Last week, the Hewison Private Wealth team headed to Hepburn Springs for our annual two-day staff conference. With 2025 marking our 40th year in business, the theme of the conference was ‘Heritage and Horizons’. This encapsulates our journey over four decades, celebrating our rich heritage and looking forward to the promising horizons of our future. It reflected the essence of Hewison Private Wealth, honouring our past achievements while embracing the innovations and growth that lie ahead. Over the two days, we strengthened connections, learned new skills, and had fun along the way.

The external speakers and activities at this year’s conference offered profound lessons in resilience, purpose, and human connection. Michael Crossland’s keynote challenged us to reframe adversity as an opportunity for growth, highlighting the power of mindset in achieving success. Nic Marchesi, the co-founder of Orange Sky, reinforced the idea that meaningful change can be created from a simple idea, inspiring us to think beyond our roles and consider our broader impact on the community. The team also engaged in a session from One Tribe Communication which provided a deep dive into the psychology of storytelling and presence, equipping us with strategies to communicate with greater clarity and influence. Meanwhile, Mark Kluwer’s breathwork session and wellness activities underscored the vital link between well-being and peak performance, reminding us that to be our best for our clients, we must first invest in ourselves. These sessions collectively encouraged us to embrace discomfort, think bigger, and show up with intention in both our personal and professional lives.

The conference not only provided external inspiration but also empowered us to challenge, refine, and innovate within our own business. Managing Director, Andrew Hewison, provided an insightful business update, detailing the company’s continued growth. The session included a Q&A with Founder John Hewison as well as Partner and Wealth Adviser’s Chris Morcom, and Nathan Lear, who have been instrumental in the firm’s success from the early years. Director and Partner Glenn Fairbairn, along with Head of Technology Adam Jobbins, led dynamic, interactive discussions on leveraging innovation to enhance client experiences, streamline operations, and drive industry-leading solutions. In a thought-provoking session, Head of Compliance Sean Curran and Partner and Wealth Adviser Travis Schindler encouraged the team to reflect on purpose, values, and long-term aspirations. Following this, Director and Wealth Adviser, Simon Curtain led the team through a goal setting activity encouraging everyone to identify personal or professional targets to create a sense of focus for the year ahead. Meanwhile, Head of Operations Emma Hansen, and Partner and Wealth Adviser Pierce Hanlen, reinforced the importance of maintaining Hewison’s strong, values-driven culture as the firm continues to grow. The collaborative energy fostered at our conference ensures that as we move forward, we will continue to evolve with purpose while staying true to the values that have defined us for 40 years.

2025 Awards Night
The 2025 Hewison Awards night capped off our annual staff conference, and it was one for the ages. The team stepped into the glamour of the roaring 1920s with our Great Gatsby themed evening with everyone coming together to recognise and celebrate the exceptional individuals who bring passion and dedication to their roles, and the wider team, every day.

A huge congratulations to this year’s award recipients who embody our values in everything they do:
Excellence Award: Sophie Murdoch
Team Player: Samantha Kohlhase
Culture Award: Macey De Jong
Sunshine Award: Naomi Lohanatha
Outstanding Performer – Adviser: Travis Schindler
Outstanding Performer – Associate: Sam Kalmus
Outstanding Performer – Client Services: Denise Poole
Outstanding Performer – Business Support: Jennifer Castle
Best dressed: Chris Morcom and Cassandra Drysdale

Managing Director, Andrew Hewison stated: “we are thrilled with the success of our 2025 staff conference. It was an invaluable opportunity for our team to come together, deepen their understanding of our company’s journey and ethos, and reaffirm their commitment to our shared goals. We believe that investing in our employees’ development is key to driving our company forward, and this conference was a testament to that belief.”

As we celebrate 40 years of Hewison Private Wealth, this conference served as a powerful reminder of our legacy, vision, and the strength of our team. By embracing innovation, fostering well-being, and reinforcing our cultural values, we are poised to continue delivering excellence for our clients and community for years to come.