au/time-to-have-your-stay/) - For over ten years, the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) has sought to improve consumer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The strategy has been delivered through a series of action plans developed by the NICS reference group, which comprises the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC), all
- [Missing Millions](https://ican.org.au/missing-millions/) - Queenslanders currently have $170,895,033 million dollars of lost superannuation sitting idly in accounts just waiting to be claimed. In data recently released, the ATO announced they are holding a whopping $17.5 billion dollars of lost or unclaimed super nationally. Queensland scored the No 1 spot on the ATO’s Top 10 list of lost super postcodes,
- [Mentorship Program's Rising Stars - Part 4](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-4-2/) - Every month in the lead up to our 2019 Graduation, ICAN will be featuring the students of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” here in our E-News. This month, we meet Norma Callaghan, a Jaru woman from the East Kimberly, living in Derby, West Kimberly. Norma is the youngest student in the 2017-19 program and
- [EnergyAustralia backs ground breaking financial counselling development initiatives](https://ican.org.au/energyaustralia-backs-ground-breaking-financial-counselling-development-initiatives/) - ICAN Learn hosted EnergyAustralia and state financial counselling peak body leaders from Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland at a workshop in Cairns earlier this month. The purpose of the workshop was to create a wide-ranging training and professional development plan for the sector. The resulting plan will form the basis of a
- [Trailblazing Good Money Outcomes](https://ican.org.au/trailblazing-good-money-outcomes/) - In November 2016, Good Shepherd Microfinance, on behalf of the Australian Government and in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact (UNSW) and EY, launched the Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) Program, along with the FIAPs of 12 trailblazer organisations. Since then, the number of trailblazer organisations committed to improving the financial inclusion and resilience
- [Mentorship Program Rising Stars - Part 3](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-program-rising-stars-part-3/) - This month ICAN E-News caught up with Lynda Edwards, a Wangkumara woman with connections to the Barkindji people of Far West NSW and a star already burning bright. After working for 13 years as a financial counsellor, capability worker and manager of the Manage your Income Manage Your Life Indigenous Financial Literacy Program with CentaCare
- [Mentorship Program's Rising Stars - Part 2](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-2-2/) - Every month in the lead up to our 2019 Graduation, ICAN will be featuring the students of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” here in the ICAN E-News. The Mentorship program provides nationally accredited and recognised training through the Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling), and offers personal and academic mentorship in a supported learning
- [Palm Island financial counselling service sets precedent](https://ican.org.au/palm-island-financial-counselling-service-sets-precedent/) - In the 2018 May ICAN E-news, we reported on the potential financial impacts of the Palm Island apology’s $30 M settlement scheme. The settlement addressed the racially discriminative Queensland police response to the 2004 Palm Island riots which left many in the community traumatised. Since the; “$30M Palm Island settlement creates new challenges” E-news article
- [Yarrabah Aboriginal Community conference, a first for NICS](https://ican.org.au/yarrabah-aboriginal-community-conference-a-first-for-nics/) - For the first time, the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) annual consumer law conference was held in an Indigenous community, on Gunggandji country, at Yarrabah on the 31 July 2018, as part of its commitment to improving consumer services in Indigenous communities. As a NICS taskforce member, ICAN attended the conference along with other national
- [ICAN is seeking new Directors](https://ican.org.au/ican-is-seeking-new-directors/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) is seeking prospective directors with complimentary skills to govern the organisation and ICAN learn, its subsidiary social enterprise registered training organisation (RTO). ICAN’s board is accepting Expressions of Interest from people with a strong understanding of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and professional skills and experience
- [Big Super Day Out finds $2.6M of super in Cairns](https://ican.org.au/big-super-day-out-finds-2-6m-of-super-in-cairns/) - On Friday, July 6th, $2.6M of superannuation was located for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Cairns, when they attended the Big Super Day Out event held during the annual NAIDOC Week celebration. It was the first time First Nations Foundation has brought its award-winning superannuation outreach event to Cairns’ NAIDOC Friday in
- [Noema's financial counselling journey](https://ican.org.au/noemas-financial-counselling-journey/) - Hi! My name is Noema Mahutariki, I work for the Benevolent Society in Cairns as a Community Development Officer and Saver Plus Co-ordinator and have recently started studying for my Diploma of Financial Counselling through ICAN Learn’s Multicultural Scholarship Program. Learning about Consumer Law and its various components is so interesting and challenging, it’s been
- [Cairns salesman fined for misleading vulnerable consumers continues to work as pawn broker](https://ican.org.au/cairns-salesman-fined-for-misleading-vulnerable-consumers/) - Re-posted with permission of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation By Sharnie Kim A former used car salesman who was fined $1.2 million for repeatedly signing up poor, Indigenous people in far north Queensland to exorbitant loans is continuing to work as a pawn broker in Cairns. Colin Hulbert was slapped with a lifetime ban from engaging
- [The Big Super Day Out coming to Cairns](https://ican.org.au/the-big-super-day-out-coming-to-cairns/) - The Big Super Day Out is coming to Fogarty Park, Cairns on Friday the 6th of July as part of the NAIDOC week events. The ICAN team is excited to partner with this deadly program, designed and coordinated by the First Nations Foundation. Explaining the Big Super Day Out model, Amanda Young - First Nations
- [ABLE - Financial Empowerment Conference](https://ican.org.au/able-financial-empowerment-conference/) - By Carmen Daniels, Researcher & Eddie Buli, Business & Sector Development Officer Earlier this month, ICAN was invited to Vancouver, Canada, to participate in the ABLE Financial Empowerment conference, hosted by Prosper Canada. The conference, held at the Radisson Richmond Hotel on May 8th & 9th, brought together Canadian practitioners, academics and government agencies with
- [FCA conference celebrates path to reconciliation](https://ican.org.au/fca-conference-celebrates-path-to-reconciliation/) - Meeting on the lands of the Mouheneenner people in Hobart, the 2018 Financial Counselling Australia conference’s tone was set with an amazing welcome to country presented by Kartanya Maynard. The self-confessed diva beautifully sang and played a traditional song on her guitar, shared her language, stories and dispelled the myths surrounding Aboriginal occupation in Tasmania.
- [$30 million Palm Island class action settlement creates new challenges](https://ican.org.au/30-million-palm-island-class-action-settlement-creates-new-challenges/) - ICAN first heard that the Queensland Government had agreed to pay $30 million and apologise to Palm Island residents as a Federal Court class action settlement on the 1st of May. The settlement addressed the racially discriminative Queensland police response to the 2004 Palm Island riots which left many in the community traumatised. ABC contacted
- [Mentorship program's rising stars - part 1](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-1/) - In the lead up to our 2019 Graduation, ICAN will be featuring scholarship winners of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” in the ICAN E-News. The third national program, is the first being delivered by ICAN’s subsidiary registered training organisation ICAN Learn. The Commonwealth Bank sponsored Mentorship program provides nationally accredited training through the Diploma
- [Yarnin' without borders](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-without-borders/) - Eddie Buli and Carmen Hegarty from the Yarnin’ Money team have been clocking up the miles again in April, crisscrossing the country from Cairns delivering training for “Yarnin’ Money with the Mob”, and “Yarnin’ Money with Service Providers”. The team were excited to receive training invitations from the Local Aboriginal Council in La Perouse, Sydney,
- [Work placement key to quality education](https://ican.org.au/work-placement-key-to-quality-education/) - As the Commonwealth Bank sponsored Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship program second block training got underway. Noema Mahutariki from The Benevolent Society in Cairns, started her 220 hrs work placement at ICAN, a new training standard under the revamped Diploma of Financial Counselling. Ms Mahutariki received a CBA scholarship as part of ICAN Learn’s new Multi-Cultural
- [ICAN officially becomes one of thirty FIAP Trailblazers](https://ican.org.au/ican-officially-becomes-one-of-thirty-fiap-trailblazers/) - ICAN CEO, Aaron Davis, was honored to attend the Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) Executive Breakfast Event, held in Sydney on 21 March, where ICAN was officially welcomed into the FIAP program as one of 30 ‘trailblazer’ organisations committed to tackling financial exclusion. The Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) is led by Good Shepherd Microfinance
- [Yarnin' Money on Thursday Island](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-on-thursday-island/) - Last month, ICAN’s Yarnin’ Money program experienced its largest training group to date, delivering financial capability training to thirty-five job seekers and staff from My Pathway in the Torres Strait. The training featured as part of My Pathway’s Wellbeing toolkit – a range of programs covering physical, social, emotional, cultural, psychological and financial well-being, delivered
- [Meet ICAN Learn's new lead lecturer](https://ican.org.au/meet-ican-learns-new-lead-lecturer/) - ICAN Learn has really hit the ground running in its first year of operation as a registered training organisation with five Diploma of Financial Counselling courses being run concurrently to over fifty students. The relatively new ‘social enterprise’ prides itself on providing high quality, sector led training and has just brought a new lead lecturer into the team. Those in Victoria’s financial counselling
- [Lobbying Continues - Small Amount Credit Contract and Consumer Lease Reforms ](https://ican.org.au/lobbying-continues-small-amount-credit-contract-and-consumer-lease-reforms/) - In September 2017, ICAN covered a joint lobbying campaign organised by the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC), when consumer advocates from around the country - including ICAN - converged on Canberra to brief government Ministers, Senators and Federal members on the “Small Amount Credit Contract Review” and advocate for the proposed recommendations for increased
- [FC's Focus on Domestic Violence Training](https://ican.org.au/fcs-focus-on-domestic-violence-training/) - Last week, ICAN staff joined twenty-seven service providers from across the Cairns and Townsville regions, in a two-day family violence training workshop, delivered by Financial Counselling Australia (FCA). The workshop, part of a national training program developed by FCA, provides tools for financial counsellors and capability workers to better assist people impacted by domestic and
- [Checking in with Anne-Maree](https://ican.org.au/checking-in-with-anne-maree/) - In mid-2017, ICAN launched a new partnership with the Tableland Community NILS, under our Financial Inclusion Program, funded by the Queensland Government. The core objective of the partnership was to combine organisational expertise and provide a suite of place-based financial inclusion services in the region, including financial counselling, education, microfinance, emergency relief and consumer advocacy.
