Meet The Team

19 years of relevant experience. 16 years at Elston.

Damon has always believed that every decision he makes should ultimately benefit the client. It’s something he’s instilled in his team and championed throughout Elston over many years. As new people have joined Elston, and the firm has grown through acquisition, Damon has ensured that cultural values are embraced by all. Outside of work Damon enjoys keeping fit and spending time with the family.

23 years of relevant experience. 13 years at Elston.

Lynda McKie is a Certified Financial Planner who invests time and care into guiding her clients through career crossroads, family challenges and all sorts of life events. Lynda is a highly respected thought leader who has been named by Barrons as one of Australia’s top 100 wealth advisers. She is also passionate about giving back. It’s something that she does through Not Profit Board roles, the mentoring of her young team, and in her role as Director of the Trustee governing the Elston Giving Foundation, a public ancillary fund that is making philanthropy accessible to more Australians.

25 years of relevant experience. 14 years at Elston.

Before joining Elston, Greg managed his own financial planning firm, working closely with clients who have known and trusted him for many years. Over the last decade he has continued to serve a growing band of loyal clients at Elston. He has also mentored a talented team of advisers who look to him for calm and insightful leadership. Outside work Greg enjoys travelling, music, sport and spending time with friends and family.

23 years of relevant experience. 10 years at Elston.

Alex joined Elston Group in 2014 after 13 years as a stockbroker with Wilson HTM. He brings a wealth of direct market experience to the group with his specialisation in direct equities.

Good investment requires experience and process. Alex enjoys bringing that certainty to client relationships enabling confidence and peace of mind. He works closely with corporate based clients in Brisbane and also many rural families looking to build “off farm” assets or transition to retirement. Outside of work Alex enjoys spending time with his young family, loves his sport and in particular is a keen cyclist.

22 years of relevant experience. 14 years at Elston.

Dean is a quiet achiever who likes working behind the scenes to get the best outcomes for his clients. But somehow, he keeps finding himself in the spotlight. So far, he’s been named in Barron’s Top 50 Financial Advisers, not once, but twice. We think that has a lot to do with his exceptional client service and extensive strategic knowledge. In his spare time, Dean enjoys going skiing with the family.

Ben has many years experience in the financial services industry and at Elston. In particular he has been heavily involved in the development and operation of Elston’s managed discretionary account services, business to business services and commercial joint venture operations. He is also highly experienced in retail advice and management. Bens role encompasses supervision of Elston’s group operations including strategy execution, innovation and systems development, compliance and change management.

Ben is a responsible manager of Elston’s Australian Financial Services License and holds a Bachelor of Finance and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services.

15 years at Elston.

Michael has over 20 years experience in the Investment and Finance field working with major companies such as the Commonwealth Bank, Esanda and BMW. He has worked closely with many Professionals, Business owners, Major Corporations and self funded retirees over the years to assist them in achieving their set investment and financial goals.

Michael holds a Masters Degree in Applied Finance with a double major in Wealth Management and Investment Management. Michael also holds a Post Graduate in Mining Finance and a Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning).

14 years at Elston.

Elston has been home to Claire for many years now after joining the team in 2010. Entering as a paraplanner, Claire quickly grasped the processes and financial concepts needed to excel in her role and propel her career. After studying a bachelor’s degree at QUT, a Diploma of Financial Services and an Advanced Diploma majoring in Financial Planning, Claire became an accredited Financial Planner; contributing her knowledge to the Brisbane team as a Strategy Adviser. This role introduced her to numerous clients in a range of different family situations, igniting her passion for assisting clients in complex family law situations. Furthering her education by completing her CFP®, Claire now assists the Brisbane team as a Wealth Adviser. She hopes to help many more clients and families achieve financial freedom no matter their family situation.

14 years of relevant experience. 8 years at Elston.

Sunitha has nearly 10 years’ experience in the financial services industry providing holistic financial advice to high net worth individuals, specifically tailored to each client’s needs and aspirations. She was the 2015 winner of the prestigious Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award, is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Self-Managed Super Fund Specialist (SSA™), has a Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting & Finance (UQ) and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (FP). In her spare time, she likes to travel, play tennis, practice yoga and spend time with friends.

14 years of relevant experience.

