Since
1988...
Since 1988...
Since 1988...
our story
Silvan Ridge has been offering financial planning, investment and insurance advice to the people of Warrnambool and it’s surrounding region since 1988.
Our footprint now stretches from Warrnambool, Terang, Colac and Portland, with remote services on offer to clients throughout Australia.
Over time, Silvan Ridge has grown into a truly integrated advice service. When you need specialised accounting, mortgage or legal advice, we can seamlessly connect you with our network of trustworthy professionals.
Creating a meaningful difference for our clients, community, and team.
our purpose
Our purpose is to make a meaningful difference to our clients, our people and our community – by delivering trusted advice, fostering a culture of care and excellence, and creating positive impact through every interaction.
our values
At Silvan Ridge Wealth, we lead with respect and integrity, foster a strong sense of family, and are driven by a commitment to excellence. We stay connected to our community, give back where we can, and embrace innovation to stay adaptable and people focused.
Key milestones
in the Silvan Ridge
Wealth journey
Get to know the team
Gene Youl
CFP® GradDipFinPlan
Managing Director
Certified Financial Planner
Get to know Gene
Gene is a Partner at Silvan Ridge Wealth, bringing over 30 years of combined experience in banking and financial advice.
Since joining the firm in 2003, Gene provides industry knowledge, practical insight, and has a genuine care for his clients.
With a passion for helping people, Gene takes a personalised approach—getting to know each client’s goals and challenges to deliver tailored advice that makes a difference and finds great reward in helping people achieve their goals.
Outside of the office, Gene enjoys most sports and is an active member of the local community.
Steve Harris
GradDipFinPlan
Director
Placeholder
Get to know Steve
Steve joined the practice in 2019 following the merger of his business, Regional Wealth Plus, with Silvan Ridge.
With a lifelong career in finance and experience as a financial adviser since 2001, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his clients. He is committed to building long-term personal relationships and prides himself on always putting his clients’ interests first.
Outside of work, Steve is passionate about outdoor activities and remains actively involved in the local sporting community, where he contributes to various administrative roles.
Emma Bant
CFP® B.Com
Director
Certified Financial Planner
Get to know Emma
Emma joined Silvan Ridge in 2008 while completing her tertiary studies, starting in a part-time administrative role. Her dedication and passion for helping others led her to become a financial adviser in 2012.
Emma is known for her warm, down-to-earth approach. She believes in keeping things simple, offering empathy, and understanding, and taking the time to really listen. She values the trust her clients place in her and is passionate about helping them feel confident and supported through every stage of life.
When Emma is not at work, you will find her spending time with her family. She is a lover of delicious food, coffee and heading off to explore a new destination (these adventures kept a little closer to home these days with two little humans in tow).
Melanie McDonald
Director
Administration Team
Get to know Melanie
Mel joined Silvan Ridge in May 2008 and plays a central role in leading the firm’s operations and organisational development. She is passionate about building a positive workplace culture and creating structures that empower the team to consistently deliver outstanding client service.
With a broad and versatile background—including many years in the pharmaceutical industry—Mel brings strategic insight, adaptability, and a strong people focus to her leadership role.
Outside of work, Mel enjoys keeping active, travelling to sunny destinations, and spending quality time with her two boys.
Carina Lane
CFP® GradDipFinPlan
Certified Financial Planner
Get to know Carina
Carina joined Silvan Ridge Financial Services in 2005 and has worked across all areas of financial planning. With over 20 years’ experience, she brings a depth of knowledge and a strong belief in building long-term, trusted relationships with her clients.
Carina is passionate about helping people achieve their goals, simplifying complex financial concepts, and empowering clients to make confident, informed decisions. She values consistency and aims to be a steady, reliable presence in her clients’ financial lives.
Outside of work, Carina is married with three energetic boys and plays an active role in the Koroit community. From planning events like Picnic in the Paddock to volunteering with local sporting clubs and the school board, she loves getting involved and making a meaningful contribution. She also enjoys entertaining at home, exploring new places with her family in their caravan, baking, reading, and challenging herself with personal goals – like running a half marathon.
