Over $117,000 was raised for the AFA Foundation, making Kokoda 2018 the biggest single fundraising event in the foundation’s history.

Members and friends of the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) have completed the 96km Kokoda Trail which took place from 24 August – 2 September.

The group raised a total of over $117,000 for the AFA Foundation, making Kokoda 2018 the biggest single fundraising event in the foundation’s history.

The group included AFA CEO Philip Kewin, Alisdair Barr, Ross Barnwell, Brad Fox, Russell Hannah, Michael Molloy, David Mounsey, Adrian Raftery, Nathan Taggart and Cara Williams.

The funds will be distributed by the AFA Foundation which gives generously to a number of charities including Legacy, The Black Dog Institute, MS Research Australia, Make a Wish Foundation and Bears for Hope.

Mr Kewin said the group was proud to raise funds for the AFA Foundation, which encourages giving back to local communities via charity partners. “This truly was a memorable experience, challenging us all at both a physical and an emotional level. It was a privilege to complete the trek with such a great group of people who did an amazing job in raising funds for their chosen charities.”

Olivia Sarah-Le Lacheur, chair of the AFA Foundation said, “The AFA Foundation engages AFA, members, partners and supporters in giving back to the community and working with our charity partners to make a meaningful difference for people in need.

“Over the past 11 years, we’ve shared over $1.6m with a wide range of charities across all states of Australia. Through the Kokoda program the AFA community has had the opportunity to participate in a life changing experience and raise much needed funds for our charity partners. We are very proud of the participants for their financial and physical achievements on the Kokoda trail.”

Brisbane-based financial adviser, Cara Williams, who did the trek to raise funds for Bears of Hope and to honour the memory of Darcy, her nephew who was stillborn, said, “Trekking Kokoda with the AFA Foundation was one of the most amazing weeks of my life. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but worth every single moment. I would encourage everyone to consider trekking Kokoda. You will learn so much about what our soldiers went through, you will grow as a person and you will have the honour to trek with some incredible people who will be mates for life.”

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Charles brings with him 25 years of experience within the wealth management industry, having held senior roles with ING DIRECT and ANZ Wealth.

NAB Wealth Advice Partnerships General Manager Ross Barnwell said it was vital for the business to continue to grow its adviser network, and give more Australians the opportunity to seek quality financial advice.

“The advice landscape is changing and we need to ensure we continue to deliver a valued and enduring experience for both advisers and consumers.

“We aim to be the licensee partner of choice based on our ability to support our businesses through better technology, practical customer insights, and a culture of innovation, and I have no doubt Charles will play an integral role in the evolution of our business.”

Speaking of his appointment Charles said: “I’ve been in the wealth management business for close to 25 years, and I am passionate about creating a network that provides high quality, trusted financial advice to Australians.”

NAB Wealth Advice Partnerships operates five aligned licensee businesses – Apogee, Meritum, MLC Financial Planning, Garvan and Godfrey Pembroke – and includes over 600 self-employed advice businesses, with over 1,100 advisers.

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NAB Wealth Advice Partnerships General Manager Ross Barnwell explained that the newly created role will focus on further improving NAB’s understanding of customer needs and attitudes towards financial advice

“The shape of the advice industry is changing. Advice is more than ever driven by customers, whose needs are evolving. Customers are deciding how and when they choose to engage with financial service providers,” Mr Barnwell said.

“We’re evolving our business to meet these changing needs by placing the customer at the centre of everything we do. We’re focused on strengthening our business, committed to meeting the customer’s expectations and improving their experience, and supporting advisers in providing greater value to their clients.

“This new role is important because it positions us for future success. The role will look to deal with the changing environment to ensure we deliver industry leading consumer insights and engagement, coupled with flawless execution.

“James has played a significant role in shaping the success of Advice Partnerships at NAB and his extensive experience in wealth, particularly around advice businesses, places him well to embark on this new challenge.”

Speaking of his appointment, Mr Meade said: “This is a great opportunity for us, as a business and an industry, to deliver not only a great customer experience, but also, to assist advisers in growing the value of their business.

“I’m committed to developing better ways to support our network and deliver an enhanced advice experience, which will ultimately benefit our consumers.”

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