- [2016 – Our year in review…](https://ican.org.au/2016-our-year-in-review/) - As we come to an end of another year, we reflect on how ICAN has carried out our mission of Empowering Indigenous Consumers, over the last twelve months… In partnership with the Wujal Wujal community, ICAN and members of the North Queensland Indigenous Consumer Taskforce commenced the year with the launch of Australia’s first Do-Not-Knock
- [Yarnin' Money with the Commonwealth Bank](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-with-the-commonwealth-bank/) - By Carmen Hegarty & Eddie Buli Last month, Yarnin’ Money was invited to promote the program to Commonweath Bank staff and its community partners. Yarnin’ Money staff Carmen Hegarty and Eddie Buli delivered training to Commonwealth Bank staff and interns, and community partner organisations including Kari and the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. The two-day
- [Say Cheese and "Consumer Rights"](https://ican.org.au/say-cheese-and-consumer-rights/) - A Queensland Office of Fair Trading (QOFT) investigation has seen a Gold Coast business enter into an enforceable undertaking for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Between 1 July 2015 and 31 October 2017, Imagine That Photography Pty Ltd, a mobile photography business trading from major shopping centres around Australia, entered into agreements
- [Fee free ATMs to continue](https://ican.org.au/fee-free-atms-to-continue/) - As 2017 was coming to a close, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) re-authorised 15 banks to to provide fee-free usage at up to 85 selected ATMs in remote parts of the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Wujal Wujal, a small isolated rainforest community situated in south eastern Cape York is
- [2017: Our year in review...](https://ican.org.au/2017-our-year-in-review/) - 2017 has been a very special year for ICAN. This year, we celebrated 10 years of incorporation and reflected upon our growth as a financial counselling, training and consumer advocacy organisation dedicated to Empowering Indigenous Consumers. In this edition, we look back on 2017... In March, ICAN joined the Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) program
- [ICAN welcomes Carmen and Conrad to the team!](https://ican.org.au/ican-welcomes-carmen-and-conrad-to-the-team/) - This month, we feature Conrad Dwyer and Carmen Hegarty, the newest staff members to join the ICAN team! Hi, my name is Carmen Hegarty. I joined the ICAN team on the September 9th, 2017 as a Financial Counselling Support Officer. Before coming to ICAN I have worked in various roles with Centerlink, Medicare, and the
- [Opinion: Afterpay - Buy now, pain later?](https://ican.org.au/opinion-afterpay-buy-now-pain-later/) - Re-posted with permission of Canstar, with thanks to Gerard Brody, Consumer Action Law Centre Opinion, by Gerard Brody The boom of 'buy now pay later' at popular retailers has been touted as a win for business and consumers alike. But at a time when Australians already have record levels of household debt, is 'buy now
- [Chasing buffalo and financial empowerment](https://ican.org.au/chasing-buffalo-and-financial-empowerment/) - by Carmen Daniels & Aaron Davis Chasing buffalo and financial empowerment in the Canadian prairies became the theme of our recent fact-finding hunt. In his photographic quest to ‘get the shot’, ICAN’s CEO Aaron ‘Bushman’ Davis was almost charged by a buffalo, on one of our many visits to Elk Island National Park (Alberta). In
- [Palm Island joins campaign to put door to door traders on notice](https://ican.org.au/palm-island-joins-campaign-to-put-door-to-door-traders-on-notice/) - Palm Island officially became a Do Not Knock informed community this month with the unveiling of new high-profile signage at a community event. The Do Not Knock program aims to deter unscrupulous door-to-door traders with prominent signage reminding travelling salespeople of their responsibilities and obligations when trading door-to-door. Residents are also offered free do-not-knock stickers for their homes. Under
- [Third National Mentorship Program begins in Cairns](https://ican.org.au/third-national-mentorship-program-begins-in-cairns/) - The third national Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank commenced in Cairns on October the 16th, 2017. ICAN Learn Program Coordinator, Majella Anderson highlighted that the fifteen scholarship winners were from Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland. “It was great to see representatives from the Aboriginal
- [National action plan set to deliver better outcomes for Indigenous consumers](https://ican.org.au/national-action-plan-set-to-deliver-better-outcomes-for-indigenous-consumers/) - Consumer issues including car sales, credit and consumer leases headline some of the key priority areas in the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) Action Plan 2017–2019. The three-year plan covers a range of consumer issues affecting Indigenous Australians, as witnessed daily by ICAN’s financial counselling team. ICAN has been an independent member of the National
- [Celebrating 10 years of Empowering Indigenous Consumers](https://ican.org.au/celebrating-10-years-of-empowering-indigenous-consumers/) - This month the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd (ICAN) celebrates 10 years of incorporation and our continued vision of empowering Indigenous consumers. Starting out as a consumer affairs project housed within Queensland’s Aboriginal local government network, ICAN now additionally supports the development of Indigenous financial counsellors nationally. This point exemplified with the commencement of our
- [Community Engagement Day at Yarrabah](https://ican.org.au/community-engagement-day-at-yarrabah/) - There’s nothing like the smell of sizzling sausages, fried onions, and bacon and eggs on a barbie - which is exactly what took place at Yarrabah on the 26th September, when ICAN, Good Money Cairns, QLD Office of Fair Trading, and the Energy Water Ombudsman QLD collectively hosted a Community BBQ for Yarrabah residents. The
- [Connecting the Gulf](https://ican.org.au/connecting-the-gulf/) - ICAN held an intensive professional development workshop for Save the Children’s, Gulf of Carpentaria Financial Counselling and Capability team earlier this month. The team from the ‘Gulf’ travelled to Cairns from Mornington Island, Doomadgee and Normanton to attend the event. The three-day training program included seminars and networking opportunities with the State Penalties Enforcements Registry
- [Fair Finance for Australians](https://ican.org.au/fair-finance-for-australians/) - In a joint campaign organised by the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC), consumer advocates from around the country converged on Canberra to brief government Ministers, Senators and Federal members on the “Small Amount Credit Contract Review” and advocate for the proposed recommendations for increased consumer protections for payday loan and consumer lease borrowers. Jon O’Mally,
- [Yarnin' Townsville](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-townsville/) - ICAN’s Eddie Buli, Martina Kingi, and Carlie Kirk were excited to attend the Townsville Community Organisation Networking Forum on Friday, 8th September 2017, held at the Salvation Army Riverway Corps in Condon. The Australian Government funded ‘Communities for Children Facilitating Partner Initiative Townsville West’, facilitated by The Smith Family, is about providing an opportunity for
- [ICAN 10-year Anniversary Survey](https://ican.org.au/ican-10-year-anniversary-survey/) - We’re coming into our 10-year anniversary of incorporation. To mark this occasion, we are celebrating our community, and the journey we have taken together. We are asking you – Our Community – for your help, to provide memories, stories, quotes, or anecdotes of your experience with ICAN over the past 10 years, for inclusion in
- [Join our winning team](https://ican.org.au/join-our-winning-team/) - As the footy season ends, the trade and recruitment season begins. This year ICAN is planning on kicking some major goals with the recruitment of two new star financial counsellors and two rookie financial counselling support officers. ICAN Team Manager, Jon O’Mally said, “We’re wanting to balance FC experience with new energy and will be
- [When the bubble already burst](https://ican.org.au/when-the-bubble-already-burst/) - This time last year, ICAN E-News reported on the financial counselling case complexity experienced in our Townsville office due to the dramatic economic downturn in the region. With significant media attention on Australia’s housing bubble last week, most notably ABC’s four corners episode ‘Betting on the house’, we thought it was time to see if
- [Office of Fair Trading turns the heat up on door-to-door air conditioning sales](https://ican.org.au/office-of-fair-trading-turns-the-heat-up-on-door-to-door-air-conditioning-sales/) - A solar and air-conditioning marketing business in north Queensland has paid a penalty of $10,800 following an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). The director of Oz Solar Needs Pty Ltd and an employee entered the Indigenous community of Yarrabah and township of Laura in early May 2017 and signed up a number
- [Do-Not-knock Informed Community Partners Win Staff Excellence Awards](https://ican.org.au/do-not-knock-informed-community-partners-win-staff-excellence-awards/) - Queensland Office of Fair Trading officers were recently presented with an award for their work on the Do-Not-knock informed Community project, winning the ‘Innovation’ category at the Department of Justice and Attorney-General Staff Excellence Awards. Regular ICAN E-News readers will be aware of the work ICAN, Queensland Office of Fair Trading (QOFT) and the Australian
- [New partnership equals big win for the Tablelands](https://ican.org.au/new-partnership-equals-big-win-for-the-tablelands/) - Tableland Community NILS and ICAN have joined forces to tackle financial exclusion throughout the Tablelands Region by combining organisational expertise and programs. On receiving funding from the Queensland Government’s Financial Inclusion Program, ICAN has sought collective impact opportunities for place based service delivery in the Tablelands, Cape York and Torres Strait explained ICAN CEO, Aaron
- [Shifting the Dial on Financial Inclusion and Resilience for Indigenous Consumers](https://ican.org.au/shifting-the-dial-on-financial-inclusion-and-resilience-for-indigenous-consumers/) - (Re-posted from Good Shepherd Microfinance - Shifting the Dial on Financial Inclusion and Resilience for Indigenous Consumers July 7, 2017) As the 60th anniversary of the NAIDOC week celebrations rolls in, it is timely to reflect that despite isolated pockets of success, much remains to be done to realise Indigenous inclusion in Australia. Amongst the
- [ICAN joins FIAP partnership group](https://ican.org.au/icanjoinsfiappartnershipgroup/) - ICAN is one of 30 trailblazer organisations to join the Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) partnership group. Group partners include essential services providers, professional services, banks, universities, government agencies and community organisations, all jointly working towards measurable actions that will create a more financially inclusive community. Each trailblazing organisation develops its own measurable individual Financial
- [ICAN Learn a shared vision](https://ican.org.au/ican-learn-a-shared-vision/) - ICAN is pleased to announce the launch of ICAN Learn, our registered training organisation (RTO). The milestone is the realisation of a dream shared at opposite ends of Australia’s east coast. It was our vision to create an RTO dedicated to the professional development and advancement of the national financial counselling, capability and resilience sectors.
- [Scholarship applications now open](https://ican.org.au/scholarship-applications-now-open/) - ICAN Learn is now accepting scholarship applications for two concurrent Diploma of Financial Counselling courses: the Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program and the Multi-Cultural Scholarship Program, to be delivered in 2017-2019. Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program The Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program (IFCMP) has successfully graduated 34 students from across Australia with a Diploma of
- [Yarrabah takes a stand against unlawful traders](https://ican.org.au/yarrabah-takes-a-stand-against-unlawful-traders/) - The Aboriginal community of Yarrabah in north Queensland today hosted the launch of the “Do Not Knock informed” communities program, with the unveiling of new roadside signage designed to warn door-to-door traders not to trade unlawfully. The signage, located at the entrance of Yarrabah, reminds door-to-door traders about their legal obligations under the Australian Consumer
- [Good Money Store Opens in Cairns](https://ican.org.au/good-money-store-opens-in-cairns/) - More than 110,000 people in Far North Queensland could be eligible to borrow money for essential goods and services and pay no or low interest through the region’s first Good Money community finance store. Good Money opened earlier this month at the Cairns Show Grounds Shopping Complex on Mulgrave Road. The store provides access to
- [Can you spot a scam on social media?](https://ican.org.au/can-you-spot-a-scam-on-social-media/) - In 2016 Scamwatch received more reports than ever of scammers approaching their victims through social networking sites. Victims reported losing over $9.5 million to social media scams last year – almost three times more than in 2015. During this Fraud Week, the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce wants to help social media users learn how to
- [Cairns car shonk ordered to pay over $1.2 million](https://ican.org.au/cairns-car-shonk-ordered-to-pay-over-1-2-million/) - The Federal Court has today fined Cairns-based lender, Channic Pty Ltd (Channic), broker Cash Brokers Pty Ltd (Cash Brokers) and the sole director of both companies, Mr Colin William Hulbert, a total of $776000 for breaching consumer credit laws. The Court also ordered the payment of costs of $420000. Channic and Cash Brokers both operated
- [It’s Ok to Walk Away](https://ican.org.au/its-ok-to-walk-away/) - Have you ever felt like you had to buy something just to get away from a pushy sales person? Or have you had someone knock at your door selling something that you didn’t want and you didn’t know how to ask them to leave? Well don’t worry as you are not alone and the law
- [Yarnin' Money interim evaluation report now available](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-interim-evaluation-report-now-available/) - ICAN has just released its interim evaluation report on our Yarnin’ Money financial capability training program. The report discusses the evaluation progress to date on the Yarnin’ Money training program, delivered to twelve remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over a three-year period (2015-2017), with a focus on the development, delivery and evaluation activities
- [Celebrating the 20 year career of Susan Cook](https://ican.org.au/celebrating-the-20-year-career-of-susan-cook/) - On International Women’s Day, the Queensland financial counselling sector celebrated the long-standing financial counselling career of Susan Cook, the first Aboriginal financial counsellor to enter the sector and pave the way for other Indigenous financial counsellors and financial capability workers nationally. Addressing the Financial Counsellors' Association of Queensland conference, Susan spoke about the humorous and
- [Much needed boost for Queensland’s financial counselling sector](https://ican.org.au/much-needed-boost-for-queenslands-financial-counselling-sector/) - ICAN welcomes the announcement of the Palaszczuk Government’s $25 million Better Budgeting program funding to support financial counselling and resilience initiatives across Queensland. Earlier this month, Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman launched the Better Budget program at the annual Financial Counselling Association of Queensland (FCAQ) Conference in Port Douglas, providing a $6 million funding boost to
- [Entries for the annual Buy Smart competition are now open](https://ican.org.au/entries-for-the-annual-buy-smart-competition-are-now-open/) - The Office of Fair Trading has just launched the 2017 Buy Smart Competition. Buy Smart is a chance for young people from schools and community groups to learn about their rights and responsibilities as consumers so they can be smart shoppers and become informed consumers. Students have a chance to win a share of over $15,000
- [2017 Reconnection Tour](https://ican.org.au/2017-reconnection-tour/) - In 2017, ICAN is embarking on its ‘Reconnection Tour’, to assist pensioners across Cape York and the Torres Strait, to access electricity rebates offered to them under government concession arrangements. Many remote communities in Far North Queensland operate on prepaid power card meters, where payment for electricity is made in advance, while consumers living in
- [Mentorship Program Scholarships Available for 2017](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-program-scholarships-available-for-2017/) - Extend your skills, become a leader of change in your community! ICAN Learn, as the new social enterprise training arm of ICAN is offering a fantastic opportunity for you to become a professional financial counsellor through our unique scholarship program generously offered once again in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank. ICAN Learn is currently accepting
- [FCAQ 2017 conference agenda out now!](https://ican.org.au/fcaq-2017-conference-agenda-out-now/) - The Financial Counsellors' Association of Queensland (FCAQ) executive team have outdone themselves this year, holding the annual state conference at the Sheraton Mirage, Port Douglas between the 7 -9 March. Check out the conference agenda now! http://ican.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FCAQ-2017-Conference-Program.pdf
- [Stop superannuation from becoming ‘stolen wages’](https://ican.org.au/stop-super-stolen-wages/) - By Dan Purves Reprinted with permission of Investment Magazine In January 2016, a woman from a remote Indigenous community aged in her early fifties contacted Financial Counselling Australia looking for help. She was desperate to be granted an early release of $20,000 from her superannuation account to pay for extensive dental surgery. “The client said
- [Debt vulture companies are ripping off Australians and stirring up the credit industry](https://ican.org.au/debt-vulture-companies-are-ripping-off-australians-and-stirring-up-the-credit-industry/) - Adapted from an original article by our friends at Consumer Action Law Centre It is not often that consumer advocates and the credit industry see eye to eye. Money worries keep many Australians up at night and for some companies this is good for business. When watching TV, or browsing the internet during those
- [ICAN celebrates 10 years of incorporation in a new era of financial inclusion](https://ican.org.au/ican-celebrates-10-years-of-incorporation-in-a-new-era-of-financial-inclusion/) - As we celebrate our tenth year of incorporation, Queensland moves into a new era of financial inclusion. We are pleased that one of our guiding philosophies; ‘we can achieve greater social impact in our communities by building strong working relationships with government, industry and community sectors’, is being embraced in Queensland. Looking ahead in 2017
- [Collective action on financial inclusion can generate an annual $2.9 billion in GDP](https://ican.org.au/collective-action-on-financial-inclusion-can-generate-an-annual-2-9-billion-in-gdp/) - Supplied by Good Shepherd Microfinance Leaders from government, business, education and the community sectors have come together to announce collective action to improve financial inclusion and resilience which could contribute an estimated $2.9 billion per year to gross domestic product (GDP) over a ten-year period. Twelve trailblazing organisations have publicly released their Financial Inclusion Action
- [Canadian Professor visits ICAN on international study tour](https://ican.org.au/canadian-professor-visits-ican-on-international-study-tour/) - ICAN had the pleasure of hosting Professor Jerry Buckland from the Canadian University of Winnipeg last month. Professor Buckland stopped in Cairns as part of an international study tour of Australia and New Zealand, exploring developments in Financial Inclusion and Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships. ICAN CEO Aaron Davis and Director Bob Frazer - CEO of
- [ICAN Learn – the journey to becoming a social enterprise](https://ican.org.au/ican-learn-the-journey-to-becoming-a-social-enterprise/) - In August, ICAN shared with readers its plans for moving towards creating our social enterprise. We continue on our journey to develop ICAN Learn, a registered training organisation (RTO) focused on increasing professional development opportunities in the national financial counselling, capability and resilience sectors. ICAN needs its partners and stakeholders to tell us what is
- [Indigenous Super Summit a Success](https://ican.org.au/indigenous-super-summit-a-success/) - ICAN Financial Counsellors, Unaisi Buli and Martina Kingi packed their bags and headed down to Melbourne earlier this month to participate in the second ever Indigenous Superannuation Summit organised by the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST). AIST along with the Financial Services Council, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, Industry Super Australia, Women
- [Indigenous consumer campaign says ‘it’s ok to walk away’](https://ican.org.au/indigenous-consumer-campaign-says-its-ok-to-walk-away/) - Indigenous consumers, who are regarded as vulnerable targets for unscrupulous salespeople, are being advised ‘it’s ok to walk away’ as part of an education campaign by consumer protection agencies across Australia. Independent Member of the National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) Aaron Davis said one aim of the campaign is to make Aboriginal consumers aware of
- [Yarnin' Money heads to New Zealand!](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-heads-to-new-zealand/) - Earlier this month, the Yarnin’ Money team was invited to Auckland, New Zealand, to participate in the conference “Exploring cultural perceptions of money and wealth”, hosted by the Financial Education Centre at Massey University. The conference, held at the Westpac Bank on October 11th & 12th, brought together practitioners, academics and government agencies with an
- [Cairns car shonk busted for bad loans](https://ican.org.au/cairns-car-shonk-busted-for-bad-loans/) - The Federal Court found that a Cairns-based lender, Mr Colin William Hulbert sole director of Channic Pty Ltd (Channic) and Cash Brokers Pty Ltd (Cash Brokers) breached consumer credit protection laws earlier this month. Mr Hulbert provided loans at 48% interest through Channic to vulnerable Indigenous consumers for the purchase of second hand cars from
- [Financial Counselling Outreach Services](https://ican.org.au/financial-counselling-outreach-services/) - In addition to accessing ICAN’s services at our Cairns and Townsville offices (and via 1300 369 878), we also provide weekly financial counselling and capability outreach services to several locations across North Queensland, including the Manoora Community Centre (in Cairns) and the Yarrabah and Palm Island Aboriginal communities. Our amazing financial counsellors: Leeanne Griffiths, Ron
- [Have your say and help set the agenda](https://ican.org.au/have-your-say-and-help-set-the-agenda/) - The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have developed a short survey for both agency stakeholders and Indigenous consumers. The surveys will help inform Action Plan priority areas for 2017. Both surveys are open until 7 OCTOBER 2016. The ACCC is encouraging agencies to help distribute the surveys, including key national stakeholders through the National
- [If I could say one thing](https://ican.org.au/if-i-could-say-one-thing/) - If I could say one thing, the video age has well and truly arrived for ICAN. Sharing our story has always been important. The E-News you’re now reading for example has been released every month without fail for more than ten years. Building a national network that supports Indigenous consumers from a regional center has
- [Tried speed dating? How about debt dating?](https://ican.org.au/tried-speed-dating-how-about-debt-dating/) - “If you’re in debt, who is best to help you?” This is the central question posed in a new “debt dating” video launched earlier this month at www.yourfinancialrights.org. The video follows the pitfalls many Australians face when looking for help with their financial problems. The video and accompanying website are part of a new financial literacy campaign
- [ICAN social enterprise focused on financial well-being](https://ican.org.au/ican-social-enterprise-focused-on-financial-well-being/) - ICAN has an exciting new venture underway that will increase professional development opportunities in the national financial counselling, capability and resilience sectors. Bernadette Pasco, ICAN’s newly appointed Business & Sector Development Manager will lead the development of ‘ICAN Learn’, the working title of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) ‘Social Enterprise’ that will open for business
- [FC case complexity in Townsville](https://ican.org.au/fc-case-complexity-in-townsville/) - By Ray Kent & Martina Kingi, Townsville Office A typical day for the financial counselors in ICAN’s Townsville office often includes assisting clients who are dealing with mortgage stress, relationship debt stress and working with clients through various stages of bankruptcy. It’s been one year since the ICAN office first opened its doors last July,
- [Yarnin’ Money – PhD style with Eddie Buli](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-phd-style-with-eddie-buli/) - A few months back, I saw that the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health (The University of Melbourne) was advertising for Expressions of Interest (EOI), to attend the inaugural Indigenous PhD Familiarisation Program. After a few enquiries, I thought I would submit my EOI, utilising the Yarnin’ Money Program as my proposed area of research.
