Future2 gala recognises adviser community service

Christopher Moore from Optimum LifeFocus Financial Planning in Adelaide was the winner of this year's award.

The award recognises FPA members who have, in a pro bono, volunteering or community service capacity, made an outstanding contribution to improving the circumstances of the most socially excluded or financially disadvantaged members of the community.

Mr Moore has had a successful 40-year career in banking, finance and financial planning, while at the same time contributing significantly to the community through his work for a number of charities, including Container of Hope (COH), which he founded with his wife five years ago.

FPA chief executive Mark Rantall said, "Chris has significantly improved the future of some of the most disadvantaged people in the world.

"Chris works tirelessly for the disadvantaged both at home as well as abroad. Through his work with Rotary, the Lions Club and Mission World Aid, he shares not only his time, but has also mentored at-risk youth, offering not just life skills and coaching, but also his financial expertise."

Mr Rantall went on to say that all of the candidates for the Future2 Community Service Award this year were outstanding.

"It is clear that each of the applicants has worked tirelessly to improve the circumstances of disadvantaged communities. Financial planners really do change lives, far beyond the lives of clients. Many are making a real difference to their wider communities," he said.

At the same time, Future2 awarded $115,000 in grants to community not-for-profits with programs for socially and financially disadvantaged young Australians, an increase from last year in the amount donated.

Future2 director Marianne Perkovic said the increase in annual Future2 Make the Difference! grants is the result of the generosity of financial planning professionals and many others connected with the profession.

"Last year, FPA members and friends contributed to a substantial increase in funds raised, enabling the Future2 board to increase grant funding by over 50 per cent. With your continuing support, we will fulfil Future2's vision to be at the heart of the financial advice profession, bringing new hope and confidence to thousands of young people who deserve a better chance in life", Ms Perkovic said.

Since Future2 was established in 2007, the foundation has made grants of over $500,000 to 37 organisations across Australia.

The grants are awarded in two categories: single-year grants of up to $10,000 and multi-year grants of up to $30,000 over three years. See below for a list of grant recipients.

Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau Inc, Albury, NSW

$10,000 grant for the Future2 Transfer program. Application supported by Ian Clark.

The Future2 grant will assist recently-arrived young migrants and refugees to improve their English skills, gain access to education and training opportunities and be prepared for the workforce.

The Esther Foundation, South Perth, WA

$30,000 grant, 2015-17 for the Positive Pathway program. Application supported by Randall Stout

Young women in crisis will receive mentoring and practical experience in the Esther Café so that they can develop the skills they need to find work and establish independent lives.

Launceston City Mission Inc, Launceston, Tasmania

$25,000 grant 2015-17 for the SMART Recovery program. Application supported by David Gibson

This cognitive behaviour therapy-based program will help young people with addictive behaviours to understand, manage, and change their irrational thoughts and actions, with the help of professionals, peers and mentors to keep them involved and motivated.

National Joblink, Darwin, NT

$10,000 grant for the Next Step program. Application supported by Susie Erratt

The program develops the skills and knowledge of young people aged 18-25 years who are undertaking alcohol and drug programs at Banyan House in Darwin. The focus is on training and development of skills that will help them gain employment.

National Joblink, Cairns, QLD

$9,000 grant for the Youth Employment program. Application supported by Danny Maher

Unemployed youth who are vulnerable, socially isolated or living in dysfunctional family situations are helped to develop skills to enable them to secure employment.

Youth Connect, Moorabbin, VIC

$8,000 grant for the Wheelly Good Coffee program (WGCP). Application supported by Hari Maragos

Youth Connnect works with young people under 25 years who are at risk of not making a successful transition from school to further study or employment. The program helps them secure jobs through accredited and non-accredited training, exploration of career pathways and local work opportunities.

Youth Futures, Joondalup, WA

$30,000 grant 2015-17 for the NEST program. Application supported by Antony Black

The NEST gives practical and emotional support to vulnerable teenagers who are juggling motherhood with other difficult financial and social circumstances. Fifty teenage mothers and 50 children are given the opportunity and skills to live independently.

Youth Opportunities, Somerton Park, SA

$30,000 grant 2015-17. Application supported by Eddie Bell

The Youth Opportunities Personal Leadership Program will build the confidence and skills of 54 Year 10 students at Craigmore High School in northern Adelaide, one of Australia's most disadvantaged regions