All three positions are for a term of three years and will start at the Annual General Meeting on 22 November 2022.

The three appointments follow the expiry of the terms for Board members Alison Henderson CFP®, David Sharpe CFP® and William Johns CFP® in November 2022. Mr Sharpe has been appointed by the Board as an additional director and continues as FPA Chair.

Ms Henderson has served two terms on the FPA Board and is ineligible to stand again.

FPA Chair David Sharpe CFP® said: “On behalf of the FPA Board, we are delighted that William will continue to serve on the Board, and we’re also very pleased to welcome Angela and Jade. Each bring important skills and experience which will add to the depth of knowledge on the FPA Board.

“I would like to sincerely thank Alison for her exceptional contribution to the FPA Board, the association and the profession more broadly. On a personal note I would also like to thank her for her many years of wise and balanced counsel.”

More on the newly elected Board members:

• Angela Martyn CFP® is an active contributor to the FPA’s Policy and Regulations Committee, retiring President of the Boutique Financial Planners Principals Association (BFP), member of the Joint Association Working Group and a presenter at numerous FPA events, including the upcoming 2022 FPA Professionals Congress. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner, Angela holds a Bachelor of Business (Ec & Fin), is a SMSF Specialist Adviser and an Accredited Aged Care Professional Adviser.
• Jade Khao CFP®  has been the Sydney Chapter Chair since 2018, a FPA Women in Wealth Champion, a panellist at the last FPA Professionals Congress, an Ambassador for Future2 and regularly attends local universities and TAFEs on behalf on the FPA. Jade is also the NSW Gen Next Chair for the AFA. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner®, Jade is also a Life Risk Specialist®, as well as a SMSF Specialist Adviser® with a Bachelor of Business.

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Kathryn Creasy

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has announced the winners of the 2021 FPA Awards.

Now in its ninth year, the FPA Awards recognises exceptional financial planners, paraplanners, university students and FPA Professional Practices from across Australia.

The awards also celebrate the individuals and businesses who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding results for clients and give back to the community.

The winner of the coveted “FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award” is Kathryn Creasy CFP® of Capital Partners in West Perth. The award acknowledges Kathryn’s outstanding approach to providing comprehensive financial planning advice to her clients but also her passion for mentoring those within her team and the broader profession.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP® said: “Kathryn exemplifies our FPA membership as a modern professional financial planner. She is a shining example to all those that are considering a career in financial planning and the life-changing difference our work can make with a client.”

The winner of the “FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award” is Sydney-based Apt Wealth (NSW). The judges commented that it’s not easy to establish and be recognised as one of the 2021 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work in financial services.

Winning the “FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award” for 2021 is Leanne Bielik AFP® of 2020 Wealth PTY LTD (VIC). The judges noted that Leanne has paved the way to help those in need in the community get the help and support only a professional financial planner can provide them throughout the pandemic. Leanne also spends time in online communities supporting single mothers and clients who have had previous poor advice outcomes to get back on track.

The winner of the “FPA Advice Innovation Award” is Daniel Thompson AFP® of FINNACLE (NSW). The award was introduced last year to recognise members who have automated their advice process or used technology in new ways to engage with clients and/or deliver advice. Daniel has taken a blank piece of paper approach and an agile mindset to create a novel subscription based advice service. Through testing and improving constantly, Daniel and his team have created an innovative, affordable and easily accessible advice business for the benefit of his clients.

The “FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award” was given to Andrew Mann CFP® of Tupicoffs (QLD). The judges commented that Andrew is an example of what it is to excel in one’s craft. This award is a celebration of Andrew’s career and excellence in paraplanning, particularly his ability to be engaging, pulling complex threads together in such a way that embraces the client’s capacity to absorb information, and deal with matters that are important to the client.

The winner of the “FPA University Student of the Year Award” is Nicole Gardner of Kaplan Professional (VIC). Nicole has forged successful careers in journalism and in the banking sector. Inspired by the financial hardship that a close relative endured, she was determined to become a financial planner and to work hard to ensure that women and those entering aged care are financially educated and set up for success. She is now achieving a high standard of academic achievement whilst working in the financial planning profession and supporting a family.

