About Poole Group

At Poole Group, we are particularly proud of our unique ability to offer specialist business and accounting expertise in a friendly, approachable manner.

Whilst we consider ourselves to be big enough to make a difference, we’re also still small enough to care. Our specialist advisers work together, with you, to provide a range of services and strategies to reduce your risks, grow your business and create wealth.

Our Story

We are committed to maintaining a personal touch through all of our business dealings and make a conscious effort to be available for our clients when they need, whether it be on site, in our office, on the phone or via email.

This approach to business has meant that since being established on the Sunshine Coast in 1980, Poole Group has grown to be one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the region.

Starting as a typical tax-orientated accounting practice, the partners identified that clients had the need for eight main operating divisions which have been developed over time:
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Meet Our Team

Image of Don Poole

Don Poole

Succession Planning

Image of Don Poole

Don Poole

Don is a founding partner of Poole Group and has been in public practice since 1974. He opened a small office in Mooloolaba in 1980 and the business has grown in leaps and bounds ever since. For many years Don has been an advocate for exit planning and has assisted many business owners in their exit transition period.

Outside of work Don is a pretty good magician, loves to cook and has a bungalow in Vanuatu that he visits when he can. He is also a father to 2 grown children and granddad to 5.

Image of Neil Cooke

Neil Cooke

Partner

Image of Neil Cooke

Neil Cooke

Starting a family very young, Neil had to grow up quickly and so his mother-in-law suggested an accounting career so he could work and study. The rest is history and Neil has been in the industry for almost 30 years. Neil’s passion for accounting stems from the people and making connections. He loves having real conversation with his clients and being the trusted person they turn to. His particular interest lies with sales and acquisitions and business advisory. Neil is also on the board of the Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Supporters Club and Falcons.

Originally from Sydney, Neil has been on the coast since 2008. Now his 2 children are grown he has time to dabble in some hobbies. He likes mountain biking, golfing, skiing and fishing. Neil often needs something to chase so sets himself goals to keep him focussed which may mean a gym challenge or training for a triathlon.

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David Darrant

Partner

Image of David Darrant

David Darrant

David met Don Poole in 1982 playing space invaders which led to his start in public practice. Starting as a Trainee under Don for 4 years, he took a break to travel Europe and one his return was offered partnership at 26 years old. David oversees our SMSF division and has been for 20 years as he has a passion for getting people to look forwards rather than backwards like in tax compliance. He likes to change people’s quality and expectations of life. David has the ability to answer a problem from multiple perspectives and allow people to expand their views on the issue at hand. Outside of Poole Group, David, who is a father to 4 boys, has coached soccer for 18 years from juniors to youth to senior women’s teams. Why? Because David believes that those who can make a contribution to society in some way should. David also loves to travel and often takes yearly trips abroad with one particular favourite being Japan due to the cultural discipline. David’s favourite part of travelling is when returning, the Sunshine Coast never fails to impress with its beauty and never takes where we live for granted.
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Craig McCulloch

Partner

Image of Craig McCulloch

Craig McCulloch

Craig joined Poole Group as a Graduate in 1999 and became a Partner in 5 short years. In his time in the accounting industry, Craig has developed a keen interest in the Building and Construction Industry, including acting as Director of several large Commercial and Residential Property Development companies as well as acting as Accountant and Advisor to a number of long established property developers and builders within the Sunshine Coast region.

Outside of work Craig enjoys spending time with his 3 boys and splitting whatever free time he has between his 2 passions, surfing and fishing. Craig is also very active in the community, having been involved in local sporting clubs and committees for many years.

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Dale Trickett

Partner

Image of Dale Trickett

Dale Trickett

Dale held several different positions before deciding to become an Accountant. He even worked as a Scaffolder whilst finishing university. He has been with Poole Group since 2007. Dale has a broad client group which includes many industries however he does have a strong interest in the medical field. He is a big supporter of local charities and is a member of the Wishlist Spring Carnival Committee and on the board of the Your Mates Mateship Foundation.

When Dale isn’t in the office you can find him spending time with his 3 young children hitting the beach, swimming in the pool or playing games in the backyard. Dale loves travelling and is very fond of south east Asia, in particular Bali, but also loves camping locally. He is a keen craft beer drinker and enjoys a wide variety of cuisines but being time poor these days just eats what his wife cooks him!