Ben Rantall
B.Com MFin
Financial Adviser
Get to know Ben
Ben joined Silvan Ridge Wealth as an Associate Adviser in 2017 while completing his tertiary studies. Since then, he has completed his Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting, and has furthered his expertise by attaining a Master of Applied Finance.
Ben has a keen interest in investment markets and wealth creation strategies, while also placing strong emphasis on risk management strategies and the importance of having a well-considered plan to meet each client’s financial needs and aspirations. He is committed to helping clients manage and achieve their financial goals and takes great pride in making a meaningful, positive impact on their lives.
A proud father of two young children, Ben brings a personal understanding of the importance of sound financial planning at every life stage. He is an active member of the local community and plays both football and cricket for local sporting clubs.
Ryan Youl
B.Com
Associate Advisers
Get to know Ryan
Ryan joined the Silvan Ridge team in 2018 after graduating from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting.
Since joining the firm, Ryan has embraced the opportunity to learn the holistic approach Silvan Ridge takes to financial advice. Under the mentorship of experienced colleagues, he is rapidly expanding his industry knowledge and honing his skills. Passionate about financial planning, Ryan is dedicated to becoming an outstanding Financial Planner at Silvan Ridge.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys both playing and watching sports, with a particular love for cricket.
Lewys Jones
B.Com
Associate Advisers
Get to know Lewys
Lewys began his career at Silvan Ridge in early 2021 after graduating from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning.
Since then, he has continued to grow his expertise in the financial advice space, working closely with senior advisers and clients to deliver tailored, practical solutions. Lewys is driven by a desire to build strong relationships and make a genuine difference in clients’ financial wellbeing. He enjoys the challenges and variety that come with working in a dynamic and client-focused environment.
Outside of work, Lewys enjoys training at the gym, cooking at home, and spending quality time with his wife Ash, family and friends.
Joe Rivett
B.Com
Associate Advisers
Get to know Joe
Joe joined the Silvan Ridge team in October 2024, following a 9-month trip around Australia with his wife, Maddi, and their Irish Water Spaniel, Oliver. Now in the process of rebuilding their first home, he’s excited to be back on the coast and reconnecting with the local community.
Before joining Silvan Ridge, Joe spent five years in the financial services industry, specialising in home lending with one of the big four banks and in an Associate Adviser role. He holds a Bachelor of Business with majors in Banking and Finance and Financial Risk Management, along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Finance. This strong academic background, combined with hands-on industry experience, provides him with a solid foundation for helping clients develop tailored financial strategies.
A keen ocean enthusiast, Joe is most often found in the surf or scuba diving outside of work.
Angela O’Sullivan
Administration Team
Get to know Angela
Ange brings a wealth of experience in providing administrative support within the financial services industry to both clients and advisers at Silvan Ridge. Known for her warm and empathetic nature, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure clients feel comfortable and well-supported—often putting herself in their shoes to truly understand their needs.
A dedicated team player, Angela is a highly valued member of the Silvan Ridge team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors camping with friends and family, as well as relaxing with a good book or tending to her garden.
Jess Crawley
Administration Team
Get to know Jess
Rachel Barker
Administration Team
Get to know Rachel
Rachel joined Silvan Ridge in December 2013, bringing with her a diverse background in the financial services industry. With experience including marketing, IT and administration, she seamlessly integrates these skills to support both clients and the business in achieving the best possible outcomes.
Rachel is known for her dedication, strong values and kindness, qualities that make her a highly valued member of the team.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys travelling, finding joy in nature and spending quality time with her family.
Amanda Sherlock
Administration Team
Get to know Amanda
Amanda has many years of experience in the financial services industry, beginning her career at Silvan Ridge as a junior receptionist. Over time, she has developed her skills by working across a variety of roles within the industry.
What Amanda enjoys most about her work is supporting clients by providing assistance and solutions tailored to their needs. She is committed to achieving the best outcomes for clients and ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease while Silvan Ridge manages their financial affairs.
Outside of work, Amanda’s young children keep her busy with their sporting activities. She also enjoys staying active and expressing her creativity in the kitchen.
What people say about us
Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 20 reviews
