On October 22nd, HBNC proudly hosted its “Finance Matters for Seniors” event, part of the Queensland Seniors Month celebrations. Organised by the SLASS Team (Seniors Legal and Support Service), the free community event was designed to empower seniors with practical knowledge and confidence in making financial decisions while staying safe in today’s complex financial landscape. The event was facilitated through a funding grant from the Queensland Government, through Council on the Ageing Queensland.

The event drew a diverse group of local seniors eager to learn about topics ranging from superannuation, income streams, and the Home Equity Access Scheme, to savings, consumer protection, aged care financial information, and digital safety.

HBNC was honoured to welcome a distinguished panel of speakers from across government, legal, and financial services. Jane Kelly and Nicola Conwell from UnitingCare’s Financial Resilience and Wellbeing Services shared tips for making savings and strategies to enhance  safety against scams. Paul Holmes, Principal Lawyer at Legal Aid Queensland’s Civil Justice Services, provided expert advice on consumer protections for seniors. Nicole Fuss, Financial Resilience Worker from Good Shepherd, offered information about available resources, while Toni Law, Financial Advocate at ADA Australia, highlighted avenues for advocacy and support for seniors navigating aged care services. Alysia Bowen, Bank Manager at Westpac Hervey Bay Branch, delivered an extremely informative presentation about scams. 

Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with these specialists, ask questions relevant to their personal situations, and access valuable resources to help them safeguard their financial future. Transport was made available for those who required assistance, ensuring the event was inclusive and accessible for all.

The SLASS Team emphasised that the aim is to create a welcoming, safe space where seniors feel supported when they are suffering, or at risk of suffering, elder abuse, including financial abuse. This event perfectly exemplified that commitment, combining education and community connection in a warm, inclusive environment aimed at reducing seniors’ vulnerability to financial abuse.

With bookings essential for catering, the event was fully attended, demonstrating the strong interest in financial literacy among Hervey Bay seniors. HBNC looks forward to continuing to deliver impactful programs that uplift the community and empower its members.

For further information about upcoming HBNC events or programs, community members are encouraged to head the HBNC What's on Page. 

 HBNC What's On