The winner of the “FPA Community Service Award” supported by the Future2 Foundation is Peter O’Connell CFP® (VIC). The judging panel said that Peter has been a strong supporter of the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation in the Ballarat and Western Victoria area. For the past 15 years he has provided financial literacy education advice to the Indigenous community. He also supports the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation with their accounting and financial planning requirements.

The FPA gratefully acknowledges the time and expertise provided by the 2021 FPA judging panel:

Certified Financial Planner of the Year
Alison Henderson CFP®
David Sharpe CFP®
Marisa Broome CFP®

Financial Planner AFP of the Year
Michelle Tate-Lovery CFP®
Ben Marshan CFP®
Nat Daley AFP®

FPA Professional Planner of the Year
Diana D’Ambra
Julie Matheson CFP®
Neil Kendall CFP®

FPA Advice Innovation Award
Ben Marshan CFP®
Andy Marshall
Fraser Jack

FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award
William Johns CFP®
Vicky Ampoulos
Mark O’Toole CFP®

FPA University Student of the Year
Anne Palmer FPA
Diana Bugarcic – TAFE NSW
Vicky Ampoulos

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This appointment follows the stepping down of additional director Paul Ruiz after serving nearly two years on the FPA Board.

FPA Chair Marisa Broome CFP^® said: “I would like to thank Paul Ruiz for his commitment to the FPA Board over the past couple of years, in particular the expertise he has brought to the Audit and Risk Committee in his role as the previous Chair. On behalf of FPA Board, I’m delighted to welcome Diana D’Ambra to the Board.”

Joining on 1 December 2020, Ms D’Ambra will bring over 30 years of deep strategic and financial experience. She has spent more than 13 years as a non-executive director and more than 25 years as an investment, mergers, acquisitions and capital market and financial management adviser and chartered accountant.

In addition to her non-executive board and committee roles, Diana also provides financial and strategic assistance to established businesses in relation to acquisitions, divestments, and to start-ups in relation to strengthening and transforming their businesses.

Recipients of FPA Honorary Awards

At the FPA AGM, the FPA also announced its recent recipients of FPA Honorary Awards to acknowledge the dedication of exemplary members.

After finishing her three-year term on the FPA Board, Michelle Tate-Lovery CFP^® was honoured for her service with a Distinguished Service Award and appointment as a Fellow of the FPA.

Delma Newton CFP^® also finished her second term on the FPA Board and was recognised with a Life Membership of the FPA.

Life Membership was also awarded to Gary Jones AFP^® to acknowledge his long-standing commitment as an FPA Chapter Chair and member of the FPA Regional Chapter Committee.

FPA Chair Marisa Broome CFP^® said: “It’s important that we take this time to recognise our members who have gone above and beyond. These awards are not only representations of time and hard work, but also the dedication to servicing and advancing the financial planning profession. On behalf of the board, we thank you all for your commitment over the years.”

The members of the FPA Board are:

• Marisa Broome CFP^® (Chair)
• Jane Bowd
• Diana D’Ambra
• Alison Henderson CFP^®
• Kearsten James CFP^®
• William Johns CFP^®
• Julie Matheson CFP^®
• Julian Place CFP^®
• David Sharpe CFP^®

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Zacary Leeson

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has announced the winners of the 2020 FPA Awards.

Now in its eighth year, the FPA Awards recognises exceptional financial planners, paraplanners, university students and FPA Professional Practices from across Australia.

The awards also celebrate the individuals and businesses who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding results for clients and give back to the community.

The winner of the coveted FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award is Zacary Leeson CFP® of HPH Solutions in WA. The award acknowledges Zacary’s positive impact on the lives of his clients, as well as his inspirational work in the community through the charity, Leading Youth Forward.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP® said: “Zacary exemplifies our FPA membership as a modern professional financial planner who is client dedicated, university educated and an experienced CFP professional.  Zacary’s passion for the value of advice and his confidence shone through his presentation to the FPA Awards judges. He’s an incredible role model for young financial planners.”

