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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Registrations now open for the Future2 Community Cycling & Walking Challenge.

The Future2 Foundation (Future2), the philanthropic arm of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), has announced an exciting new initiative to get financial planners outdoors, active and raising funds for young Australians facing social, physical or financial hardship.

Since its foundation in 2007, Future2 has provided over a million dollars in grants to grassroots organisations around Australia.

As part of the Future2 Community Cycling & Walking Challenge, financial planners and their guests are invited to take on the challenge of walking or riding as far as they can in their local area this November, with funds going towards the Future2 Make the Difference! grant program.

The challenge is open to all financial planning professionals and their family, friends, and clients across Australia. Walkers and riders can participate as an individual or a team.

Walkers and riders will go in the draw to win great prizes as they add up their kilometres over the month of November to recognise the distance they are covering.

Future2 Chair Petra Churcher said: “Our new Future2 Community Cycling & Walking Challenge offers a unique opportunity for FPA members, their families, friends and clients to get involved and support Future2 no matter where they live in Australia whilst improving their own health and fitness.

“During a time of disruption and uncertainty, we know that many not-for-profit organisations and charities are experiencing unprecedented demand for their services.

“This is a fantastic way for the FPA and financial planning community to come together to make a real difference to our local communities and to help young people across Australia who deserve a future too.”

Future2 is delighted to announce that for the third year running, MLC Wealth is the Gold Partner for the Future2 Foundation.

Acting Group Executive, Advice at MLC Wealth, Geoff Rogers said: “MLC Wealth is committed to actively supporting the communities we live and work in. We are proud to once again support Future2 to help raise money for people doing it tough.

“At a time when young people and families are vulnerable and facing unprecedented challenges amidst COVID-19, this partnership is particularly important. We encourage everyone to get involved in the Challenge and show their support.”

Iress has also continued its support of Future2 as a Silver partner.

The Belalberi Foundation is also supporting this initiative.

About Future2 Community Cycling & Walking Challenge

• Sign up to take part in the Future2 Community Cycling & Walking Challenge with a $120 tax-deductible donation.
• More experienced cyclists who wish to ride over 1000km are encouraged to join in the 2020 Future2 Wheel Classic – virtually! You can sign up for the virtual 2020 Future2 Wheel Classic with a tax-deductible donation of $320. You’ll also receive an exclusive commemorative jersey.
• Register and find out more about the Future2 Community Cycling & Walking Challenge.

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Petra Chrucher

The Future2 Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), has opened applications for its 2020 Make the Difference! Grants program that supports young Australians aged 12 to 25 years experiencing social, financial or physical hardship.

Financial planners can contribute to Future2 by nominating their local charities for the annual grants program.

Future2 Chair Petra Churcher said the foundation has been running for 13 years and committed over $1.2 million in grants to grassroots programs supporting young Australians.

“It has been inspiring to hear stories about how our members have helped young people and their local communities with volunteer work and other support throughout the years,” she said.

Ms Churcher said the COVID-19 crisis is creating an even greater need for FPA members to support young Australians in their communities.

“This year we will be offering up to twenty grants valued at up to $10,000 each supporting programs and funding projects that contribute to skills training financial literacy, work experience, community service, mentoring and more for children at risk or suffering from hardship,” she said.

“Each contribution makes a difference to ensure young people around Australia lead productive, secure and happy lives.”

All applications must be endorsed by a financial planner who is a member of the FPA and applications must be completed online.

Applications are now open until 9am on Monday 20 July. Successful applications will be announced in October 2020.

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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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The 2019 Future2 Wheel Classic charity bike ride starts this Friday.

The 2019 Future2 Wheel Classic charity bike ride will set off from Melbourne’s DISC Velodrome on Friday 22 November, aiming to surpass previous years’ fundraising efforts for the Future2 Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA).

Now in its 10th year, the Wheel Classic will feature 18 financial planners and other financial services professionals from across Australia (plus support crew), who will ride 819kms over 6 stages.

Leading cycling broadcaster Matthew Keenan will join the riders on the first stage of the ride. Matthew is well known to cycling enthusiasts through his work covering the world’s greatest cycling events including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a Espaňa, and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

The riders will travel through the Daylesford Ranges and down to Apollo Bay. The group will ride the famous Amy Gillett Fondo route before cycling the Great Ocean Road and looping back to Queenscliff to catch a ferry to Sorrento, arriving at Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 27 November for the opening of the 2019 FPA Professionals Congress.

