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 40 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, Albany Men's Darts the Albany Finance Fury ,Albany 8 Ball Association, Albany Boating and Fishing Club and Albany Speedway.
Board of Directors
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 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.
Christine Barnesby
Chris has over 24 years of international experience in the resource sector in project management, functional and operational management and business leadership across multiple commodities including steel, iron ore, oil and gas, copper and uranium. Extensive knowledge in risk management planning, strategy and operational execution of risk management programs.
Qualifications include Bachelor of Engineering, Masters of Engineering, MBA and Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking.
André van Rooyen
I grew up between Cape Town, South Africa and Albany, which gave me a perspective shaped by both international and regional experiences. I moved back to Albany in 2018 after spending time living around Western Australia, and have since settled here with my wife while raising a family. I enjoy sports, staying active, and being involved in the local community.
I’m a Branch Operations Manager for a national logistics company, overseeing operations, sales, team performance and commercial outcomes. I’ve worked across mining, agriculture, gas and logistics, and specialise in building strong business relationships, improving processes, and delivering practical, results-driven outcomes.
I aim to bring hands-on operational experience and a results-focused approach to Albany Finance, helping the company grow, operate efficiently, and continue supporting the local community.
Peter Lock
I have had an interesting life that has taken me over a great deal of Australia. The son of farmers and having so many opportunities to expand my business experience has been quite remarkable. Being comfortably conversant with such broad groups of people has made it simpler to offer business solutions as required.
Some of my pivotal positions have been with well know companies Wesfarmers, AFGRI, IAG and Kodak Labs. They covered a cross section of Agricultural, Retail, Wholesale and Service industries. Additionally, they offered access to various Business and Leadership course which I believe will add value to Albany Finance.
Currently my family operate a business consultancy service of which part is renumerated and part is community service targeting youth.
I have served as President of Dongara Chamber of Commerce & Industry along with other School, Festival, and community groups. Albany Finance's objectives include service to community and investors. I enjoy using my experience to contribute to the board.
Consultants
John Barnesby
John has retired as a director after 40 years of service and is now acting on a consulting basis as requested by the current board of directors.
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.