Meet The Team

Brett Ulrick CFP, GradDipFP, BBus (Acc)
Director
Elston Private Wealth

Elston Board Director, Brett Ulrick, has a over 20 years of investment management experience having worked for Royal Bank of Scotland and JP Morgan in London, Natwest Markets and Westpac in Sydney, and Suncorp in Brisbane prior to joining Elston in 2003 and becoming a Director in 2005. Brett is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA®). Brett also has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning, and is an Accredited Derivatives Adviser Level 1 & 2.

Rob Berry

Prior to joining Elston, Investment Adviser Rob Berry had worked in a number of finance areas through a 14 year career. At State Street Custodial Services Rob was a Portfolio Accountant.

While with Suncorp Investment Management Rob took on the roles of Manager Investment & Treasury Ops and Manager Performance Analytics. Rob has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance. Rob is the Manager of the Ballina branch at Elston.

Joe Dougherty

Joe worked at the respected firm of ABN Amro Morgans Brisbane as a paraplanner and Proper Authority Holder for three years before moving to a more senior role at Elston in 2007.

Joe has a Bachelor of Commerce from UQ and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). He is also an ASX Accredited Derivatives Adviser, Level 1 and 2.

Michael Rose

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.

Robert Scobie

Robert possesses extensive financial markets experience, gleaned from a commercial and investment career spanning nearly 10 years – working in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Ballina. He has a Bachelor of Business Management (International Business) and a Professional Diploma in Stockbroking. Robert’s focus is to provide tailored solutions to his retail and sophisticated clients – understanding their investment objectives and risk profile is paramount, while developing a foundation of trust through strong personal service. He provides long-term investment advice, portfolio construction, reviews & management, and comprehensive advice to individuals, self-managed superannuation funds and companies.

Mark Schultz

A career in banking in Australia and Canada gave strategic wealth adviser Mark Schultz the opportunity to work with customers face to face, helping them to take control of their finances. With years of experience and a determination to do more for his clients, Mark moved to Elston and continued to pursue higher qualifications.

Mark is a Certified Financial Planner and SMSF Specialist Adviser with an Advanced Diploma for Financial Planning. He recently added to his Bachelor of Business majoring in banking and finance with an MBA from QUT.

Damon Bensein
Head of Private Wealth

Damon Bensein is passionate about clients having choice and helping Elston and its team members be the best they can be. Damon leads a team of professional advisors to ensure they have the skills, tools and resources to enable clients to make informed decisions through the delivery of customised, professional advice.  Additional to this, his role is to be the custodian of our culture and values to ensure the long-term success of clients, staff and shareholders.

Some of Damon’s experience to date has been growing a client base and collaborating with their professionals to help them achieve their goals, integrating the successful acquisition of multiple advice firms and overseeing the transfer of client relationships to Elston, and also building a team of successful advisers within the Elston framework and assisting with the development and implementation of the strategic direction of Elston.

Damon’s background started in the service industry and this foundation has influenced his belief that the client comes first as without them Elston would not have a business. Some real-world experience that has lead him to where he is today are roles with Woolworths, CBA and Wilson HTM.  All these roles have been underpinned by studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Funds Management, achieving a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and more recently receiving the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.

When not at work you’ll find him keeping fit and enjoying the finer things of life such as beer, wine, food and sports. Damon also enjoy spending time outdoors with his wife and two girls and just generally loving life.

Dean Ireland

Dean Ireland is an experienced Strategic Wealth Adviser and heads up the Brisbane team. He understands the importance of tailoring strategies to meet individual needs and is committed to providing professional advice.

Dean holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and Investments. He is also a Certified Financial Planner and a SMSF Specialist Adviser with an intimate understanding of the legislative and structural imperatives that determine outcomes for clients.

Claire McGregor

After working in paraplanning at another major firm, Claire joined the Elston team in 2010. Several years of industry experience has given Claire an appreciation of solid planning and strong client service. Claire is committed to building her qualifications to ensure that her clients can draw greater benefit from her skills.

