New partnership supports financial empowerment for First Nations people across Australia

4 June 2026

People First Bank has celebrated National Reconciliation Week by announcing a new partnership with the First Nations Foundation to boost financial literacy and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the country.

The bank has signed a two-year agreement with the First Nations Foundation to support programs that deliver practical financial literacy education, educator training and Financial Wellness Outreach events in communities around Australia.

First Nations Foundation is a successful Indigenous financial wellbeing organisation whose mission is to strengthen financial literacy and long-term prosperity for First Nations peoples.

People First Bank Chief Customer Officer Maria-Ann Camilleri said the Foundation’s track record of delivering practical financial literacy programs made them an ideal partner.

“Our Reconciliation Action Plan vision is to help empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with financial knowledge and capability, to help spark positive change for individuals and for their communities,” Ms Camilleri said.

“We’re delighted to be working with the First Nations Foundation to help deliver grass roots programs that have meaningful impacts for people’s futures.”

People First Bank’s support will go toward three of the Foundation’s programs:

• My Money Dream online financial literacy program.
• Train the Trainer program (building capacity of people working alongside First Nations people in community
• Financial Wellness Outreach events

“Our contribution will strengthen these programs through curriculum development, digital platform enhancements and stronger educator and facilitator capability,” Ms Camilleri said.

“The partnership will also create opportunities for People First Bank employees to get involved directly through community outreach activities, supporting financial wellbeing conversations, and practical banking guidance where it’s needed most.”

Leah Bennett, Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa, CEO, First Nations Foundation said People First Bank’s support would have meaningful impact. 

“First Nations Foundation’s financial education programs — headlined by our flagship community initiative, Financial Wellness Outreach — are rooted in fairness, equality, and accountability. We strive to bring likeminded organisations and major institutions together to unite under a common cause, to improve service delivery and to give Mob the tools and knowledge that they need to write their own money stories.

“People First Bank is making a meaningful, impactful investment in First Nations financial wellbeing by partnering with FNF. This is only the beginning of a powerful, culturally informed relationship; one that is grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for making financial literacy programs and resources accessible, approachable, and empowering.”