Our Advisers 

Prior to MeritPlan’s integration into Big Sky, Harald Berents was the company’s managing partner. He always had an interest in the money market and after years of world travelling as a geologist, turned his interest into a career in the 1990's.  Harald has provided financial advice to clients since 1999, is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and a specialist member of the Self Managed Superannuation Fund Professional Association of Australia (SPAA).  Harald is married with two grown daughters, however his cooking keeps bringing his children back home. Harald specialises in:  

• Self Managed Superannuation Funds
• Direct Equities/Shares

Do you want to contact Harald Berents, authorised representative (No. 239707) of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services?

Les Chin was previously a Financial Adviser at the National Australia Bank and has gained valuable experience in Personal Financial Planning.  Les’ career experience in the Financial Services sector has included Asset Finance and Equity Research in Australia and London in large finance companies such as Esanda and Credit Suisse.  Les’ experience also includes 7 years in Corporate Recruitment in the Professional Construction and Property industries, being a business owner and operator for the majority of that time. Les has a Double Degree in a Bachelor of Business (Management) and Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), holds a Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning) and is currently studying the Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). Les is also an Associate member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia. Outside of work Les enjoys spending time with his new born son, fishing, four-wheel driving, and attempting to improve his golf swing.

Les specialises in:

• Wealth Creation
• Debt Management
• Income & Asset Protection – Personal & Business
• Superannuation - Personal & Corporate
• Tax Strategies 
• Retirement Planning

Do you want to contact Les, Authorised Representative (No. 391725) of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services?

Vikki Manuel joined MeritPlan in 2008 and gained valuable financial services experience working previously as a investment and trust accountant for Suncorp and fund accountant for Mellon/Bank of New York in Dublin. Vikki has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and completed Certified Practising Accountant program. Vikki also has an Advanced Diploma of Applied Investment Finance and currently completing Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning. Vikki can help you with:

• Wealth building
• Retirement Planning
• Debt Management
• Personal insurances

Do you want to contact Vikki Manuel, Authorised Representative (No. 343568) of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services?

Mark Corones career in investment markets began in the late 1960's where he gained valuable experience and exposure to equity markets. Mark held a position with Citibank in Sydney where he traded securities on the fixed interest desk, until returning to Brisbane in 2001. Once settled back into life in Brisbane, Mark joined MeritPlan and now works for Big Sky who benefits from his wealth of investing knowledge. Mark has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Queensland University of Technology as well achieving an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning. Mark specialises in:

• Wealth Building
• Investment Advising
• Retirement Planning

Do you want to contact Mark, authorised representative (No. 240410) of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services?

• Wealth Creation
• Retirement Planning
• Debt Management
• Personal Insurances

Peter Jeffery has spent 20 years in the Australian Tea Industry gaining valuable business experience and earning a Masters Degree in Management from the University of Southern Queensland prior to joining MeritPlan in 2006. Having been a client of MeritPlan for a number of years Peter has the unique perspective as both a client and adviser which has proved useful in assisting his career change to a financial adviser. Peter has also returned to study and is currently studying another Masters degree in Financial Planning. Peter can provide advice in: 

•  Wealth Building   
•  Debt Reduction
•  Risk (Insurance) Planning and
•  Tax Effective Schemes

Do you want to contact Peter, authorised representative (No. 324227) of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services?

 Fred Lukowski  gained his Diploma of Financial Planning from Melbourne's Deakin University in March 1999. He also has a double Bachelors Degree in Business Management and Economics from Queensland University of Technology, is a Commissioner of Declarations and holds Certified Financial Planner (CFPR).  Fred has been providing financial advise since 1988. Fred gained valuable experience in all aspects of Personal Financial Planning working for some of the largest finance companies such as Citibank, Colonial and the ANZ Bank. Fred has been pivotal in conducting investment and retirement seminars to a wide selection of MeritPlan clients. Fred specialises in:

• Wealth Building 
• Risk Management (Insurance) and
• Tax Effective investments

Do you want to contact Fred, authorised representative (No. 239789) of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services?

Marilyn Nelson is a creative thinker, who is not only full of clever business ideas, but also happens to be great with figures. The number crunching comes from her previous life as a corporate accountant. Marilyn’s sea change in 2000 saw her train as a financial advisor and relocate to Byron Bay. Marilyn is a member of the Financial Planning Association.  Marilyn can help you with:

• Wealth Building
• Retirement Planning
• Debt Management
• Corporate Superannuation
• Personal and Business Insurances
• Business Succession Planning
• Estate Planning

Do you want to contact Marilyn, authorised representative (No. 239812) of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services?