- [Learning(s) from Yarnin’ Money – how we’re travelling](https://ican.org.au/learnings-from-yarnin-money/) - As we celebrate the half-way point in our three-year Yarnin’ Money program, ICAN reflects on the opportunities and challenges we’ve faced in developing and delivering a culture-centred financial literacy training program to remote communities across Cape York… Yarnin’ Money, funded by Financial Literacy Australia and the Department of Social Services, is a three-year outreach program
- [ICAN Applauds Human Services Appeal](https://ican.org.au/ican-applauds-human-services-appeal/) - Earlier this month ICAN and the Consumer Action Law Centre put out a joint media release expressing disappointment in the Federal Court’s decision to allow for the continued exploitation of Indigenous Australians through dud Funeral Insurance schemes. For years, low income Indigenous communities have been targeted using the Department of Human Service’s bill paying service
- [ASIC encourages Indigenous consumers to ‘take a minute with their money’](https://ican.org.au/asic-encourages-indigenous-consumers-to-take-a-minute-with-their-money/) - To mark NAIDOC Week (3-10 July 2016), ASIC has released a new series of videos designed to help Indigenous consumers with key money decisions. They encourage people to take time to think things over and walk away from high-pressure sales situations. The new videos focus on three key financial topics reflecting issues identified by ASIC
- [Indigenous insurance exploitation must be stopped following court decision: Consumer groups](https://ican.org.au/indigenous-insurance-exploitation-must-be-stopped-following-court-decision-consumer-groups/) - A Federal Court decision has allowed for the continued exploitation of Indigenous Australians through dud Funeral Insurance schemes. For years, low income Indigenous communities have been targeted using the Department of Human Service’s bill paying service (Centrepay), so the commercial Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund (ACBF) can profit while delivering little, if any, benefit. The court
- [Mentorship Program Students Graduate](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-program-students-graduate/) - Earlier this month, Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program participants celebrated their graduation in Cairns, when fifteen students received their Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling). The second national Mentorship program was delivered over a 12-month period, bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern
- [DemandARefund.com - Junk insurance and rubbish warranties](https://ican.org.au/demandarefund-com/) - Supplied by our friends at Consumer Action Law Centre DemandARefund.com could help you get money back from junk insurance and rubbish warranties for you or your clients. What are we talking about? The process usually works like this: Your client gets a loan, credit card or buys a car. They speak with a salesperson and
- [Financial Counsellors welcome state government budget measures to assist Queenslanders in financial crisis](https://ican.org.au/financial-counsellors-welcome-state-government-budget-measures-to-assist-queenslanders-in-financial-crisis/) - The Financial Counsellor's Association of Queensland (FCAQ) welcomes the Palaszczuk Government's new Financial Resilience Program in the 2016/17 Budget. We look forward to working with the state government to understand how the Queensland financial counselling sector can inform the new program and its rollout, based on our thirty-seven years of experience in addressing financial hardship
- [Losses to scams increase by 65 per cent for Indigenous consumers in 2015](https://ican.org.au/losses-to-scams-increase-by-65-per-cent-for-indigenous-consumers-in-2015/) - Indigenous consumers lost more than $1.2 million to scammers last year according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s 2015 Targeting Scams Report – an increase of nearly 65 per cent compared to 2014. “Losses to scammers are not only distressing to the individual concerned but can also have a significant impact on others in
- [New video celebrates Jan Pentland’s legacy](https://ican.org.au/new-video-celebrates-jan-pentlands-legacy/) - https://youtu.be/C9oDFjeThlI A new video celebrating the legacy of Jan Pentland was launched at the annual Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) conference in Adelaide earlier this month. Jan Pentland’s involvement and commitment to financial counselling and to helping low income and vulnerable consumers has continued through the Jan Pentland Foundation, established in her honour. The video produced
- [Mentorship Program’s Rising Stars – Series Finale](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-series-finale/) - Over the last year, ICAN has been featuring two students of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” in every edition of the ICAN E-News. After twelve months of study, student participants in the 2015-16 Mentorship Program are set to graduate this week in Cairns! In our series finale, we meet Patrick Heenan from HK Training
- [Wujal Wujal Community puts Door-to-Door Traders on Notice](https://ican.org.au/wujal-wujal-community-puts-door-to-door-traders-on-notice/) - An Australia-first community partnership was launched in Wujal Wujal yesterday with the unveiling of roadside signage designed to minimise consumer harm from unlawful door-to-door trade. The signage, placed on both entrances into the Far North Queensland Indigenous community, reminds door-to-door traders they have legal obligations to consumers and can’t approach houses displaying do-not-knock notices. It
- [Mentorship Program's Rising Stars - Part 6](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-6/) - In the lead up to our 2016 Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program Graduation, we feature two students of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” in every edition of the ICAN E-News. In Part 6 of the series, we meet Eddie Buli from ICAN (QLD) and Deb Wright from the Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre (NSW). Deb Wright
- [Financial Literacy Australia 2016 Grants Program Now Open](https://ican.org.au/financial-literacy-australia-2016-grants-program-now-open/) - Expressions of interest for the 2016 round of Financial Literacy Australia Grants are now open. The closing date is 30 May 2016. The Financial Literacy Australia (FLA) Grants program supports not-for-profit organisations to advance financial literacy in Australia. In 2016, FLA expects to allocate up to $1.5 million in grants. Keen to experiment with an innovative financial literacy program and share
- [ICAN represents at 2016 National Consumer Congress](https://ican.org.au/ican-represents-at-2016-national-consumer-congress/) - Last week, ICAN staff attended the 2016 National Consumer Congress and the Ruby Hutchison Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This year’s theme: “A fit-for-purpose consumer law? The Australian Consumer Law Review” was a timely discussion among regulators, advocates and consumer organisations from across the country, on the upcoming review
- [Financial Counselling Association of Queensland conference a huge success](https://ican.org.au/financial-counselling-association-of-queensland-conference-a-huge-success/) - ICAN’s financial counselling and capability team headed down to the Financial Counselling Association of Queensland (FCAQ) annual conference at Cloudlands in Brisbane earlier this month. The venue’s spectacular chandeliers, spiraling staircases and surreal wall adornments provided a heightened atmosphere for sharing information. The two-day conference included opportunities to both discuss and hear about Professional Development,
- [Financial Counselling Australia's Fiona Guthrie on how to fix financial services](https://ican.org.au/financial-counselling-australias-fiona-guthrie-on-how-to-fix-financial-services/) - by Fiona Guthrie Culture, it seems, is the new black. We're all talking about it. This week's ASIC annual forum is themed culture shock, David Gonski is worried ASIC is becoming the culture police and lawyers and company directors are rushing into print to tell us that it can't be regulated. This in itself highlights two
- [Door-to-door trading: Know your rights](https://ican.org.au/door-to-door-trading-know-your-rights/) - When someone comes to your door to sell you something, you have extra rights as a consumer. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to, and you can tell the salesperson to leave at any time. If you do buy something, but change your mind later, you can cancel without penalty or fee within 10
- [Managing Bungoo on 98.9 FM](https://ican.org.au/managing-bungoo-on-98-9-fm/) - Indigenous radio station, 98.9fm, in partnership with Financial Literacy Australia is developing a radio campaign aimed at increasing the financial know-how of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in south-east Queensland. The campaign, called Managing Bungoo, will include short radio messages, regular interviews/talkback, a dedicated website and regular e-newsletters providing money tips, information on financial
- [Mentorship Program's Rising Stars - Part 5](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-5/) - In the lead up to our 2016 Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program Graduation, we feature two students of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” in every edition of the ICAN E-News. In Part 5 of the series, we meet Sandy Rosas from the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network and Daniel Olsson from the Aboriginal Legal Rights
- [Mentorship Program’s Rising Stars Part 4](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-4/) - In the lead up to our 2016 Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program Graduation, we feature two students of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” in every edition of the ICAN E-News. In Part 4 of the series, we meet Danielle Riley from the Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre (NSW) and Charles Charles from the Australian Red Cross (Port
- [Know your rights, even when Santa gets it wrong](https://ican.org.au/know-your-rights-even-when-santa-gets-it-wrong/) - After the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and sales, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is reminding consumers of their rights and warning them to be wary of unfair business practices. Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said business had to honour consumer refund rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). “Most businesses understand
- [When the great Australian dream becomes a nightmare](https://ican.org.au/when-the-great-australian-dream-becomes-a-nightmare/) - A financial storm of Yasi proportions has once again headed straight towards Townsville with 1500 jobs expected to vanish in 2016. The well publicised sacking of 237 nickel refinery and Townsville Port workers is seen by many as just the beginning, with Clive Palmer’s QNI going into voluntary administration earlier this month. In the aftermath
- [Yarnin' Money....in two worlds](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-in-two-worlds/) - In early December, the Yarnin’ Money team visited the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Cape York to deliver the first “Yarnin Money with the Mob” training under “Yarnin’ Money”, ICAN’s three-year financial literacy outreach program. The Yarnin’ Money program, funded by Financial Literacy Australia and the Department of Social Services, seeks to assist remote Aboriginal
- [Mentorship Program's Rising Stars Part 2](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-2/) - In the lead up to our 2016 Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program Graduation, we are featuring two students of the “Mentorship Program” in every edition of the ICAN E-News. In part 2 of the series, we meet Rodney Davison of the Northern Rivers Community Gateway and Jeanine Siles from the Kempsey Neighborhood Centre in Northern
- [Mentorship Program's Rising Stars - Part 3](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars-part-3/) - In the lead up to our 2016 Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program Graduation, we will feature two students in every edition of the ICAN E-News. In Part 3 of the series, we meet Damien Hampton of Lutheran Community Care (Alice Springs, NT) and Lahn Mickan from the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc (Ceduna, South Australia).
