At ICAN and ICAN Learn, our strength lies in the passion and commitment of our team members, and this month we’re shining the spotlight on one of our rising stars—Sinead Singe. From painting and collecting vinyl to empowering community members with financial knowledge, Sinead brings warmth, relatability, and fresh energy to her role as a Financial Capability Worker.
We sat down with Sinead for a yarn about her journey into the sector, the impact of the Yarnin’ Energy program, and how her learning has shaped both her professional and personal life.
A Passion for People (and Vinyl)
Sinead describes herself as someone who enjoys a quiet life at home, often painting or diving into her growing collection of vinyl records. But don’t let her love of downtime fool you—she’s a dynamo when it comes to supporting clients in her role. “I wouldn’t say I’m a good artist,” she laughs, “but I like painting and doing crafts and stuff like that.”
From KFC to Community Work
Before stepping into the financial capability space, Sinead was working in retail and searching for a more meaningful path. “Most of my family had worked in community services and I really respected the work they did,” she said. Discovering the opportunity to study a Certificate IV in Community Services while working sealed the deal. “I thought, ‘hell yeah,’ I can study and work at the same time—and earn a livable wage!”
Helping Others—and Herself
Sinead’s role involves outreach and one-on-one support, including regular visits to organisations like STEPS, where she connects with people looking to get back into the workforce. Through programs like Yarnin’ Energy, she helps people understand their electricity bills, reduce usage, and access much-needed support like the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme (HEEAS).
“Before working here, I had no guilt around spending money—I’d spend it carelessly,” Sinead admitted. “Now I’ve learnt how to budget, save, and make smarter decisions. I even got my licence and bought a car without getting a loan. That was a big step for me.”
Learning That Empowers
Sinead credits much of her growth to the Certificate IV in Community Services, delivered through ICAN Learn. “I was nervous it would be like school again, but the way it was taught was so different—it was interactive, and my teacher kept me really focused.” Studying while working provided the ideal mix of theory and practice, building her confidence to support clients on complex topics like mental health and financial hardship.
Group Learning, Collective Growth
While she initially shied away from group sessions, Sinead now thrives in them. “Talking about money with mob is less scary in a group. It’s more interactive, and people open up,” she said. These sessions often lead to one-on-one connections, with participants asking for extra help or referring family members.
Final Thoughts
When asked if she’d recommend the course to others, Sinead was quick to say yes. “You learn so much, and the support is amazing. They’re very understanding if life gets in the way.”
Thank you, Sinead, for sharing your story and for the incredible work you do in our community. Your journey is a powerful reminder that learning and connection go hand in hand—and that change is possible when we lift each other up.
