Cbus remembers Helen Hewett AM

Cbus Super, our staff, trustee directors, partners and sponsoring organisations, are deeply saddened by the news of Helen Hewett’s passing this week.

Helen served as Deputy Secretary from 1995 to 1997 and as Chief Executive Officer of the Fund from 1997 to 2004.

Helen was an astute leader and visionary of the superannuation industry and we are proud of her legacy at Cbus. As CEO of Cbus Super, Helen’s determination to see members retire in comfort and dignity inspired all of those around her. Under Helen’s tenure the funds under management grew fourfold, she expanded member access to personal risk insurance, through investment in building and construction created jobs for members and took a leadership role on issues of responsible investment. Helen was CEO during a period that was instrumental in establishing Cbus’ strong member-focused culture and the distinguishing business model of profit for member funds.

Helen’s legacy stretches beyond Cbus. Helen was one of the four founding members of Women in Super, an organisation that has inspired and supported countless women in the superannuation industry and played a lead role in achieving meaningful policy change for women’s retirement security.

Seeing a need for greater mental health support in the workplace, in 2007 Helen brought together through the Industry Funds Forum the superannuation industry, life insurers and the mental health sector to found Superfriend. Helen was a passionate advocate for an industry response to suicide prevention and the impacts of mental illness on members. As a result of Helen’s vision, evidence-based mental health tools are now available to over half of Australia’s workplaces, significantly changing the workplace landscape in Australia.

Helen’s legacy can be seen in skylines of our major cities, the increased retirement savings of Australian women and in the support given to workers when they are most in need.

The Fund extends its sympathy to Ms Hewett’s family and loved ones.

Media enquiries:

Tristan Douglas, 0417 736 434 or tristan.douglas@cbussuper.com.au

United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as Trustee for the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund ABN 75 493 363 262 (Cbus and /or Cbus Super).  Refer to Cbus Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Financial Services Guide for more information.