Jillian Fletcher Former FCQ Chair and Jan Pentland Award Winner
Jillian Fletcher was an outstanding ambassador for financial counselling. Jillian consistently advocated in two key areas of service delivery in Queensland. Firstly, she was driven to improve professional standards in financial counselling, and secondly, she championed the need for sustainable funding for Queensland.
In 2008 Jillian worked tirelessly on a campaign targeting raising awareness with Queensland Government of the need for funding financial counselling in our state. She committed many hours of her personal time and effort to this campaign, producing reports, meeting with political leaders and connecting with other support services.
In November 2008 the Queensland Government allocated $3M, to Lifeline Community Care Queensland to fund financial counselling services for a period of 18 months to the end of June 2010. This was an outstanding achievement by Jillian and those who assisted her, but one thing is clear without her drive, creative thinking, and commitment, the funding would never have eventuated.
As a former Chair of FCQ, Jillian gained a deep understanding in progressing the awareness of financial counselling in Queensland and developing the resources and skillset within the sector. Jillian’s work was supported by Jan Pentland, who recognised her as someone who shared the same vision and passion for advancing financial counselling. In early 2009, Jan recommended Jillian for a role with Australian Financial Counselling and Credit Reform Association, now known as Financial Counselling Australia, representing Queensland. This truly reflected Jan’s confidence in Jillian and signified the pairs eagerness to work together on important issues.
The significance of Jillian Fletcher’s contribution in this period towards the advancement in financial counselling throughout Queensland has become fully understood with the course of time, where Queensland Governments of all political persuasion, have come to recognise the value and importance of financial counselling for all Queenslanders.
In 2024, the FCQ Committee revealed that the Jillian Fletcher Award would be presented annually at our conference dinner, which is now on be known as The Jillian Fletcher Gala Dinner, to honour her memory and incredible contribution to the sector.
2025 Inaugural Winner
Pearl Turner
You can nominate an individual for the 2026 Jillian Fletcher Award by filling in the nomination form and returning to – [email protected]
All nomination forms and supporting documents will be reviewed by a panel including the current FCQ chair. From this process, three finalists will be selected and honoured at the conference dinner, with one finalist receiving the prestigious Jillian Fletcher Award.
Applications close: 19 December 2025
