Meet The Team

Damon Bensein
CFP®, BBus, GradDipFP
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. 

Dean Ireland
CFP®, BComm, SSA
Brisbane Branch Manager

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.

Lynda McKie
CFP®, BComm, Dip FS (FP)
Private Wealth Adviser

With experience in institutional funds management and financial planning, Lynda is well qualified to advise Elston clients.

Claire McGregor
CFP®, AdvDipFS (FP)
Private Wealth Adviser

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.

Greg Jamieson
CFP®, DFP, BA
Private Wealth Adviser

Greg Jamieson is a Certified Financial Planner, with twenty years experience in the Financial Planning Industry.

Michael Gray
MAppFin (IM,WM), CFP®
Private Wealth Adviser

Michael has over 20 years experience in the Investment and Finance field working with major companies.

Alex Rose
BBus (Man), Grad Dip App Fin & Inv
Private Wealth Adviser

Alex brings direct market experience to Elston with his specialisation in direct equities after 13 years as a stockbroker.

Sunitha Williams
CFP, BComm, SAA
Strategy Adviser

Sunitha has nearly 9 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.

Phillip Passaris
AFP®, MAppFin, BComm, DipFS (FP)
Private Wealth Adviser

Phillip has over 5 years’ experience within the financial services industry working in tax for a top tier accounting firm.

Jessie Hinds
CFP®, BBus(Acc), Cdec
Strategy Adviser

Jessie has over 9 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.

Cindy Tran
Dip Bus.
Associate Adviser

Cindy has over 7 years of experience working in the Banking and Finance Industry. Before joining the Elston team as an Associate Adviser, she was a relieving Branch Manager at one of Australia’s largest banks.

Amanda Sartor
CFP®, BComm, GradCertBus
Philanthropic Services Manager

Amanda is a qualified financial planner, holds a Bachelor of Commerce (with distinction), a Graduate Certificate in Business at QUT (Philanthropy & Non-Profit Studies) and is completing her Masters in Philanthropy and Social Investment at Swinburne.

Dan Di Girolamo
BBus (Econ & Fin), GradDipFP
Centralised Dealing Adviser

With 10 years’ experience in the finance sector both here and in London, Dan’s previous position involved dealing exclusively with domestic and international equities.

Zeke Pitt
DipFS(FP), BBus, MFinM
Associate Adviser

Zeke joined Elston in 2019 with several years of experience in the banking, investment and financial advice industries.

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.

Darren Withers
CFP®, SSA, BComm, DipFP
Director, EP Financial Services Pty Ltd

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).

Ben Greenwell
CFP®, SSA
Branch Manager

Ben is an experienced professional and has worked in the financial planning industry since 2001. 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.

Andrew Faber
AFP®, Macc ASA, Bbus(Fin), AdvDipFS (FP)
Private Wealth Adviser

Andrew’s role helps retirees, business owners and professionals navigate their way towards their financial goals.

Robert Scobie
Bbus (Man)
Private Wealth Adviser

Robert possesses extensive financial markets experience, gleaned from a commercial and investment career spanning nearly 10 years.

Cameron Felice
CFP®, Bbus
Wealth Partner Manager

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®.

Kelly Stubberfield
AFP®, MFinPlan, AdvDipFS (FP)
Strategy Adviser

Kelly has over 10 years experience in the financial services industry and understands the importance of working closely with clients.

Michael Kahric
AFP®, BComm, DipFP
Wealth Partner Adviser

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.

Fletcher Kibble
BComm
Associate Adviser

Fletcher joined the Gold Coast team in late 2018, as an Associate Adviser with over 3 years’ experience within the financial services.

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.

Rob Berry
AFP®, Bbus (Acc & Fin)
Ballina Branch Manager

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.

Joe Dougherty
BComm, AdvDipFS (FP)
Private Wealth Adviser

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.

Mark Schultz
CFP®, SSA, MBA, BBus (Bus & Fin)
Strategy Adviser

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.

