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Speakers

The CBA Foundation StartSmart Facilitators
Commonwealth Bank Foundation StartSmart facilitators are selected, trained and mentored by National Speakers Association Speaker of the Year 2006, Peter Sheahan. Ably assisted by top-ten World University Debating Champion, Dominic Thurbon, Peter has assembled a crack team of world-class speakers whose dynamic and engaging styles allow them to motivate and excite students around their financial futures. With speakers based all across the country, the StartSmart facilitators are never far from your local school and are ready to come in and impart valuable skills and knowledge in financial literacy.

Casey-Anne Featon (NSW)
As a graduate of both NIDA and Charles Sturt Universities with a Theatre/Media degree, Casey is a unique and theatrical presenter. Her colourful history of stage, dance and theatre shines through as she continues to engage audiences and leave students enlightened and empowered. Complementing her unique presenting style with her passion for education, Casey is a qualified teacher, having completed her Diploma of Education in 2005. She is noted for her outstanding rapport with students and teachers alike.

Jonathan Henderson (NSW)
Jonathan is an outstanding young speaker who has spoken to thousands of high school students in recent years, and worked alongside some of Australia’s best presenters. A fascinating life story and a history working with young leaders and business owners, complemented with a degree in Finance and Marketing, leaves him set to engage, motivate and empower young individuals to take control of their money.

Hayley Barrett (QLD)
Hayley graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Theatre in 2005. Prior to joining the StartSmart team, Hayley worked in primary and high schools around Brisbane facilitating an anti-bullying program for students. Hayley is passionate about working with young people and dealing with issues that are important in their lives. Her superior knowledge of financial literacy coupled with her drive to inspire and teach make her an excellent facilitator for people of all ages and knowledge levels.

Zeynep Basarin (VIC)
Zeynep Basarin has been involved in speaking, performing and developing presentations and creative works all her life. Prior to her professional facilitation career, Zeynep was college captain at Brighton Secondary College and studied Behavioural Neuroscience at Monash University. She appreciates how important life tools such as a strong education in financial literacy can be, and enjoys helping students learn in a fun, interactive and engaging way. Zeynep is committed to ensuring that Generation Y are supported, able to thrive and feel empowered in their choices about their financial futures.

Sasha Jovanovic (National)
With interests in psycho-sociology, Sasha has completed a degree in Anthropology at the University of Adelaide. Having been involved in a number of business start-ups across a number of industries, he maintains a high level of business acumen. In addition, he also works annually with NGO's that engage with agencies including UNHCR and UNICEF in eastern Europe assisting refugees, children and ethnic minorities in war-torn countries. Fluent in six languages, he is a dynamic speaker, his excitement is infectious and as our National Facilitator, he visits schools right across Australia

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