CALI announces 2025 recipients of risk advice program

The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) has confirmed the five women risk adviser recipients of its reCALIbrate program, now in its third year, set to receive a $2,000 grant to attend the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress in Perth next month.

From across the country, the five recipients are:

• Zoe Kennedy, Financial Adviser at Whitsunday Wealth
• Natalie Lackner, Life Insurance Specialist at Parachute Cover
• Alyssa Turner, Financial Adviser at My Fortress Townsville
• Clare Telford, Provisional Financial Adviser at Purely Finance
• Kristy Mitchell, Director & Life Insurance Specialist at Stella Advice

The grant provided to each woman is intended to cover the costs that would typically stop them from attending professional events, including time off work, travel, accommodation and childcare.

“Each of these women is a role model in her community and represents the future of the advice profession,” CALI chief executive, Christine Cupitt, said.

“We’ve seen the ripple effect of ReCALIbrate firsthand, from the confidence it builds in women advisers to the way it changes conversations across the industry.

“That’s why we’ve expanded the program to include more mentoring, more visibility and more opportunities to lead.”

The program also offers recipients the opportunity to access CALI’s network of women mentors, gain media training and resources for increasing profile visibility, take on speaking slots at industry events, attend CALI’s Annual Conference and meet the CALI team in Perth at the FAAA Congress.

“The chance to be mentored by industry change-makers and amplify the voice of women in advice is priceless. I am passionate about bringing quality advice to regional Australians, they’re my community,” 2025 reCALIbrate recipient, Zoe Kennedy, said.

“My vision is to build an accessible platform where women can find practical resources about life insurance and advice and be empowered to make confident informed decisions that protect them and their families.”

“This grant means being part of an initiative that champions women in advice. It is inspiring, because when women are supported and connected, the entire profession grows stronger,” 2025 reCALIbrate recipient, Natalie Lackner, said.

“For me, clarity and confidence are at the heart of great advice. This experience allows me to share that message, advocate for the vital role life insurance plays in protecting women, families, businesses and communities, and learn from others who share the same passion.”

FAAA chief executive, Sarah Abood, praised the program’s focus on inclusivity and acknowledgement of diversity within the financial advice profession.

“ReCALIbrate is one of the few programs that addresses the real-world barriers women face when building their advice careers. We’re excited to welcome the 2025 recipients to Perth – their energy, diversity and fresh perspectives on the Congress,” she said.