- [ICAN releases 2015 Annual Report](https://ican.org.au/ican-releases-2015-annual-report/) - Our successes over the past year can be attributed to the organisational values ICAN’s co-founders set to paper 9 years ago. To honor this, we celebrate our achievements in the context of our values in this year’s annual report. You can download our 2015 Annual Report here. Email Version: Approximately 6MB or Print Version: Approximately 18MB
- [Chrisco practices hampered](https://ican.org.au/chrisco-practices-hampered/) - In 2013, ICAN staff on Palm Island saw a number of clients who were experiencing financial hardship as a result of making (or attempting to make) large fortnightly payments to Chrisco. We saw clients who had been making payments for lay-by Christmas hampers and a range of household and entertainment goods, over several years. It was
- [Government decision to remove funeral insurances from Centrepay backed by ASIC report findings](https://ican.org.au/government-decision-to-remove-funeral-insurances-from-centrepay-backed-by-asic-report-findings/) - On October 08, 2007, ICAN condemned Centrelink in The Australian newspaper after a funeral insurance company with a history of adverse court judgments was granted approval to access Aboriginal’ welfare payments. At the time, the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund (ACBF) and associated companies had more than 30,000 policyholders, and about 12,000 of those paid their
- [ICAN welcomes Clifford to the team!](https://ican.org.au/ican-welcomes-clifford-little-to-the-team/) - This month, we feature Clifford Little, the newest staff member to join the ICAN team! My name is Clifford Little and I’m a Financial Counsellor (Associate) in training. I am descended from the Larakia people on my Grandfather’s side and the Mt Margaret area in South West Queensland on my Grandmother’s side. My working background
- [Mentorship Program’s Rising Stars](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-programs-rising-stars/) - Every month in the lead up to our 2016 Graduation, ICAN will be featuring the students of its “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” here in the ICAN E-News. The Mentorship program provides nationally accredited and recognised training through the Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling), and offers personal and academic mentorship in a supported learning
- [ASIC releases a report into book up practices in Indigenous communities](https://ican.org.au/asic-releases-a-report-into-book-up-practices-in-indigenous-communities/) - ASIC has released a report, about the prevalence and impact of book up in Australia. Book up is an informal form of credit allowing consumers to obtain goods or services immediately, and pay for them later. Book up is most commonly used by Indigenous consumers, particularly those living in regional and remote communities, to purchase
- [NQ Indigenous Consumer Taskforce Hits the Road](https://ican.org.au/nq-indigenous-consumer-taskforce-hits-the-road/) - NQ Indigenous Consumer Taskforce members, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACC), Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) visited the Cape York communities of Hopevale and Wujal Wujal earlier this month. The team spoke with residents, community organisations and shire councils about consumer concerns in the region. “An issue
- [Focus on Professional Development](https://ican.org.au/focus-on-professional-development/) - With 20 plus years financial counselling experience, ICAN Business Development Manager Jon O’Mally has been integral to the professional development of ICAN’s financial counselling team. “Jon’s vast knowledge of debt collection processes, consumer credit legislation, bankruptcy and providing options has been so important in my own professional development,” explained Unaisi Buli – ICAN Financial Counsellor.
- [ASIC report highlights exorbitant costs of rent-to-buy household goods: Consumer groups](https://ican.org.au/asic-report-highlights-exorbitant-costs-of-rent-to-buy-household-goods-consumer-groups/) - The poorest and most vulnerable Australians are paying grossly inflated prices for household goods via “rent-to-buy” or “consumer lease” deals, as shown by a new report from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) released earlier this month. The report found that people receiving Centrelink payments are being charged much higher prices than the prices
- [2015 Mentorship Program Begins](https://ican.org.au/2015-mentorship-program-begins/) - Seventeen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia came together in Cairns last month for the first face-to-face training week under the 2015-2016 “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program.” In this edition, ICAN staff members reflect upon their first training week… The Mentorship Program commenced on July 27th at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort,
- [The ICAN team is Yarnin’ Money!](https://ican.org.au/the-ican-team-is-yarnin-money/) - ICAN staff in Cairns and Townsville recently underwent training through its “Yarnin’ Money” Program, to become trainers in the new outreach program aimed at providing financial literacy tools and skills for local service providers and community residents in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Far North Queensland. The Yarnin’ Money program, funded by
- [Right Time for Townsville Financial Counselling Service](https://ican.org.au/right-time-for-townsville-financial-counselling-service/) - The ICAN Townsville office opened on 1 July just as Townsville was being announced as the insolvency capital of Australia, recording an 11.5 per cent increase in personal insolvencies in the June quarter. The Townsville staff have been active promoting the service, compiling a distribution list of 130 organisations and delivering and offering presentations to
- [Broadband for the BUSH](https://ican.org.au/broadband-for-the-bush/) - Earlier this month ICAN Services Manager, Bettina Addo headed to Darwin to participate in the Indigenous Focus Day preceding the fourth Broadband for the Bush Forum. The day was run by the Indigenous Remote Communications Association (IRCA) and facilitated by Christine Ross. The Indigenous Forum addressed four key themes of: awareness, affordability, accessibility and appropriateness.
- [ICAN and FCRC partner in supervision development](https://ican.org.au/ican-and-fcrc-partner-in-supervision-development/) - Since 2009, ICAN has recognised the benefits of supervision for both staff and the organisation. In recognition of these benefits, ICAN has embedded supervision frameworks into its organisational culture. Professional supervision, which includes consideration of casework, professional development and personal support, is offered to financial counsellors working at ICAN and external organisations. ICAN held a series
- [ICAN E-News turns 10](https://ican.org.au/ican-e-news-turns-10/) - ICAN E-News is celebrating its tenth anniversary of providing monthly updates on our activities, partner announcements and consumer tips. What started out as a PDF publication sent to a small consumer and financial literacy community has grown into a web based newsletter with a community of over 400 people who have helped to expand its
- [Don't make the poor pay more](https://ican.org.au/dont-make-the-poor-pay-more/) - Consumer groups say draft legislation to ban rent-to-buy goods providers from Centrepay (Centrelink’s service that allows third parties to receive direct payment from welfare payments) is an essential step to protect vulnerable Australians from the high costs imposed by these businesses. “Access to Centrepay dulls the incentive for consumer lease providers to lend responsibly –
- [Yarnin’ Money in the NPA](https://ican.org.au/yarnin-money-in-the-npa/) - The ICAN team visited the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) located at the top of Cape York last week, to deliver the first training session under Yarnin’ Money, a new outreach program aimed at providing financial literacy tools and skills for local service providers and community residents in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across
- [2015 Scholarships Announced](https://ican.org.au/2015-scholarships-announced/) - Fifteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia were recently awarded scholarships through the Commonwealth Bank of Australia sponsored 2015-2016 Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program. The Mentorship Program run by ICAN and training partner WA Central Institute of Technology will commence on the 27th of July at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort and
- [Make a complaint to the Office of Fair Trading](https://ican.org.au/make-a-complaint-to-the-office-of-fair-trading/) - As a consumer you have rights when you purchase things in Australia. Goods and services must meet certain standards and, in some cases, you may be entitled to a refund if these standards are not met. This is something that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) can help you with. Information on your consumer rights
- [ICAN supports funeral insurance exclusion from Centrepay](https://ican.org.au/ican-supports-funeral-insurance-exclusion-from-centrepay/) - On Friday the 22nd of May 2015, Minister for Human Services Senator the Hon Marise Payne announced new consumer protection measures for customers utilising Centrepay. After advocating for changes to Centrepay over the past 10 years, ICAN was particularly pleased to hear that Funeral Insurances are to be excluded from the welfare recipient payment system.
- [3 Cheers for Financial Counselling Australia](https://ican.org.au/3-cheers-for-financial-counselling-australia/) - The team at Financial Counselling Australia recently held yet another extraordinary annual conference in Canberra. The conference theme ‘celebrating 30 years’ set the tone, with many presenters and delegates reflecting on the past with an eye to the future. ICAN Training Manager, Majella Anderson presented at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Showcase session to
- [Indigenous consumers lost $740,000 to scams last year](https://ican.org.au/indigenous-consumers-lost-740000-to-scams-last-year/) - This Fraud Week, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is urging Indigenous consumers to be wary of requests over the internet for personal information. The ACCC’s 2014 Targeting Scams Report revealed that Indigenous consumers lost over $740,000 to scammers last year. “Sadly, almost one third of Indigenous Australians who came into contact with a scammer
- [Avoid identity theft and get smarter with your data](https://ican.org.au/avoid-identity-theft-and-get-smarter-with-your-data/) - The Office of Fair Trading is urging consumers and businesses to ’Get smarter with your data’ during National Consumer Fraud Week which runs from 18 to 24 May. Fair Trading Acting Executive Director Tony Johnson said consumers and business needed to think about protecting their personal information from identity theft. “Sadly, identity crime is now
- [A free GIFT could cost you thousands](https://ican.org.au/signing-up-to-training-courses/) - If you have ever been offered the chance to sign up for a free training course, the Queensland Office of Fair Trading would like to hear your story. Training courses are a great way to learn new skills or help you into a new career, but they aren’t usually free. The Government can help by
- [ICAN to provide local financial counselling on Murray Street](https://ican.org.au/ican-to-provide-local-financial-counselling-murray-street/) - By Unaisi Buli, Bettina Addo & Sandy Rosas Last week, local organisations came together to provide ongoing support to the Manoora Community Centre and the residents of Murray Street in Cairns. The ICAN financial counselling team was invited to participate in the community meet-and-greet morning with local community services organisations and local Murray Street residents.
- [Electricity rebate for prepaid powercard customers](https://ican.org.au/electricity-rebate-for-prepaid-powercard-customers/) - In Queensland, Pension cardholders may be eligible for the Queensland Electricity Rebate totaling $320.97 per year (GST inclusive). But many Indigenous people living remotely, who are pre-paid powercard customers have been missing out on obtaining the pension rebate that has historically been offered to account-holder customers who live in urban areas. In 2014, the Queensland
- [QLD Office of Fair Trading Buy Smart Competition 2015](https://ican.org.au/qld-office-of-fair-trading-buy-smart-competition-2015/) - Did you know that more than 10 per cent of people who declare bankruptcy each year are under 25? Or, that 20 per cent of people under 18 have had trouble with paying their mobile phone bills? Help young people develop smart consumer skills and learn to be wise with money by entering the Office of
- [ICAN Financial Counsellors feature on NITV](https://ican.org.au/ican-financial-counsellors-feature-on-nitv/) - ICAN’s financial counsellors are featured in the new NITV series ‘Cash Money’, airing this month on NITV and SBS on Demand. The series comprises three-minute episodes on a range of consumer and financial topics. The NITV commissioned production crew visited ICAN in late July 2014 to work with the staff to develop scripts and shoot their
- [ICAN Scholarship Application Intake Extended](https://ican.org.au/ican-scholarship-application-intake-extended-2/) - ICAN is still accepting applications for scholarship placements for its national “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” (IFCMP) commencing in July 2015. ICAN would like every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship applicant to be granted the opportunity to apply for the 2015-2016 “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program”, in order to undertake the Diploma of Community Services
- [ICAN Scholarship Application Intake Extended](https://ican.org.au/ican-scholarship-application-intake-extended/) - ICAN is still accepting applications for scholarship placements for its national “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” (IFCMP) commencing in July 2015. ICAN would like every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship applicant to be granted the opportunity to apply for the 2015-2016 “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program”, in order to undertake the Diploma of Community Services
- [ICAN welcomes Sandy to the team](https://ican.org.au/ican-welcomes-sandy-to-the-team/) - This month, we feature Sandra Rosas, the newest staff member to join the ICAN team! Hi, my name is Sandra Rosas. I have joined the ICAN team as a Financial Counselling Support Officer, within the “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program”, an ICAN & Commonwealth Bank initiative that provides Diploma training in financial counselling to Aboriginal
- [Regional energy literacy workshops for frontline community service workers](https://ican.org.au/regional-energy-literacy-workshops-for-frontline-community-service-workers/) - Do you assist clients struggling with energy bills and want to learn more about how you can help them, what assistance is available, and how future reforms may impact your clients? If you are a frontline worker for a community organisation who assists clients with energy related information, advice or referrals – for example financial
- [Scam complaints growing in remote Indigenous communities](https://ican.org.au/scam-complaints-growing-in-remote-indigenous-communities/) - Scams have increasingly become an issue being felt by Indigenous peoples and ICAN has long been aware that scammers have been targeting people living in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. ICAN has recently received complaints from the Cairns region and remote Cape York communities regarding persons claiming to be providing grant monies to
- [Queensland Political Parties Urged to Fund Financial Counselling](https://ican.org.au/queensland-political-parties-urged-to-fund-financial-counselling/) - The Financial Counsellors Association of Queensland has today called on all political parties to commit to funding a dedicated financial counselling program in Queensland. Queensland is the only State or Territory in Australia that does not fund a financial counselling program. Financial counsellors, who work in community organisations, help people in financial difficulty. “There are
- [The year that was](https://ican.org.au/the-year-that-was/) - Our consumer advocacy work continues to yield significant outcomes for Indigenous consumers. A number of court matters and enforcement activities came to fruition this year, due to ICAN alerting consumer regulators of systemic consumer detriment experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in remote Queensland communities. Enforcement action was taken by the Australian