To her QUT degree, she has added a Diploma of Financial Services, an Advanced Diploma majoring in financial planning and is completing her CFP®.

Lynda McKie

With experience in institutional funds management and financial planning, Lynda is well qualified to advise Elston clients. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Queensland and is a Certified Financial Planner.

Her ability to analyse the true worth of listed companies is matched by her ability to understand what the individual is trying to achieve. At Elston she gives private investors the benefit of all her skills and experience.

Greg Jamieson

Greg is a Certified Financial Planner, with twenty years experience in the Financial Planning Industry. Formerly the managing director of his own boutique Financial Planning firm, Greg has recently aligned his business with Elston.

Greg built a loyal following over fifteen years because he knew the importance of providing individualised, quality service to his clients. Greg holds a Diploma of Financial Planning, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Griffith University.

Michael Gray

Michael has over 14 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).

Alex Rose

Alex joined Elston Group in 2014 after 13 years as a stockbroker with Wilson HTM. With a Bachelor of Business from University of Queensland and a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, Alex brings a wealth of direct market experience to the group with his specialisation in direct equities. Elston’s broader strategic framework combined with our quality investment process means highly specific advice that delivers targeted outcomes.

Good investment requires experience and process. Alex enjoys bringing that certainty to client relationships enabling confidence and peace of mind. Alex 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.

Sunitha Chamala

Sunitha has nearly 7 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), has a Bachelor of Commerce (UQ) and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services. In her spare time, she likes to travel, play tennis, practice yoga and spend time with friends.

Phillip Passaris

Phillip has over 5 years’ experience within the financial services industry working in tax for a top tier accounting firm and as a paraplanner in a major advising firm prior to joining Elston in 2013. Phillip has a bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in accounting and finance, a Diploma of Financial Planning and he recently completed his Masters of Applied Finance.

Phillip is the newest addition to our investment advisory team, leading the Premium Client Services (PCS) offering. He is fluent in Greek and loves to go fishing and plays soccer in his spare time.

Michael Kahric

Michael has worked in both the accounting and finance industry in Australia throughout his career. He understands that education is key to achieving quality results for his clients and is committed to building his qualifications to ensure that they are getting the most benefit from his skills. Michael currently holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) degree and a Diploma in Financial Services.

Kelly Stubberfield

Kelly has over 10 years experience in the financial services industry and understands the importance of working closely with clients to provide strategic advice to ensure they achieve their goals and objectives.  Kelly is committed to furthering her education and engaging in professional development.  Having completed an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, Kelly is currently completing a Masters of Financial Planning.

Nathalie Bunge-Krueger
Chief Administration Officer/Company Secretary

Nathalie joined the Elston team in February 2017. Her experience in the Financial Planning industry over the past 5 years includes roles at QSuper and Heritage Bank, across business analysis, administration, operations and compliance. As Chief Administration Officer, Nathalie’s role involves working closely with the Executive team to drive the execution, implementation and administration of new and existing initiatives. Her responsibilities encompass Human Resources, WH&S, Legal and Company Secretarial duties.

Nathalie has completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Finance, attained Level 1 of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Program, and is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Law (Honours) at QUT. In her spare time, Nathalie enjoys spending time with family, cooking and eating, travelling overseas and outdoor adventures.

Darren Withers CFP®, SSA, BComm, DipFP
Director
Elston Private Wealth

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.

Donna Picton

Donna Picton has worked for some of the biggest and respected names in the industry. Her journey has taken her to ABN Amro Morgans, Citibank and Deutsche Bank.

It has also given her the opportunity to leverage her tertiary qualifications, a Bachelor of Business majoring in Banking and Finance plus a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. After honing her skills as an investment adviser at Wilson HTM Donna moved to Elston in 2007.

Ramon Felstead

Investment Adviser Ramon Felstead is passionate about providing advice with integrity and honesty for all clients. His determination to fine tune his skills took him from one of Australia’s largest financial planning firms to Elston.

