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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 a cross section of over 100 different organisations to promote their services, programs, and to be included into the Forum Service Information and Contact List Booklet.

Being involved in the Forum provided an opportunity for ICAN staff to network with organisations and learn about possible support and facilities available for each other’s clients.

“What an awesome way to establish connections, break down the silos and maintain a strong network”, said Eddie Buli, ICAN’s Business and Education Development Officer. “Being accepted to present Yarnin’ Money at the Forum in 3 minutes, 3 slides, with 30 plus presenters was a new experience for me, but this speed dating style of information encouraged further conversations and interest afterwards in ICAN’s Yarnin’ Money training and other services.”

ICAN Financial Counsellor Martina Kingi explained, “I’ve been attending these forums for 2 years and I always appreciate every organisation that goes out of their way to promote their service and to network with each other. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with old contacts as well as build new relationships with organisations and speakers present on the day. This is also a chance for me to set up informal meetings at their offices to discuss how we can further empower their clients, and sometimes themselves.”

Carlie Kirk, Receptionist for ICAN’s Townsville office, remarked “living in Townsville my whole life I never knew half of these organisations existed and can now understand what roles they each play in helping my community. This experience gave me the confidence to inform and refer clients if I need to as I am the first point of contact for our office”.

The whole team were extremely impressed with the way the Townsville Community Organisation Networking Forum was organized to maximise the sharing of information. “It was a very worthwhile day and something that I would highly recommend occurring in Cairns,” Mr Buli said.

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 for Financial Empowerment

Our primary goal is to equip First Nations People with the tools they need to make informed financial choices, build their financial literacy skills, and bolster their confidence in managing their finances. Yarnin’ Money mentor services are entirely free, independent, and held in the strictest confidence.

Yarnin’ Money Mentors: Trusted Support

At the heart of the Yarnin’ Money Mentor program, you will find our dedicated team of First Nations Yarnin’ Money Mentors. These individuals are more than just financial mentors; they are trusted allies on your financial wellbeing journey. Here’s how they can provide invaluable assistance:

1. Improving Financial Relationships: Our Yarnin’ Money Mentors are skilled in helping individuals understand their financial behaviours, developing healthier mindsets around money, and strengthening overall relationships with finances.
2. Budgeting and Goal Setting: The team works with participants to create personalised budgets tailored to their unique circumstances. Additionally, our mentors assist in setting realistic financial goals, and providing a clear roadmap to financial success.
3. Thrive Matched Savings Program: Saving money effectively can be a challenge, but our Thrive Matched Savings Program is designed to make this endeavour more accessible, allowing participants to watch their savings grow over time.
4. SPER Debt Management: By making this life changing step, participants can reduce SPER (State Penalty Enforcement Registry) debts by $50 for every hour spent with the service.
5. Utilities and Bills Assistance: Yarnin’ Money offers guidance on how to navigate issues related to internet, telephone, gas, electricity, and water bills, enabling participants to manage these essential services more efficiently.
6. Understanding Financial Rights and Responsibilities: Financial literacy is key, and our mentors ensure that participants are well-informed about their financial rights and responsibilities in all their financial dealings.
7. Accessing Credit Files: Participant credit files play a pivotal role in their financial life. Yarnin’ Money Mentors can assist participants in obtaining their credit files, helping them track their financial history and make improvements where needed.
8. Referrals to Complementary Services: In some instances, additional support may be required. Yarnin’ Money mentors offer warm referrals to other services that complement our support, ensuring a holistic approach to participants’ financial wellbeing.

Conclusion

ICAN’s Yarnin’ Money service is a beacon of hope for First Nations People seeking to take control of their financial wellbeing. With a dedicated team of Yarnin’ Money Mentors, we offer support to build the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial choices. The team believes that everyone has the right to financial freedom, and our mentor services are here to help.

ICAN Yarnin’ Money Mentor, Aimee Williams, said, “We hope people embrace our Yarnin’ Money mentor service, so we can open their path to financial wellbeing, confidence, and a brighter future. We encourage mob to get in touch with us today and start their journey towards financial empowerment.”