Workshop session 1:
11:45am – 12:45pm

Classroom 1 | Diverse Learners

Moderator | Elisabeth Sinnewe

Roset Khair | Unity Grammar

Meeting the Financial Literacy needs of learners with diverse needs and perspectives

Roset will examine how schools and educators may better cater to diverse students’ financial literacy learning needs by rethinking curriculum and pedagogy. It will include redefining financial literacy in diverse groups such as those with learning difficulties, Indigenous people, people of Islamic faith, and diverse socio-economic communities so that financial literacy programs may be taught in an inclusive and relevant way.

Ian Meggit | Co-Hive

Co-Hive – Finance Matters

Ian will discuss ‘Finance Matters’, a 20-week program designed to teach young adults with disability (18-30 years old) essential financial literacy skills, including foundational concepts, personal banking, budgeting, smart shopping, cyber-safety, digital identity safety and scams. Ian will share the journey that Co-Hive has experienced in establishing the program and the solutions found to overcome challenges.

Carla Bassil | UNSW

The role of financial education in improving outcomes for young refugees

In this discussion, Carla will share the many challenges experienced by refugees and asylum seekers in adjusting to life in resettlement contexts. Beyond the cost of education, which may include tuition fees, school supplies, and transportation, little data exists regarding refugee students’ experiences of financial hardship. Carla will outline the specific role and benefits of financial education in supporting these students.

Classroom 2 | Gamification

Moderator | Donovan Castelyn

Katrina Samios | Financial Basics Foundation

Videos, games and micro-credentials to inspire financial literacy

Katrina will provide an overview of the free tools the Financial Basics Foundation developed for student engagement with and understanding of ‘real-life’ financial concepts covered in Economics and Business. She will also showcase the ESSI Money Game, the MoneyIQ financial education video series and the new Financial Basics Classroom Academy.

Isabella Dobrescu | UNSW

Playconomics

In this presentation, Isabella will showcase Playconomics, a video game metaverse for senior high school and university students. It is presented on an award-winning Ed-tech platform developed at UNSW that weaves the videogame metaverse with standard university material to create online courses that motivate, influence, and inspire learning as a fun, engaging and rewarding journey.

Kathy Rimmer |University of Newcastle

Cybercrimes and scams

This workshop will showcase a lesson on cybercrime and scams embedded in the high school financial literacy program for high school students delivered by student ambassadors from the Newcastle Business School and Greater Bank. This session will cover identifying types of scams, risk reduction strategies and how to protect yourself online.

Classroom 3 | Entrepreneurship

Moderator | Jakhongir Kakhkharov

Jim Schuman | First Pivot

Financial Skills for a Better World: Learning Financial Literacy Through Social Impact Entrepreneurship

Jim will provide a strong case for financial literacy and social impact entrepreneurship to be essential components of a comprehensive education for young people. Using the analogy of Vegemite and butter, the presentation highlights the importance of combining these elements to create a powerful and effective learning experience.

Renae Jones | Young Change Agents

Entrepreneurial education and financial literacy: A match made in heaven

Renae will present case studies from schools that have integrated Young Change Agents entrepreneurial programs into their curriculum with various cohorts- including primary and secondary schools, First Nations students and students with a disability. Teachers report higher student engagement and deeper learning of how to make informed decisions, weigh cost versus value, understand consumer demand and navigate key business concepts like revenue, profit and loss.

Barbara van der Merwe | Mandy Money

Step-by-Step: how to build a financial literacy high school program

Barbara will provide an actionable walk-through presentation helping high school teachers build an effective personal finance program. It is packed with tips, tricks, and learnings from Mandy Money’s lengthy experience implementing and teaching money education in high schools. She will also give away a copy of Australia’s first financial literacy textbook.

Classroom 4 | Careers and future prospects

Moderator | Maree Drury

Al Grounder & Rachael Rankin | Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ)

The meaningful impact accountants make

Al and Rachael will share CA ANZ’s journey to reposition careers in accounting to young people, from roles as a ‘financial sleuth’ to being a ‘crime fighter’ or a ‘number ninja’. They will share resources available to support career discussions and unpack how fundamental accounting knowledge can support diverse ambitions. They will also discuss how accountants make a meaningful impact on businesses, organisations, communities and economies.

Jai Hobbs | Financially Literate Youth

Transforming lives through financial literacy

Jai will share his valuable insights on financial literacy’s crucial role in shaping the future of young people. He will share common pitfalls and misconceptions he has encountered as a mortgage broker. He will also share his inspiration for the FLY book and explain why he is passionate about financial education.

Louise Trevaskis | Financial Advice Association of Australia

A career as a financial adviser

Louise will discuss how a career as a financial adviser allows students to put their financial literacy skills to work in a rewarding, flexible, and purpose-driven career that makes a positive difference in their clients’ lives.