Jessie has over 10 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Jessie prides herself on building quality relationships with clients to allow her to provide them with holistic tailored solutions. Jessie has completed numerous degrees including Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting, Diploma of Financial Services, Advanced Diploma of Financial Services and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a Self Managed Fund Specialist (SSA). In her spare time, Jessie likes to travel and spend time with friends and family.

16 years of advising experience

Elene is a fully qualified Certified Financial Planner who is totally down to earth. For over 14 years she has been helping people to define their goals and work towards them with confidence. After building her career with traditional planning firms, Elene made the move to Elston so that she could work with an experienced team of specialists providing clients with holistic financial solutions. When Elene is not at work, she likes to watch sci-fi movies with her two girls, bush walking and pursuing her love of travel (borders permitting).

23 years at Elston.

Elston Board Director, Anthony Castellaro, has worked as an authorised representative, stockbroker and branch manager for Elston since 2002. Anthony has a Bachelor of Business (International Business), Graduate Diploma Financial Planning and is an Accredited Derivatives Adviser Levels 1 & 2. Anthony is the Head of Private Wealth at Elston’s Gold Coast office.

30 years relevant experience. 16 years at Elston.

Elston Board Director, Darren Withers, is Elston’s Head of Strategic Advice with 20 years experience in the industry. Darren has three times been named as a member of the Financial Planning Master Class by AFR Smart Investor Magazine (2007, 2010 and 2013). Darren is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with the FPA® and a Specialist Self Managed Super Fund Adviser (SSA) with SPAA. Darren has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Diploma in Financial Planning.

11 years at Elston.

Kelly is passionate about helping people to picture their future and to see the simple steps they can take to work towards their goals. Over the years, she has worked with a number of family lawyers and their clients, providing guidance for people who are facing difficult decisions at an extremely stressful time. Kelly is a Certified Financial Planner with a well credentialed CV. But it is perhaps her ability to listen and to bring clarity and empathy to financial discussions that is her greatest asset.

23 years of relevant experience. 11 years at Elston.

Ben is an experienced professional and has worked in the financial planning industry since 2001. As well as achieving the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate in the UK, Ben is a Certified Financial Planner in Australia and is well qualified to assist Elston’s clients in his role as a Strategic Wealth Adviser.

Throughout his career, Ben has assisted clients in achieving their financial goals, and what is important to them. He has helped to protect them from the pitfalls along the way. Ben is an open and friendly person and an integral member of the Gold Coast advisory team.

13 years of relevant experience. 7 years at Elston.

Cameron joined the Elston team in 2017 and has over 7 years’ experience working in the financial services industry. Cameron holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with the FPA®. Cameron prides himself on delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and providing flexible and convenient services with the integration of technology.

28 years of relevant experience. 21 years at Elston.

Helping people is what he loves about being an advisor. Over the years, Brett’s formed great relationships with the people he’s guided through different phases in their lives. He’s also been recognised nationally for his work and is a winner of the prestigious IFA Australian Goals Based Advisor of the Year award. Prior to joining Elston in 2003 Brett shaped his investment knowledge attaining substantial investment market experience in London and Sydney for firms such as Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland, JP Morgan and Westpac. Brett has an accounting degree, is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)and an Accredited Derivatives Adviser (Level 1 & 2).

11 years at Elston.

Michael has worked in the accounting and finance industry both in Australia and abroad throughout his career. He has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting & Finance) and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia.

With a view to achieve more for his clients, Michael is continuing to pursue higher qualifications and engage in professional development. Michael joined Elston in 2013 and commenced a role as Associate Strategy Adviser.

17 years relevant experience. 10 years at Elston.

Tim McLaughlan has been providing advice in Canberra for more than a decade. He is passionate about helping his clients better understand their current financial position and providing strategic financial advice to ensure they achieve their goals and objectives. Prior to joining Elston in 2014, Tim was an adviser with ANZ Financial Planning and had prior experience with a respected private wealth business.

Tim is a Certified Financial Planner and a SMSF Specialist Adviser. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Finance and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance majoring in Financial Planning. In 2016, Tim was shortlisted in the top three by the Financial Planning Association for the ‘Financial Planner AFP of the Year Award’.

Tim enjoys uncovering opportunities to assist executives, private individuals and business owners to build and protect their wealth. With expert knowledge of the Commonwealth Defined Benefit schemes PSS and CSS, Tim is also well equipped to provide strategic financial advice for Public Servants looking to maximise their financial position.

