2004 National and State Winners


Jason Markezic
2004 National Winner & NSW State Winner

Jason Markezic says that his entry was inspired by his father's wise words of advice - "no matter what you do in life, always make it count". And make it count, Jason has. In his short career he has already made a mark on the industry. Some of his major accomplishments include being awarded Top Graduate - Diploma of Financial Planning in Australia for 2003 and being a member of Aon Wealth Management's Investment Committee.

The strategic process of problem-solving is one of the things Markezic enjoys about paraplanning. “I like the fact that the industry is dynamic and things change all the time. Legislation changes and when that happens there's a different strategy that will crop up and I like that the industry is always evolving – I still get a buzz out of it."

Jason Whitaker
Queensland State Winner

A major career change has certainly paid off for finalist Jason Whitaker. After leaving school at 17, Jason began a career as a Serving Officer in the Royal Australian Navy where he studied at the Australian Defence Force Academy, attaining a Bachelor of Science. In 2001, Jason needed a change and after much deliberation accepted a role with RetireInvest, where he managed the franchise's paraplanning operation, supporting advisers with over 800 clients.

Michael Payne
South Australia State Winner

Adelaide paraplanner completed the FPA's Diploma of Financial Planning program as South Australian / Northern Territory's Top Graduate in 2002, and his chosen career path has continued to blossom as a direct result of the Paraplanner of the Year award. He has been invited to broaden his professional and presentation skills as an Industry Practitioner with the Securities Institute of Australia

Jaime Donaldson
Tasmania State Winner

Jaime Donaldson started her career as an office administrator with Garrisons. After completing her Diploma in Financial Planning Jaime began providing paraplanning and office support to four busy financial planners. Jaime's move was made in line with her ambition to get a better understanding of holistic financial planning. She says that one of the best things about her role is her increased exposure to estate planning and trustee services.

James Paterson
Victoria State Winner

James Paterson's entry in the Paraplanner of the Year Award was certainly impressive. James attributes his career success to the highly professional and experienced people he has developed associations with. James is especially passionate about his role as Chairman for OutScope's Technical Committee. The panel of eight financial advisers meet quarterly to discuss topical financial planning issues.

Derek Gascoigne
Western Australia State Winner

When Derek Gascoigne was asked why he should be Paraplanner of the Year, his response was "if it's about breathing life into an exciting role, having fun and providing first class support to clients and advisers, then I feel that I more than qualify". In 2001 Derek started paraplanning with Mercer and describes his experience as like being on a roller coaster. September 11 and the subsequent downturn in global markets introduced him to the "dark side" of financial planning and he says the greatest lesson he learned from this time was the importance of ensuring clients understand that diversification works.