- [Recognition for Indigenous Financial Literacy](https://ican.org.au/ican-receives-recognition-of-indigenous-financial-literacy-experience/) - ICAN will provide outreach financial literacy training to remote communities across North Queensland and the Torres Strait in 2015 in a new program funded by Financial Literacy Australia. The Grants Program run by Financial Literacy Australia recognised ICAN’s extensive experience in delivering Indigenous financial literacy programs late last month by awarding the Yarnin’ Money Project
- [New report empowers Indigenous electricity customers](https://ican.org.au/new-report-empowers-indigenous-electricity-customers/) - Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households in remote Queensland communities are often living without electricity, unable to afford the necessary power cards or unable to buy one due to limited business operating hours, a new report released today has found. The Queensland Council of Social Services’ (QCOSS) report explores the experiences of Aboriginal and
- [Money Management Programs Meet Community Needs](https://ican.org.au/money-management-programs-meet-community-needs/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd (ICAN) is increasing financial literacy and improving access to services in remote Aboriginal Queensland communities. Commencing in mid-2008, the Money Management Program (MMP) has become a well-established service in the Yarrabah and Palm Island Aboriginal communities. The program runs financial literacy training and access to financial counseling services and
- [ICAN Scholarships Available for 2015](https://ican.org.au/ican-scholarships-available-for-2015/) - Do you want to increase your professional skill base in 2015? Enhance your financial counselling competencies through continued professional development in a supported learning environment? ICAN is currently accepting applications for scholarship placements for its 2015 “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program.” Due to commence in May 2015, the 18-month training program offers accredited training in
- [Indigenous Legal Needs Project (ILNP)](https://ican.org.au/indigenous-legal-needs-project-ilnp/) - The Indigenous Legal Needs Project is a national study into civil and family law need of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In October, the ILNP released a written report of its Queensland findings, and produced a short animated film in order to report back to the broader community on the research in a more
- [Home Ownership a first for Yarrabah](https://ican.org.au/home-ownership-a-first-for-yarrabah/) - In the Yarrabah Aboriginal community, located 45 minutes south of Cairns, ICAN offers a unique training program to provide community residents with pathways to home ownership. For Ailsa Lively, a Yarrabah resident and CEO of the Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation, her dream of owning her own home became a reality on October 22,
- [ICAN Promotes NILS at Community BBQ in Yarrabah](https://ican.org.au/ican-promotes-nils-at-community-bbq-in-yarrabah/) - ICAN has provided the No Interest Loan Scheme to the Yarrabah and Palm Island communities for over 5 years and our clients from these communities have been able to access white goods and household furniture for their homes. ICAN identified a need to expand the range of goods available under the scheme and held a
- [ICAN presents at Indigenous Services Women’s Conference](https://ican.org.au/ican-presents-at-indigenous-services-womens-conference/) - ICAN staff members Unaise Buli and Bettina Addo were invited as guest speakers to the Indigenous Services Women’s Conference held in Cairns 13th October. The conference provided ICAN staff members with the opportunity to provide information about ICAN’s programs including financial counselling, money management, No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), financial literacy, and accidental financial counsellor
- [Out and About in Kowanyama](https://ican.org.au/out-and-about-in-kowanyama/) - It has certainly been a long time since I’ve been to the “Place of Many Waters” (Kowanyama) and I needed to find my feet again. I did that literally and let me tell you, it was proper hot up there! A mental note for our next visit - Eddie is to hire a car. My
- [Get Back on Track](https://ican.org.au/get-back-on-track/) - The rise in electricity costs have hurt the hip pocket of many Australians as witnessed in Yarrabah, with many Money Management clients having outstanding debts of anywhere between $1600 and $11,000. ICAN’s financial counsellors who would normally call Ergon Energy’s Keeping Customers Connected team to negotiate a payment plans for individual residents decided the scale
- [Indigenous consumers, watch out for scams – the top scams reported](https://ican.org.au/indigenous-consumers-watch-out-for-scams-the-top-scams-reported/) - Scams are becoming increasingly reported from Indigenous consumers, from across cities and remote communities. As scams are becoming increasingly more common, they are also becoming more sophisticated in how they target consumers. Did you know that you can report scams to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Indigenous Hotline at 1300 303 143? ACCC
- [ICAN services move to Bungalow](https://ican.org.au/ican-services-move-to-bungalow/) - The ICAN team are now settled in at our new office location at 209 Buchan Street, Bungalow (Cairns). ICAN’s head office in Cairns is the hub for ICAN service activity, including: financial counselling, financial capability program, financial education training for jobseekers and our award-winning “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program”. ICAN’s financial counsellors are now receiving
- [ICAN Represents](https://ican.org.au/ican-represents/) - ICAN’s Financial Counselling services has an extensive network base with a number of key stakeholders working across the community. These organisations provide professional support to ICAN, offer IDR / EDR and handle investigations and complaints. Over the years, ICAN staff have represented on a number of stakeholder advisory boards and steering committees. We’ve recently made
- [Check out the new QLD Office of Fair Trading Website](https://ican.org.au/check-out-the-new-and-improved-qld-office-of-fair-trading-website/) - The Office of Fair Trading recently relaunched its website as part of the Queensland Government web upgrade. Every page has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand. The new website can give you: • clear information that’s simple to find • better access to our online services The new website clearly explains
- [ICAN Financial Counsellors to Feature on NITV](https://ican.org.au/ican-financial-counsellors-to-feature-on-nitv/) - ICAN’s Indigenous financial counsellors will feature in a new NITV series ‘On the Money’, to be aired later this year. The series will comprise fifteen three-minute episodes on a range of consumer/financial topics. The NITV commissioned production crew visited ICAN last week to develop scripts with the team and shoot their expert financial and consumer
- [ACCC launches 'Your Rights Mob' Facebook page for Indigenous consumers](https://ican.org.au/accc-launches-your-rights-mob-facebook-page-for-indigenous-consumers/) - The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched a new Facebook page, ACCC – Your Rights Mob – Indigenous consumers, to help inform and empower Indigenous consumers to stand up for their consumer rights. This follows the ACCC’s pilot ‘Your Rights Mob Tiwi Islands’ Facebook page, which was launched on the Tiwi Islands, north of
- [Electricity Rebate Available to Powercard Customers in Remote Communities](https://ican.org.au/electricity-rebate-available-to-powercard-customers-in-remote-communities/) - The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) and Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) have jointly welcomed confirmation from the Queensland Government that powercard customers in remote communities are eligible for the government-funded Electricity Rebate. During the past year, QCOSS and ICAN have been working together on a project to explore the electricity issues faced by
- [ICAN Training a Success in NPA](https://ican.org.au/ican-training-a-success-in-npa/) - The ICAN team traveled up to the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) in early June, to deliver Accidental Financial Counsellor Training to local service providers in the five NPA communities and Thursday Island. The Accidental Financial Counsellor Training is designed for people working within local community organisations whom may be approached with consumer and financial issues
- [Mentorship Program Celebrates National Milestone](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-program-celebrates-national-milestone/) - Australia’s tiny pool of qualified Indigenous financial counsellors grew last week when ten newly qualified men and women from Derby, Port Augusta, Alice Springs, Western Sydney, Cairns and Yarrabah graduated with a Diploma in Community Services (Financial Counselling). The ten graduates; mostly employed as Financial Counsellors in communities across Australia are active in reducing rip-offs
- [Know Who You're Dealing With](https://ican.org.au/know-who-youre-dealing-with/) - National Consumer Fraud Week 16 - 22 June 2014 An Australian Consumer Taskforce Initiative Have you ever wondered if someone is the real deal? These days, scammers are highly skilled at building deceptive relationships, using all sorts of tricks to convince you to trust them and part with your personal details and money. Australians
- [Breaking Ground Video Launch](https://ican.org.au/breaking-ground-video-launch/) - As student participants from across the country get ready to graduate with their Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling), a new video by ICAN Media – “Breaking Ground” – has been developed to capture their journey through the “Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program” (IFCMP). The video documents the personal and professional impacts of the program,
- [Consumer rights training for Yarrabah job seekers](https://ican.org.au/consumer-rights-training-for-yarrabah-job-seekers/) - Jobseekers in the Yarrabah Aboriginal community (40 min south of Cairns) can now access information sessions on consumer rights, personal finance management training and direct pathways to financial counselling, as part of a new pilot program delivered by ICAN and PVS Workfind. The pilot program, an initiative of ICAN, the Financial and Consumer Rights Council
- [How to make a complaint to the Office of Fair Trading](https://ican.org.au/how-to-make-a-complaint-to-the-office-of-fair-trading/) - As a consumer you have rights when you purchase things in Australia. Goods and services must meet certain standards and, in some cases, you may be entitled to a refund if these standards are not met. This is something that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) can help you with. Information on your consumer rights
- [Mentorship Program Participants Set to Graduate](https://ican.org.au/mentorship-program-participants-set-to-graduate/) - Participants from across the country are getting ready to graduate through ICAN’s first national Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program! Earlier this month, students from Derby (WA), Alice Springs (NT), Port Augusta (SA), Western Sydney (NSW), Cairns and Yarrabah (QLD) gathered in Cairns for their block training week, the final face-to-face training session before the group
- [Financial Counsellors Call on the Federal Government to End Funding Uncertainty](https://ican.org.au/financial-counsellors-call-on-the-federal-government-to-end-funding-uncertainty/) - On behalf of financial counselling agencies and financial counsellors, Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) is calling on the Federal Government to end current funding uncertainty. On 30th June, the entire $20 million in Federal funding for financial counselling expires. FCA notes that there is a precedent for an early announcement, with the Minister for Social Services
- [A fair go for Indigenous consumers](https://ican.org.au/a-fair-go-for-indigenous-consumers/) - Australian fair trading agencies have launched a new publication to provide Indigenous Australians with information on consumer rights. The new ´Be Smart - Buy Smart´ booklet provides helpful tips and information for Indigenous consumers about their shopping rights and responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law. Fair Trading Acting Executive Director, David McKarzel said Indigenous people
- [Download the FREE BuySmart Qld App!](https://ican.org.au/download-the-free-buysmart-qld-app/) - Had trouble trying to return a faulty product, or simply cannot keep track of receipts for what you buy? The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has a handy little tool to help. You can download the free BuySmartQLD app for iPhone, Android and handheld devices. BuySmartQLD provides you with important information about your consumer rights
- [FC Ray Kent finishes career on high note!](https://ican.org.au/fc-ray-kent-finishes-career-on-high-note/) - Last month, Ray Kent retired from his position as financial counsellor at the ICAN Money Management office located at Palm Island Aboriginal community in North Queensland, after a 22-year working career in Indigenous affairs. As a financial counsellor for the Island since 2010, Ray has been a great advocate for consumer issues affecting the Palm
- [Economic Evidence About the Benefits of Financial Counselling - $5 return for each $1 invested](https://ican.org.au/economic-evidence-about-the-benefits-of-financial-counselling-5-return-for-each-1-invested/) - A cost-benefit analysis of financial counselling services funded by the Wyatt Trust in South Australia, has found that every $1 invested provides a $5 return. The research "Paying it Forward" was undertaken by the Australian Workplace Innovation and Social Service Research Centre at Adelaide University and was launched by well-known financial commentator, Paul Clitheroe last week.
- [MR - Traditional Credit Union comes to Tennant Creek](https://ican.org.au/mr-traditional-credit-union-comes-to-tennant-creek/) - The Traditional Credit Union opened a new branch in Tennant Creek on 17th March 2014-03-14. It comes as the organisation celebrates 20 years in business. In what started as a request by Traditional Owners in Arnhem Land for banking services in 1994, the Traditional Credit Union has grown from one branch in Milingimbi to a
- [QLD Buy Smart Competition](https://ican.org.au/qld-buy-smart-competition/) - QLD Buy Smart Competition Did you know that more than 10 per cent of people who declare bankruptcy each year are under 25? Or, that 20 per cent of people under 18 have had trouble with paying their mobile phone bills? Help young people develop smart consumer skills and learn to be wise with money
- [ICAN's Outreach Program Creates Career Pathway](https://ican.org.au/icans-outreach-program-creates-career-pathway/) - ICAN is creating career pathways for its employees through the establishment of the ‘NQ Indigenous Consumer Taskforce’, a new financial literacy and consumer outreach program to address ongoing financial and consumer disadvantage experienced in remote Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland. The program is developed in response to outcomes from a recent enforceable undertaking by
- [Yarrabah Graduate Embarks on New Adventure](https://ican.org.au/yarrabah-graduate-embarks-on-new-adventure/) - Melanie Noble, a graduate of ICAN’s Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program, recently embarked on an adventure of a lifetime. Putting her qualification to good use, Ms Noble landed a financial counselling position in the small Western Australian desert community of Warakurna, 300 Kilometers west of Uluru. When asked about moving her young family from Far
- [BEWARE of UNSCRUPULOUS FUNDRAISING COLLECTORS](https://ican.org.au/beware-of-unscrupulous-fundraising-collectors/) - ICAN financial counsellors are increasingly witnessing financial detriment caused by charity fundraising in Indigenous communities. Have you ever been approached for money at a shopping centre, in the street, at your house, on the phone or the Internet by fundraising collectors that have little concern of your financial situation? Have the collectors been aggressive and/or
- [The Ins and Outs of Refunds](https://ican.org.au/the-ins-and-outs-of-refunds/) - With the post-Christmas sales nearly over and the back-to-school preparations in full swing it is important to know your consumer rights. This information will help you to know whether you may receive a refund under Australian Consumer Law. First up, you are guaranteed that the goods you buy: are of acceptable qualitymatch the description, sample
- [Happy New Year!](https://ican.org.au/happy-new-year/) - Happy New Year ICAN E-News readers! We are entering a new phase of service delivery in 2014, informed by our 2014 strategic plan. In the year ahead, ICAN will focus on training through its successful Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program, home ownership education for the Palm Island community and outreach visits to Cape York communities.