12 years of relevant experience. 7 years at Elston.

Andrew is an experienced and respected strategy adviser. For close to a decade, he has been helping clients to navigate financial challenges and work towards a better future. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Andrew has the skills and qualifications investors look to with confidence. He understands the complexities of investment and the workings of tax accounting. He also has the ability to advise on assets both inside and outside of superannuation structures. As a leader in the Canberra office, Andrew is proud to have forged strong relationships in the local community, including a major commitment to Hands Across Canberra.

“If you’re looking for a young, innovative, strategic and personable financial advisor, I’d be looking Andrew’s way. ”

June C

14 years of industry experience.

Christie’s 10+ year career in the financial services industry spans across finance in the UK, advising in Australia and loving the difference that she makes in people’s lives. She is as knowledgeable as she is approachable. When Christie’s not providing strategic advice and helping people to map out their future, she is making the most of living on the Gold Coast and spending time with her daughter.

23 years of relevant experience, 4 year at Elston

Before joining Elston, Eric played a key role in developing Perpetual, one of the industry’s most respected businesses. With his depth of financial knowledge and his strong commitment to exceeding client expectations, Eric is integral to the Elston team. When he’s not building professional partnerships and helping those companies to grow, Eric can be found at Suncorp Stadium watching the Broncos with family and friends.

5 years of relevant experience. 4 years at Elston.

Kyle joined the financial planning profession to make a positive difference in people’s lives. He loves helping his clients to picture their future and work towards their goals. Kyle knows all about achieving goals. He has competed at world championships in Taekwondo and passed his skills onto others through coaching. He recently secured his Masters in Financial Planning. And he’s currently in training for the Capital Duathlon, which may be just a steppingstone to a half-ironman next year. He hasn’t quite conquered the swim leg yet, but he’s taken to his latest challenge like a fish to water.

6 years of industry experience.

After winning the AMP University Challenge in 2017, Artur knew that he had found his calling. This recognition, and his passion for guiding people on their financial journey, has driven him to do more for his clients. Today he has over 5 years’ experience in the industry. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Finance and Financial Planning, and is on his way to achieving Certified Financial Planning (CFP) accreditation. He is also undergoing his Professional Year, to become an Elston Private Wealth Adviser. In his spare time, Artur enjoys playing tennis and running, and is always the first to put his hand up for a charity fun run.

4 years of relevant experience. 4 years at Elston.

Kelsi is another proud ANU graduate who has made Elston her home. While studying for her Bachelor of Commerce, she worked at some fabulous Canberra restaurants and discovered that she was a natural when it comes to client service. Since coming to Elston, she has won over our clients too. Kelsi has an easy charm and empathy that people love. But, she’s not just a people person. Her real BFF is her Golden Retriever, Washington.

Susan is a passionate contributor to community and social change.

Over a 20 year career in financial services, she has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most accomplished not-for-profit leaders. Susan has a deep understanding of social investment and is always looking for ways to create a positive impact through philanthropy and partnership.

She brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to joining Elston, Susan was Head of the APS Foundation at Australian Philanthropic Services.

4 years of relevant experience. 4 years at Elston.

Karina is not just one of the youngest Client Services Officers at Elston. She’s also one of the most enthusiastic. It’s her energy that won team leader Brett Ulrick over. She joined on the eve of the pandemic but even with all the disruptions, she’s thrived. Under Brett’s guidance, Karina has quickly developed into an intuitive member of the team who knows when to step up and make things happen for her advisers and her clients. Now that she has completed her Diploma in Financial Planning, Karina is looking forward to spending time with family and friends and enjoying the good life at Ballina and on the Gold Coast.   

14 years of relevant experience.

Tracyann has been with us for so many years it would hard to imagine Elston without her. She’s affectionally known as T.A. by all her teammates, and quite a few of her loyal clients. She works under the guidance of Damon Bensein, an experienced adviser who shares her love of Hervey Bay and Bundaberg. Her 12 years of industry experience and natural ability to connect with clients have made her a valuable member of the Wide Bay team. In her spare time, she likes spending time with her family and friends, reading non-fiction, and hitting the course to hone her golf game.

20 years of relevant experience. 4 years at Elston.

