Scholarships
The Jan Pentland scholarships are awarded annually, at the Jan Pentland Foundation dinner. This is held in May of each year in conjunction with the annual financial counselling conference.
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The scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals who are undertaking study or are intending to undertake study in financial counselling.
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In recent years, the Foundation has been able to provide more scholarships than previously. This has largely been made possible because of a donation of $50,000 per annum from the Commonwealth Bank (for 2017-2026). Other scholarships in previous years were funded by the NSW Government (Minister for Women), Credit Corp and staff at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. In 2025, Credit Corp will provide funding for two scholarships. One of these scholarships will specifically be awarded to a First Nations individual.
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The 2026 scholarship round will open in early 2026.
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"To look is one thing. To see what you look at is another. To understand what you see is a third. To learn from what you understand is something else. But to act on what you learn is all that really matters."
It is believed this quote had a special significance for Jan and it describes how she lived her life. It is also the advice she might have given to the scholarship winners.
2025
SCHOLARSHIP
WINNERS
Alina Dias
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Alina has a strong background in accounts and finance and is eager to pursue a career in financial counselling. Inspired by the life-changing support she once received, Alena is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable community members.
Alina is well-prepared to support and advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds. She brings hands-on experience in debt management and finance, combined with a compassionate and empathetic approach to client care.
Angela Lonergan
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After relocating and taking time away from work, Angela made the decision to stop delaying her dream of becoming a financial counsellor. Inspired by the impact and stories shared by her mentor, she is committed to studying the Diploma of Financial Counselling and pursuing the path with purpose.
With 15 years of experience in Business Management and helping her family run a small business, Angela has seen first-hand the need for financial support in rural communities. Her dream is to work with a not-for-profit organisation, focusing on rural small businesses or individuals to build financial stability and resilience.
Arena Tan
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Arena is a dedicated Financial Counsellor at Communicare, passionate about building her skills to better support individuals and families in financial distress. She is committed to community education and will begin delivering workshops in 2025 for disadvantaged youth, focusing on essential financial life skills. She also authors a financial counselling newsletter to promote financial literacy and reduce stress among community members.
Driven by purpose, Arena sees financial counselling as her calling. She is deeply committed to advocating for her clients, improving their financial wellbeing, and contributing to broader systemic change that delivers long-term impact.
Bianca Lyon
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Bianca has worked alongside Financial Capability Workers and Financial Counsellors and currently supports clients nationwide as a Financial Hardship Advocate with Way Forward. Her roles have focused on improving financial literacy, helping clients manage debt, and promoting financial resilience through one-on-one support and education.
Bianca has a Social Science (Social Welfare) degree and a strong commitment to self-directed learning. She is now pursuing the Diploma of Financial Counselling to expand her knowledge and continue supporting vulnerable community members with greater impact.
Brittney Matthews
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Brittney is an experienced administrator in the financial services sector, where she has gained valuable insights into the challenges individuals face in managing their finances. This experience has deepened her passion for supporting people through difficult financial circumstances.
Brittney aims to build on her strong administrative foundation by developing practical skills in financial counselling. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, Brittney is committed to empowering individuals and ensuring they feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported in their financial journey.
Brooke O'Connor
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Brooke is transitioning from a rewarding career in teaching to financial counselling, motivated by a strong desire to support individuals and families facing financial hardship. Her background has equipped her with strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, while her experience as a parent of four has deepened her empathy and understanding of the financial pressures many families face.
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She is passionate about empowering people to make informed financial decisions and is committed to advocating for fair and accessible support. Brooke sees this new path as an opportunity to combine her lived experience with formal training to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of others.
Emily Browne
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Emily is currently employed as an Analyst in the Indigenous Outreach Team at ASIC, where she plays a key role on the Indigenous Helpline. Her frontline work has strengthened her understanding of the unique financial challenges faced by First Nations communities and inspired a drive to deliver more culturally appropriate support.
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Through both research and lived experience, Emily has identified critical service gaps, particularly the need for First Nations Financial Counsellors to support women in the criminal justice system and those affected by domestic violence, financial abuse, and cultural abuse. She is passionate about helping to close these gaps by providing trauma-informed, culturally safe financial counselling where it is most needed.
