Financial Counselling Facilitator and Assessor
Bachelor of Community Welfare in International Social Development, Diploma of Financial Counselling, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Debbie started her career working in a large and busy community services organisation, where the majority of the surrounding community were vulnerable consumers living from pay cheque to pay cheque.
At this time, Debbie was working on a part-time basis whilst completing her university studies, gaining some much-needed insight and experience into the community sector. After completing her studies, Debbie ventured overseas and spent 6 months volunteering for The Salvation Army in both a Girls Home and a Children's Home in Johannesburg South Africa. After this six-month adventure, Debbie returned home enthusiastic to start helping those in the community who had no one else to turn to for help, in times of difficulty or when needing advice.
After consulting with a colleague, Debbie was offered an opportunity to complete some observations within a financial counselling setting. This opportunity opened the door to the world of financial counselling and endless possibilities. Debbie was given the chance to undertake on-the-job training and work full time in the sector under a fully accredited Financial Counsellor and Supervisor. It was here that a passion ignited and her long-term career as a Financial Counsellor began.
Debbie has now worked in the sector for 20 years and can see herself in the industry for many years to come. In this time, she has held varying roles including; Financial Counsellor, Manager of Financial Counselling Services, significant positions within FCAN, the State Association (including Membership Secretary), consumer hardship liaison positions, supervisor and trainer and mentor for new emerging staff in the sector. Debbie is driven by a passion for fairness and equity in the hope that one day we can all be treated and seen as equals.