Julie is the go-to person for any and all tasks that need to be done now, and need to be done well. It’s her ability to keep smiling in the eye of the storm that has won over not just her teammates, but everyone she works with. This calm approach, and the way she performs under pressure, has been developed over 17 years in customer service roles, and many more years on the stage. Outside of work, Julie is heavily involved in the Brisbane theatre community. In fact, she’s a trained opera singer.

4 years at Elston.

Vanessa kicked off her career at the Commonwealth Bank where she developed her customer service skills and deepened her knowledge of the financial industry. Leaving the largest bank in the country and joining Elston has given Vanessa the opportunity to work within a skilled and supportive team of specialists led by Michael Kahric. Vanessa is an associate adviser by day, a uni student by night, and a best friend to Ollie the golden retriever on the weekends. Marriage is on the horizon, and her Bachelor of Business isn’t far away either.

3 years of relevant experience.

Emma is a trained chef who stepped away from professional kitchens when she realised she preferred cooking for friends and family rather than for restaurant patrons. We’re so glad she decided to take a different career path because it eventually led her to Elston. Emma brought years of experience in lending and banking to our Gold Coast team. Now that she has a Diploma and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, she is ready to tackle her Masters. And she’s adding to her knowledge every day working with team leader Ben Greenwell.

4 years of industry experience.

Connor is an experienced investment adviser who loves working in the dynamic environment of the share market and helping people connect to investment opportunities. After starting his career at Wilsons Advisory and gaining valuable knowledge in portfolio management and investment advice, Connor made the move to Elston to be part of an experienced advice team providing clients with a more holistic service.

When he’s not assisting clients with their portfolios or chatting to them about what’s happening in the market, Connor can usually be found on the golf course or at the beach. He tries to set the alarm extra early at least once a week so he can get a surf in with his mates.

6 years of relevant experience.

Cameron has worked as a financial planner for over five years. In that time, he has enjoyed seeing his clients grow in confidence and achieve greater peace of mind. For Cameron, strategic advice is about listening to people and helping them to see how simple steps and good habits now can bring a plan to reality in the future. He values education greatly and knows that the tax specialisation skills he has gained from his Bachelor of Commerce will ultimately deliver a positive impact to even more clients. When Cameron’s not hitting the books, he’s hitting the gym or jogging around the local parks.

10 years at Elston.

We’re glad that Carly decided to pack up her bags and leave the UK for our sunny shores. After seven years at St James’s Place Management, she had absorbed all the wisdom her British advisers had to offer and was ready for a change of scenery, and weather. Her bubbly enthusiasm, international experience and finance credentials made her the perfect addition to Ben Greenwell’s Gold Coast team. When she’s not stirring things up in the office, she’s stirring cocktails whilst dining out with her husband and two daughters.

8 years of relevant experience.

Being a Guest Services Host at Village Roadshow taught Lisa how to keep smiling as she rode the rollercoaster of tight deadlines and crazy requests. It also gave her the perfect people skills for working as a Client Services Officer at Elston. Lisa is part of Michael Kahric’s team, based on the Gold Coast, but servicing clients all over Australia. Outside work, Lisa somehow finds time for tai chi. Not just doing it, but teaching it five times a week. It’s this discipline that helps her to keep her zen, no matter what.

21 years of relevant experience.

If you want to know what it takes to really look after people, a five-star London hotel is a good place to start. That’s where Hayley got her grounding. In fact, she got so good at it, Macquarie Bank asked her to come and head up their Corporate Services Division in London and New York. Fortunately for us, she eventually decided to give up the glamour of the corporate world and bring her 20 years of experience, and her family, back to Australia. Hayley’s enjoying the Gold Coast sun and loving the opportunity to assist our clients as she helps Peter McVeigh and his team to deliver world class service.

What does it take to win Elston’s ‘Rookie of the Year?’ Emily could have probably taken out the award simply by bribing her teammates with cookies. She does love to bake. But she actually did it the old fashioned way by smashing admin, juggling ever-changing tasks and always being eager to assist Lynda McKie and everyone in the team with whatever’s needed. Em is a bundle of positive energy who genuinely loves to help people. She’s also a foodie, an artist and a trip fanatic. Apparently, she caught the travel bug in her STA Travel days and has no interest in seeking a cure.