60 Years Strong
For 60 years, W&D Finance has been guided by strong values and a commitment to the local community. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reflecting on where we’ve come from and recognising our people and the organisations making a difference across our region.
The W&D Finance story
W&D Finance’s story began in 1966 with the establishment of two companies: Dolilta Investments Ltd and Webster Investments Ltd.
Both accepted deposits and provided loans secured against freehold property. They operated independently with a shared approach to lending.
Over the following four decades, each built its own reputation and client relationships. In 2007, under the joint chairmanship of the late Bill McGregor OAM and the late Geoff Cunningham, the two companies merged to form Webster Dolilta Finance Ltd—known today as W&D Finance.
The merger brought the businesses under one roof. Growth in deposits enabled W&D Finance to expand its lending, serving clients across Ballarat as well as other regional areas and metropolitan communities.
Sixty years after those beginnings, W&D Finance remains locally owned and operated, with its Board based in Ballarat and its connection to the region central to the business.
Reflections
Over six decades, W&D Finance has been built by dedicated staff, long-standing relationships and a strong connection to the Ballarat community. To mark this milestone, current and former team members share their memories, reflections and hopes for the future.
Without a doubt, the secret to the success of W&D Finance (it’s actually no secret) is the genuine and personable service that has been provided to the people of the Ballarat region for the past 60 years.
I have been with W&D Finance (and formerly Webster Investments) for 48 years. I was a teenager when I started and now, I have grandchildren with W&D Finance bank accounts.
I reflect back to when I started and recall clients who had their first home loan with W&D Finance, the regularity of them coming into the office to make their weekly payment, the joy of seeing them make their final payment and own their home and then introducing us to their next generation.
There have been many changes during my time with W&D Finance, one of the biggest being the introduction of the computer. When I commenced, we had just gone from handwritten ledgers to a data input machine (state of the art!).
Another big change was the amalgamation of Dolilta Investments and Webster Investments in 2007. Two firms providing a similar service with the same values, and both with a valued client base. I feel like the personal approach has remained constant throughout all those years, a highly regarded value of both firms prior to the amalgamation and certainly continued after.
For 48 years, this workplace has been much more than just a place of employment. It has been a community built on strong ethics, genuine care, and a deep commitment to helping others. I’m proud to have been part of an organisation whose values are reflected not only in what we do, but in how we treat people and contribute to the wider community.
Reflecting on the beginnings of our company, it is important to recognize the origins of the two companies Webster Investments Limited and Dolilta Investments Limited, that merged some 19 years ago to become W&D Finance.
My late father, Ken Baird, who was later joined by the late Bill McGregor, lent money to their clients at Baird & McGregor, long before the formation of Webster Investments Limited. Following the end of World War 2, my father returned to the legal practice in Ballarat, and was known to lend money to refugees that had arrived in Australia following their displacement from Europe. At that time, Banks would not normally lend to these people who had no credit history and sometimes no deposit to purchase a dwelling.
Before Dolilta Investments Limited was incorporated, Geoff Cunningham, then a director of the real estate company Doepel, Lilley and Taylor, was similarly lending money to people who did not qualify for a traditional loan from the Banks.
I am proud to be a director of W&D Finance and note that the company continues to be a positive contributor to the economy of Ballarat and surrounds, by servicing the community in providing finance and investment opportunities to our clients.
I believe W&D has remained successful for the past 60 years by being managed by well-known local business people who have offered an alternative to the banks, with competitive rates combined with sound, trusted administration.
There have been many changes over this long period in technology and products; however, honesty and friendly, knowledgeable service to the public remains unchanged.
The joint chairmanship of Bill McGregor and Geoff Cunningham, with their wisdom and vision, has left a lasting impression on me. This has been continued by Managing Director Phil Cunningham and past Chairman Tim Bunning.
As a former Director and current shareholder, I am extremely proud of the service that has been provided to the citizens of Ballarat and the surrounding district.
W&D has provided investors with a range of products coupled with honest dealings and competitive rates. This has also resulted in excellent profits and healthy dividends for shareholders.
I can see no reason why the success of the past 60 years can't continue. As banks increasingly close branches and reduce customer access, W&D, with its new Dana Street office, is well placed to encourage more investors to assist in growing the deposit base.
Congratulations to Phil, Michael, Deb, Kara, Steve and the Board for their wonderful contribution as we celebrate 60 marvellous years.
