Financial Wellbeing Collective Wins 2024 IPAA WA Excellence Award in the Not-for-Profit Sector

The Financial Wellbeing Collective has taken out the 2024 Business News Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector Award at the recent Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) WA Achievement Awards, recognising the Collective’s innovative approach and dedication to improving the financial wellbeing of Western Australians.

Established in 2015 in response to the state government’s decision to decentralise funding to Perth financial counselling services, the now Financial Wellbeing Collective lobbied and successfully secured funding continuation for smaller organisations with embedded community connections at risk of defunding.

Today, the Financial Wellbeing Collective has grown into a collaboration of 12 partner organisations, offering a range of vital integrated services designed to reduce the drivers and impacts of financial hardship. These partners include community legal centres, large and small not-for-profits, and local government – all working together to provide a holistic approach to improving community financial wellbeing.

Over the last 9 years, the Financial Wellbeing Collective has expanded to offer much more than financial counselling. Services cover a broad spectrum of financial wellbeing programs from immediate crisis support to long-term prevention – including emergency relief and utility grant access, financial coaching, energy coaching and community education.

These services have become as valuable and in-demand as ever, as Western Australians grapple with dual cost of living and housing crises.

General Manager Helena Jakupovic says the recognition is not just an acknowledgment of the Collective’s work, but a testament to the power of collaboration.

And the Collective’s ability to collaborate effectively has been key to its success. Partner organisations work together through a shared governance structure, ensuring consistency and high standards in service delivery. This collaboration extends across all levels, from senior management to frontline staff, creating a unified approach to addressing financial wellbeing.

Ms Jakupovic says winning the IPAA WA Excellence Award signifies the Financial Wellbeing Collective’s ongoing commitment to innovation and client outcomes.

“The award win represents the tireless efforts of our partners and the collective impact we achieve through working together. Together, we offer many benefits to our funders, government, industry, our partners and the people we serve – our clients,” says Ms Jakupovic.

Western Australians experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to reach out to:
Financial Wellbeing Collective: ☎️ 1800 932 050 🌐 thefwc.org.au