End of year update

Message from the Managing Director

As we reach the end of 2025, I would like to thank our clients, investors and community partners for their continued support throughout another productive year for W&D Finance.  

The business remains strong. Investor funds have grown from $144 million as of 30 September 2024 to $167 million as of 30 September 2025. Lending has also increased, rising from $116 million to $132 million over the same period. These results reflect the confidence our clients have in W&D Finance and the strength of our long-term approach. 

In October we held our Annual General Meeting and welcomed Steve Coltman as our new Chair. Steve steps into the role following Tim Bunning, whose leadership over his seven-year tenure has seen investor funds and lending more than double. On behalf of the Board and the team, I thank Tim for his dedication and contribution during his time as Chair. Tim remains on the W&D Finance board as a Director.  

At the AGM the Board also approved our next three-year business plan. The plan sets a clear direction for broadening W&D Finance’s presence across Western Victoria while maintaining the principles that have guided the business for many years. 

Last week we published our 28th Prospectus. The Prospectus contains important information about our operations and the terms and conditions for the issue of our debentures. We encourage you to read it. You can download it here, or contact our office to receive a hard copy. 

Our commitment to community remains central to who we are. This year we continued our support of charities, local organisations and sporting clubs, reflecting our belief in contributing to the region we live and work in. 

As we look ahead to 2026, I extend my thanks for your trust in W&D Finance. I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a happy start to the new year. 

Phil Cunningham
Managing Director, W&D Finance

Bob Whitcher with staff members Kerryn Opie and Deb Bruhn at his recent retirement lunch.

At the recent Annual General Meeting, Bob Whitcher announced his retirement as Director of W&D Finance Ltd. 

Bob has served as a Director since 1986, contributing across numerous sub-committees and bringing decades of experience to the organisation. His broader career included 40 years as a Director of Doepel Lilley & Taylor and DLT Insurance, where his knowledge of the insurance sector proved invaluable to W&D Finance. 

Bob is also well known in the Ballarat sporting community. On the cricket field he played 329 games for Brown Hill, scoring 9,081 runs and taking 684 wickets. His service extended well beyond playing, including 16 years as Brown Hill Secretary and more than 25 Melbourne Country Week campaigns representing Ballarat. This year his contribution to the game was recognised with induction into the Ballarat Cricket Association Hall of Fame in April, followed by induction into the Victorian Country Cricket League Hall of Fame in September.  

When asked about the greatest cricketer he ever played against, Bob gives a simple answer: Sir Garfield Sobers.  

In more recent years Bob has been a committed member of the Victorian Bowling Club, where he is honoured as a Life Member.  

The Directors and staff of W&D Finance extend their sincere thanks to Bob for his outstanding service over nearly four decades. We warmly wish Bob and Marina every happiness in retirement.  

Welcome to W&D Finance’s twenty-eighth Prospectus 

Our 28th prospectus is now available. It contains important information about our operations and the terms and conditions for the issue of our debentures. You can download it here, or pop into the office to pick up a hardcopy.

W&D in the community

Albert Coates Memorial Trust and Federation University Foundation Scholarships

W&D Finance backs Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region 

W&D Finance is delighted to the be the official sponsor of the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region for the next three years. Covering 35 clubs across Ballarat and the Central Highlands, the region oversees pennant competitions, championships and club fixtures from Ballan to Beaufort.  

Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region is a committed group of clubs and volunteers and we look forward to seeing a strong season unfold on the greens.  

Supporting Wendouree Cricket Club

W&D Finance proudly continues our partnership with Wendouree Cricket Club (WCC) as a platinum sponsor. The Red Caps have kicked off the 2025/26 season, fielding five senior teams, a senior women’s side and 12 junior teams, making WCC one of the region’s most active community sporting clubs.   

The women’s team has started the season with an impressive four wins from five, and junior cricket continues to grow with a thriving Woolies Blast program and strong female participation.   

As a local business connected to the community, we’re pleased to support a club built on teamwork, inclusion and volunteer spirit – including the leadership of our own W&D Director, Rob Cunningham, who also serves as WCC Vice-President.   

Invest in what matters
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12 months fixed term investment

Contact us to learn more about all our accounts.

T&Cs apply. Interest paid monthly, quarterly or on maturity.

Loans

We offer a range of mortgage loan products with competitive interest rates, head to our website to see our latest loan offers.  

And remember, we’re not a bank, we are your financial partner. This means unlike at a bank, you will talk directly to our decision-makers, giving you a tailored financial solution and a faster turn-around.

Christmas Opening Hours

Our offices will be closed from midday Tuesday, December 23 2025 and reopen Monday, January 5 2026.

Interest payments and rollovers will be processed as normal. Should you have any urgent enquiries during this time please contact admin@wdfinance.com.au.