Our Advisers
are passionate about building long-term relationships, truly independent advice and consistently yield strong outcomes, ensuring that your financial journey is as smooth as possible. Their commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals has earned them a reputation for excellence. Our advisers have a range of specialties, and we will always attempt to match you with the adviser that best suits your needs.
Rhys Phillips
Director & Financial Planner
Rhys has been a valued member of the Strategy First team since 2010, specialising in Wealth Accumulation, Strategic Planning, Estate Planning, Portfolio Management and Intergenerational Wealth Transfer. His broad expertise enables him to build lasting client relationships that evolve through every stage of life.
Holding a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), a Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Financial Services, Rhys is also a member of the SMSF Association. He was a finalist in the 2018 Young Leaders in Finance Awards and was nominated for the FSPOWER 50 most influential financial advisers in Australia in 2024 & 2025.
Don Foster
Certified Financial Planner
Don is a member of the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®.
He is skilled in all aspects of Financial Planning, including the areas of Wealth Accumulation, Pre and Post-Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, and Investment Portfolio Advice.
Chris Gilmour
Certified Financial Planner
Chris is a member of the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®.
He has been a part of the Strategy First team since 2013 and is passionate about helping people along their financial journey, improving their financial wellbeing.
With his caring and empathic nature, his clients feel heard, helping them in the areas of goals discovery, understanding financial capabilities, strategic planning, wealth management, pre and post-retirement planning and estate planning.
Erin Coyle
Certified Financial Planner
Erin is an experienced Financial Planner advising on a wide range of financial strategies, including tax-effective wealth accumulation, cash flow and debt management, retirement planning and aged care. She is passionate about working with clients to help them identify and articulate their financial goals before formulating the steps required to achieve them.
Erin is a member of the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® with a Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies) and a Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). Completing her Financial Planner Certification in 2014, Erin graduated as the highest achieving student, earning herself the inaugural Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award.
Michael Lang
Financial Planner
Mike has over 8 years of experience within the Financial Planning Industry. He completed his Master of Financial Planning in 2024 and a Bachelor of Commerce in 2022.
Mike began at Strategy First as a Paraplanner and recently completed training for his professional year, meaning he brings knowledge from paraplanning and financial planning to the table.
Meet our Paraplanners
Taiki Yasushima
Senior Paraplanner
Taiki assists our advisers with technical and administrative support, providing research and documents of client advice.
He has previously worked for an accounting firm in the financial service division for over 6 years.
Finalist in the 2019 Money Management Paraplanner of the year award.
Melissa Richards
Senior Paraplanner
Melissa is a professionally qualified financial adviser (CFP® 2005) with over 25 years’ experience in financial services organisation.
Melissa's thorough understanding of the financial framework and statutory legislation surrounding financial services gives the paraplanning team a strong foundation of guidance.
Roslyn Cunningham
Senior Paraplanner & Team Leader
Roslyn is a professionally qualified financial adviser, having achieved her CFP designation in 2005, with more than 25 years’ experience in financial services.
With a thorough understanding of the financial advice framework and the statutory legislation that underpins the profession, Roz brings insight, care and experience to her role.
Her leadership skills and genuine commitment enable her to support both advisers and the paraplanning team with knowledge, warmth and purpose.
Sam Battaglene
Paraplanner
Sam has over seven years of experience in the financial services industry as a paraplanner with Strategy First Financial Planning, supporting advisers with financial strategy, technical research and the preparation of client advice.
While working at Strategy First, Sam completed his Bachelor of Accounting and Finance at Australian Catholic University in 2022 and his Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning in January 2026. He commenced his Professional Year in February 2026 and is currently in the second quarter as he works towards becoming a qualified Financial Adviser, continuing to build his technical knowledge and client experience.
Jack Dacey
Junior Paraplanner
Jack's role at Strategy First is to assist our Advisers with technical and administrative support.
He is currently studying a Bachelor of Applied Commerce at TAFE.
Jack brings his 10 years of customer service experience in a variety of roles requiring leadership and attention to detail to Strategy First.
Ashlee Duffy
Client Service Specialist & Paraplanner
A dedicated professional with a background in office coordination and an extraordinary commitment to exemplary customer service.
Ashlee's proficiency in organising and streamlining office operations ensures seamless workflows and efficient processes at Strategy First.
Ashlee has recently completed her Advanced Diploma in Paraplanning and is now studying to become a Financial Adviser.
Meet our Dreamers
Leah Steele
Senior Client Service Specialist
With a background in information technology, event management and administration, Leah brings an eclectic mix of skills focused on our company ethos of 'making dreams happen'.
Since 2014 Leah has been supporting her clients and her team with heartfelt intention, knowledge and experience.
Nera Kokot
Senior Client Service Specialist & Head of Marketing
Nera has been a valued member of the Strategy First team since 2018, bringing extensive experience in administration, operations, and client services. Known for her dedication to supporting clients and improving business processes, she plays a key role in ensuring both clients and the team receive exceptional service.
After completing her Digital Marketing Strategy and Leadership qualification, Nera expanded her role into Head of Marketing. Today, she combines client services and marketing, helping to enhance the client experience while driving the firm's brand and growth.
Diana Plenty
Client Service Specialist
Since joining Strategy First in 2006, Diana has become a trusted and valued member of the team, bringing extensive experience in administration, project coordination and business operations.
With a Diploma in HR and a Certificate in Business Administration, she has played a key role in improving internal systems, maintaining data integrity and supporting major business initiatives.
Her proactive approach, attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement help ensure Strategy First operates efficiently while delivering exceptional service to clients and advisers.
Tracy Cronan
Client Service Specialist & Accounts
With a strong background in accounting and administration, Tracy plays a key role in supporting both our clients and our business. As a dual Client Service Specialist and Accounts team member, she helps ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, from client support through to managing the firm's accounts.
Tracy is known for her friendly approach, reliability, and dedication to providing a positive experience for every client she works with.
Kay Marin
Client Service Specialist & Accounts
With a strong background in financial services, Kay is passionate about providing outstanding support to both clients and the Strategy First team. In her dual role as Client Service Specialist and Accounts team member, she helps ensure clients receive a seamless experience while overseeing important internal financial and administrative processes.
Kay is known for her accuracy, reliability, and unwavering focus on putting clients first, making her a valued member of the team.
Hugo Patrick
Client Service Specialist in training
Currently studying a Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology Sydney, with a double major in Finance and Accounting, Hugo combines technical knowledge with a proactive and client-focused approach.
His strong analytical skills, initiative and attention to detail help create a seamless experience for both clients and Advisers. Committed to delivering exceptional support, Hugo ensures clients feel informed, comfortable and confident every step of the way.
Leo Robinson
Client Service Specialist in training
Studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney, Leo brings new and exciting ideas which help ease the communication between clients and Advisers.
His enthusiasm and attention to detail ensure every client feels supported and their needs are taken care of.