Michael Rose
CFP®, CA
Strategy Adviser

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.

Lisa Gage
B.Econ, Grad Dip FP
Associate Adviser

Lisa Gage recently joined our Ballina Office as an Associate Strategy Adviser. Originally from WA, Lisa travelled around Australia for eight months with her family, finally settling in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

Donna Picton
CFP®, B.Bus (B&F), GradDip FP, Cdec
Wide Bay Branch Manager

Donna Picton has worked for some of the biggest and respected names in the industry. After honing her skills as an investment adviser at Wilson HTM Donna moved to Elston in 2007.

Justin Shipp
CFP®, BBus, AdvDipFS (FP)
Private Wealth Adviser

Justin has over 10 years’ experience in the financial services industry and completed the Certified Financial Planner program.

Robert Vella
BFinPlan
Strategy Adviser

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.

Darren Withers
CFP®, SSA, BComm, DipFP
Director, EP Financial Services Pty Ltd

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).

Nathan Horne
BBus (mgt), DFP
Associate Strategy Adviser

Nathan secured employment at a local financial planning company as a Graduate Adviser, where he began to develop his skills and knowledge base. Nathan is continuing his journey with Elston to eventually become an experienced Financial Adviser with his own client base.

Donna Picton
CFP®, B.Bus (B&F), GradDip FP, Cdec
Wide Bay Branch Manager

Donna Picton has worked for some of the biggest and respected names in the industry. After honing her skills as an investment adviser at Wilson HTM Donna moved to Elston in 2007.

Ramon Felstead
BIntBus, Advanced DipFP
Private Wealth Adviser

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.

Robert Vella
BFinPlan
Strategy Adviser

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.

Darren Withers
CFP®, SSA, BComm, DipFP
Director, EP Financial Services Pty Ltd

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).

Nathan Horne
BBus (mgt), DFP
Associate Strategy Adviser

Nathan secured employment at a local financial planning company as a Graduate Adviser, where he began to develop his skills and knowledge base. Nathan is continuing his journey with Elston to eventually become an experienced Financial Adviser with his own client base.

Tim Anderson
Bbus (Mgt)
Branch Manager

Tim is studying for a Graduate Diploma. Prior to joining Elston, he has worked as a client adviser and a fund financial analyst.

Richard Taylor
CFP®, CA, BComm, Ffin
Private Wealth Adviser

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.

Tim McLaughlan
CFP®, BComm (Hons), GradDipFP, SSA
Strategy Adviser

Tim 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.

Darren Withers
CFP®, SSA, BComm, DipFP
Director, EP Financial Services Pty Ltd

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).

Andrew Rosetta
CFP®, BComm (Fin Planning)
Strategy Adviser

Andrew is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting. Prior to joining Elston Andrew’s experience included working as a Senior Financial Planner for a national financial planning organisation as well as working in tax accounting for businesses, individuals and self-managed superfunds.

Dana Fedorow
Associate Adviser

Dana’s previous experience in the Financial Industry includes administration, office operations, account set-up, compliance and implementation. Dana uses this experience to help her communicate with stakeholders and undertake research to include within the advice documents for the advisers

Sunitha Williams
CFP, BComm, SAA
Strategy Adviser

Sunitha has nearly 9 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.

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.

Mark Schultz
CFP®, SSA, MBA, BBus (Bus & Fin)
Strategy Adviser

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.

Lynda McKie
CFP®, BComm, Dip FS (FP)
Private Wealth Adviser

With experience in institutional funds management and financial planning, Lynda is well qualified to advise Elston clients.

Tim Anderson
Bbus (Mgt)
Branch Manager

Tim is studying for a Graduate Diploma. Prior to joining Elston, he has worked as a client adviser and a fund financial analyst.

Richard Taylor
CFP®, CA, BComm, Ffin
Private Wealth Adviser

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.

Tim McLaughlan
CFP®, BComm (Hons), GradDipFP, SSA
Strategy Adviser

Tim 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.