Here he has focused on the key strategies for reducing tax and maximising the effectiveness of investments. Having completed a Bachelor of International Business and a Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning), Ramon is currently completing his Advanced Diploma in Financial Services.

Robert Vella

Robert Vella has worked in the accounting and finance industry both in Australia and abroad. Understanding that education is key to providing a professional service, Robbie is committed to furthering his education and engaging in professional development. Having completed a Diploma in Financial Planning, Robbie is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Planning.

Darren Withers CFP®, SSA, BComm, DipFP
Director
Elston Private Wealth

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.

Tim Anderson

Investment Adviser Tim Anderson has a Bachelor of Management and is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment.

Before joining our team, Tim worked as a private client adviser. He also ventured to London to take up a position as a Hedge Fund Financial Analyst with Goldman Sachs. We were thrilled that he returned to warmer weather and brought his skills to Elston in 2007.

Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor is a well-credentialed and respected personal investment adviser. In 2012 the AFR Smart Investor Magazine named Richard as a member of the Financial Planning Master Class.

This recognition came after many years of work in London with Credit Suisse and Barclays Capital and in Canberra with firms such as HSBC. Richard is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Financial Planner.

He also holds Graduate Diplomas in Applied Finance and Investment, as well as Financial Planning, from FINSIA, and is an Accredited Derivatives Adviser Level 1.

Tim McLaughlan

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.

Darren Withers CFP®, SSA, BComm, DipFP
Director
Elston Private Wealth

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.

Anthony Castellaro BBus, GradDipFP
Director
Elston Private Wealth

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.

Ben Greenwell

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.

Andrew Faber

Andrew’s role helps retirees, business owners and professionals navigate their way towards their financial goals by tailoring investment and tax planning strategies with a focus on educating and simplifying complex situations.

Andrew brings over 20 years of broad financial services experience gained both locally and overseas which includes discretionary portfolio management, banking, insurance, consumer and small business credit. Prior to joining Elston Andrew was the General Manager of an award winning savings specialist Bank and it was during this time Andrew recognised the benefits of good advice and decided to dedicate his career to helping client’s reach their financial goals.

Andrew has a Master of Accountancy, Bachelor of Business (major Finance), an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, is studying the CFP and is a member of the FPA and CPA.

Darren Withers CFP®, SSA, BComm, DipFP
Director
Elston Private Wealth

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.

Donna Picton

Donna Picton has worked for some of the biggest and respected names in the industry. Her journey has taken her to ABN Amro Morgans, Citibank and Deutsche Bank.

It has also given her the opportunity to leverage her tertiary qualifications, a Bachelor of Business majoring in Banking and Finance plus a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. After honing her skills as an investment adviser at Wilson HTM Donna moved to Elston in 2007.

Robert Vella

Robert Vella has worked in the accounting and finance industry both in Australia and abroad. Understanding that education is key to providing a professional service, Robbie is committed to furthering his education and engaging in professional development. Having completed a Diploma in Financial Planning, Robbie is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Planning.

Justin Shipp

Investment adviser Justin Shipp has completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services. Justin is continuing to further his skills through completion of the Certified Financial Planner program.

Having previously owned his own financial planning practice in Cairns, Justin has gained over 10 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Justin is passionate about building long term relationships with clients based on integrity, service and quality advice.

Tim Anderson

Investment Adviser Tim Anderson has a Bachelor of Management and is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment.

Before joining our team, Tim worked as a private client adviser. He also ventured to London to take up a position as a Hedge Fund Financial Analyst with Goldman Sachs. We were thrilled that he returned to warmer weather and brought his skills to Elston in 2007.

Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor is a well-credentialed and respected personal investment adviser. In 2012 the AFR Smart Investor Magazine named Richard as a member of the Financial Planning Master Class.

This recognition came after many years of work in London with Credit Suisse and Barclays Capital and in Canberra with firms such as HSBC. Richard is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Financial Planner.

He also holds Graduate Diplomas in Applied Finance and Investment, as well as Financial Planning, from FINSIA, and is an Accredited Derivatives Adviser Level 1.

Tim McLaughlan

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.