Future2 supports young disadvantaged Australians experiencing social, physical or financial hardship. Riders will have the chance to meet some of the Future2 grant recipients past and present along the way including Boroondara Cares in Melbourne and Hello Hurricane in Queenscliff.

The Future2 Hiking Challenge will also take place ahead of Congress, taking hikers to the Grampians mountain range. Departing 23 November, 12 hikers will cover around 17km over two full days (plus travel time from Melbourne to Halls Gap and return) to take in the wild beauty of the diverse landscape.

Future2 Chair, Petra Churcher said: “We are grateful to our partners and for the commitment and generosity of the individual FPA members who take part in the Wheel Classic and Hiking Challenge to raise funds to support Future2.”

Riders have taken on the challenge of each raising $1,500, while hikers will each aim to raise $1,200 to support Future2’s Make the Difference! Grant program. Future2 awarded $191,066 in new grants to 20 not-for-profit organisations in 2019, an increase of more than 5 per cent over last year. Future2 has now committed $1,195,066 in grants since its inception in 2007.

MLC is the Gold partner of the 2019 Wheel Classic and Hiking Challenge. Riders and hikers from MLC include:

• Geoff Rogers, General Manager, MLC Wealth Distribution (rider)
• Carl Wilkin, MLC (rider)
• John Tsihlis, MLC (rider)
• Rosa Velkovski, MLC (hiker)
• Ellen Hickman, MLC (hiker)

MLC staff are contributing to the fundraising effort and are aiming to raise $10,000 by hosting fundraising events for Future2 across their offices in five cities.

Iress, Magellan Financial Group and Pickles are also partners of the 2019 Wheel Classic.

MLC is also the Gold partner of the 2019 Future2 Celebration to be held at the FPA 2019 Professionals Congress on Thursday 28 November.

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Petra Chrucher

The Future2 Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), has awarded $191,066 in new grants to 20 not-for-profit organisations in 2019, an increase of more than 5 per cent over last year. Future2 has now committed $1,195,066 in grants since its inception in 2007. 

FPA members endorse every dollar awarded by the Future2 Foundation to the Make the Difference! grants program. Future2 actively supports projects that give hope to 12-25 year old Australians around the country who are experiencing social, financial or physical hardship. 

Future2 Chair Petra Churcher said the work of charitable organisations right across Australia is recognised and supported by the Future2 Make the Difference! grants program.

“We are grateful for the generosity of FPA members and supporters of Future2 who commit their time and energy to help make a meaningful difference to their communities. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to boost grants from $181,000 last year to $191,066 in 2019,” said Ms Churcher.

“We received many grant applications this year and it was inspiring to hear of the many ways our members contribute to their local communities with volunteer work, pro-bono financial planning services and other support.

“Future2 has so many great success stories. We have been able to help young people through a range of programs: from mentoring to suicide prevention, to indigenous and refugee welfare to employment programs.”

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Petra Chrucher

The Future2 Foundation (Future2), the philanthropic arm of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), is calling for riders and hikers to join them on two different outdoor adventures exploring Victoria’s mountains and coastline this November.

Open to financial planners and guests, the 2019 Future2 Wheel Classic and Hiking Challenge raises funds for Future2’s Make the Difference! Grant program that supports community initiatives for young disadvantaged Australians experiencing social, physical or financial hardship.

Celebrating its 10th year, the 2019 Wheel Classic will cover 819km with riders setting off from Melbourne’s Federation Square on 22 November. The riders will travel through the Daylesford Ranges and down to Apollo Bay. The group will ride the famous Amy Gillett Fondo route before cycling the Great Ocean Road and looping back to Melbourne.

Along the way, the riders will have the chance to meet some of the organisations and young people whose lives have been positively impacted by Future2’s grant support, and to experience at first-hand how they’ve made a difference to young people in need.

While training is required for those planning to participate in the Future2 Wheel Classic, the average daily distance of 100km and average speed of 20km/h make the challenge quite doable for the moderately fit. Riders can opt for a 3, 4 or 6-day ride.