- [Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland reaches out to Indigenous Community](https://ican.org.au/energy-and-water-ombudsman-queensland-reaches-out-to-indigenous-community/) - The Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland (EWOQ) is aiming to increase awareness of the office and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in 2014. “We receive very few complaints from indigenous Queenslanders and we aim to assist indigenous people to be confident and informed about their rights when it comes to their
- [Court orders Excite Mobile to pay $455,000 for engaging in false, misleading and unconscionable conduct](https://ican.org.au/court-orders-excite-mobile-to-pay-455000-for-engaging-in-false-misleading-and-unconscionable-conduct/) - The Federal Court has today ordered that Excite Mobile Pty Ltd pay penalties totalling $455,000 for engaging in false, misleading and unconscionable conduct, and using undue coercion in relation to the selling and obtaining payment for mobile phone services. The Court also ordered that Excite Mobile’s directors, Mr Obie Brown and Mr David Samuel, pay
- [Another BIG year for ICAN!](https://ican.org.au/another-big-year-for-ican/) - It’s been a great year for ICAN! We’ve been getting back to our roots in the communities we service, with a focus on providing consumer advocacy and financial counselling outreach services to Cape York and the Torres Strait, and providing value-add services through our Money Management Programs in the Yarrabah and Palm Island. This year,
- [Rental Goods Provider Fined](https://ican.org.au/rentals-goods-provider-fined/) - Rent the Roo was recently fined $27,500 after the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued it with an infringement notice for a breach of the responsible lending laws under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (National Credit Act). ASIC also entered into an enforceable undertaking with the national rental goods provider after surveillance
- [Federal Court Decision Offers Greater Protection for Indigenous Consumers](https://ican.org.au/federal-court-offers-greater-protection-for-indigenous-consumers/) - The Federal Court has found that AGL South Australia Pty Ltd and its marketing company, CPM Australia Pty Ltd, broke the law when a salesperson attempted to negotiate an agreement despite the presence of a ‘do not knock’ sign on the consumer’s front door. In this case, which occurred in South Australia in November 2011,
- [Power Card research in Queensland's remote Indigenous communities](https://ican.org.au/power-card-research-in-queenslands-remote-indigenous-communities/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network’s (ICAN) research team was recently contracted by the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) to investigate the use of Power Box Meters and Power Cards in some of Queensland’s remote Indigenous communities. ICAN Research Officer Eddie Buli and CEO Aaron Davis interviewed 12 people on Palm Island this week and
- [ICAN Joins Consumers' Federation of Australia](https://ican.org.au/ican-joins-consumers-federation-of-australia/) - This month, ICAN became a member of the Consumers Federation of Australia (CFA)! The CFA is the peak body for all of the major consumer organisations in Australia and represents a diverse range of consumer issues. ICAN was interested in joining the membership due to CFA’s strong advocacy role in the consumer space. “ICAN values
- [Let's Talk About Wills](https://ican.org.au/lets-talk-about-wills/) - By Aaron Davis - CEO, Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd According to a new publication, Aboriginal Wills Handbook by Professor Prue Vines, the rate of Aboriginal people who make wills is about 2% compared to the general population rate of about 55%. Not having created a Will myself, I thought this would be a perfect
- [Outsmart the Scammers!](https://ican.org.au/outsmart-the-scammers/) - Have you ever bought or sold something online, only to find that the person at the other end isn’t the real deal? National Consumer Fraud Week 2013 is all about helping you ‘outsmart the scammer!’ by learning how to buy and sell safely online without being duped. Australians are increasingly going online to buy goods
- [ICAN establishes NQ Indigenous Consumer Taskforce](https://ican.org.au/ican-establishes-nq-indigenous-consumer-taskforce/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) in collaboration with state and national consumer regulatory bodies formed the NQ Indigenous Consumer Taskforce earlier this month. Representatives from ICAN, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) have developed a regional action plan to coordinate
- [Using the internet to buy your next car](https://ican.org.au/using-the-internet-to-buy-your-next-car/) - Living in a remote community means it is often difficult to have a good look around before buying a car. Did you know it’s possible to go shopping for a car from the comfort of your own home? ICAN has put together a list of must go to websites to use when shopping for a
- [ICAN Mentorship Program Receives Recognition at MoneySmart Week Awards](https://ican.org.au/ican-mentorship-program-receives-recognition-at-moneysmart-week-awards/) - L to R: Heidi Baker - ASIC; The Hon Bernie Ripoll MP; David Cohen - CBA; Unaise Buli – ICAN Financial Counsellor; Majella Anderson – ICAN Mentorship Program Training Coordinator, David Moloney - Chair, Executive Committee, MoneySmart Week. The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) received the “Highly Commended” Award at the inaugural MoneySmart Week Awards
- [Scams It's Personal](https://ican.org.au/scamwatch/) - This year’s National Consumer Fraud Week is all about you. Running from 7 to 13 March, Scams: It’s Personal focuses on the personal side and impact of scams, and how we can fight fraud that occurs on the home front. Scammers do not stop at anything to target victims, including adopting a personal touch. Increasingly
- [REMOTE INDIGENOUS CONSUMERS STUNG BY HIGH ATM FEES](https://ican.org.au/remote-indigenous-consumers-stung-by-high-atm-fees/) - Indigenous consumers living in remote areas of Australia are often paying $20 - $40 per fortnight (or more) in ATM fees, significantly reducing the amount they can spend on food and other essential items. While other Australians can avoid these fees – by using their own bank’s ATM or EFTPOS - there is typically only
- [ICAN Workshop a Success](https://ican.org.au/ican-workshop-a-success/) - The ICAN team from Cairns, Yarrabah, Palm Island and Thursday Island met at the Paradise Palms Resort last month for our annual workshop. The intensive three-day workshop included presentations from organisation partners James Cook University, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Queensland Office of Fair Trading, WA Central TAFE and the 20/20 Group. ICAN CEO, Aaron
- [NAB's Indigenous Affairs Master Class](https://ican.org.au/nabs-indigenous-affairs-master-class/) - The National Austalia Bank (NAB) has produced a series of online videos entitled the Indigenous Affairs Master Class. NAB's Indigenous Affairs Master Class is an on-line forum which provides leader’s insights into key topics and issues at the forefront of Indigenous Affairs in Australia. The Master Class is available to you at any time at
- [Cultural disconnection- EDR Schemes and Indigenous Australia](https://ican.org.au/cultural-disconnection-edr-schemes-and-indigenous-australia/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd (ICAN) would like to highlight a recent essay entitled, Cultural disconnection – EDR Schemes and Indigenous Australia. Mike Collins, author of the essay has a long-standing working relationship with ICAN and recently visited our Cairns office and Jumbun, a remote Aboriginal community of in Far North Queensland. The author
- [ACCC - Indigenous Graduate Program 2011](https://ican.org.au/accc-indigenous-graduate-program-2011/) - Kick start your career and contribute to the welfare of Australian consumers, business and the wider community by joining Australia’s peak competition and consumer protection agency. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is seeking applications from Indigenous graduates to join our Enforcement Operations team in Darwin as part of the ACCC’s 2011 Graduate Program.
- [A Time for Expansion](https://ican.org.au/a-time-for-expansion/) - This Anti Poverty Week, community organisations throughout Queensland are calling for an extension of the state government-funded NILS Expansion Project. The project funds the development, support and expansion of NILS programs across Queensland. NILS, otherwise known as the No Interest Loan Scheme, offers an alternative to high-cost fringe lending and provides affordable credit to people
- [ICAN Expands Service to the Torres Strait](https://ican.org.au/post-2/) - An exciting new program is sparking interest in financial literacy on Thursday Island (T.I.), the business centre and gateway to the eighteen islands spanning across the Torres Strait. In a partnership with Mura Kosker Sorority Inc., a local community women’s organisation, the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Limited (ICAN) has expanded its services of financial counseling
- [ICAN and CBA Lead the Way for Indigenous Financial Counseling ](https://ican.org.au/ican-and-cba-lead-the-way-for-indigenous-financial-counseling/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd (ICAN) and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) are creating pathways to up-skill Indigenous people in financial counseling. The ICAN Indigenous Financial Counseling Mentorship Program provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ICAN staff to undertake accredited training in the Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counseling) as well

## Pages

- [Home](https://ican.org.au/)
- [Consumer Advocacy](https://ican.org.au/consumer-advocacy/) - Every client story has the potential to create broader change. ICAN Grow leads ICAN’s systemic consumer advocacy by identifying emerging issues affecting First Nations consumers and working with governments, regulators, industry and community organisations to improve policies, products and services. Drawing on insights from ICAN’s frontline financial counselling and financial capability programs, we advocate for
- [Research](https://ican.org.au/research/) - Evidence drives better outcomes. ICAN Grow undertakes and commissions research that explores the financial wellbeing experiences of First Nations peoples and other vulnerable consumers. Working collaboratively with universities, governments, community organisations and industry partners, our research informs service delivery, supports policy development and contributes to a stronger evidence base for financial wellbeing initiatives. Our research
- [ICAN Board](https://ican.org.au/about-us/ican-board/) - Dr Daniel Grainger Daniel has ancestral links to Yadhaigana. He has approximately 30 years work experience in electrical engineering, project management, corporate finance, research and education. Daniel has received awards from the Governor General of Australia and the Prime Minister of Australia for innovative works. He was recognized in state parliament by the Minister of
- [Communications](https://ican.org.au/communications/) - Sharing stories that inspire action. ICAN Grow manages ICAN’s strategic communications to ensure our work, impact and advocacy reach the communities, partners and decision-makers who can create change. Through storytelling, digital media, publications and community engagement, we celebrate success, raise awareness of consumer issues and showcase the positive impact of ICAN’s programs. Our communications services
- [GROW](https://ican.org.au/grow/) - Growing Ideas. Building Partnerships. Creating Impact. ICAN Grow is the strategic support and innovation business unit of the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN). Working behind the scenes and alongside our frontline teams, ICAN Grow provides the executive support functions that strengthen ICAN’s education and financial wellbeing services across Australia. By bringing together expertise in Consumer
- [Business and Workforce Development](https://ican.org.au/business-and-workforce-development/) - Building stronger organisations and communities. ICAN Grow supports the sustainable growth of ICAN while strengthening the broader financial wellbeing workforce across Australia. We develop strategic partnerships, identify funding opportunities, support organisational growth and invest in workforce capability through education, professional development and collaborative initiatives. Working closely with ICAN Learn, ICAN Grow helps expand opportunities for
- [Thrive Matched Savings](https://ican.org.au/thrive/thrive-matched-savings/) - To find out more about ICAN Thrive’s services please email thrive@ican.org.au or call: 1800 369 878 or use our Thrive web contact form.
- [Yarnin' Money](https://ican.org.au/thrive/yarnin-money-2/) - To find out more about ICAN Thrive's services please email thrive@ican.org.au or call: 1800 369 878 or use our Thrive web contact form.
- [Thrive](https://ican.org.au/thrive/) - We work closely with community organisations, Indigenous employment services, and economic development service providers to deliver culturally appropriate and relevant financial education programs. To find out more about ICAN Thrive's services please fill out our web contact form, email thrive@ican.org.au or call: 1800 369 878.
- [About Us - General Enquiries](https://ican.org.au/about-us/about-us/) - For general enquiries, use our online form below.
- [Certification](https://ican.org.au/about-us/certification/) - #post_contentlist and links of ICAN and ICAN Learn Certification
- [Yarnin' Energy: Tips and Tricks](https://ican.org.au/thrive/yarnin-energy/yarnin-energy-tips-and-tricks/) - Yarnin’ Energy: Tips & Tricks is a powerful, bite-size video series by ICAN that’s all about lighting the way for First Nations households to save on energy — in ways that are real, respectful, and doable. Each short video cuts through the jargon to bring you clear tips, tools, and motivation, plus the contact help
- [Yarnin' Energy Fact Sheets](https://ican.org.au/thrive/yarnin-energy/yarnin-energy-fact-sheets/) - Please download, save and print the Yarnin' Energy fact sheets below: What is energy? Energy rebates and concessions Where do my power costs go? How to access energy efficient appliances Power cards Can't pay your bill How to pay your bill How to read your bill
- [Yarnin' Energy](https://ican.org.au/thrive/yarnin-energy/) - Understanding and reading your energy bills. Ensuring you're receiving the right rebates and concessions. Learning how much energy your appliances use and accessing more energy-efficient options. Saving money through our Matched Savings Program. Managing energy bills with payment options, hardship support, and referrals to financial counselling or other services. Need more information? Please download, save,
- [ICAN Employment](https://ican.org.au/about-us/job-vacancy/) - No Vacancies
- [ICAN Media Facility](https://ican.org.au/about-us/ican-media-facility/) - ICAN features an in-house media facility that specialises in producing television, print, radio and electronic media. ICAN also offers multimedia training and services to Indigenous organisations and communities. Call ICAN on 1800 369 878 or (07) 4031 1073 for more information. The video example below is part of a Super Made Easy series produced by
- [Financial Counselling Services](https://ican.org.au/services/) - Financial Counselling is an essential service that is free for people experiencing financial stress. It can assist people in many ways and can alleviate immediate anxiety and stress, particularly when people are being harassed by debt collectors. Financial counsellors do not provide loans; instead they provide essential information regarding a person’s financial situation and can
- [Privacy Statement](https://ican.org.au/about-us/privacy-policy/) - The Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd (ICAN) has created this privacy statement as part of our firm commitment to protecting your personal information and privacy. ICAN recognises the importance of the privacy of your personal information and is committed to the ethical and responsible guardianship of any such information provided. Privacy laws apply when we
- [Get Money Help](https://ican.org.au/services/get-financial-counselling-help/) - Once you submit this form, you will be directed back to the ICAN home page. Be assured we have received your request.
- [Publications](https://ican.org.au/publications/) - Youpla Support Program Brochures Youpla Support Handout (P18) Youpla DLtrifold What Journey brochure (P17) Youpla DLtrifold Am I Eligible brochure (P10) Youpla Poster Light (P09) Youpla Poster Dark (P09) Submissions Introducing penalties for consumer guarantees National Strategy for Food Security in Remote First Nations Communities Consultation Response to consultation paper 355: Product intervention orders in
- [Free MoneyBusiness Coach Training](https://ican.org.au/learn/free-moneybusiness-coach-training/) - Course Overview Do you want to support your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients to improve their financial wellbeing? If you are employed by a community organisation you may be eligible to attend free MoneyBusiness Coach Training. MoneyBusiness Coach Training is free, delivered in person, over two days and will ensure participants have the skills
- [Make a Donation](https://ican.org.au/about-us/make-a-donation/) - Make a Donation to the ICAN Grow Fund by using the Paypal donate button below. ICAN Launches Grow Fund ICAN is proud to announce the launch of the ICAN Grow Fund, a transformative initiative designed to address financial barriers and create pathways for empowerment and inclusion for First Nations peoples. “The fund will enable ICAN to
- [Learn](https://ican.org.au/learn/) - ICAN’s history has shaped an organisational culture of supporting the self-determination of Indigenous Australians, through the provision of accredited education, professional development, and employment opportunities. ICAN’s, Commbank sponsored Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program, which combines a diploma qualification with career advancement opportunities, has contributed to the employment of 50+ Indigenous Financial Counsellors across Australia. The
- [Elijah Davis Contacts](https://ican.org.au/elijah-davis-contacts/) - Father: Aaron Davis, Email: aaron.davis@ican.org.au or aaron.davis@y7mail.com, MOB: 0409423103 Mother: Carmen Daniels, Email: carmen.daniels@ican.org.au or ccrystal@outlook.com.au, MOB: 0412357888 Aunty: Clare Mason, Email: clarerenee@hotmail.com , MOB: 0402596123 Aunty: Kathryn Mystica, Email: kathryn.davis@gmail.com , MOB: 0401901473
- [About Us](https://ican.org.au/about-us/) - Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd (ICAN) provides consumer education, advocacy and financial counselling services to Indigenous consumers across the nation, with a vision of "Empowering Indigenous Consumers". Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in regional and remote communities often experience heightened consumer disadvantange. Structural barriers and an noncompetitive marketplace create conditions in which consumer
- [Have your say!](https://ican.org.au/about-us/have-your-say/) - ICAN would love your input / feedback about your experience using our services. You can help us to improve our services by filling out this short feedback survey, available online at: Feedback Survey - Service Users Feedback Survey - Stakeholders Additionally, we also provide pathways for complaints to ICAN. Please download our complaint form. You
- [Contact Us](https://ican.org.au/contact-us/) - ICAN Free Financial Counselling Services 1800 369 878 Cairns Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.209 Buchan Street, Bungalow QLD 4870P.O. Box 946, Bungalow QLD 4870 Phone: (07) 4031 1073 Fax: (07) 4031 5883FREE CALL: 1800 369 878Email: info@ican.org.au Yarrabah Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Shop 4,
- [E-Newsletter](https://ican.org.au/news/e-newsletter/) - Sign Up for the The Yarn! Keep up to date with emerging trends, professional development, training and employment opportunities when you subscribe to, ‘The Yarn’, ICAN & ICAN Learn’s E-Newsletter. Get connected with Australia’s community sector leaders and advance your profession. We’d love to share the best of our community with you! Please note: Age,
- [ICAN Connect](https://ican.org.au/programs/connect/) - The current COVID-19 landscape has posed extreme new health threats to vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Australia. Communities already struggling with limited access to services are now physically isolated, more than ever before. The necessary government travel restrictions are preventing the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) from providing essential financial counselling and
- [Expression of Interest - ICAN Mentorship Program Information](https://ican.org.au/programs/ican-mentorship-program-information/) - ICAN would like to thank the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s (CBA) ongoing commitment and continued partnership to support diversity, by building the representation of Indigenous and Multicultural financial counsellors within the broader financial counselling sector. The three-year CBA sponsorship agreement will see two place-based Diploma of Financial Counselling Scholarship programs delivered, commencing in February 2021.
