Unearthing Skills In The Hunter

The Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative (HAFC) is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2022 by Dr Pat O'Flaherty with a mission to make a difference in the life of financially disadvantaged adults. HAFC is the only not-forprofit organisation focused on helping people develop ideas for business and employment.

Dr O'Flaherty says that HAFC may provide financial support, career advice/development, mentoring, and support. These supports are provided by a group of volunteer Business and Career Development professionals who wish to work with successful applicants on their journey to become self-sustaining. So far, the most interest has come from people who have ideas for online or home-based businesses and those who need help finding employment.

"Supporting the community is at the heart of our approach to managing the organisation. We have strong support within the community from people who wish to give something back. We are very fortunate to have funding provided by the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation in the first year of our operation," said Dr O'Flaherty.

"We are proud to be supporting an organisation that focuses on unearthing a variety of skills hidden amongst the people of the Hunter Region. Unemployment and underemployment continue to be significant issues across the nation, but it's wonderful to see HAFC leading the way in supporting financially disadvantaged adults to gain better employment opportunities in our local area," said the Chief Executive Officer of the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation, Coralie Nichols.

"We offer three programs aiming to meet the needs of our target market: Business Startups/Micro Businesses, Self-Employment, and Employment (Career development). Our charity benefits financially disadvantaged adults who are unemployed or underemployed in our local community. Application is online through our website," said Dr O'Flaherty.

HAFC has received strong interest in all the programs on offer, and they encourage anyone who may be eligible to contact the team for a chat. They also encourage potential employers to get in touch via the website www. hunteradultsfc.com.au.

HAFC also acknowledges the financial support provided by Lake Macquarie Council.