The winner of the FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award is WA-based HPH Solutions (WA). The judges commented that the team at HPH Solutions embody the essence of a true FPA Professional Practice and said that the leaders and staff should be congratulated for the valued work they undertake for their new and loyal clients.

Winning the FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award for 2020 is Nat Daley AFP® of Hard Line Wealth (NSW). The judges noted that Nat demonstrated his premise of health, love and wealth in everything that he does – from the advice he provides his clients to the way he has established and developed his business with his partners.

This year, the FPA introduced a new FPA Advice Innovation Award to recognise members who have automated their advice process or used technology in new ways to engage with clients and/or deliver advice. The inaugural winner of this award is Corey Wastle CFP® of Verse Wealth (VIC). Corey and the team at Verse Wealth foster a culture of continual innovation, an incredible focus on attention to detail and a drive to continuously improve their business by removing inefficiencies and pain points in their advice process.

The FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award was given to Emma Zwaan of Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers (WA). The judges commented that Emma’s Statement of Advice (SOA) submission showed an ability to adapt the communication style towards the client’s situation and articulate how the client is put in a better position as a result of the advice.  Emma also demonstrated technical, research and strategic skills in all areas.

The joint winners of the FPA University Student of the Year Award are Miles Kitt of Charles Sturt University and Anthony White of TAFE NSW. Miles showed an outstanding commitment to academic studies and a wide perspective on current issues, as well as a passion for helping people improve their situation. Anthony served as an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force for many years, and as a part of his counselling responsibilities, he became aware of the impacts that financial stress can have on individuals. Now a veteran, Anthony is focused on becoming a financial planner and supporting wounded veterans through the Department of Veteran Affairs system, entitlements process, and Military Super program, as they enter civilian life.

The winner of the FPA Community Service Award supported by the Future2 Foundation is Shane Hayes of Family Aged Care Advocates (NSW). The judging panel said that Shane’s dedication to the profession and his support of the Future2 Foundation is inspirational.  Shane displays an amazing amount of humility and passion when he speaks of how our profession can make a difference to everyday Australians.

The FPA gratefully acknowledges the time and expertise provided by the 2020 FPA judging panel:

• Mark Alexander CFP®
• Naomi Alletson AFP®
• Vicky Ampoulos
• David Andrew AFP®
• Jason Andriessen CFP®
• Jason Andriessen AFP®
• Marisa Broome CFP®
• Diana Burgarcic
• Susie Erratt CFP®
• Giles Gunesekera
• Andrew Harris CFP®
• Alison Henderson CFP®
• Fran Hughes CFP®
• Fraser Jack
• William Johns CFP®
• Gary Jones AFP®
• Todd Kennedy CFP®
• Andy Marshall
• Ben Marshan CFP®
• Mark O’Toole CFP®
• Anne Palmer
• David Sharpe CFP®
• Michelle Tate-Lovery CFP®
• Sharon Taylor
• Phillip Win CFP®.

Photographs and a video reel featuring the 2020 FPA Award winners are available on the FPA website visit

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Ms Petra Churcher is stepping down as Future2 Chair following many years’ service: she was previously Future2 Ambassador and was appointed to the Future2 Board in 2016 and served as Chair since 2018.

Future2 is the foundation of the financial planning profession in Australia. Through its annual Future2 Make the Difference! Grants program, Future2 supports young Australians experiencing social, financial or physical hardship. Since 2007, Future2 has contributed over $1.1 million to benefit disadvantaged young people across Australia.

Ms Berry said: ‘It’s an honour to take on the role of Chair for Future2, an organisation I am extremely passionate about.  I would like to acknowledge the outstanding service and dedication of outgoing Chair, Petra Churcher. Petra has been part of every single grant provided by Future2 since 2016 and has contributed to the lasting difference that Future2 makes in our local communities”.

Ms Berry continued: “2020 has been an extraordinary year, commencing with the devastating impact of the bushfires and the development of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our local communities and charity partners are experiencing unprecedented challenges and Future2 is committed to engaging financial planning professionals around Australia to support t initiatives that improve the lives of young Australians in need”.

