Who we are
We are a financial planning business based in Newtown.
We are passionate about helping businesses and individuals achieve their financial and lifestyle goals. Our aim is to build long-term partnerships with our clients and assist them in building, protecting and managing their wealth and lifestyle for them and their families.
So, whether you are approaching retirement, starting a business, changing careers or moving from two incomes to one, we can help you:
- choose appropriate investment strategies
- plan for your retirement
- protect you and your family
- make the most of your superannuation
- budgeting & managing your money
Meet our team
Shaun McWilliam
Director and Principal Planner
Advanced Diploma Financial Services (Financial Planning)
Shaun established Edge with the mission to provide clients in Geelong and surrounding Surf Coast, a simple and professional approach to financial planning. Shaun has recently rebranded his business to Edge Advisory Partners and looks forward to delivering the same high quality, professional service his clients are accustomed to.
Shaun and his team are specialists in corporate superannuation. Shaun has personally been providing financial advice to his corporate superannuation clients for over 20 years.
Edge Advisory Partners corporate superannuation clients include some of Australia’s most recognised brands spreading across retail, consumer goods, engineering and sporting industries. The dedicated corporate service team provide our clients with a seamless end-to-end process of service delivery.
Extensive experience working with corporate superannuation funds has provided Shaun and the team significant insight to enable us to ensure all clients and their employees receive financial advice that is suited to their individual needs.
Sam Stevenson
Practice Development & Compliance Manager
Sam has been a Financial Planner since 2002 with experience in both retail banking and private client advising before joining the team at Edge in 2012 as a Practice Manager. Sam looks after the Advice Development and Client Service Team ensuring our clients receive the highest quality advice.
She is a member of the AMP Financial Planners Association.
Sam holds a Diploma of Financial Planning and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning from Deakin University and is currently completing her Masters of Financial Planning also through Deakin.
Sam enjoys spending time with her son in her spare time.
Ryan Chwalko
Financial Planner
A Financial Planner at Edge Advisory Partners since 2013, Ryan has held positions within both the accounting & finance industry since 2004.
Ryan has completed a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) at Deakin University, is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA), a specialist member of the SMSF Association (SSA™) and a member of the AMP Financial Planners Association.
In his spare time Ryan enjoys spending time on the golf course, following the success of the Geelong Football Club and travelling.
Greg Welsh
Certificated Financial Planner®
Greg has been a financial Planner since 1995 having previously worked in the finance industry since 1972. He holds a Diploma of Financial Planning from Deakin University and also holds qualifications as a Self-Managed Super Fund Specialist and Mortgage Broker.
Greg is a past chairman and a life member of the AMP Financial Planners Association, he is also a member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia, the Self-Managed Superannuation Association of Australia and the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia. Greg is actively involved in the Cancer Councils’ Pro-Bono advice initiative.
An ordinary but passionate golfer, Greg has also had a lifetime involvement in AFL Football at State League and Local level. He is currently a commissioner with AFL Barwon and a life member of both the Geelong West and Werribee Football Clubs. Greg is the proud recipient of the Australian Sports Medal for services to Australian football.
Samantha Butcher
Financial Planner
Samantha has been a financial adviser for approximately 15 years. Samantha loves the opportunity to help individuals and families achieve their financial goals.
Samantha joined our team in February 2016 after working in the Geelong region for over ten years. She has a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning, and is currently studying toward the Certified Financial Planner accreditation.
Outside of work, Samantha is kept busy raising three daughters and enjoying the outdoors.
Patrick van Prooyen
Financial Planner
Patrick has been a Financial Planner with Edge since 2014.
Patrick has completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning.
Patrick is a member of the AMP Financial Planning Association.
Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife Jo and their three little boys.
Tim O’Toole
Certified Mortgage Adviser
Tim is a certified mortgage consultant with over 5 years of core lending experience in the financial services industry. Tim passion is to work with his clients find a better financial position today to ensure they achieve their lending goals for the future.
Tim has a diploma in Bachelor of applied science and is an accredited member of Finance Brokers of Australia.
Outside of work Tim enjoys spending time with his family, wife Tanya and his 3 little legends Addis, Poppy and Oliver.
Support Staff
Kristin Pywell
Corporate Super Administration Assistant
Kristin joined the Corporate Super team at Edge in 2014, after working 13 years in retail management. She enjoys working closely with the planners to deliver superior service to our many corporate super members.
Kristin is a passionate photographer and enjoys traveling with her family. Kristin is actively involved in Geelong’s art community.
Belinda Price
Administration Assistant
Belinda began her career in the Financial Planning industry in 2016, after completing a Commerce degree (majoring in Financial Planning and Marketing – Deakin, Burwood).
Belinda aims to begin her CFP within the next 2 years and become a Senior Financial Planner herself.
Jayne O’Brien
Client Service Manager
Jayne has worked in the Financial Planning industry since 1999 working in various administrative roles. She joined the team at Edge in 2017 as the Client Services Manager. Jayne provides administrative support to all our Financial Planners and is responsible for overseeing the day to day administration tasks of our practice. In her spare time Jayne enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.
Elise Cooney
Administration Assistant
Elise began working in Financial Planning Administration in 2012, and has since worked for various Financial Planning firms in Geelong whilst completing her study. Having worked temporarily for Edge in 2013, she was thrilled to return to the team in 2018.
In her spare time Elise enjoys volunteering in community theatre in Geelong and Melbourne.
Will Clark
Administration Assistant
Will is currently undertaking a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, (majoring in Financial planning and finance) where he is striving for completion by the end of 2018.
Will aims to obtain his CFP after the completion of his Bachelor’s degree and hopes to one day be a successful senior financial planner.
