2027
6th Financial Inclusion Conference
Bridging
the Divide
Advancing Financial Inclusion, Resilience and Wellbeing
About the conference
The conference responds directly to the growing financial pressures created by the cost-of-living crisis, and explores what is needed to turn community knowledge into policy, investment and systemic action.
Financial hardship rarely stands alone. It intersects with domestic and family violence, financial abuse, alcohol and drug dependence, homelessness, mental health, unemployment and generational disadvantage. Bringing together government, community organisations, industry and lived experience is essential to building better systems and supports.
- 1
A whole-of-government strategy
Financial wellbeing cuts across housing, health, education, employment, justice, domestic violence and social services.
- 2
Place-based service delivery
Earlier, coordinated and accessible support for regional, rural, remote and disadvantaged communities.
- 3
Breaking down barriers
Addressing the structural, geographic, social and economic barriers that contribute to financial exclusion.
- 4
From lived experience to action
Connecting grassroots practice and lived experience with government, industry and decision-makers.
- 5
Responding to cost-of-living pressures and financial exclusion
Addressing the structural pressures driving financial hardship and moving beyond crisis resilience toward prevention, inclusion and long-term financial wellbeing.
What to expect
Across two days, the conference will bring together grassroots leaders, policymakers, researchers, financial counsellors and community organisations to explore the practical actions needed to improve financial inclusion, resilience and wellbeing.
Keynote speakers
International and local experts will explore the drivers of financial hardship and the policy, service and systems responses needed to address them.
Panel discussions
Focused conversations and practical sessions will look at place-based solutions, capability building and building stronger pathways to financial inclusion and wellbeing.
Formal dinner and awards night
Join us on the first evening for a formal dinner and presentation of the 2027 Financial Inclusion Awards, recognising leadership and impact.
The venue
Overlooking parklands, ponds and lakes, Waterview in Bicentennial Park is a fitting location for a conversation centred on connection, resilience and practical action.
Waterview, 1 Bicentennial Dr, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127
Train and bus services nearby. Parking is available on site.
Nearby hotel accommodation is available for delegates and visitors.
Ramp access and multiple accessible parking spaces are available.
Who we are
Bridging the Divide is produced by Northern Rivers Community Gateway, in partnership with the Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW and the NSW Financial Inclusion Network. All three organisations are not-for-profit and dedicated to improving outcomes for disadvantaged people.
Northern Rivers Community Gateway
Community Gateway is a local grassroots charity, providing integrated specialist services across the Northern Rivers. We work to address the root causes of hardship with wraparound care.
Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW
FCAN leads professional support for financial counsellors and advocates across the state, strengthening capability, accreditation and sector leadership.
NSW Financial Inclusion Network
The network brings together community, government and advocacy partners to advance the policy and practice needed for a more financially inclusive future.
Partner with leaders, practitioners and advocates working to improve financial inclusion, resilience and wellbeing across NSW.
Get your
tickets
Secure your place at Bridging the Divide and join the conversation on financial inclusion, resilience and wellbeing.