Gwen Fletcher, the doyenne of Australian financial planning and founder member of the National Insurance Brokers Association’s (NIBA) life committee, has died in a Sydney nursing home, aged 94.

Ms Fletcher worked as an insurance broker for 12 years before moving into financial planning.

She helped found the NIBA life committee in 1995 and was also a member of the education committee.

Ms Fletcher had a particular interest in life risk education, and travelled to the US several times to see how education there might be adapted to Australia.

She was involved in forming the Financial Planning Association (FPA) in 1992 and continued attending FPA conferences and events long after retiring, including an appearance at last November’s conference in Sydney.

In 2007 her contribution to the industry was recognised when she was made an AM in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

FPA Chairman Matthew Rowe says Ms Fletcher had a lasting impact on the industry.

“Every profession has its heroes,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “There are leaders who bring positive changes and create an enduring legacy for the next generation to focus on.

“Gwen Fletcher was one of those heroes in financial planning, and her legacy will still be remembered in 20 years’ time.”