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Mitch Bond

Senior Accountant / Junior Partner

Image of Mitch Bond

Mitch Bond

Mitch has been with Poole Group since 2014 and has a special interest in the construction industry with many of his clients builders and trades. Mitch is across all QBCC requirements.

Born and bred on the Sunshine Coast, Mitch’s favourite meal is coffee and eggs. When he isn’t busy running around after his 4 kids (2 boys and 2 girls) he is hitting the gym or surfing.
mbond@poolegroup.com.au

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Paul Lewty

Senior SMSF Accountant / Junior Partner

Image of Paul Lewty

Paul Lewty

Paul has been with Poole Group for over 10 years where he took his first job out of university. Paul heads up our SMSF Division where he ensures all our client super funds are compliant.

When not working, Paul is busy running after his 3 small children. He enjoys life with a lager and pizza and fits in playing video games where possible. He’d like to see the world when his kids are older to appreciate it.

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Adam Niemiec

Senior Accountant / Junior Partner

Image of Adam Niemiec

Adam Niemiec

After a brief stint at another accounting firm after graduating, Adam has been with Poole Group for over 7 years. Adam has a range of clients and is always happy to take on new clients from various industries. He does have a special interest in estate tax and planning. Adam is also a board member of local Sunshine Coast charity, DV Safephones

Originally from Brisbane but coming from a Polish background, Adam speaks fluent Polish. Adam has been living on the Sunshine Coast since 2018. In his spare time he likes keeping fit by running, doing crossfit and riding dirt bikes. While watching rugby (or any sport for that matter), Adam likes to smoke meats and drink whiskey.

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Alisha McKenna

Senior Accountant

Image of Alisha McKenna

Alisha McKenna

Alisha’s first accounting position, she has been with Poole Group since 2006. Alisha has a strong interest in women’s business and helping empower them to achieve their goals and see their ventures succeed.

Figuratively and literally, Alisha likes climbing mountains. An avid hiker, Alisha is also a dedicated mother to two young children. Her vices are coffee and chocolate.

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Bruce Neuendorf

Senior Accountant

Image of Bruce Neuendorf

Bruce Neuendorf

Starting at Poole Group in 2003, Bruce was offered his first accounting role. While Bruce covers all aspects of tax compliance, he has a real interest and passion for providing management reports to clients. A born and bred Queenslander, Bruce has lived on the Sunshine Coast for 54 years and has been working since he was 8 years old (his first job was filling magazines for the shooting gallery at the local carnival). Bruce has 2 grown daughters and enjoys the gym, stand up paddle boarding and following the rugby league. He enjoys a good bourbon and a mean panang curry.
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Cara Tennant

Senior Accountant

Image of Cara Tennant

Cara Tennant

Coming to Poole Group in 2015 with 4 years experience in the industry, Cara was offered a management position in 2 short years. Cara is experienced with clients from many different and enjoys working with any companies to help see them succeed and ensure their tax compliance. Outside of work, Cara enjoys watching the footy, going to the beach, walking her dog Sage, going out to dinner and cooking. She likes to eat pasta and drink a good gin, a good scotch and a good red wine. One day Cara would like to travel to Italy – obviously for all the pasta.
Image of Craig Shepherd

Craig Shepherd

SMSF Auditor / Senior Accountant

Image of Craig Shepherd

Craig Shepherd

Craig is one of Poole Group’s longest serving team members having been with us for over 25 years. While Craig is involved with tax compliance his particular interest lies in SMSF auditing and the compliance aspect of it. Outside of work Craig likes to keep active by running and going to the gym. He has a true love of travel, particularly France, where he has already travelled to over 10 times! Because of this he obviously has developed a true love of french bakeries, especially their bread.
Image of Jacqueline Eegdeman-Gerrits

Jacqueline Eegdeman-Gerrits

Audit Manager

Image of Jacqueline Eegdeman-Gerrits

Jacqueline Eegdeman-Gerrits

Jacquie was born and bred in the Netherlands however left there to spend 11 years in NZ before moving to Australia in 2008. She has had an extensive and varied career holding several high level positions within finance in her time. She found a real passion when she started in audit about 14 years ago and has been doing it ever since. Jacquie is a busy woman as she is the Treasurer for the Kawana Chamber of Commerce and also assists her husband in running his small business. Jacquie and her family love to travel and due to their heritage have a real love of Europe but also the US holds a special place for them as Jacquie and her husband eloped in Vegas many years ago. They have since been back to discover more parts of the states.
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Elise Wood

