Broome Circle wins big at WA finance awards

A Broome not-for-profit financial counselling service has taken the industry’s biggest WA awards night by storm, winning two awards for its work in remote communities. Broome Circle, dedicated to providing wraparound financial support along the Dampier Peninsula, won the Outback Award for the third year running at the Financial Counsellors’ Association of WA State awards on November 14. Financial counsellor Veronica Johnson also won the Ian Macdonald award for her contribution to the sector, particularly her ACBF/Youpla advocacy and “Money Story”. The success of her “Money Story” project — a workshop held for Djarindjin women where they learn about smart financial choices while creating art — was apparent at the conference, with two participants attending to sell their textile artworks at the marketplace. “The ladies are very proud of their efforts and have also worked so hard,” Ms Johnson said. “They have decided to donate the proceeds towards purchasing more materials and they will also be attending the Broome Circle Christmas market.” “They have built some real ownership through the process ... it’s wonderful.”