- [ICAN Partners](https://ican.org.au/about-us/ican-partners/) - Every year our network grows stronger. The people and organisations that have helped us along the way, have all worked towards the shared vision of Empowering Indigenous Consumers. Our network remains our greatest asset and ICAN would like to thank and acknowledge the following organisations for their support: Australian Communications Consumer Action Network Australian Competition
- [ICAN History](https://ican.org.au/about-us/ican-history/) - A not for profit company based in Cairns, Far North Queensland, the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network Ltd (ICAN) was incorporated on 1st October 2007 to; - Relieve poverty amongst Indigenous Australians by providing financial counselling to alleviate consumer detriment, - Provide education to make informed consumer choices and - Advocacy to highlight consumer disadvantage. Prior
- [Get Help](https://ican.org.au/get-help/) - Australian Competition and Consumer Commission: http://www.accc.gov.au http://www.scamwatch.gov.au Australian Securities and Investments Commission: http://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf Money Smart - https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/ ACT Office of Fair Trading (Australian Capital Territory): http://www.ors.act.gov.au/FairTrading/index.html Consumer Affairs (Department of Justice) (Northern Territory): http://www.nt.gov.au/justice/consaffairs/index.shtml http://www.nt.gov.au/justice/consaffairs/indigenous.shtml Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading (Department of Justice) (Tasmania): http://www.consumer.tas.gov.au/about_us Consumer Affairs Victoria (Department of Justice) (Victoria): http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/CA256EB5000644CE/HomePage?ReadForm&1=Home~&2=~&3=~ Department of
- [Programs](https://ican.org.au/programs/) - The Indigenous Financial Counselling Mentorship Program began in 2008 with ICAN's vision to raise the number of qualified and accredited Indigenous financial counsellors across Australia. At the onset of ICAN's first 'Mentorship Program', there existed only four qualified Indigenous financial counsellors in Australia. Armed with it's vision to Empower Indigenous Consumers, ICAN had set about
- [Advocacy](https://ican.org.au/shop-smart/)
- [Your Money](https://ican.org.au/your-money/) - Use the "Your Money" section when planning your finances. You'll find great info on Banking, Borrowing and Saving your MONEY! NOTE: ICAN is currently in the process of updating this section.
- [Calculators](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/calculators/) - Use our online calculators to give you a head start when borrowing money, starting a savings plan or preparing a budget. Online Budget Planner Savings Calculator Term Deposit Calculator Borrowing Power Calculator Loan Repayments Calculator Extra Repayments Calculator Lump Sum Repayments Calculator
- [Lump Sum Repayments Calculator](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/calculators/lump-sum-repayments-calculator/)
- [Extra Repayments Calculator](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/calculators/extra-repayments-calculator/)
- [Loan Repayments Calculator](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/calculators/loan-repayments-calculator/)
- [Borrowing Power Calculator](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/calculators/borrowing-power-calculator/)
- [Term Deposit Calculator](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/calculators/term-deposit-calculator/)
- [Savings Calculator](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/calculators/savings-calculator/)
- [Online Budget Planner](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/calculators/online-budget-planner/)
- [Tool Box](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/) - The ICAN Toolbox is the place to go to use our online budget planners, calculators and handy templates.
- [Handy Templates](https://ican.org.au/tool-box/useful-templates-2/) - Download one of our handy templates ICAN's Buying a Car Checklist - Download our Checklist before you buy a car! ICAN gives you helpful tips to be mindful of when buying a car! Sample Complaint Letter- Download our *Sample* Complaint Letter to use when you are writing a complaint to a trader. Budget Planner -
- [News](https://ican.org.au/news/) - NILS Rocks My World

## Categories

- [ICAN News](https://ican.org.au/category/ican-news/)
- [ICAN TV1](https://ican.org.au/category/ican-tv1/)

## Tags

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- [Canada](https://ican.org.au/tag/canada/)
- [diaries](https://ican.org.au/tag/diaries/)
- [research](https://ican.org.au/tag/research/)
- [Jerry](https://ican.org.au/tag/jerry/)
- [Buckland](https://ican.org.au/tag/buckland/)
- [Professor](https://ican.org.au/tag/professor/)
- [diary](https://ican.org.au/tag/diary/)
- [finance](https://ican.org.au/tag/finance/)
- [economics](https://ican.org.au/tag/economics/)
- [family](https://ican.org.au/tag/family/)
- [spending](https://ican.org.au/tag/spending/)
- [habits](https://ican.org.au/tag/habits/)
- [money](https://ican.org.au/tag/money/)
- [management](https://ican.org.au/tag/management/)
- [capability](https://ican.org.au/tag/capability/)
- [social](https://ican.org.au/tag/social/)
- [capital](https://ican.org.au/tag/capital/)
- [Palm Island](https://ican.org.au/tag/palm-island/)
- [Financial Counselling](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-counselling/)
- [support](https://ican.org.au/tag/support/)
- [Counsellor](https://ican.org.au/tag/counsellor/)
- [training](https://ican.org.au/tag/training/)
- [tax](https://ican.org.au/tag/tax/)
- [position](https://ican.org.au/tag/position/)
- [Townsville](https://ican.org.au/tag/townsville/)
- [North](https://ican.org.au/tag/north/)
- [dialysis](https://ican.org.au/tag/dialysis/)
- [kidney](https://ican.org.au/tag/kidney/)
- [disease](https://ican.org.au/tag/disease/)
- [norther](https://ican.org.au/tag/norther/)
- [territory](https://ican.org.au/tag/territory/)
- [chronic](https://ican.org.au/tag/chronic/)
- [Darwin](https://ican.org.au/tag/darwin/)
- [HTKC](https://ican.org.au/tag/htkc/)
- [closing the gap](https://ican.org.au/tag/closing-the-gap/)
- [payday lending](https://ican.org.au/tag/payday-lending/)
- [loans](https://ican.org.au/tag/loans/)
- [payday](https://ican.org.au/tag/payday/)
- [report](https://ican.org.au/tag/report/)
- [data](https://ican.org.au/tag/data/)
- [crisis](https://ican.org.au/tag/crisis/)
- [Australia](https://ican.org.au/tag/australia/)
- [personal](https://ican.org.au/tag/personal/)
- [saving](https://ican.org.au/tag/saving/)
- [education](https://ican.org.au/tag/education/)
- [save](https://ican.org.au/tag/save/)
- [bucks](https://ican.org.au/tag/bucks/)
- [Yarnin](https://ican.org.au/tag/yarnin/)
- [regulator](https://ican.org.au/tag/regulator/)
- [one-stop-shop](https://ican.org.au/tag/one-stop-shop/)
- [assistance](https://ican.org.au/tag/assistance/)
- [Annual](https://ican.org.au/tag/annual/)
- [2019](https://ican.org.au/tag/2019/)
- [Indigenous](https://ican.org.au/tag/indigenous/)
- [Network](https://ican.org.au/tag/network/)
- [ICAN Learn](https://ican.org.au/tag/ican-learn/)
- [Impact](https://ican.org.au/tag/impact/)
- [advocacy](https://ican.org.au/tag/advocacy/)
- [eudcation](https://ican.org.au/tag/eudcation/)
- [vocational](https://ican.org.au/tag/vocational/)
- [Alan](https://ican.org.au/tag/alan/)
- [Gray](https://ican.org.au/tag/gray/)
- [Broome](https://ican.org.au/tag/broome/)
- [remote](https://ican.org.au/tag/remote/)
- [communities](https://ican.org.au/tag/communities/)
- [Western](https://ican.org.au/tag/western/)
- [media](https://ican.org.au/tag/media/)
- [ABC](https://ican.org.au/tag/abc/)
- [systemic](https://ican.org.au/tag/systemic/)
- [exploitation](https://ican.org.au/tag/exploitation/)
- [systems](https://ican.org.au/tag/systems/)
- [empowering](https://ican.org.au/tag/empowering/)
- [consumers](https://ican.org.au/tag/consumers/)
- [bushfire](https://ican.org.au/tag/bushfire/)
- [disaster](https://ican.org.au/tag/disaster/)
- [reponse](https://ican.org.au/tag/reponse/)
- [hardship](https://ican.org.au/tag/hardship/)
- [banks](https://ican.org.au/tag/banks/)
- [office](https://ican.org.au/tag/office/)
- [Atherton](https://ican.org.au/tag/atherton/)
- [increasing](https://ican.org.au/tag/increasing/)
- [dmeand](https://ican.org.au/tag/dmeand/)
- [surveys](https://ican.org.au/tag/surveys/)
- [Northern](https://ican.org.au/tag/northern/)
- [Peninsula](https://ican.org.au/tag/peninsula/)
- [Area](https://ican.org.au/tag/area/)
- [Q Super](https://ican.org.au/tag/q-super/)
- [service delivery](https://ican.org.au/tag/service-delivery/)
- [coordinated](https://ican.org.au/tag/coordinated/)
- [new](https://ican.org.au/tag/new/)
- [team member](https://ican.org.au/tag/team-member/)
- [Coronavirus](https://ican.org.au/tag/coronavirus/)
- [COVID-19](https://ican.org.au/tag/covid-19/)
- [service](https://ican.org.au/tag/service/)
- [delivery](https://ican.org.au/tag/delivery/)
- [Torres Strait Islander](https://ican.org.au/tag/torres-strait-islander/)
- [Jillian Williams](https://ican.org.au/tag/jillian-williams/)
- [lawyer](https://ican.org.au/tag/lawyer/)
- [Sustainable](https://ican.org.au/tag/sustainable/)
- [Livelihoods](https://ican.org.au/tag/livelihoods/)
- [Model](https://ican.org.au/tag/model/)
- [Strenghs Based](https://ican.org.au/tag/strenghs-based/)
- [Assets](https://ican.org.au/tag/assets/)
- [Wellbeing](https://ican.org.au/tag/wellbeing/)
- [FNQ](https://ican.org.au/tag/fnq/)
- [Income](https://ican.org.au/tag/income/)
- [increase](https://ican.org.au/tag/increase/)
- [ACOSS](https://ican.org.au/tag/acoss/)
- [Homeless](https://ican.org.au/tag/homeless/)
- [poverty](https://ican.org.au/tag/poverty/)
- [centrelink](https://ican.org.au/tag/centrelink/)
- [Scam](https://ican.org.au/tag/scam/)
- [Scammers](https://ican.org.au/tag/scammers/)
- [ACCC](https://ican.org.au/tag/accc/)
- [superannuation](https://ican.org.au/tag/superannuation/)
- [ECSTRA](https://ican.org.au/tag/ecstra/)
- [IMF Investors](https://ican.org.au/tag/imf-investors/)
- [access](https://ican.org.au/tag/access/)
- [technology](https://ican.org.au/tag/technology/)
- [CHOICE](https://ican.org.au/tag/choice/)
- [Price gouging](https://ican.org.au/tag/price-gouging/)
- [petition](https://ican.org.au/tag/petition/)
- [rip-off](https://ican.org.au/tag/rip-off/)
- [emergency](https://ican.org.au/tag/emergency/)
- [multicultural](https://ican.org.au/tag/multicultural/)
- [CBA](https://ican.org.au/tag/cba/)
- [Donation](https://ican.org.au/tag/donation/)
- [Donors](https://ican.org.au/tag/donors/)
- [PayPal](https://ican.org.au/tag/paypal/)
- [Debt Trap](https://ican.org.au/tag/debt-trap/)
- [Floods](https://ican.org.au/tag/floods/)
- [Moneysmart](https://ican.org.au/tag/moneysmart/)
- [loan](https://ican.org.au/tag/loan/)
- [Ergon](https://ican.org.au/tag/ergon/)
- [Powerlink](https://ican.org.au/tag/powerlink/)
- [Webinars](https://ican.org.au/tag/webinars/)
- [vulnerable](https://ican.org.au/tag/vulnerable/)
- [service providers](https://ican.org.au/tag/service-providers/)
- [Stolen Wages](https://ican.org.au/tag/stolen-wages/)
- [guide](https://ican.org.au/tag/guide/)
- [claimants](https://ican.org.au/tag/claimants/)
- [receipients](https://ican.org.au/tag/receipients/)
- [community workers](https://ican.org.au/tag/community-workers/)
- [Settlement](https://ican.org.au/tag/settlement/)
- [taskforce](https://ican.org.au/tag/taskforce/)
- [2020](https://ican.org.au/tag/2020/)
- [video](https://ican.org.au/tag/video/)
- [finanical](https://ican.org.au/tag/finanical/)
- [what is?](https://ican.org.au/tag/what-is/)
- [help](https://ican.org.au/tag/help/)
- [Yarnin'](https://ican.org.au/tag/yarnin-2/)
- [yarning](https://ican.org.au/tag/yarning/)
- [literacy](https://ican.org.au/tag/literacy/)
- [well-being](https://ican.org.au/tag/well-being/)
- [well](https://ican.org.au/tag/well/)
- [being](https://ican.org.au/tag/being/)
- [happiness](https://ican.org.au/tag/happiness/)
- [anxiety](https://ican.org.au/tag/anxiety/)
- [science](https://ican.org.au/tag/science/)
- [Weipa](https://ican.org.au/tag/weipa/)
- [Connect](https://ican.org.au/tag/connect/)
- [Care](https://ican.org.au/tag/care/)
