Our team

Pat’s career began in the hospitality and fitness industries before he transitioned into financial advice over 15 years ago. Recognising the need to help people more holistically, he started his financial planning career at a boutique firm in southeast Melbourne, where he focused on protecting Gippsland farmers from financial uncertainty.
 
Since then, Pat has held several leadership and advisory roles, most recently serving as General Manager of PSK Private Wealth while continuing to advise a panel of clients. His extensive experience in wealth management enables him to provide tailored strategies that support his clients’ financial goals and long-term security.
 
Outside of work, Pat is a dedicated father to Bailey, Kian, and Ruby. When he’s not chauffeuring them to various sporting commitments, he coaches Bailey and Kian’s football teams and serves as president of their football club.

Raoul Shemer is an accomplished risk adviser and has been in the insurance industry since 1983. Originally from South Africa, Raoul has vast experience in giving professional advice and supporting his clients through the various stages of their life. Empathetic and personable, Raoul injects care and compassion into his client relationships and builds special bonds with those he works with. He has exceptional communication skills and takes great joy in patiently listening to his clients and understanding their needs. Outside of his working role, Raoul has a passion for contributing to his community. He has been involved with the volunteer marine rescue services since 1973. He was originally a volunteer with the National Sea Rescue Institute in South Africa. Since moving to Australia he has been a volunteer with the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard. He has served as the commander of the St Kilda Flotilla for 12 years and he remains an active member today, assisting with fundraising as well as Search and Rescue activities. 

Prue has been working with Medical Professionals for more than 10 years across all aspects of their financial needs. Specialising in the Risk area for almost as long, Prue has a keen eye for detail, and ensuring her clients have the best protection available. Researching pre-existing medical conditions and helping clients in their time of need are two aspects of her role that Prue enjoys. Prue has worked on claims spanning years and is quite persistent when chasing insurance companies to pay their clients. Having successfully completed her FASEA exam early 2021, Prue has since decided to continue her studies with a Bachelor of Business, Majoring in Financial Planning due to finish early 2023. A very friendly and outgoing disposition Prue is always available for a chat and will often be seen with ‘Magic’ in hand. It’s her preferred coffee choice – just ask her! 

Akiva Kennard is a Senior Financial Adviser at Priority Life. He joined the team in April 2019 as a Risk Paraplanner, progressed to Associate in 2022, and, after completing his Professional Year, now advises clients directly.
Originally from Manchester (UK), Akiva moved to Australia in 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.
Known for his meticulous research and ability to translate complex policy detail into clear, transparent guidance, Akiva is regularly recognised for high performance and the calm, client‑first manner he brings to every interaction. He frequently supports medical professionals and other busy professionals, navigating underwriting and policy structuring to help protect income, debts and family goals.
When he’s not working with clients, you’ll often find Akiva on the futsal court. With a gentle, collaborative approach, he’s a trusted and much‑loved member of the Priority Life team - valued for his focus, perseverance and commitment to doing what’s best for clients.

Adam is originally from the Perpetual side of the business, having been with the firm since 2005 as a Risk Adviser and transitioned to the Priority Life team in 2021. Adam enjoys looking after his clients and reviewing cover to ensure it remains appropriate to needs during the evolving stages of life. He has a great eye for detail and shows outstanding care which is evident through his long standing client relationships. Outside of work Adam is a proud father to his two young sons and loves all things sport both as a player and spectator. He’s also a junior AFL football coach and enjoys volunteering for his local club.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance and over 20 years of experience as a Risk Adviser, Rosemarie has spent the majority of her career at Commonwealth Private.  Working closely with high-net-worth individuals developing tailored solutions that align with their unique goals and objectives. Rosemarie’s expertise lies in providing strategic financial guidance, ensuring clients are well-positioned to navigate complex risks while securing their future. Rosemarie takes pride in her commitment to integrity and placing clients' interests at the forefront of everything she does. Transparency, honesty, and personalised service are the foundation of the trust she builds with each client. Outside of work, she is a proud mother to two children who keep her busy and engaged as they participate in a variety of sporting activities. When she’s not running after them, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family.