Those who prefer to explore nature on foot can opt for the Hiking Challenge in the Grampians Mountains Ranges from 23 November. The hikers will cover around 25km over two-full days (plus travel time from Melbourne to Hall’s Gap and return) to take in the wild beauty of the diverse landscape.

Riders will take on the challenge of each raising $1500, while the hikers will each aim to raise $1200 to support Future2’s Make the Difference! Grant program.

Every year Future2 provides several grants to grassroots organisations. The grants are open to not-for-profits around Australia that provide opportunities for under 25s to develop learning and leadership skills, receive mentoring, participate in remedial programs for drug and alcohol dependence, and take part in independent living projects that help address social exclusion and homelessness.

Future2 Chair, Petra Churcher AFP® said: “Future2 is all about making a meaningful difference to the lives of young Australians, who, through circumstances, often at no fault of their own, have fallen on difficult times. These young people are our future, and they are important to our future as a society”.

Since its foundation in 2007, Future2 has provided over $1 million in grants to grassroots organisations around Australia. In 2018, Future2 provided $160,000 in grants to 16 organisations across Australia plus an additional $26,000 special drought relief grants to support young people in rural and regional Australia affected by drought.

For the second year, MLC Wealth is gold sponsor of the 2019 Wheel Classic and Future2 Hiking Challenge. Geoff Rogers from MLC Wealth will be participating in this year’s event as well as other staff from around the business. MLC Wealth is committed to supporting the community and advisers, and is proud to be part of an event like this which helps raise money for people doing it tough, and helping to bring the financial industry together.

In addition to its generous support of Future2’s 2019 challenges, MLC Wealth is also gold sponsor of the annual Future2 Celebration which takes place on 28 November 2019 at St Kilda Sea Baths.

IRESS is silver sponsor and Pickles is sponsor of the support vehicle of the 2019 Wheel Classic.

Register for the Future2 Wheel Classic and the Future2 Hiking Challenge.

Find out more about the Future2 Celebration.

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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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2019 Make the Difference! Grants applications now open.

The Future2 Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), has opened applications for its 2019 Make the Difference! Grant program that supports young Australians aged 12 to 25 years experiencing social, financial or physical hardship.

Financial planners from across Australia contribute to Future2 by nominating organisations for the annual grant program, making donations and getting involved in fundraising activities. Since 2007, Future2 has committed over $1 million in grants to grassroots programs, funding projects that contribute to skills training, financial literacy, work experience, community service, mentoring and much more.

“The Future2 Foundation is all about making a meaningful difference to the lives of young Australians, who through circumstance, often at no fault of their own, are experiencing difficult times. The struggle these children face each day is significant. These young people are our future and we are committed to supporting them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives,” said Future2 Chair, Petra Churcher AFP®.

“Future2 reached the $1 million milestone last year by awarding $181,000 in new grants to 19 not-for-profit organisations, including three special grants to organisations focused on helping young people in drought affected rural areas. Through the generous support of FPA members, we hope to make even more of an impact in 2019,” added Ms Churcher.

The young people benefitting from Future2 grants include those who are outside mainstream education, living with intellectual or physical disability, fighting an addiction, living in dysfunctional families, in juvenile justice, or new migrants settling into their adopted homeland.

All applications must be endorsed by a financial planner who is a member of the FPA and applications must be completed online.

Nominations close at 5pm, Friday 26 July 2019. Recipients will be announced in November 2019.

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

Ms Churcher was a strong contributor to those efforts having led the fundraising for Future2 in South Australia over many years. She was previously Chair of the SA Chapter of the FPA, as well as a member of the Regional Chapter Committee. She was a Future2 Ambassador before being first appointed to the Future2 Board in 2016.

Her appointment as Chair was announced to FPA members today, ahead of her predecessor’s term expiring next month.

“Petra is the current Chair of the Grants Committee for Future2 and has been tireless in her efforts to continually improve the grants process over the last couple of years. Petra is also a member of the Future2 Investment Committee, so together with her own volunteer and fundraising efforts, has a unique 360-degree view she brings to this leadership role,” says FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP®.

“The work of Future2 reaches into homes all across Australia and touches the lives of young people facing really challenging times. The work extends beyond any one person, but we’re thrilled to elevate Petra as Chair of the Future2 Foundation to play her part in advancing its vision,” he says.

Ms Churcher is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the FPA. She was General Manager of ipac South Australia until July 2017.

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