--- title: About us description: "A unique collaboration between industry and the sector.\nHelping Australians in financial difficulty get the support they need." image: https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/peoplethumb-1.png --- [![logo](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/logo.png?width=215&height=90&name=logo.png "logo")](https://fcif.org.au?hsLang=en-au) - [Home](https://www.fcif.org.au) - About us - [About FCIF](https://www.fcif.org.au/aboutfcif) - [2025-2028 Grants Strategy](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-strategy) - [Equity and Transparency](https://www.fcif.org.au/equity-transparency) - [Help videos (using Blackbaud](https://www.fcif.org.au/videohelp) - [Measuring Unmet Demand](https://www.fcif.org.au/measuring-unmet-demand-working-group) - [Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/contact-0) - [Share your story](https://www.fcif.org.au/share) - [Subscribe](https://www.fcif.org.au/subscribe) - [Contact us](https://www.fcif.org.au/contact) - Expansion - [Expansion Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/expansion) - [External Reviewers](https://www.fcif.org.au/expansion-reviewers) - [2025 Applications](https://www.fcif.org.au/2025-expansion-grant-applications) - [2025 Outcomes and Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/outcomes-and-feedback-2025-expansion-grants) - Innovation - [Innovation Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/innovation) - [2025 Innovation Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/outcomes-2025innovationgrants) - [2026 Outcomes and Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/2026-innovation-outcomes) - [Innovation Advisory Panel](https://www.fcif.org.au/panel) - Workforce Capability - [Workforce Capability Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/workforce-capability-round) - [Workforce Capability Advisory Panel](https://www.fcif.org.au/workforce-capability-advisory-panel) - Funding partners - [Funding partners](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-partners) - [Become a contributor](https://www.fcif.org.au/becomeacontributor) - [Home](https://www.fcif.org.au) - About us - [About FCIF](https://www.fcif.org.au/aboutfcif) - [2025-2028 Grants Strategy](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-strategy) - [Equity and Transparency](https://www.fcif.org.au/equity-transparency) - [Help videos (using Blackbaud](https://www.fcif.org.au/videohelp) - [Measuring Unmet Demand](https://www.fcif.org.au/measuring-unmet-demand-working-group) - [Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/contact-0) - [Share your story](https://www.fcif.org.au/share) - [Subscribe](https://www.fcif.org.au/subscribe) - [Contact us](https://www.fcif.org.au/contact) - Expansion - [Expansion Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/expansion) - [External Reviewers](https://www.fcif.org.au/expansion-reviewers) - [2025 Applications](https://www.fcif.org.au/2025-expansion-grant-applications) - [2025 Outcomes and Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/outcomes-and-feedback-2025-expansion-grants) - Innovation - [Innovation Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/innovation) - [2025 Innovation Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/outcomes-2025innovationgrants) - [2026 Outcomes and Feedback](https://www.fcif.org.au/2026-innovation-outcomes) - [Innovation Advisory Panel](https://www.fcif.org.au/panel) - Workforce Capability - [Workforce Capability Grants](https://www.fcif.org.au/workforce-capability-round) - [Workforce Capability Advisory Panel](https://www.fcif.org.au/workforce-capability-advisory-panel) - Funding partners - [Funding partners](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-partners) - [Become a contributor](https://www.fcif.org.au/becomeacontributor) Search Search - [SUBSCRIBE](https://www.fcif.org.au/subscribe) - [NEED HELP?](https://www.fcif.org.au/about-fc) - - - [SUBSCRIBE](https://www.fcif.org.au/subscribe) - [NEED HELP?](https://www.fcif.org.au/about-fc) - - Search Search # About us   ### Helping Australians in financial difficulty get the support they need. ## A purpose-driven organisation A [registered charity](https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f586a361-01fe-ee11-9f8a-00224893b0ed/profile) with [DGR status](https://www.acnc.gov.au/tools/factsheets/deductible-gift-recipients-dgr-and-acnc) established in 2024, our mission is to help reduce unmet demand for financial counselling services in Australia. Our [2025-2028 Grants Strategy](https://www.fcif.org.au/funding-strategy?hsLang=en-au) outlines our approach as we implement Australia's new industry funding model. The Financial Counselling Industry Fund was created from a unique partnership between a wide range of industries and the financial counselling sector, with strong support from the Commonwealth Government. [Our constitution](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/FINAL%20branded%20constitution.pdf?hsLang=en-au) ## Our team ![Elissa](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Elissa.png?width=400&height=400&name=Elissa.png "Elissa") #### Elissa Freeman ##### Chief Executive Officer Elissa is no stranger to complex challenges. With deep expertise in consumer policy and market regulation, she’s spent decades navigating the intersections of energy, water, telecommunications, and financial services. Her passion? Delivering practical solutions that create real impact. Grounded in purpose, Elissa brings clarity, tenacity, and heart to everything she does. Whether designing stakeholder strategies or driving systemic change, she connects the dots across sectors to build strategy with integrity.  [![LinkedIn profile](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LiSm.png?width=20&height=20&name=LiSm.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissa-freeman/)   ![Ray (1)](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Ray%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=Ray%20(1).png "Ray (1)") #### Raymonda Dijkwel ##### Operations Manager Raymonda is an enthusiastic and dedicated senior project and operational manager with a passion for wellbeing, social justice and human rights. She has a proven track record in effective business operations and delivery of projects, stakeholder relationships, governance and risk management. All with an innovative and creative mindset. [![LinkedIn profile](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LiSm.png?width=20&height=20&name=LiSm.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymonda-dijkwel-6a557029/)   ![Liz-1](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Liz-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=Liz-1.png "Liz-1") #### Liz Gearing ##### Grants and Impact Manager With a passion for nonprofit work Liz specialises in managing grants and programs that make a real difference. She builds strong relationships with stakeholders and brings a strategic approach to funding, compliance, and program delivery, ensuring every grant creates the maximum possible impact. [![LinkedIn profile](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LiSm.png?width=20&height=20&name=LiSm.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-gearing/)   ![Emily (2)](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Emily%20(2).png?width=400&height=400&name=Emily%20(2).png "Emily (2)") #### Emily Miller ##### Communications Manager Emily is a purpose driven communications manager with extensive experience across the not-for-profit sector in strategic communications, project management and stakeholder engagement. With a track record in leading major campaigns and forging productive partnerships, she connects people with impact and purpose. [![LinkedIn profile](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LiSm.png?width=20&height=20&name=LiSm.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-850960109)   ![Matt (2)](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Matt%20(2).png?width=400&name=Matt%20(2).png "Matt (2)") #### Matt Ferns ##### Grants Officer Matt is an experienced grantmaker who’s passionate about supporting organisations to deliver meaningful work in their communities. He brings a practical, thoughtful approach to funding, assessment and partnership building, focusing on clear, collaborative processes and strong relationships. Matt is committed to ensuring every grant creates real impact. [![LinkedIn profile](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LiSm.png?width=20&height=20&name=LiSm.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ferns)     ![Our Values heading](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/OUR%20VALUES%20header-1.png?width=120&height=600&name=OUR%20VALUES%20header-1.png "Our Values heading") ![We share a common purpose](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/Values%20(1).png "We share a common purpose") We care deeply about our work: we are driven to ensure that, as long as Australians experience financial vulnerability, industry funding helps them find a way forward. ![We act with integrity](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/2-4.png "We act with integrity") ![We collaborate](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/3-2.png?width=1000&name=3-2.png "We collaborate") ![We create solutions](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/4-3.png "We create solutions") ![We are inclusive](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/5-1.png?width=1000&name=5-1.png "We are inclusive")   We are ethical and transparent in all we do. Fair processes, trusted by stakeholders, are the foundation of our work. We create impact by fostering an environment of open communication and partnership.    We innovate together and demonstrate that industry funding is a part of the solution.   We value every voice. We treat people with respect and listen to their stories.    ## Our Board ![Peter-1](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Peter-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=Peter-1.png "Peter-1") #### Peter Kell ##### Chair Peter has extensive leadership experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with a particular focus on consumer policy and financial services. Peter was Deputy Chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission for seven years to 2019, and prior to this was Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. He was a Special Adviser to the Australian Treasury on the implementation of the Financial Services Royal Commission. More recently, Peter was Australian Managing Director of Promontory Financial Group, a leading global financial services consultancy with expertise in regulation and governance. Peter has held a range of roles in consumer organisations.  