FinEd Forum 2024, aimed at improving the financial literacy of young Australians, has announced its full program of speakers and agenda. The inaugural event is co-hosted by Talk Money with Ecstra Foundation and Southern Cross Catholic College and will be held at the school's conference centre in Burwood, NSW, on 15 November 2024.

Registration is complimentary for all secondary school principals, teachers, and educators.

The keynote address will be delivered by the Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC, Treasurer of NSW, with Effie Zahos, 9News Money Editor, hosting the event.

Mr Mookhey said: “I’m very pleased to be highlighting the importance of financial literacy at the inaugural FinEd Forum.

“Financial literacy is essential for students to understand financial matters, from savings and budgeting to more complex concepts related to starting their first job, including superannuation, tax and pay rates.

“By supporting financial education in schools, we can help more students navigate the complexities of the financial world as they transition to adulthood.

“Everyone, regardless of their background, should have access to the knowledge and tools needed to make sound financial decisions that will benefit them and their families.”

The FinEd Forum will feature diverse strategies for integrating financial literacy into classroom lessons, career and wellbeing programs and other learning environments. It includes workshops and panel discussions to provide actionable insights for educators. Attendees can expect to explore innovative approaches that cater to various student groups and learning styles.

Caroline Stewart, CEO of Ecstra Foundation, emphasised the forum's importance: "The Forum will equip educators with the tools to create engaging financial literacy programs that meet the diverse needs of their students, and provide money lessons for life."

Highlights of the agenda include:

• Roset Khair, Economic and Business Educators NSW, discussing how to meet the financial literacy requirements of learners with diverse needs
• Peter Tsambalas, Southern Cross Catholic College (and co-host of the forum), sharing insights into a student’s perspective on the impact of financial education
• Barbara van der Merwe, Mandy Money, presenting a step-by-step guide to building a high school financial literacy program
• Carla Bassil, UNSW, exploring the role of financial education in improving outcomes for young refugees
• Katrina Samios, Financial Basics Foundation, showcasing how video games can inspire financial literacy in the classroom
• Louise Trevaskis, Financial Advice Association of Australia, sharing insights from her career as a financial adviser, and
• Ruth Pirrie, National Anti-Scam Centre will provide an overview of scams, how to stay safe and where to access support.

Dr. Tracey West of Ecstra Foundation will also facilitate a panel delving into the role of tax in supporting financial wellbeing. Joining the panel are educators from universities across Australia, including Donovan Castelyn, University of Tasmania, Rob Whait, University of South Australia, Connie Vitale, the University of Western Sydney and Ann Kayis-Kumar of the UNSW.

To ensure a range of educators are able to attend, Ecstra Foundation is offering ten travel and accommodation bursaries of $500 each, for registered teachers (or pre service teachers) who work in a school outside the Sydney metropolitan area.

Educators can register for their complimentary ticket to the FinEd Forum 2024 here.