People First Bank marked National Reconciliation Week by announcing a new partnership with First Nations Foundation to support financial literacy and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
The bank has signed a two-year agreement with the Indigenous financial wellbeing organisation to support practical education, educator training and Financial Wellness Outreach events in communities across the country.
First Nations Foundation works to strengthen financial literacy and long-term prosperity for First Nations peoples through programs designed to support financial wellbeing.
Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa woman and First Nations Foundation CEO, Leah Bennett, said the support would help strengthen financial education for communities.
"First Nations Foundation's financial education programs — headlined by our flagship community initiative, Financial Wellness Outreach — are rooted in fairness, equality, and accountability," Ms Bennett said.
"We strive to bring likeminded organisations and major institutions together to unite under a common cause, to improve service delivery and to give Mob the tools and knowledge that they need to write their own money stories."
The partnership will support the Foundation's My Money Dream online financial literacy program, its Train the Trainer program and Financial Wellness Outreach events.
Ms Bennett said the agreement marked the start of a broader relationship focused on accessible financial literacy.
"People First Bank is making a meaningful, impactful investment in First Nations financial wellbeing by partnering with FNF," she said.
"This is only the beginning of a powerful, culturally informed relationship; one that is grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for making financial literacy programs and resources accessible, approachable, and empowering."
People First Bank Chief Customer Officer, Maria-Ann Camilleri, said the Foundation's record in practical financial literacy made it an ideal partner.
"Our Reconciliation Action Plan vision is to help empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with financial knowledge and capability, to help spark positive change for individuals and for their communities," Ms Camilleri said.
"We're delighted to be working with the First Nations Foundation to help deliver grass roots programs that have meaningful impacts for people's futures."
Ms Camilleri said the bank's contribution would support curriculum development, digital platform improvements and stronger educator and facilitator capability.
"The partnership will also create opportunities for People First Bank employees to get involved directly through community outreach activities, supporting financial wellbeing conversations, and practical banking guidance where it's needed most," she said.