Folole Tasi
In her current role, Folole supports individuals facing financial crises and assists families and communities through significant transitions and financial stress. Her work focuses on preventing homelessness and strengthening financial resilience. Folole is dedicated to studying financial counselling and enhance her learning through workshops, extra reading, and hands-on experience.
She is especially passionate about helping First Nations communities build financial independence through respectful and culturally relevant support. For Folole, this path is more than just a career, it’s about making a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Jenny Moulden
Jenny is currently studying financial counselling and volunteers with Anglicare’s WANILS program, where she is building her communication skills and gaining insight into the financial challenges people face.
Committed to making a meaningful career change, Jenny is passionate about supporting others and improving lives through financial counselling. She is excited to become part of the sector and contribute to a more financially informed and supported community.
Julia Anderson
With a background in the housing sector and a strong commitment to supporting Indigenous clients, Julia is dedicated to helping individuals and families secure stable housing. She’s seen firsthand the impact of financial insecurity.
Through the scholarship and diploma, Julia will gain valuable skills and knowledge that she can share with others, strengthening her ability to support clients and contribute to lasting positive change in the community.
This is particularly important in the outback, where high staff turnover makes the development of local expertise and continuity of support services even more critical.
Kate Moloney
From personal experience, Kate has developed a strong appreciation for the vital role financial counsellors play in supporting individuals through hardship. She is committed to contributing meaningfully to the profession by helping improve financial stability and overall wellbeing within the community.
Driven by a deep sense of purpose and advocacy, Kate brings a high level of motivation and dedication to her work. She is confident that her skills, combined with a genuine commitment to helping others, will allow her to make a lasting and positive impact in the financial counselling field.
Louise Hadfield
Louise is motivated by personal experience and a strong commitment to learning. She is passionate about supporting parents and families to build financial stability, recognising the positive impact this can have on children’s wellbeing.
Currently completing her Diploma of Financial Counselling, Louise is actively sharing her knowledge with those around her. She has a particular interest in supporting families affected by domestic violence and is committed to creating lasting change through empathy, education, and empowerment.
Lulu Hou
Lulu is currently studying the Diploma, while working as a case manager in the community services sector.
As a migrant, Lulu brings valuable insight into the challenges faced by CALD communities. She is passionate about helping people regain financial control and making a meaningful impact, especially within CALD communities.​
Nicole Buckler
Nicole's journey into financial counselling started with her work in budgeting and as an intake worker at Anglicare. Seeing the impact of financial stress on individuals inspired her to pursue a Diploma of Financial Counselling, so she can really make a difference in people’s lives.
As a single mum herself, Nicole understands the challenges many of her clients face.
Becoming a Financial Counsellor will allow her to support others while also building a better future for her own family.
Nouzi Besavend
Nouzi currently works as a lawyer supporting Aboriginal communities, where she sees firsthand the shortage of financial counsellors and the vulnerable position this leaves many clients in. Recognizing this gap, she's motivated to expand her skillset so she can better assist her clients.
Over the years, Nouzi has completed several courses that have enhanced her role to serve her community more effectively. She is committed to ongoing learning and providing the best possible outcomes for those she works with.
Shelter Mastara
Shelter is pursuing her goal of becoming a financial counsellor, motivated by her own personal experience. She's a passionate advocate for financial literacy in her community and workplace, and through her volunteer work, she's witnessed how financial stress impacts people's daily lives.
Empowerment drives her commitment to the field, giving clients the tools to regain control of their finances. She plans to continue working in the community sector after qualification, where she can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families facing financial challenges.
Tania McKenzie
Tania has worked as a Financial Capability Worker with Broome CIRCLE, supporting First Nations communities through education and advocacy. Her efforts earned her an industry award and inspired her to study a Diploma of Financial Counselling to deepen her impact.
As a First Nations woman, she understands the urgent need for financial support in remote communities. Soon to begin a traineeship with Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation, she is committed to making a meaningful difference where it’s needed most.