He was the CEO of CHOICE, and he currently chairs the Consumer Committees of the Australian Financial Security Authority and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority   [![LinkedIn profile](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LiSm.png?width=20&height=20&name=LiSm.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-kell-42575519b/)   ![Ben-1](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Ben-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=Ben-1.png "Ben-1") #### Ben Barnes Ben has significant experience within the energy sector, with extensive knowledge of retail energy markets, regulatory frameworks, communications and stakeholder engagement. He is currently the General Manager Corporate Affairs at the Australian Energy Council, a role he has held since August 2022. Ben has been involved in the development of an industry funding model since 2019, having most recently sat on the Industry Steering Committee supporting the incorporation of the FCIF, and previously on the Sylvan Implementation Working Group. [![LinkedIn profile](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LiSm.png?width=20&height=20&name=LiSm.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-barnes-888759214/)   ![Vanessa](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Vanessa.png?width=400&height=400&name=Vanessa.png "Vanessa") #### Vanessa Beggs Vanessa is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Banking Association. She is responsible for working with member banks and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in providing leadership, governance and operational management, driving the performance of the organisation and the achievement of the industry’s strategic objectives. Vanessa brings over 25 years’ experience across the corporate, government and not for profit sectors. Vanessa previously held the position of the CEO for the YWCA NSW – leading the organisation from a federated model to a united national organisation, and has also held executive roles in strategy, change management, cultural transformation and organisational development predominantly with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Vanessa serves as a non-executive director of FINSIA, the Financial Counselling Industry Fund and Driveabout World – an Edtech start up improving driver knowledge to achieve road safety. [![LinkedIn profile](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LiSm.png?width=20&height=20&name=LiSm.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-beggs-52003318/) ![Bev-1](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Bev-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=Bev-1.png "Bev-1") #### Bev Jowle Bev was most recently the CEO for Advocare in WA and worked in the community services sector for over 35 years including leadership roles working with young people, in child protection, women’s health, local and state government and was previously the CEO of the Financial Counselling Association of WA. Bev is now semi-retired and holds several Board Director roles and provides consulting services. Bev has a strong passion for social justice and human rights and is well regarded for her role in providing advocacy for social impact. [![LinkedIn profile](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/LiSm.png?width=20&height=20&name=LiSm.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bev-jowle/)   ![Greg](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Greg.png?width=400&name=Greg.png "Greg") #### Greg Tanzer Greg is a consultant to financial services regulators and firms, working in Australia with Promontory, Australia and overseas with the International Monetary Fund amongst others. From 2012 to 2016 he was a commissioner at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and from 2008 to 2012 he worked as secretary-general of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions. Greg is a Director of the Financial Counselling Foundation Ltd. He has significant experience in regulation, governance and policy development.   ## Annual Report Read our [2025 Annual Report](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/FCIF%202025%20Annual%20Report.pdf?hsLang=en-au) [![acnc-logo](https://www.fcif.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/acnc-logo.png?width=200&height=201&name=acnc-logo.png "acnc-logo")](https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f586a361-01fe-ee11-9f8a-00224893b0ed/profile) *We live and work on the lands of the Darkinjung people, and the Gadigal, Wangal and Gayamaygal people of the Eora Nation. We recognise them and other Traditional Custodians of this unceded land. We pay our respects to elders past and present. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.* © Financial Counselling Industry Fund. All rights reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://www.fcif.org.au/hubfs/Privacy%20Policy.pdf?hsLang=en-au)  ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Financial Counselling Industry Fund", "url" : "https://www.fcif.org.au/" } ```