Problem Gambling Skill Set and Financial Literacy Education Skill Set Trainer and Assessor
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling), Diploma of Community Welfare Work, Diploma of Community Services (Community Work), Diploma of Community Services (Management), Bachelor of Arts (Community Development), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
Maria Turnbull OAM is a Financial Counsellor of high standing with many years of experience in working with people affected by addictions, specifically gambling as well as alcohol and other drugs. Maria has chaired the Financial & Consumer Rights Council (FCRC) for three years and was on the FCRC Board for six years. She chaired the Gambling Issues Working Group for six years.
She is a recipient of the prestigious Jan Pentland Prize and the Community Services Award from Parkinson's Victoria, both in 2015.
In 2018's Australia Day honours, Maria received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), in the general Division for service to the community through social welfare organisations, including Moneycare Camberwell since 2008 and Gambler's Help from 2004.
In 2006, her casework identified a link between medications prescribed to her clients with
Parkinson's Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome and compulsive behaviours such as gambling. Her efforts eventually led to a successful Class Action lawsuit against three pharmaceutical companies for failing to declare all potential side effects of their medications.
Maria is an unrelenting advocate for our community members, a person of great skill, qualifications, expertise and experience. Most of all she cares greatly about what she does and has a strong desire and commitment to improve the lot of people suffering financial hardship. She never gives up, just never gives up!