Ms Berry has been a strong supporter of the work of Future2 having previously served as a Future2 Deputy Chair since 2019. Julie Berry is a registered tax (financial) adviser and a Certified Financial Planner professional who has practised as a financial planner for more than 30 years. Julie is an Independent Director of Xplore Wealth Limited (ASX:XPL). As Technical Specialist for Drs Financial Services AFSL # 487758 Julie works closely with Financial Planners. Julie has previously served as both Chair and a board member of the FPA and Chair and board member of the Institute of Financial Advisers in NZ.  She is a life member of the FPA and recipient of the Money Management Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms Maragna takes up her new appointment as Future2 Deputy Chair having served as Future2 Director since 2019.  She is Chief Executive of Aspire Retire, and has featured on the Barron’s 2020 Top 100 and 2019 Top 50 Financial Advisers honour roll. Ms Maragna is a well-recognised finance commentator and advocate for the financial planning profession. She is a CFP and recipient of a number of industry and business accolades.

Commenting on the new appointments, FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP^® said: “The work of Future2 touches the lives of young people facing really challenging times. We are thrilled to welcome Julie as Chair and Olivia as Deputy Chair of the Future2 Foundation. I would also like to personally thank Petra for her remarkable leadership and growth of the Future2 Foundation,” he said.

Mr Peter Bobbin, FPA CEO Mr Dante De Gori CFP^®, Mr Giles Gunesekera, Ms Alison Henderson CFP^®, Mr Hugh Humphrey and Ms Pene Lovett continue to serve on the Future2 Board.

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Giles Gunesekera

The Future2 Foundation is pleased to welcome Mr Giles Gunesekera to its Board of Directors.

Mr Giles Gunesekera is Founder and CEO of Global Impact Initiative and is a member of the global advisory board of the United Nations (Climate & Health and Sustainable Finance) as well as a wide range of not-for-profit boards across human rights, arts, sports and disabilities.

Future2 is the Foundation of the Financial Planning Association in Australia. Through its annual Future2 Make the Difference! grants program, Future2 supports young Australians who are going through social, financial or physical hardship.

Since 2007, Future2 has contributed $1,195,066 to benefit young people across Australia. In 2019, Future2 met an ambitious target to increase its grant distribution when it awarded $191,066 to 20 not-for-profit organisations – an increase of more than 5% over the previous year.

Future2 Chair, Ms Petra Churcher, says: “Our vision at Future2 is to become the chosen foundation for all financial planners and their respective communities. We are committed to increasing our fundraising so that we can double our annual grant amount from nearly $200,000 to $400,000 per annum to provide more support to young Australians across the country.

“The appointment of Mr Gunesekera will support our vision to continue to raise the profile of the Future2 Foundation within the financial planning community and beyond”.

Several Directors recently concluded their terms on the Board. Future2 gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Mr Patrick Canion CFP^®, Ms Anne Graham CFP^®, Mr Joseph Hoe and Mr Michael Neary CSC with thanks for their commitment and service to the Foundation.

Mr Peter Bobbin, FPA CEO Mr Dante De Gori CFP^®, Ms Alison Henderson CFP^®, Mr Hugh Humphrey and Ms Olivia Maragna CFP^® continue to serve on the Future2 Board under the leadership of Ms Petra Churcher as Chair and Ms Julie Berry CFP^® as Deputy Chair.

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Ms Henderson and Mr Sharpe will commence their second term on the FPA Board, while Mr Johns, a long-standing member of the FPA since 2008, joins the Board for the first time. All three positions are for a term of three years and will be appointed at the annual general meeting on 27 November.

Chair of the FPA Board Marisa Broome CFP® said: “We are delighted that Alison and David will continue to serve on the Board, and we’re also very pleased to welcome William. Each bring a wealth of experience to the FPA.”

