Lavinia Gibbs and Annette Rose Awarded Grant to Improve Financial Literacy in Aboriginal Youth
Goodooga, NSW – 18/11/24 – In an exciting step toward addressing the pressing issue of low financial literacy among Aboriginal youth,Lavinia Gibbs of To Rise Up and Annette Rose of Kids Get Money have been awarded a grant to develop and deliver a groundbreaking school holiday financial literacy program. The initiative will be piloted with the Goodooga Aboriginal Community, with plans to expand its reach to other communities in the Brewarrina Shire and beyond.
The project will focus on delivering a culturally appropriate and community-tailored financial literacy program for children aged 8 to 18 in Goodooga, Brewarrina, and Weilmoringle. Grant funds will support an initial phase of listening and co-design, undertaken in partnership withElders, local community leaders, and organisations such as Moogahlin PerformingArts Inc and Goodooga Central School.
A Vision for Community-Centered Financial Education
Led by Lavinia Gibbs, a proud Yuwaalaraay woman with deep roots in the Goodooga region, the project aims to provide children with the core financial knowledge they need to navigate modern life. Lavinia, an experienced educator, is joined by Annette Rose, founder of the social impact startup Kids Get Money, which specialises in fostering financial literacy in children and young people.
“Our communities are rich in tradition and cultural strength, yet financial literacy is an area where we can empower our youth and, in turn, strengthen the whole community,” said Gibbs. “This program respects the diversity of Aboriginal cultures and will be personalised to meet the specific needs of the Goodooga community.”
The project aligns with the Overcoming IndigenousDisadvantage framework’s three priority outcomes: creating safe and supportive environments, fostering positive child development, and improving wealth creation and economic sustainability.
A Culturally Grounded and Collaborative Approach
Acknowledging that “there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” the program will adopt a co-designed, localised approach. Guided by the principles outlined in the ASIC Indigenous Financial Services Framework, the program will reflect the unique cultural, linguistic, and social dynamics of each participating community.
Measurable Impact and a Scalable Future
The pilot program will gather outcomes and feedback from participants, community leaders, and educators, with the aim of refining the model for broader implementation. By laying the groundwork for a scalable “train the trainer” model, the project seeks to create a ripple effect of financial literacy education across other Aboriginal communities.
“Teaching youth to be financially literate is a critical step in creating sustainable, positive change,” said Rose. “This program is about more than just dollars and cents—it’s about empowerment, resilience, and opportunity.”
About the Leaders
Lavinia Gibbs brings a wealth of experience as an educator and a deep connection to her Yuwaalaraay heritage, ensuring the program remains rooted in cultural authenticity.
Annette Rose, through Kids Get Money, is dedicated to developing innovative financial literacy initiatives that leave lasting impacts on communities.
Together, their efforts represent a significant stride toward addressing financial literacy barriers for Indigenous Australians and fostering a brighter future for Aboriginal youth.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Annette Rose
Founder, Kids Get Money
Email: annette@kidsget.money
Phone: 0458 220 886
Lavinia Gibbs
To Rise Up
Email: lavinia@toriseupteaching.com.au
Phone: 0407 333 062
About Kids Get Money
Kids Get Money is a social impact startup dedicated to improving financial literacy in children and young people through engaging, accessible, and practical education programs.
About To Rise Up
To Rise Up is an indigenous education organisation focused on empowering Aboriginal communities through education, advocacy, and culturally relevant programming, led by proud Yuwaalaraay woman Lavinia Gibbs.