A professional team of industry leaders
Our team of experienced professionals and industry leaders is here to guide you every step of the way, providing expert advice and personalised solutions tailored to your unique needs.
The right knowledge for your specific needs
Our comprehensive suite of services has drawn together a professional team of industry leaders. Depending on your specific financial services needs, we have a professional team member ready to help:
Robert O'Reilly
Born in Dalby and later relocating to Brisbane for his secondary education, Robert is a proud Queenslander with deep local roots. His early career saw him explore a variety of roles before discovering his passion for financial advice—a field where he has now made a lasting impact.
With over a decade of experience as a Financial Adviser, Robert founded Apex Financial Services in 2018. His journey includes working with both major banking institutions and boutique advisory firms, giving him a broad perspective on the industry. However, it was his desire to reshape the client experience that led him to establish Apex. Robert was determined to move away from the sales-driven culture he observed in some practices, which often felt more like a transaction rather than a trusted partnership.
At Apex, Robert has built a self-licensed practice focused on transparency, integrity, and genuine value. His philosophy is simple: provide clients with the knowledge and support they need to make informed financial decisions—without pressure or sales tactics. He ensures that advice is only offered when it truly benefits the client, and he has personally trained every adviser at Apex to uphold this ethos.
Today, Robert continues to manage his ongoing client relationships and oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm. He also enjoys mentoring other advisers and has a particular interest in specialised areas such as aged care advice.
Outside of work, Robert cherishes time with his wife and their three children, often found supporting their extracurricular activities. He is also a passionate sports fan, particularly the AFL which he follows religiously.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning
- Self Managed Super Fund Accredited
- Justice of the Peace (Qualified)
Click here to review and download Robert’s current Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Privacy Policy.
Stephanie Dyer
Stephanie is a dedicated member of the team, entering her 6th year with Apex. She joined the industry with a drive to help people understand the power of their money and is passionate about finding the best financial strategies for her clients.
In her daily role, Steph is looking after her ongoing clients, providing them with up to date financial advice as they move into new life phases with fresh goals and ideals. She is steadfast is completing ongoing education and research to ensure her advice and strategies remain effective and current in a constantly evolving financial landscape. Stephanie also provides ongoing training and feedback to the team as well as helping with the daily operations of the business.
Steph specialises in advice for Veterans including but not limited to topics such as Permanent Impairment (PI), Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP), Incapacity Payments and Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSC) including super accounts and pension payments. She recognises that Veterans’ operate in a niche and every changing environment with the benefits available to them and she strives to provide clear and specialist advice without jargon or confusion.
Stephanie enjoys travelling and spending time with friends and family. While at work, her main role is to look after her ongoing clients as she is not currently taking on new client meetings.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)
- Master of International Economics and Finance
Simon West
Simon is our Lending Specialist who has a wealth of experience across all aspects of lending. He started in the industry in 2006 and has many happy clients he has helped reach their finance goals.
Simon tailors the lender to your needs, with access to over 30 different banks / lenders. His services include:
- Home Buyers
- First Home Buyers
- Refinancing
- DHOAS Lending
- Property Investment
- Commercial and Business Lending
- Personal and Car Loans
- Debt Consolidation
- Self Managed Super Fund Lending
Simon genuinely loves what he does and treats every day as a new challenge. “I want to build an ongoing relationship with you and manage both your current and future finance needs. With clients from Brisbane to Broome and Townsville to Tasmania, there isn’t an area that I can’t service and whether you are looking for a new loan or you are reviewing your current borrowings, I’m happy to chat. There is never a wrong time to see if you are currently getting the best deal.”
On the outside, Simon enjoys following the Carlton Blues as well as travelling with his family and watching live music.
Qualifications:
- Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management
Nicholas Shaw
Nicholas joined Apex after more than 24 years in the Australian Army.
Leveraging off his personal experience, he is most passionate about assisting other Veterans navigate the discharge and transition process by helping them to understand and clarify their financial entitlements, goals, and opportunities.
His keen eye for detail and a good base understanding of Department of Veterans’ Affairs Legislation, has assisted Nicholas as he works with the other advisors when dealing with the myriad of compensation payments and pensions available to Veterans.
In his spare time, Nicholas is active in the RSL, enjoys boxing and football, and can be heard around town playing bagpipes in a pipe band.
Qualifications:
- Masters of Financial Planning
- Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
Christopher Slade
Christopher is currently undertaking the final half of his Professional Year, underpinned by 18 years of industry experience.
With a family history of serving our Country, he understands that navigating Veteran’s affairs and entitlements can often be a complex, confusing process and is passionate about ensuring that the advice you receive is easy to understand and helps you achieve your goals.
Christopher is passionate about Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy, and the value of community in these spaces.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Business (Funds Management)
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
Sam Streeter
Sam has joined Apex as an Associate Financial Adviser after more than 15 years as a Paramedic. In his career as a paramedic, he served on a rescue helicopter in North Queensland where he worked with many veteran pilots and air crew, providing emergency health care, rescue and retrieval services to regional Queenslanders.
Sam has always been passionate about helping people and chose to pivot into financial advice. He has a keen interest in personal insurance, retirement planning and investing. As an Associate Adviser, Sam is responsible for conducting client meetings and developing financial plans with the guidance of our director, Robert. Sam is passionate about providing advice that is aligned with clients’ financial needs and objectives and is looking forward to joining clients on their financial journeys.
Sam enjoys spending time with his family, cycling and all things finance and economics.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedics)
- Masters of Emergency Health
- Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
Cristina Watson
Cristina plays a vital role at Apex Financial Services as our Office Manager and Implementation Officer. She ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the office while also providing exceptional support to our ongoing clients. With a meticulous eye for detail and a strong client-first mindset, Cristina embodies the core values that define our service culture.
Her passion for delivering outstanding client experiences means that every interaction—whether it’s your first or your tenth—is handled with care, professionalism, and a personal touch. Cristina’s dedication helps create a welcoming and rewarding environment for all our clients.
Cristina holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Queensland and brings a wealth of life experience, including raising four amazing children. Now thriving in her role at Apex, she approaches every task with energy, commitment, and a can-do attitude.
Outside of work, Cristina enjoys quality time with her family and sharing her culture and passion for food and travel.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Science
Kaitlyn Zelinski
As a Client Services Officer, Kaitlyn is your first point of contact. She manages clients’ first steps when seeking financial advice. Kaitlyn has an extensive background in customer service and applies her experience to support seamless communication with our clients and external providers.
Kaitlyn enjoys playing AFL and can be found running personal training classes in the early mornings before work.
Bec Surawski
Bec is known for her passion for exceptional client care, a keen eye for detail and particular interest in finance. Bec has an extensive background in administration. As a Client Services Officer at Apex, she is enjoying learning more about the finance world and Department of Veterans’ Affairs processes. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and frequent trips to the beach.
Hannah
Hannah is a recent addition to our team here at Apex Financial Services. She has been working in the banking and financial services industry since 2009, gaining extensive experience across a broad range of client needs.
Hannah is passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals through tailored advice and long-term planning. Her client first approach and attention to detail contribute to the high level of service Apex Financial Services are known for.
Hannah enjoys long walks and spending quality time with her family.
Cassie
Cassie recently joined our team following a successful 15-year career in Pharmacy. Her extensive background in healthcare has equipped her with exceptional customer service skills, empathy, and a genuine passion for helping others. Cassie is studying a Bachelor of Applied Financial Advice at Griffith University, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting clients in new and meaningful ways.
Outside of work, Cassie enjoys cheering on her children in rugby league and basketball, as well as traveling and seeking out new adventures with her family.