Senior Accountant

Image of Elise Wood

Elise Wood

Growing up in Tassie, Elise moved to the coast where she eventually studied accounting at USC and has been with Poole Group since 2008. Elise is a busy mum to 2 young boys and indulges in her coffee and chocolate addiction whenever possible. When not trying to find a moment to herself to read she is outside swimming and walking.
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Greg Schefe

Senior Accountant

Image of Greg Schefe

Greg Schefe

Poole Group offered Greg his first accounting role 20 years ago after coming from a hospitality background of 12 years. Greg works with a broad range of clients ensuring they are tax compliant. Born and bred in Redcliffe, Greg likes eating so in turn he likes cooking. Along with a variety of martial arts based hobbies Greg always makes sure he carves out some time each year for a trip to Fraser Island with his mates.
Image of Anthony Poole

Anthony Poole

IT Manager

Image of Anthony Poole

Anthony Poole

Anthony studied a degree in Commerce and IT before joining KPMG in Brisbane in 3 years before making the move back to the Sunshine Coast in 2010 to join the family business and has been with us ever since. Anthony is instrumental in keeping us connected and tending to our client’s needs by maintaining all our IT software and hardware. A Born and bred local, Ant is now a father to 2 young girls. He makes a mean homemade pizza and enjoys some lagers whilst hanging out with family and friends. He is currently attempting to get into running and cycling and also enjoys watching the Formula 1.
Image of Christine Benson

Christine Benson

Senior SMSF Accountant

Image of Christine Benson

Christine Benson

Christine joined Poole Group in 2014 as a member of our SMSF team. She enjoys working with clients to ensure they understand how to make their SMSF work best for them, both now and in the future as they approach and reach retirement.

When she is not in the office, Christine enjoys spending time with her partner and their two pomeranians. She also enjoys baking and cake decorating, and is an avid reader.

Image of Natasha Ball

Natasha Ball

Senior Accountant

Image of Natasha Ball

Natasha Ball

Poole Group was Natasha’s first accounting job after spending some time in the banking industry. Natasha joined us in 1998 and remembers the time that was pre-GST. Natasha is our tax guru and likes to keep us all up to date with changes in regulations.

Outside of work Natasha has a passion for running, particularly long distance – anywhere from 5km to 50km. She likes to participate in weekly park runs, marathons and ultra marathons. Natasha loves running as it gives her a great sense of accomplishment.

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Dana Trickett

HR Manager / Consultant

Image of Dana Trickett

Dana Trickett

After studying business at USC, Dana spent 7 years working for a recruitment/temp agency providing all round HR support. Since joining Poole Group in 2020 not only does Dana provide in-house HR support to their large team but she provides the same support to any clients, whether that be recruitment, performance management or just general HR advice. Dana juggles work with her 3 young kids and spends most spare moments taxiing them to extracurricular activities. But when there is a break she likes nothing more than catching up with friends, swimming, going to the beach and walking their Mini Dachshund – Minnie.
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Keiren Kennedy

Business Services Consultant

Image of Keiren Kennedy

Keiren Kennedy

Previous accountant and financial controller for a variety of businesses, Keiren has worked across multiple industries such as manufacturing, retail, wholesale and importing/international. Keiren’s passion lies in helping business owners gain confidence in their financials decisions by offering expert guidance in management reporting, budgeting, cashflow analysis, and forecasting, along with comprehensive business advisory services.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Keiren is dedicated to community growth as the Treasurer for the Kawana Touch Association, where he is committed to nurturing the club’s development.

Client
    Testimonials

‘Running and growing a business for the last 9 years and recently acquiring a second business has been met with many challenges. The Poole Group has been with us every step of the way. From tax planning, to ensuring we meet our financial obligations. The team has always made themselves available when requiring advice or even just to be a sounding board. Their knowledge and experience has truly been an asset to our business and we would not be where we are today if it was not for the support of our servicing team at the Poole Group

‘We have been clients of the Poole Group for many years, firstly when we had our own business and now that we have retired. We cannot speak highly enough of the team that steered us through the Global Financials Crisis and now into our retirement and they were always available to help and advise’

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