Our History

In 1964, when local Grafton retailers could not get finance for their customers for sewing machines, televisions, washing machines etc, locals Bill and Peter Dougherty set up Westlawn to come to their aid. In 1972, Mike Dougherty joined his cousins and the decision was made to extend services to a full local finance company. A partnership was formed and began to actively operate in the finance area whilst also diversifying its operations into the property sector by the acquisition and development of commercial real estate.

Today, Mike is the Chairman of Westlawn Finance and a number of 2nd generation Dougherty’s actively work in the Westlawn Group. Mark, one of Peter’s sons, joined Westlawn in 1996 and is the Managing Director of the Finance division. Sarah, one of Mark’s sisters, also works in the Finance division. Jim, one of Bill’s sons, joined in 1993 and is the Chairman of the Westlawn Property Trust while Anne, one of Jim’s sisters, is the Yamba branch manager. In addition, Chris, one of Mike’s sons, is the General Manager of Westlawn Insurance Brokers.

In the last 12 years, Westlawn has grown from strength to strength, expanding its services to include insurance broking and financial planning. Its branch network has also been steadily expanding with offices opening in Casino, 1994; Coffs Harbour, 1997; Yamba, 2000; Kyogle, 2000; Ballina, 2001; Lismore, 2003; Kempsey, 2004 and Inverell, 2005. These offices are staffed by local people who understand local needs and also have a desire and incentive to encourage their own districts to grow and prosper.

Westlawn has won many awards over the years, including outstanding regional company of the year in NSW and was a finalist in the 2003 Telstra Small Business Awards. Whilst Westlawn started in the Grafton region it has now grown into a significant Regional Northern NSW Company. A key element of success has been the employment of local staff who have a unique affinity to each locality. Westlawn currently employs over 70 staff.

As a family owned business servicing a local community with local staff Westlawn has developed a unique culture. The community involvement and support of local activities by Westlawn and by its staff members individually underlines this difference of culture and difference in the approach Westlawn has in serving its customers needs.