Recognition Where It’s Due
Published on 07 October 2022
Accolades and an acknowledgement for almost 20 years’ service supporting the Mansfield and wider community has been received for Michele Padbury as she is named recipient of Financial Counselling Victoria’s (FCVic) 2022 Jan Pentland Memorial Award.
This Award recognises excellence in providing financial counselling services above and beyond their normal duties as a Financial Counsellor and was presented to Michele at a gala dinner at the MCG as part of FCVic’s flagship event of the year.
As a valued leader within VincentCare’s Hume Community Hub, Michele holds the position of Senior Financial Counsellor leading a client focused team. Michele supports her clients with integrity, commitment, compassion and expert knowledge on a range of financial services and provides advice that aligns with each particular case to ensure the best possible outcome.
These attributes also translate to the service Michele provides as Financial Counsellor with Mansfield Shire Council, a role she has held since June 2003.
When passing on his congratulations to Michele, Mayor Cr James Tehan acknowledged that Michele has been an active contributor to a huge number of community groups and organisations, including as Chairperson for the Mansfield and District Welfare Group, for many years.
“Michele’s dedication to her community was recognised in 2015 when she was named Mansfield Citizen of the Year, which is a great indication of the high regard in which she is held,” said Cr Tehan.
“Council’s free Financial Counselling Service has seen over 100 cases present this year alone as a large portion of our community continue to face huge challenges exacerbated by natural disasters, the impact of COVID-19 and housing shortages.
“Michele’s extensive knowledge, experience, professionalism and empathy enables her to assist our most vulnerable and make her an excellent recipient for this award. I’m really pleased that her work in this field continues to be applauded.”
Michele said that she was overwhelmed and honoured to receive this Award.
“I knew Jan Pentland, for whom the award is named (she passed away in 2008),” said Michele.
“She was a towering presence in the industry, with a sharp intellect and a passion for social justice so this being presented with this award is very special to me”.
Council’s Financial Counselling service provides a free, confidential service to assist families and individuals who are disadvantaged or vulnerable and experiencing problems with debt management and other financial issues.
Full details on the service and advocacy that can be provided by Council’s Financial Counselling Service can be found here.
Financial Counselling is available Monday and Tuesday between 9am and 4.45 pm and appointments can be made by phoning Michele directly on (03) 5775 8569.