- [Ecstra Foundation](https://ican.org.au/tag/ecstra-foundation/)
- [email](https://ican.org.au/tag/email/)
- [newsletter](https://ican.org.au/tag/newsletter/)
- [Alex](https://ican.org.au/tag/alex/)
- [The Yarn](https://ican.org.au/tag/the-yarn/)
- [Yarn](https://ican.org.au/tag/yarn/)
- [BRQ](https://ican.org.au/tag/brq/)
- [Basic](https://ican.org.au/tag/basic/)
- [Rights](https://ican.org.au/tag/rights/)
- [issues](https://ican.org.au/tag/issues/)
- [Foundation](https://ican.org.au/tag/foundation/)
- [intermediary](https://ican.org.au/tag/intermediary/)
- [cyclone](https://ican.org.au/tag/cyclone/)
- [insurance](https://ican.org.au/tag/insurance/)
- [napranum](https://ican.org.au/tag/napranum/)
- [enrgy](https://ican.org.au/tag/enrgy/)
- [relief](https://ican.org.au/tag/relief/)
- [Yarrabah](https://ican.org.au/tag/yarrabah/)
- [Jan](https://ican.org.au/tag/jan/)
- [Pentland](https://ican.org.au/tag/pentland/)
- [award](https://ican.org.au/tag/award/)
- [unaisi](https://ican.org.au/tag/unaisi/)
- [buli](https://ican.org.au/tag/buli/)
- [Lotus](https://ican.org.au/tag/lotus/)
- [Glen](https://ican.org.au/tag/glen/)
- [Prison](https://ican.org.au/tag/prison/)
- [Mornington](https://ican.org.au/tag/mornington/)
- [Island](https://ican.org.au/tag/island/)
- [banking](https://ican.org.au/tag/banking/)
- [code](https://ican.org.au/tag/code/)
- [vulnerability](https://ican.org.au/tag/vulnerability/)
- [Bankers](https://ican.org.au/tag/bankers/)
- [Association](https://ican.org.au/tag/association/)
- [Inequity](https://ican.org.au/tag/inequity/)
- [aborginal](https://ican.org.au/tag/aborginal/)
- [torres](https://ican.org.au/tag/torres/)
- [strait](https://ican.org.au/tag/strait/)
- [islander](https://ican.org.au/tag/islander/)
- [abuse](https://ican.org.au/tag/abuse/)
- [advisory](https://ican.org.au/tag/advisory/)
- [car](https://ican.org.au/tag/car/)
- [buying](https://ican.org.au/tag/buying/)
- [used](https://ican.org.au/tag/used/)
- [Buy Now Pay Later](https://ican.org.au/tag/buy-now-pay-later/)
- [job](https://ican.org.au/tag/job/)
- [vacancy](https://ican.org.au/tag/vacancy/)
- [program](https://ican.org.au/tag/program/)
- [food](https://ican.org.au/tag/food/)
- [security](https://ican.org.au/tag/security/)
- [high](https://ican.org.au/tag/high/)
- [cost](https://ican.org.au/tag/cost/)
- [limited](https://ican.org.au/tag/limited/)
- [career](https://ican.org.au/tag/career/)
- [financial literacy](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-literacy/)
- [FCA](https://ican.org.au/tag/fca/)
- [skills](https://ican.org.au/tag/skills/)
- [thrive](https://ican.org.au/tag/thrive/)
- [Financial Capability](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-capability/)
- [ACBF](https://ican.org.au/tag/acbf/)
- [Youpla](https://ican.org.au/tag/youpla/)
- [Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund](https://ican.org.au/tag/aboriginal-community-benefit-fund/)
- [funeral](https://ican.org.au/tag/funeral/)
- [trainee](https://ican.org.au/tag/trainee/)
- [opportunity](https://ican.org.au/tag/opportunity/)
- [hiring](https://ican.org.au/tag/hiring/)
- [vehicle](https://ican.org.au/tag/vehicle/)
- [cape york](https://ican.org.au/tag/cape-york/)
- [consumerrights](https://ican.org.au/tag/consumerrights/)
- [financial counsellor](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-counsellor/)
- [financial counsellors](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-counsellors/)
- [indigneous](https://ican.org.au/tag/indigneous/)
- [certificate](https://ican.org.au/tag/certificate/)
- [resilience](https://ican.org.au/tag/resilience/)
- [leadership](https://ican.org.au/tag/leadership/)
- [commbank](https://ican.org.au/tag/commbank/)
- [#savesorrybusiness](https://ican.org.au/tag/savesorrybusiness/)
- [firstnations](https://ican.org.au/tag/firstnations/)
- [treasury](https://ican.org.au/tag/treasury/)
- [second](https://ican.org.au/tag/second/)
- [hand](https://ican.org.au/tag/hand/)
- [cars](https://ican.org.au/tag/cars/)
- [dealers](https://ican.org.au/tag/dealers/)
- [rip off](https://ican.org.au/tag/rip-off-2/)
- [regulation](https://ican.org.au/tag/regulation/)
- [secondhand](https://ican.org.au/tag/secondhand/)
- [sorry](https://ican.org.au/tag/sorry/)
- [business](https://ican.org.au/tag/business/)
- [first](https://ican.org.au/tag/first/)
- [nations](https://ican.org.au/tag/nations/)
- [plan](https://ican.org.au/tag/plan/)
- [consumer lease](https://ican.org.au/tag/consumer-lease/)
- [First Nations](https://ican.org.au/tag/first-nations/)
- [cost of living](https://ican.org.au/tag/cost-of-living/)
- [bankruptcy](https://ican.org.au/tag/bankruptcy/)
- [career development](https://ican.org.au/tag/career-development/)
- [financialcounselling](https://ican.org.au/tag/financialcounselling/)
- [financialliteracy](https://ican.org.au/tag/financialliteracy/)
- [Telstra](https://ican.org.au/tag/telstra/)
- [telecommunications](https://ican.org.au/tag/telecommunications/)
- [scholarships](https://ican.org.au/tag/scholarships/)
- [ASIC](https://ican.org.au/tag/asic/)
- [Money 3](https://ican.org.au/tag/money-3-2/)
- [enforcement](https://ican.org.au/tag/enforcement/)
- [high interest](https://ican.org.au/tag/high-interest/)
- [framework](https://ican.org.au/tag/framework/)
- [outcomes](https://ican.org.au/tag/outcomes/)
- [outreach](https://ican.org.au/tag/outreach/)
- [finances](https://ican.org.au/tag/finances/)
- [budgeting](https://ican.org.au/tag/budgeting/)
- [fees](https://ican.org.au/tag/fees/)
- [consumer rights](https://ican.org.au/tag/consumer-rights/)
- [telco](https://ican.org.au/tag/telco/)
- [telecommunication](https://ican.org.au/tag/telecommunication/)
- [thursday island](https://ican.org.au/tag/thursday-island/)
- [far north queensland](https://ican.org.au/tag/far-north-queensland/)
- [mis-selling](https://ican.org.au/tag/mis-selling/)
- [professional development](https://ican.org.au/tag/professional-development/)
- [study](https://ican.org.au/tag/study/)
- [traineeship](https://ican.org.au/tag/traineeship/)
- [recycling](https://ican.org.au/tag/recycling/)
- [kids](https://ican.org.au/tag/kids/)
- [environment](https://ican.org.au/tag/environment/)
- [Jasper](https://ican.org.au/tag/jasper/)
- [grants](https://ican.org.au/tag/grants/)
- [recovery](https://ican.org.au/tag/recovery/)
- [planning](https://ican.org.au/tag/planning/)
- [money management](https://ican.org.au/tag/money-management/)
- [budget](https://ican.org.au/tag/budget/)
- [expenses](https://ican.org.au/tag/expenses/)
- [savings](https://ican.org.au/tag/savings/)
- [community services](https://ican.org.au/tag/community-services/)
- [sorry business](https://ican.org.au/tag/sorry-business/)
- [resolution](https://ican.org.au/tag/resolution/)
- [advocates](https://ican.org.au/tag/advocates/)
- [Centrepay](https://ican.org.au/tag/centrepay/)
- [surviving](https://ican.org.au/tag/surviving/)
- [thriving](https://ican.org.au/tag/thriving/)
- [holistic](https://ican.org.au/tag/holistic/)
- [matched](https://ican.org.au/tag/matched/)
- [inclusion](https://ican.org.au/tag/inclusion/)
- [financial wellbeing](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-wellbeing/)
- [financial diaries](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-diaries/)
- [supermarket](https://ican.org.au/tag/supermarket/)
- [regional](https://ican.org.au/tag/regional/)
- [Inquiry](https://ican.org.au/tag/inquiry/)
- [grocery](https://ican.org.au/tag/grocery/)
- [Financial Counselling Australia](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-counselling-australia/)
- [bills](https://ican.org.au/tag/bills/)
- [funding](https://ican.org.au/tag/funding/)
- [fast track](https://ican.org.au/tag/fast-track/)
- [electricity bills](https://ican.org.au/tag/electricity-bills/)
- [energy bills](https://ican.org.au/tag/energy-bills/)
- [cost of living crisis](https://ican.org.au/tag/cost-of-living-crisis/)
- [yarnin' energy](https://ican.org.au/tag/yarnin-energy/)
- [energy efficiency](https://ican.org.au/tag/energy-efficiency/)
- [energy efficient](https://ican.org.au/tag/energy-efficient/)
- [ciaf](https://ican.org.au/tag/ciaf/)
- [SPER](https://ican.org.au/tag/sper/)
- [energy queensland](https://ican.org.au/tag/energy-queensland/)
- [financial couselling](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-couselling/)
- [ANZ](https://ican.org.au/tag/anz/)
- [MoneyBusiness](https://ican.org.au/tag/moneybusiness/)
- [free](https://ican.org.au/tag/free/)
- [workforce](https://ican.org.au/tag/workforce/)
- [submission](https://ican.org.au/tag/submission/)
- [teaching](https://ican.org.au/tag/teaching/)
- [cultural competency](https://ican.org.au/tag/cultural-competency/)
- [team](https://ican.org.au/tag/team/)
- [careers](https://ican.org.au/tag/careers/)
- [financial capability workers](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-capability-workers/)
- [demand](https://ican.org.au/tag/demand/)
- [climate change](https://ican.org.au/tag/climate-change/)
- [competition](https://ican.org.au/tag/competition/)
- [win](https://ican.org.au/tag/win/)
- [gas](https://ican.org.au/tag/gas/)
- [consumer guarantees](https://ican.org.au/tag/consumer-guarantees/)
- [consumer law](https://ican.org.au/tag/consumer-law/)
- [penalties](https://ican.org.au/tag/penalties/)
- [ID](https://ican.org.au/tag/id/)
- [financial exclusion](https://ican.org.au/tag/financial-exclusion/)
- [prisoners](https://ican.org.au/tag/prisoners/)
- [corrections](https://ican.org.au/tag/corrections/)
- [QCS](https://ican.org.au/tag/qcs/)
- [disadvantage](https://ican.org.au/tag/disadvantage/)
- [donate](https://ican.org.au/tag/donate/)
- [govenment](https://ican.org.au/tag/govenment/)
- [NDH](https://ican.org.au/tag/ndh/)
- [helpline](https://ican.org.au/tag/helpline/)
- [career change](https://ican.org.au/tag/career-change/)
- [learn](https://ican.org.au/tag/learn/)
- [Grow](https://ican.org.au/tag/grow/)
- [change](https://ican.org.au/tag/change/)
- [professional](https://ican.org.au/tag/professional/)
- [partnerships](https://ican.org.au/tag/partnerships/)
- [migrants](https://ican.org.au/tag/migrants/)
- [Super](https://ican.org.au/tag/super/)
- [death](https://ican.org.au/tag/death/)
- [benefit](https://ican.org.au/tag/benefit/)
- [barriers](https://ican.org.au/tag/barriers/)
- [vehicles](https://ican.org.au/tag/vehicles/)
- [motor](https://ican.org.au/tag/motor/)
- [dealership](https://ican.org.au/tag/dealership/)
- [lenders](https://ican.org.au/tag/lenders/)
- [sales](https://ican.org.au/tag/sales/)
- [graduates](https://ican.org.au/tag/graduates/)
- [empowerment](https://ican.org.au/tag/empowerment/)
- [telcos](https://ican.org.au/tag/telcos/)
- [fair](https://ican.org.au/tag/fair/)
- [online](https://ican.org.au/tag/online/)
- [shopping](https://ican.org.au/tag/shopping/)
- [scams](https://ican.org.au/tag/scams/)
- [CPRC](https://ican.org.au/tag/cprc/)
- [power](https://ican.org.au/tag/power/)
- [series](https://ican.org.au/tag/series/)
- [NAIDOC](https://ican.org.au/tag/naidoc/)
- [Pay Day Lenders](https://ican.org.au/tag/pay-day-lenders/)
- [Annual Report](https://ican.org.au/tag/annual-report/)
- [2025](https://ican.org.au/tag/2025/)
- [responsible lending](https://ican.org.au/tag/responsible-lending/)
- [court action](https://ican.org.au/tag/court-action/)
- [penalty](https://ican.org.au/tag/penalty/)
- [outages](https://ican.org.au/tag/outages/)
- [pre-aid](https://ican.org.au/tag/pre-aid/)
- [electricity](https://ican.org.au/tag/electricity/)
- [pre-paid](https://ican.org.au/tag/pre-paid/)
- [Optus](https://ican.org.au/tag/optus/)
- [Remediation](https://ican.org.au/tag/remediation/)
- [North Queensland](https://ican.org.au/tag/north-queensland/)
- [lemon](https://ican.org.au/tag/lemon/)
- [second hand](https://ican.org.au/tag/second-hand/)
- [protection](https://ican.org.au/tag/protection/)
- [romance](https://ican.org.au/tag/romance/)
- [prevention](https://ican.org.au/tag/prevention/)
- [workforce development](https://ican.org.au/tag/workforce-development/)
- [tips](https://ican.org.au/tag/tips/)
- [safety](https://ican.org.au/tag/safety/)
- [Tax Help](https://ican.org.au/tag/tax-help/)
- [JCU](https://ican.org.au/tag/jcu/)
- [Banking Industry](https://ican.org.au/tag/banking-industry/)
- [divide](https://ican.org.au/tag/divide/)
- [outage](https://ican.org.au/tag/outage/)