For me W&D has been a special place to work for the past 11 years, our community of clients and staff provide a kind and generous atmosphere. The honesty and integrity that have been part of W&D from the beginning helps us connect with people on a personal level, and I think that's reflected in the celebration of 60 years in business. We are local, and we are here always to talk and to listen. I think our clients appreciate the accessibility.
There have been many changes in my time, but I think the most significant has been the security platforms we use, due to the ever-changing cyber environment.
What has remained the same is our service, along with our investment and loan processes that assist in keeping things simple for our clients. We continue to help where we can and support our clients as much as possible.
All our clients are special. They like to chat and share their lives a little, and for me, I find this trust impacts me daily. My colleagues also provide support on a professional and personal level, and I am grateful for my time here.
What I'm most proud of from my time at W&D Finance is the rapport I have built with our clients and helping them with one-on-one assistance.
Looking ahead, I hope W&D Finance continues to strongly support the community while growing in a way that doesn’t lose the foundations of what makes it special: being a personable and accessible service.
Celebrating 60 years
by supporting our community
W&D Finance has been part of the Ballarat community for 60 years. To mark this milestone, we’ve chosen four local organisations who have each received a $5,000 donation, supporting everything from crisis accommodation and food relief to essential household goods and community initiatives that assist vulnerable people across the region.
In the following profiles, we share the important work they do and the impact these contributions will have.
Helping make Christmas brighter
For more than 40 years, Ballarat Foundation has brought people, businesses and community organisations together to build a stronger, more connected region. Through grants, community programs and philanthropic initiatives, they help create opportunities for local people to thrive.
W&D Finance’s donation will support the Ballarat Foundation’s 3BA Christmas Appeal, helping local families access food, grocery vouchers, personal care items and household essentials during the festive season.
“The impact of a $5000 gift from W&D Finance cannot be overstated. It would enable us to extend the reach of our Christmas Appeal, helping more local families access the support they need and creating moments of hope, joy and connection during what can be a very challenging time of year.”
Pam Sutcliffe, Engagement Manager, Ballarat Foundation
Providing the essentials for a fresh start
For more than 40 years, Ballarat Foundation has brought people, businesses and community organisations together to build a stronger, more connected region. Through grants, community programs and philanthropic initiatives, they help create opportunities for local people to thrive.
Demand for household goods often exceeds what local welfare organisations can afford to provide. W&D Finance's donation will help more people access the Community Care Centre's services, ensuring families and individuals facing hardship can receive the essential household items they need to establish a safe and independent home.
“The generous funding from W&D Finance will enable Community Care Centre Ballarat to extend its services to provide assistance to more people across the Ballarat community who are in urgent need of support.”
Warren Payne, Board member, Community Care Centre Ballarat
Creating more safe places to turn
The Domestic Violence Collective (DV Collective) is a member-driven, not-for-profit representing more than 350 front line services across Australia. Based in Ballarat, its members include shelters, case managers, legal aid providers and community organisations working together to support women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.
W&D Finance’s donation will help fund additional beds in women’s shelters, providing immediate safety and support for women and children escaping violence. With demand for crisis accommodation continuing to outstrip capacity, every additional bed represents a pathway to safety and stability for those who need it most.
“This generous donation will go directly to providing more beds in women’s shelters. One in two women are turned away from shelters because there simply aren’t enough beds available. Our goal is to ensure every woman and child has access to a safe bed by 2035, and your contribution gets us one step closer.”
Kylie Johanson, Founder and CEO, Domestic Violence Collective
Supporting people
when they need it most
The On Track Foundation was established in 2008 to address two critical areas of need: food insecurity and educational disadvantage. Through its volunteer-led Soup Bus services and secondary school scholarship program, On Track provides practical support to some of the region's most vulnerable people, helping individuals and families build security, opportunity and hope for the future.
W&D Finance's donation will support On Track's newly established Sebastopol Soup Bus service, helping meet growing demand in Ballarat's south. Operating entirely through community support and volunteers, the service provides meals and connection to the most vulnerable people in our community.
"W&D Finance's donation is a godsend and will be directed towards our newly established Sebastopol service. This additional support will help ensure the long-term success of a service that is already responding to significant community need within Ballarat's south."
Craig Schepis, On Track Foundation President and Founder
