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About us

At First Nations Foundation, it’s our mission to achieve financial literacy and prosperity for First Nations people.

We provide culturally-designed financial education, training and information that will add value for First Nations people, regardless of where they fall on the wealth continuum.

Our evidence-based research and data helps to lead a national conversation on achieving financial prosperity for First Nations people. This allows us to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with organisations who have shared values around Indigenous wealth and financial wellbeing.

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Help us improve economic

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outcomes for First Nations

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communities and individuals across

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Australia.

A brief history

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1999
1999

Credit Union starts up in Shepparton

First Nations Credit Union starts up in Shepparton Victoria and quickly grows nationally. Offering banking services to Indigenous people along with the famous Cathy Freeman card, it proves a hit amongst First Australians.

1999
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2006
2006

First Nations Foundation is created

First Nations Foundation is created and funded by Credit Union Australia, with the main goal of teaching financial skills to Indigenous people.

2006
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2009
2009

My Moola launches

Our first financial literacy training package, My Moola, launches. Built by Indigenous people for Indigenous people, it starts changing lives by building the money skills of First Nations people.

2009
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2014
2014

The first Big Super Day Out

The first Indigenous superannuation event series, Big Super Day Out, is held in Sydney. These events continue to roll out around Australia, earning an award from Financial Literacy Australia.

2014
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2017
2017

Pivot towards digital education

First Nations Foundation pivots towards becoming a digital educator so Indigenous people can learn financial skills at scale.

2017
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2018
2018

Digital training begins and research is conducted

My Money Dream’ digital training begins, and our first financial field research on Indigenous finances is conducted in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact and NAB. The Big Super Day Out event series is held in four states across 13 communities, with $14.5M in Indigenous super being located.

2018
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2019
2019

Our first report is released

Our ‘Money Stories’ research report in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact and NAB is released. It is revealed that only 1 in 10 Indigenous people are financially secure compared with 1 in 2 non-Indigenous Australians. We also help to reunite more than 1,600 Indigenous people with $24 million in superannuation across 21 Big Super Day Out events around Australia.

2019

Our Board of Directors

Iam Hamm

Iam Hamm

Chairperson, Yorta Yorta, VIC

Raylene Bellottie

Raylene Bellottie

Raylene Bellottie

Michelle Crawford

Michelle Crawford

Director, Victoria

Melissa Archer

Melissa Archer

Director of Finance

Rajiv Viswanathan

Rajiv Viswanathan

Director

Eveanne Liddle

Eveanne Liddle

Director, Central Arrernte and Luritja Pertame woman, Central Australia

First Nations Foundation team

Leah Bennett

Leah Bennett

Managing Director

Emma McCashney

Emma McCashney

Chief Operating
Officer

Angus Crawford

Angus Crawford

General Manager — Economic Policy, Research and Government Relations

Maddie Shepherd

Maddie Shepherd

Manager, Corporate Partnerships

Eddie Buli

Eddie Buli

Project Manager, Regional & Remote Outreach

Tiffani Seaton

Tiffani Seaton

Team Leader - Community Education

Brogan Fielder

Brogan Fielder

Manager, Operations

Catherine Connolly

Catherine Connolly

Manager Engagement, Impact and Fundraising

Keiena Aspinall Ivey

Keiena Aspinall Ivey

Content Development & Training Officer

Courtney Kelly

Courtney Kelly

Community Development & Training Officer

Talia Caldwell

Talia Caldwell

Community Development & Training Officer

Tim Elbery

Tim Elbery

Web Developer &
IT Support Officer

Aliyah Stanke

Aliyah Stanke

Social Media & Communications Officer

Nancy Chalmers

Nancy Chalmers

Graphic Designer

Emily Spence Thomas

Emily Spence Thomas

Finance Officer

Tammy McDonald

Tammy McDonald

Executive Assistant

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