The appointments of Eima Alkheder and Ben Donald, bring extensive experience from across the financial services and advice industries.

Ms Alkheder previously served as an Executive Director and Head of Operations, overseeing operations across highly regulated environments including superannuation, insurance and pensions. Mr Donald is a Life Insurance Specialist at Life Advice Partners, with active industry involvement through insurer advisory boards, and the FAAA Life Insurance Committee.

Their appointments support PFAN’s continued focus on strengthening partnerships, expanding adviser participation and delivering high‑quality pro bono advice to Australians in need.

According to PFAN’s Chair Nicola Beswick, since its inception in 2014, participation from advisers, practices and partners has become more coordinated.

“Firms are embedding pro bono advice into their culture as part of professional advice, not as an exception to it. This has changed what’s possible for PFAN in terms of our outlook for growth and the people we support. Eima and Ben both bring hands-on experience across operations, insurance and advice, which will help us keep building momentum and reach more people.”

Today, PFAN works with more than 170 financial advisers, delivering over 850 hours of pro bono financial advice. Since it was established, PFAN has connected Australians living with serious illness or disability to qualified financial advisers willing to provide pro bono advice.

Working closely with referral partners such as the Multiple Sclerosis and MND networks across Australia, PFAN matches individuals in financial hardship with locally based advisers who can support them through complex financial decisions. These initiatives have been supported by PFAN’s corporate partners over several years, reflecting the collective focus on delivering financial advice to more Australians.

Parachute Cover Founder and PFAN Adviser, Natalie Lackner said her involvement with the network allows her to support people she wouldn’t typically encounter in her day-to-day work.

“It creates a pathway for advisers to use their expertise where it can have the greatest impact, helping people navigate complex financial decisions at an incredibly difficult time.”

The new appointments join existing Board members Nicola Beswick, Natalie Kleibert, Stephen Knight, Anne McDonnell, Niall McConville, Paul Harding‑Davis and Aleks Vickovich.

The post New Board appointments position PFAN for growth and expanded national impact  appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Now in its third year, ReCALIbrate continues to highlight the women shaping the future of risk advice. Each recipient receives a $2,000 grant to attend the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress in Perth, helping cover the costs that can hold women back from industry events, such as time off work, travel, accommodation or childcare.

The 2025 ReCALIbrate recipients are:

• Zoe Kennedy, Financial Adviser, Whitsunday Wealth
• Natalie Lackner, Life Insurance Specialist, Parachute Cover
• Alyssa Turner, Financial Adviser, My Fortress Townsville
• Clare Telford, Provisional Financial Adviser, Purely Finance
• Kristy Mitchell, Director & Life Insurance Specialist, Stella Advice

CALI CEO Christine Cupitt said this year’s recipients highlight the diversity and leadership women in advice are bringing to their profession.

“Each of these women is a role model in her community and represents the future of the advice profession,” said Ms Cupitt.

“We’ve seen the ripple effect of ReCALIbrate firsthand, from the confidence it builds in women advisers to the way it changes conversations across the industry.

“That’s why we’ve expanded the program to include more mentoring, more visibility and more opportunities to lead.”

Recipients will gain exclusive support, including access to CALI’s women’s mentoring network, media training and visibility tools, industry speaking opportunities, a complimentary ticket to CALI’s Annual Conference, and a meet-and-greet with CALI in Perth.

Reflecting on her selection, regional financial adviser and 2025 ReCALIbrate recipient Zoe Kennedy said:

“The chance to be mentored by industry change-makers and amplify the voice of women in advice is priceless. I am passionate about bringing quality advice to regional Australians, they’re my community.

“My vision is to build an accessible platform where women can find practical resources about life insurance and advice and be empowered to make confident informed decisions that protect them and their families.”

Another 2025 recipient, Natalie Lackner, who recently ventured out into her own life insurance advice business said:

“This grant means being part of an initiative that champions women in advice. It is inspiring, because when women are supported and connected, the entire profession grows stronger.

“For me, clarity and confidence are at the heart of great advice. This experience allows me to share that message, advocate for the vital role life insurance plays in protecting women, families, businesses and communities, and learn from others who share the same passion.”

FAAA CEO Sarah Abood said the program plays a powerful role in keeping the profession inclusive and future focused.

“ReCALIbrate is one of the few programs that addresses the real-world barriers women face when building their advice careers. We’re excited to welcome the 2025 recipients to Perth – their energy, diversity and fresh perspectives on the Congress,” Ms Abood said.

The post From the outback to the ocean: meet the five 2025 ReCALIbrate recipients strengthening the future of risk advice appeared first on AdviserVoice.