More on the Board members:

Alison Henderson CFP® was appointed to the Board on 22 November 2016. Ms Henderson is a Director and a Practice Principal of SWA Financial Planning (originally known as Symes Warne & Associates), an FPA Professional Practice based in Wollongong, NSW. She has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional since 1999, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, two Masters of Commerce (Financial Planning and Economics), and a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking. In addition to her financial planning role at SWA, Alison also oversees compliance, HR management and positive culture development for the business. Alison has been an active FPA member for over 20 years, during which she has spent time on the Legislation and Regulation Committee and chaired the FPA Professional Designations Committee. Alison is the current Chair of the Policy and Regulations Committee and a Director of the Future2 Foundation.

David Sharpe CFP® was also appointed to the Board on 22 November 2016. Mr Sharpe has been a financial planner and FPA member since 2003. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, has completed a Diploma in Financial Planning, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Distinction) from Curtin University. David runs his own self-licensed financial planning firm, Globe Financial Planning, based in West Perth. Prior to being elected onto the board David spent four years on the WA FPA Chapter, including two years as Chair. In 2016 he was shortlisted for the FPA CFP® Professional of the Year Award. David can often be found in various media roles (TV, radio and print) advocating strongly for the value of advice. David chairs the Professional Standards and Conduct Committee and is also a member of the Governance and Remuneration Committee.

William Johns CFP® has been an FPA member since 2008 and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional since 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Applied Finance, Financial Planning) and a Master in Disability Studies, and has undertaken a NFP Board Member Course with the Institute of Company Directors. He is CEO and Founder of social enterprise Health & Finance Integrated (HFI), which offers financial advice to people with disabilities and chronic health conditions and their carers. He is also Founder of Claim Right Pty Ltd. William was a member of the FPA Board Policy and Regulations Committee from 2011 to 2016, the NSW State Winner in the CFP Professional Best Practice Award in 2012, the NSW State Winner for the Future2 Community Service Award in 2014, and was a finalist in the CFP Professional of the Year Award in 2016.

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Future2 is the foundation of the financial planning profession in Australia. Through its annual Future2 Make the Difference! Grants program, Future2 supports young Australians experiencing social, financial or physical hardship.

More than $1 million has been contributed by Future2 to benefit disadvantaged young people across Australia since its inception 11 years ago. The milestone was achieved by awarding $181,000 in new Future2 grants to 19 not-for-profit organisations in 2018, including special drought relief grants for struggling farming communities.

Future2 Chair, Petra Churcher AFP® says, “We have an ambitious target to increase our distribution in grants to $200,000 in 2019. We would like to see this annual amount double to $400,000 per annum. It is an ambitious target, and the extensive experience that Ms Berry, Mr Humphrey and Ms Maragna bring across a wide range of areas will be an absolute asset to the Future2 Board of Directors and our collective drive to make a positive impact to families and young people facing difficult circumstances.”

Each of the new directors brings a wealth of experience:

• Ms Julie Berry CFP® has been practicing as a financial planner for almost 30 years. She is a director of the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and Chair of Firm for 360 Financial Advantage. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has served as both the Chair and board member of the FPA and as Chair and Board member of the Institute of Financial Advisers in New Zealand. She is also a life member of the FPA and a recipient of the Money Management Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Mr Hugh Humphrey is a senior executive in the financial services industry, with an interesting and diverse background in management consulting and telecommunications. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Sydney, an MBA from Henley Business School at the University of Reading in the UK, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mr Humphrey has been on the Board of The Infants’ Home for almost five years.
• Ms Olivia Maragna CFP® is Chief Executive of Aspire Retire. She features on the 2019 Barron’s Top 50 Financial Advisers honour roll and presented a Hall of Fame Award for Business Achievement. She is a well-recognised finance commentator and advocate for the financial planning profession. She is the finance columnist for several national newspapers and has a regular finance segment on ABC radio.

Mr Peter Bobbin, Mr Patrick Canion CFP® , FPA CEO Mr Dante De Gori CFP® , Ms Anne Graham CFP® , Ms Alison Henderson CFP® , Mr Joseph Hoe CFP® and Dr Michael Neary CSC continue to serve on the Future2 Board under the ongoing leadership of Ms Petra Churcher AFP® as Chair.

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