Gus Smarrini

The financial planning community came together last month in support of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and care at an event organised by Forbes Fava Saville Financial Planning (FFSFP).

The venue was the Barwon River Golf Club in Geelong and around 75 guests, many of them colleagues and peers from across the financial planning industry came together and successfully raised more than $10,000 for MND Victoria.

MND Victoria was established in 1981 (initially as the Motor Neurone Society of Victoria) and now provides support to people with MND, their families, community workers and health professionals.

The initiative was inspired by Neil Dyson, a respected former financial adviser and corporate executive who was diagnosed with MND 18 months ago. Determined to give back to the organisation that has supported him and his family, Neil collaborated with his former colleague Gus Smarrini, General Manager at FFSFP, to organise and promote the event.

Neil and wife Maree delivered a heartfelt address, sharing their personal journey and highlighting the profound impact MND has on not only those living with the disease but also their loved ones and carers.

They expressed deep gratitude to MND Victoria for the essential support it provides, helping families manage day-to-day challenges that many take for granted.

Among those in attendance were several of Neil’s former MLC colleagues, now working across a range of financial institutions, who travelled to Geelong to show their support.

Together with clients, friends, and staff from Forbes Fava Saville FP, the event demonstrated the power of community and compassion in action.

Guests also enjoyed a lively pre-AFL Footy Panel featuring respected football figures Stan Alves and Andrew Bews, who shared stories, insights, and light-hearted banter that set a positive and engaging tone for the gathering.

The funds raised went directly to MND Victoria, helping the organisation continue its vital work supporting individuals and families affected by Motor Neurone Disease.

The post Forbes Fava Saville rallies industry to support MND cause appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Commenting further on the appointment, Cameron Forbes said, when developing FFSFP’s strategic plan, the role of GM Operations was identified as the crucial keystone link between the provision of professional advice / service and the growth of the business.

“Gus’s depth of financial services experience, understanding of advice businesses – and hands on ability to pro-actively support advisory practices to deliver the highest standards of client advice and operational excellence, made him the obvious choice,” affirmed Forbes.

In this newly created role, Smarrini, a former Practice Development Manager, will be responsible for strategic planning, business growth, client communication and engagement, M&As, recruitment of talent, marketing / PR, compliance and events.

Prior to joining FFSFP Gus held senior Practice Development Manager roles with MLC/Insignia Financia (15 years) and ING Licensees (8 years) and prior to this had experience as an adviser and practice manager.

“This is an exciting time to join FFSFP”, said Gus Smarrini. “Our commitment to managed growth and a personalised boutique approach to the provision of professional financial advice, aligns perfectly with my own values”

“I am eager to leverage my experience and background with the collective knowledge, expertise of the entire FFSFP team (including our alliance partners) to support the delivery of professional advice, solutions and service that address the evolving needs of our valued clients”.

Commenting on the future of financial services, Cameron said the industry – and in particular, the advice sector – continues to face significant headwinds.

He also noted that many advisory practices were failing to capitalise on their potential as they seem to have a list build issue (in AFL football terms) i.e. some new entrants alongside very mature practitioners but with a large gap in between.

No one is really investing in professional development, coaching and training in a structured manner that dovetails into a strategic, long-term objective and outcome.

“Our goal is to implement an internal framework that nurtures and encourages a team-based approach to tackle and address the issues of today and tomorrow – hence the importance of Gus’s appointment as GM Operations”, said Cameron Forbes.

“One of Gus’s key undertakings has been to bring new entrants and seasoned veterans together and develop an FFSFP pathway that provides career opportunities for advisers and administrative staff to flourish – including opportunities for financial advisory business owners to consider an alliance or succession solution with our group”.

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