Bharathi Pingali, Uniting WA
Robert is always positive and enthusiastic about supporting our bank and contributing to its improvements.
He provides invaluable insights and feedback that have been instrumental in our progress. Robert also assisted with the development of the gambling pages and participated in focus groups with the vulnerability teams from an FC perspective.
Additionally, Robert holds the role of Sector Development Officer for FCAWA, which further highlights his dedication and commitment to the field. We believe he is a deserving recipient of this award, considering his significant contributions and unwavering support.
Leah is an outstanding FC whose commitment to best practice, innovation, and inclusive service delivery makes them a clear candidate for this Award.
Her approach is characterized by deep empathy, system-level thinking, and a proactive drive to improve outcomes for both clients and the broader sector.
Leah adapts her approach to each person’s cognitive and emotional needs, particularly with clients who are neurodivergent. Whether it’s allowing breaks for clients with ADHD, using clear, structured communication for clients with autism, or identifying alternative ways to engage, Leah ensures every individual is met with dignity and understanding. If something doesn’t exist or is out of date, Leah will build it, update it, and share it with their team. Leah is known for her generosity and team spirit. Leah’s commitment to continuous improvement, system change, and inclusive client engagement sets a benchmark in the field.
With outstanding dedication, leadership, and advocacy as a Financial Counsellor, Paul consistently goes above and beyond supporting clients with complex financial challenges and strengthening the sector and community through education, collaboration, and innovation.
His commitment to community impact is evident in his initiative to help establish a local mobile Foodbank location, directly addressing food insecurity and improving access to essential services. He also presents to students on Small Business Financial Counselling, sharing real-world insights and practical strategies.
Within the agency, Paul is a pillar of support for their colleagues and fosters peer support and knowledge-sharing by initiating and hosting weekly drop-in sessions for Small Business Financial Counsellors. Â
Sen has made exceptional contributions to systemic change, financial literacy, and innovative community education.Â
Innovative projects include: establishing public laundry services as hubs for vulnerable people, where financial education and information can be exchanged, and initiating pro bono tax and wills clinics, which have transformed lives by providing access to otherwise inaccessible support.
At a systemic level, Sen has been actively involved in industry super working groups, collaborating with ASFA, superfunds, and trustees to redesign death claim forms and third-party authority forms in plain English, improving accessibility nationwide. He is also one of the few financial counsellors to lodge complex insurance claims (TPD and income protection) on behalf of clients, setting new standards of practice in the sector.
Bharathi is an exceptional team member whose tireless efforts, compassion, and professionalism set them apart in every aspect of their role. Bharathi’s impact is especially evident in their unwavering commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness, working closely with the Tranby Men’s and Women’s groups, providing consistent referral pathways into financial counselling and coaching, and advocating on behalf of individuals who are often facing complex, entrenched challenges. One example is they supported an individual to build their financial literacy skills and gain the confidence and capacity to move away from reliance on the Public Trustee. Bharathi regularly shares their work practices with peers to strengthen internal knowledge and community networks.
This award was accepted by Balbeer Sidhu on behalf of Bharathi.
In response to rising cost-of-living and housing pressures, Money Support Hub (MSH) partnered with Aboriginal organisations to deliver culturally sensitive workshops on budgeting, debt, and consumer rights.
FC, Sen, helped launch a digital skills program for elders—providing devices and training to protect against scams and financial abuse.
We also introduced “Washing Therapy” with Orange Sky: free laundry services paired with on-site support from a Financial Counsellor and Centrelink Aboriginal Support Officer.
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation has launched a community-led financial counselling service focused on self-determination and financial independence. Weekly workshops and partnerships with groups like Consumer Protection and ASIC help educate locals on scams, energy issues, and financial rights.
Innovative projects include ID cards accepted by major banks and flour drum ovens to reduce electricity costs and promote healthy cooking. The service has also helped secure compensation, waive debts, and support housing advocacy.
Michael Harries sets a new standard in supervision.
He is methodical, precise, and compassionate, offering non-judgmental guidance and sharing technical expertise freely. Rather than dismissing ideas, he encourages deeper reflection.
As a mentor to Small Business Financial Counsellors, Michael is a trusted guide and active contributor to their weekly drop-in sessions. He exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding supervisor.
With over 25 years of service, John Harte has delivered expert, client-centred financial counselling grounded in trauma-informed, culturally safe practice. His deep knowledge of credit law, hardship negotiation, and systemic advocacy ensures compassionate, practical support.
John has mentored countless financial counsellors, sharing expertise through supervision and complex case discussions. As a former FCAWA board member and WA representative, he’s influenced policy at state and national levels, ensuring lived experiences shape legislation.
His strong relationships with creditors and community organisations have improved hardship practices and referral pathways. John’s excellence, leadership, and commitment to systemic change exemplify the spirit of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sandy Dann, from Goolarri Media is nominated for the outstanding contribution to the delivery of the Financial Counselling Corner, a weekly segment which reaches communities on a national platform.
The segment has been going for almost 3 years. Sandy Dann has always been supportive by raising awareness around financial matters in their region but also raising awareness around the financial counselling sector and how financial counsellors can assist, therefore assisting to lift the profile of financial counsellors across WA.Â
Sandy was very excited about the prospect of having a segment around that subject of finance and very graciously agreed to be part of it. Sandy was very happy and showed incredible enthusiasm to make the Financial Counselling Corner a success.
