Queensland Teachers' best in community service

18 October 2006

Queensland Teachers Credit Union has beaten credit unions and building societies from across Australia to win a national award for excellence in community service.

More than 25,000 students across 200 Queensland schools have benefited from the Queensland Teachers' Credit Union’s Keyway program. The free community program teaches 15-17 year olds practical strategies to achieve good financial habits.

The Community Award was presented at the Abacus – Australian Mutuals Convention in Perth today. The presentation was made in front of 850 representatives from credit unions and mutual building societies from across Australia.

In announcing the awards, Abacus General Manager Adrian Lovney, said Queensland Teachers Credit Union has been helping Queenslanders to achieve their financial and lifestyle goals for over 40 years.

"Queensland Teachers focuses heavily on the development of member and community services, from the delivery of financial literacy programs for school children to aiding seniors to plan their retirement.

Queensland Teachers' General Manager, Michael Murphy, said the Keyway program is one component of the credit union’s strategy to improve financial literacy in Queensland.

"Each year, the Keyway team visits hundreds of State and independent high schools to share strategies for building self-esteem and motivation, coping with stress and peer pressure, setting and achieving goals, health and fitness, and developing good financial habits," Mr Murphy said.

"With the ultimate goal of improving youth financial literacy knowledge, the Keyway program raises awareness amongst students, teachers, parents and the community of the importance of being in control of one's financial future.

"The program aims to help young people make sound financial decisions that will benefit them for the rest of their lives."

Photographs are available of Mr Murphy receiving his award.

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