Women financial risk advisers are being offered the chance to share in $10,000 worth of grants to help them grow their careers and have their voices heard in the industry.
Now in its third year, the ReCALIbrate program run by the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI), will offer five women advisers who write risk with $2,000 each to attend the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress in Perth on 18-20 November. The money can be used to cover any costs that support them in attending the event, including flights, accommodation, childcare, and registration fees.
CALI CEO Christine Cupitt said the program had been expanded this year to reflect the level of investment needed in the industry.
“Every grant has proven to be an investment in the future of advice, which makes this year even more exciting as we have broadened the value of the ReCALIbrate program to include more opportunities to connect and network,” said Ms Cupitt.
“We know from our research that women need their own strong financial safety nets, and women advisers are uniquely placed to bridge that knowledge gap and build diversity in our industry. Every step we take to amplify women advisers’ visibility, networks and confidence builds stronger careers and a stronger future for the advice profession.”
In addition to funding and access to CALI’s women’s executive network for mentoring and support, this year’s ReCALIbrate winners will also receive:
- A social media and press toolkit to build their profile and visibility
- Access to an exclusive meet and greet with CALI and past ReCALIbrate winners in Perth (also offered to all shortlisted candidates who fund their own way to the Congress)
- Priority recommendations for speaking opportunities at industry events
- A complimentary ticket to CALI’s annual conference in 2026
The theme of this year’s FAAA Congress is Ahead of the Curve.
“I strongly encourage women in the risk advice profession to apply for a ReCALIbrate grant. This is a fantastic opportunity to be supported to attend the FAAA Congress, which is all about growth, connection and ideas. ReCALIbrate ensures women in risk advice are right there, engaging in what it means to be ahead of the curve,” said Sarah Abood, CEO of FAAA.
Co-Founder and Financial Risk Adviser AFP at Calibre Life, Nicole Bendeich, was one of five recipients last year who attended the FAAA Congress in Brisbane. She credits the ReCALIbrate program for opportunities that have come her way since the grant.
“With ReCALIbrate, CALI made an investment in my development. It has reminded me that the future of advice needs more diverse, real, and relatable voices. CALI’s program gently nudged me into opportunities I never thought I’d put my hand up for. It’s led to meaningful mentorships, new collaborations, and real momentum in areas I used to exclude myself from,” said Ms Bendeich.
Samantha Greene, Financial Adviser at Greene Financial, was another recipient last year who would’ve been unlikely to attend without the program’s support.
“ReCALIbrate gave me a reason to show up somewhere I probably wouldn’t have gone otherwise and I’m so glad I did. Being surrounded by a group of passionate, like-minded advisers made the FAAA Congress feel instantly more accessible. I came away with a bigger perspective, fresh energy, and conversations I’m still thinking about,” said Ms Greene.
Applications are now open and will close on Sunday, 21 September 2025.
All eligible women are encouraged to apply directly via CALI’s website: www.cali.org.au/recalibrate-2025