About Us

Established in 1986 Albany Finance Ltd is a local finance company specialising in personal and business lending and has been serving Albany and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. We pride ourselves on providing “Local Finance for Local People”.

Albany Finance Ltd has a strong local shareholder base and prides itself on being a company with a social and community focus. We strongly believe in supporting those in the community who may need assistance.

We directly contribute to a range of local organisations and charities including Albany Community Hospice, The Cancer Council and CareFlight.

Board of Directors

John

John Barnesby

I was born, educated and have lived in Albany all of my life.

I joined the family owned automotive business on leaving school at the end of 1950. In early 1954, I was awarded a scholarship by the Ford Motor Company to work in and study their operations in England, visiting Ford in Cologne, Germany and Ford in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

On returning home in 1955, I accepted the role of Dealer Principal, between then and when we sold the business in 1996, we had acquired the Ford dealership in Denmark, Mount Barker, Gnowangerup, Bunbury and Collie. The Jeep Franchise was added to the chain in the early 90’s.

In 1970, I purchased farming land near Albany, grazing sheep and cattle for 16 years.

Community Service:
In 1967, I accepted the position of President of both the Albany Community Kindergarten and the Kindergarten Association.

In 1975, as President of the Albany Senior Primary School P&C I was instrumental in having both the senior and junior primary schools amalgamated on the junior primary school site, that is now occupied by the Dome Restaurant and other businesses.

In 1992, as District Commissioner I was awarded the President’s Award for services to the Stirling Districts Scout Movement by then National President, the Governor General, Bill Hayden.

Other commercial interests were the formation of the Great Southern Group Training (now ATC Work Smart), the Rotary Club of Albany Port in 1980, both of which I am still an active member.

In 1986, along with other business people, we established Albany Finance Ltd. I accepted the position of Chairman and worked to develop the business to support the local community.

Albany Finance Ltd has provided finance for many local people, and continues to be a highly successful business.

Russell

Russell Harrison

Russell has been working at Lincolns since 1982. Most recently, after retiring from the partnership after 32 years, he works in the role of Audit Principal.

Russell has a wealth of knowledge in business advisory, finance and governance. He Chaired the Great Southern Development Commission, was Deputy Chairman of the Albany Port Authority for 22 years and has served on the Board of other public companies, including Albany Finance where he has been a Board member since December 1989.

In his spare time, Russell enjoys going for runs and cycling.

Phil

Philip Wyatt

Phil was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor to the West Australian Legal Practice Board in 1978. He became a partner of Haynes Robinson in 1991 where he worked until he sold the practice in 2008. In 2011, he opened his own firm, Philip Wyatt Lawyers, where he continues to practice law.

Phil has been a Director of Albany Finance Ltd since 1996.

He loves cricket and AFL. He is a member of the WACA, has played both cricket and AFL and umpired local AFL as well.

His bucket list is to watch a test match at every test ground in the world.

Jeremy

Jeremy Stewart

The son of a successful Albany businessman, I have an appetite for success and hard work having been brought up in with a farming background. After years overseas playing professional cricket I returned to Albany where in 2003 I began a Real Estate career as a Sales Consultant before purchasing the business Merrifield Real Estate in 2007 of which I am the sole director.

I am involved in numerous community organisations and hold current board positions with The Albany Community Foundation, Small Business Centre Great Southern, Manypeaks Cricket Club along with Albany Finance. I have been involved with mentoring students at St Joseph’s for 10+ years and currently oversee a business networking group of likeminded, innovative people. Throughout the community, I have built relationships with many prominent business people while also giving something back to the people that helped me get to where I am today.

I have a skill set that specialises in advertising & marketing, negotiation, leadership & mentorship & business principals. I pride myself on my unrivalled work ethic and positive attitude which is why the results speak for themselves. And it’s these attributes that I will successfully use to assist Albany Finance and where I see I can add the most value.

                                                             Meet our Admin Team

R1

Rowena Stephens

I started working at Albany Finance at the end of November 2022 after working in retail management for many years. I have loved learning a different role and consider myself very lucky to be working for a small business who I can tell genuinely care about the community and our clients.

In my spare time I love to read books, go to the beach, explore the beautiful walking trails that Albany has to offer and spending time with my friends, my husband and our two little dogs.

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