Financial Counselling Australia

16/06/2026

For many tradies and small business owners, getting on with the job is part of work culture. This article by Australian Men’s Health is a reminder that ‘pushing through’ doesn’t always mean you’re staying mentally well.

“While more men are seeking support, they are still far less likely than women to do so,” Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman AO told the publication.

“That doesn’t mean men aren’t experiencing distress, it means support that feels right is harder to find.”

It’s currently Men’s Health Week, which is a timely reminder to check in on the men in our lives and remind them that support is available.

Beyond Blue runs a program called NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO), which is a free, confidential mental health coaching program designed for small business owners. It offers practical tools to manage stress, problem-solve and build coping strategies. For more information, visit beyondblue.org.au/NASBO.

https://menshealth.com.au/why-a-pushing-through-mentality-is-hurting-tradies-mental-health/

Ahead of Men’s Health Week we take a look at how stress and uncertainty impact tradies and men in small business

15/06/2026

15 June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Elder abuse can include financial abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and more, often carried out by someone the older person knows and trusts.

Financial counsellors see firsthand the impact this can have. We all have a role to play in standing against the abuse, mistreatment and neglect of older people.

Whether inside the home or out, within families or among the wider community, elder abuse is a scourge on our society. Find out more about what constitutes elder abuse and the ways in which it manifests.

15/06/2026

What protections do young consumers really have when it comes to lending?

In this Spot Talk from our conference in Cairns, financial counsellor Bernadette Crane shares her perspective on why stronger responsible lending laws are needed to better safeguard young people from harm.

"Legal doesn't always mean safe, especially when the borrower is young," she says.

A powerful insight into the challenges facing the next generation in today’s credit landscape. Thank you Bernadette 👏

https://vimeo.com/1198246313/2b6d064f0b

This is "FCA26 Age is Not a Safety Switch: Rethinking Responsible Lending — Bernadette Crane" by Financial Counselling Australia on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

09/06/2026

What if the biggest barrier someone is facing… is invisible?

In this Spot Talk from our conference last month, Georgia Lenton-Williams shares a deeply personal story of mild traumatic brain injury (concussion), and explains why trauma-informed systems matter.

Many people walk into financial counselling services appearing “fine” while navigating memory issues, overwhelm, and decision-making challenges linked to brain injury.

They’re not difficult. They're injured. They’re doing their best.

Georgia calls on leaders to make their systems more accessible and trauma-informed, while also reminding us that small actions can make a big difference to someone's wellbeing.

🎥 This is the first in a series of eight Spot Talks from our conference, which we’ll be sharing weekly.

https://vimeo.com/1198242379?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Synapse Brain Injury Australia PINK Concussions Connectivity - Traumatic Brain Injury Australia

Georgia Lenton-Williams' Spot Talk at the 2026 Financial Counselling Australia conference in Cairns.

04/06/2026

Have you heard of "scambling" - we call it the evil love-child of gambling and scams. FCA has been advocating for urgent action on this growing problem. This News Daily piece explains why.

Online “scambling” scams – fake gambling websites mimicking legitimate betting platforms – are surging across Australia.

02/06/2026

New data from our partners at Beyond Blue reinforces what many in our sector are seeing every day: financial pressure is the leading external stressor affecting Australians’ relationships, with many people experiencing strain on the connections they rely on most for their mental health.

Financial pressure was the biggest external stressor affecting mental health for nearly half of Australians (47%), reinforcing that the role financial counsellors play is critical in helping people get back on track.

New Beyond Blue data shows financial pressure is the leading external stressor affecting Australians’ relationships, with many people experiencing strain on the connections they rely on most for their mental health.

01/06/2026

Financial counsellors across the country are making a real difference every day, supporting people through tough times and helping them rebuild financial wellbeing.

We were proud to share this mash‑up of financial counsellor profiles at our conference, highlighting the passion, skill and impact of this work.

A big thank you to everyone who has taken part in these videos. We are proud to showcase what you do.

This is "Financial counsellor profiles - conference video 2" by Financial Counselling Australia on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

29/05/2026

Financial counsellors across the country are doing amazing things, helping people get back on track financially and changing lives for the better. Here's a highlights video we showed at our conference of profiles we've filmed with financial counsellors.

A big thanks to everyone who has participated in these videos! We love getting to share your work.

This is "Financial counsellor profile mash up - conference video 1" by Financial Counselling Australia on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

28/05/2026

Financial counsellors frequently see the devastating harm scams are causing.

Dr Domenique Meyrick, CEO of Financial Counselling Australia, said in a joint statement with Consumer Action Law Centre that delays to the Scam Prevention Framework mean more Australians will remain exposed to increasingly sophisticated scams, with "too many left carrying the financial and emotional burden when protections fail."

“The focus must now be on strong obligations on industry and fast, fair access to redress for people affected by scams," she said.

More info here: https://consumeraction.org.au/unacceptable-harms-scam-laws-delay-will-see-aussies-robbed-of-billions/

28/05/2026

Coming together over shared stories, learning and a few delicious bush food creations 🌿
This morning our team marked National Reconciliation Week with a special morning tea inspired by this year’s theme, All In.

From lemon myrtle treats to meaningful conversations, it was a chance to reflect, connect and deepen our understanding of First Nations cultures and knowledge.

Reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility, and moments like these remind us that even small actions can help build stronger, more respectful relationships.