Steven Zhang
Steven has a year of experience in the financial sector and is now undertaking the Diploma of Financial Counselling to strengthen his ability to advocate for vulnerable clients.
As a first-generation immigrant from China, Steven understands the financial hardship that can come with settling in a new country. His lived experience drives his passion for supporting culturally diverse communities, by creating a safe space where people feel understood and empowered to regain financial stability and independence.
2025
Angela Lonegan
Arena Tan
Bianca Lyon
Brittney Matthews-Smith
Brooke O'Connor
Emily Browne
Folole Tasi
Jenny Moulden
Julia Anderson
Kate Moloney
Louise Hadfield
Lulu Hou
Nicole Buckler
Nouzi Besavend
Shelter Mastara
Tania McKenzie
Steven Zhang
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2024
Anthia Arhontissas
Holloway Buchanan
Helen Curmi
Zakaria Deng
Melissa Ferris
Coleen Forester
Jayde Fraser
Nadine Hegan
Sharon Laidler
Harley Love
Melissa Manning
Aria McLady
Yvette Pocock
Deanna Rimmer
Christina Walker
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2023
Caitlin Brindley
Rochelle Brogan
Yasmin Busbidge
Clarice Campos
Maggie Chambers
David Do
Barbara Jones
Amita Nand
Diana Porta
Shay-Anne Ross
Elias Simon
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2022
Abby Bartlett
Krithi Baskaran
Michelle Carroll
Alexander Dunnage
Caroline Graham
Katja Hauser
Sarah Holman
Alicia Nax
Sara O’Neill
Leilani Tasi
Julie Walter
Rachel Young
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2021
Kristen Conquest
Jazsikah Cox
Amanda Evans
Rhonda Griffiths
Haydn Jelly
Hayley Joyce
Toni Lackey
Lylia Martion
Kerryn Mickle
Helen Radford
Nel Staite
Paula Thompson
Eirene Tsolidis-Noyce
Belinda Walton
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2020
Gregory Cross
Savio D'Souza
Kate Fisher
Karen Garlett
Jacqueline Hannam
Samantha Hillman
Helen Kouppi
Geri Matlow
William McGurk
Natasha Mesecke
Julie Plummer
Shiara Pugh
Kelly Reid
Trudi Ridge
Monica Smith
Robyn Stavrou
Luke Webber
Genine Wakley
Sarah Stewart
Bernadette Wauchope
Nicole Piccolo
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2019
Kathy Bel-Bachir
Natasha Bollenhagen
Lyndall Bottrell
Andre Chan
Kym Clerke
Yazmin Cox
Jason Drane
David Fagan
Lauren Heald
Ann Howchin
Deena Husan
Nicola Lewis
Raelene Martin
Megan Molloy
Emma Neville
Chitsidzo Nyamidzi
Tracey Peart
John Ryan
Nikita Schmidt
Renee Westreheim
Kirsty Wilson
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2018
Banafsheh Abedali
Venetia Aprile
Karen Bird
Diane (Tang) Choo
Sarah Cooke
Alan Gray
Sue Gunning
Andrea Jones
Jaimee Marshall
Louise Murphy
Robert Rooth
Katie Sedunary
Troy West
2017
Nagla Ibrahim
Carolyn La
Diane Malupu
Gillian Leech
Jennifer Barclay-Smyth
Joanna Garratt
Joe Perera
Karen McEwan
Leanne Garth
Nicki Millington
McRoberts Olango
Peter Puketapu
Ronna Guzman
Sarah Bardsley
Skye Hawkins
Tracey Wagner
2016
John Harmer
Mary Pallis
Joyleen Monsoor
Carmel Devine
Eleanor Mason
2015
Shae Skinner
John Gilmour
Karyn Hicks
Shyam Banjade
2014
Aunty Joy Reid
Grant Rowe
Carly Baker
Husan Rzuehaji
Alison Waters
2013
Julie Barrow
Jessica Trill
Linda Footer
2012
Kedar Acharya
Anna Falconer
Anna Dooland
2011
Sandra Blake
2010
Cheryl Buttigieg
Mwajemi Hussein