Laura is an experienced financial adviser who specialises in personal risk insurance such as life insurance and income protection. Laura enjoys working with medical professionals and business owners to create personalised tailored solutions for individuals and business’ including buy/sell and key person arrangements. Clients have benefited from Laura’s ability to educate and simplify the complexities of insurance advice. Laura is very passionate about helping people find the right insurance options and is also a big advocate to helping other women. 
 
Prior to joining the Perpetual Group as a Risk Specialist in 2024 Laura held roles at the National Australia Bank and a boutique Wealth Advice Firm. 
 
Laura holds a Bachelor of Business major in Financial Planning, has completed all FASEA requirements and is also an active member of the FAAA.

Lisa joined our team in 2021 as a dedicated and passionate Risk Paraplanner, working closely with our Managing Partner. Lisa completed a Business degree at RMIT University in 2015 and completed her Diploma in Financial Planning in 2018. With Lisa’s exceptional skills, she quickly become an asset to the Priority Life team and has taken on the role as our Operations Manager. She thoroughly enjoys communicating with our clients, stakeholders and her colleagues by understanding their needs and always endeavouring to make the journey as simple and enjoyable as possible. Lisa thrives working in a collaborative team and always brings her positive energy to work.

Sterni joined Priority Life in July 2022 as an Office Administrator. Sterni approaches her work with dedication and thoroughness ensuring all of our clients policies are up to date and paid on time. She is extremely skilled at processing policy information and liaising with our insurance partners. She applies the same level of care and attention to all of her tasks and is consistently looking for opportunities to learn more. She displays great tenacity and focus in her work and enriches our team culture with her great humour and beautiful nature. Sterni has been a welcoming new addition to our team and we love working with her. Outside of work, Sterni enjoys spending time with the family and having some much needed rest when her little boy is asleep.

Iain has been apart of the Life Insurance industry for 4 years, and with Priority Life since January 2023. Iain is passionate about helping clients protect what is most important to them, and finds satisfaction in positive underwriting outcomes. Iain is particularly interested in the use of Life insurance to protect shareholders and key personnel in businesses. Outside of work Iain loves reading, enjoying a nice glass of wine with family and friends, and all things aviation!

Margot Robinne is a dedicated Paraplanner at Priority Life, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique blend of skills to the risk insurance industry.

Margot began her professional journey with the Perpetual Group in 2022, where she worked closely with the Philanthropy and Native Title teams, gaining valuable insights into a diverse range of client needs.

In 2024, she joined the Priority Life team, where her expertise and attention to detail have quickly made her an asset in assisting Advisers delivering tailored financial strategies.

With a Master’s degree in Marketing and Management, Margot’s background equips her with a strong business acumen, while her current enrolment in the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning marks an exciting second chapter in her professional life. Her commitment to efficiency, positivity, and a keen attention to detail ensures that she consistently provides top-notch service to clients.

Outside of her professional career, Margot is a former professional soccer player, having spent 15 years on the field in various clubs in Australia and Europe. Her passion for soccer remains strong, and she enjoys staying active through a variety of sports. Known for her discipline, enthusiasm, and love for a good chat, Margot is always happy to connect with others and is dedicated to helping clients with their insurance and financial planning needs.

Originally from Vietnam, Quoc joined Priority Life in February 2021 as a Risk Paraplanner and brings with him a strong background in financial and risk planning. He has completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Diploma of Financial Planning in 2017. Quoc is performance driven, thrives on being challenged and enjoys working in a team environment providing supportive assistance to our Senior Risk Advisers. He has a keen eye for detail and ensures no stone is left unturned in the advice we provide. Quoc has developed great problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, making him an asset to our organisation. When not in the office, Quoc keeps busy and active with various hobbies, including gardening, cooking and spending time with his family.

Originally from Newcastle, UK, Rory relocated to Melbourne in 2024. He brings over six years of experience in the asset management industry, having spent four years at JO Hambro in London under Perpetual’s asset management division prior to his move to Australia. Rory holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Liverpool, completed in 2019, and earned the CFA Investment Management Certificate in 2024. He is passionate about building strong relationships with clients and colleagues, and is committed to delivering the best outcomes through collaboration and clear communication. Outside of work, Rory is a keen golfer and an avid sports enthusiast. He also enjoys exploring Melbourne’s vibrant food scene and is always open to new recommendations.