GESB helps support financial wellness in the Pilbara
The manager of our Relationship Management and Education team, Emlyn Whetnall, recently travelled to the Pilbara to support the Financial Wellness Outreach Program, hosted by the First Nations Foundation.
The initiative brought together super funds, banks, government agencies and community organisations to help First Nations people and local residents access financial support, superannuation assistance and essential services.
Connecting with regional organisations and communities
As part of the trip, Emlyn visited several WA public sector workplaces in Newman and Tom Price, including local schools, hospitals, WA Police and the Department of Transport, providing information and assistance to staff.
He also participated in community events across Newman and Tom Price, helping connect First Nations people and local residents with a range of services, including:
- Money health checks
- Superannuation and unclaimed money assistance
- Banking support
- Financial counselling
- Government services
- Culturally safe referrals
The events were supported by a wide range of organisations, including GESB, AMP Super, REST, Aware Super, AustralianSuper, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), ANZ, Westpac, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), Pilbara Community Legal Service and the Shire of Ashburton.
Community BBQs helped create a welcoming atmosphere, and Emlyn enjoyed pitching in with food service.
From left to right: Eddie Buli, First Nations Foundation Project Manager, Regional and Remote Servicing; Tevita Naroba, Pilbara Community Legal Services, Financial Counselling Team Leader; and Emlyn Whetnall, GESB Manager, Relationship Management and Education.
Working together to improve access to super
Working alongside Eddie Buli from First Nations Foundation and Tevita Naroba from Pilbara Community Legal Service, Emlyn helped several First Nations community members with their superannuation and financial enquiries.
"The people we met were incredibly friendly and appreciative that these services were available. Even small acts of support can make a difference, whether that's helping with super, connecting someone with the right service, or simply lending a hand." – Emlyn Whetnall, Manager, Relationship Management and Education
For GESB, participating in initiatives like the Financial Wellness Outreach Program gives us the opportunity to improve access to superannuation information, helping people reconnect with lost or unclaimed super and providing culturally safe engagement opportunities. In doing so, we're working towards our goal of helping achieve more equitable retirement outcomes for First Nations peoples and the communities we serve.
The outreach program highlighted the importance of bringing services directly to regional communities and demonstrated the positive impact of collaboration in supporting stronger financial wellbeing for First Nations people.
More information
- First Nations Foundations’ free online financial literacy program
- Flexible identity requirements and other reconciliation initiatives
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