Our Team

Donnie Martin

I made the move to Cairns after holidaying here in 1984. Sound familiar? Many people I meet come to Cairns on holidays and never leave.

I first worked for the ANZ Bank in Charters Towers, and when I moved to Cairns I worked for the Electricity Credit Union, Mercantile Credit and then AGC.

My father (Clarrie Clocker Martin) introduced me to the Motor Industry in 1987 and I  enjoyed a fantastic 23 years servicing the Cairns and Far North in Motor Sales and Management. Prior to commencing work at Astute North QLD I was the Business Finance Manager at Australian Motor Group for 11 years.

Already having a passion for customer service, and vast lending experience, I took up the offer to head the Equipment Finance department within Astute North QLD, operating out of the Cairns office.

As a team of three Equipment Finance Brokers, one Mortgage Broker and support staff, it was time to grow the business further. In 2024, we opened Astute Finance Barron River in Stratford and look forward to cementing ourselves in the local community and continuing to provide the best customer service possible.

Away from work I enjoy maintaining my Kuranda property. Horse racing has also been a passion of mine from a young age so you will often find me trackside having a few cold beers.

My father (Clarrie Clocker Martin) introduced me to the Motor Industry in 1987 and I  enjoyed a fantastic 23 years servicing the Cairns and Far North in Motor Sales and Management. Prior to commencing work at Astute North QLD I was the Business Finance Manager at Australian Motor Group for 11 years.

Already having a passion for customer service, and vast lending experience, I took up the offer to head the Equipment Finance department within Astute North QLD, operating out of the Cairns office.

As a team of three Equipment Finance Brokers, one Mortgage Broker and support staff, it was time to grow the business further. In 2024, we opened Astute Finance Barron River in Stratford and look forward to cementing ourselves in the local community and continuing to provide the best customer service possible.

Away from work I enjoy maintaining my Kuranda property. Horse racing has also been a passion of mine from a young age so you will often find me trackside having a few cold beers.

Jasmine Michel

In 2017, my journey with Astute Finance began within the Equipment Finance team, where I swiftly discovered my passion for finance and assisting clients in growing their businesses. By 2018, I had earned full accreditation as a Finance Broker, specialising in Commercial Equipment & Asset Finance.

Born in Cairns and raised with a family background in business, I appreciate the power of word of mouth and building a strong reputation within the community. I pride myself on top tier customer service and building great relationships with my clients.

My father (Clarrie Clocker Martin) introduced me to the Motor Industry in 1987 and I  enjoyed a fantastic 23 years servicing the Cairns and Far North in Motor Sales and Management. Prior to commencing work at Astute North QLD I was the Business Finance Manager at Australian Motor Group for 11 years.

Already having a passion for customer service, and vast lending experience, I took up the offer to head the Equipment Finance department within Astute North QLD, operating out of the Cairns office.

As a team of three Equipment Finance Brokers, one Mortgage Broker and support staff, it was time to grow the business further. In 2024, we opened Astute Finance Barron River in Stratford and look forward to cementing ourselves in the local community and continuing to provide the best customer service possible.

Away from work I enjoy maintaining my Kuranda property. Horse racing has also been a passion of mine from a young age so you will often find me trackside having a few cold beers.

Fast forward to 2024, Donnie and I opened Astute Finance Barron River as part of the esteemed Astute North QLD group, offering a comprehensive suite of financial services. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing top-notch solutions to our valued clientele.

When I’m not in the office, you’ll find me out on the water or in the sun (with a cocktail in hand!) or enjoying life with my lovely fiancé & two puppies!

Amy Spiller

My dealings with Astute Finance began the day after my 20th birthday when I purchased my first property at auction and decided to use a broker to find the best loan options suitable for me. A year after, I purchased a new vehicle and spoke to Donnie about assisting me and this is where I realised my love for finance and how important speaking to a broker is!

After turning 25 and having a quarter life crisis (happens to the best of us), I began thinking about what my next move was and I didn’t just want a job, I wanted a career.

My father (Clarrie Clocker Martin) introduced me to the Motor Industry in 1987 and I  enjoyed a fantastic 23 years servicing the Cairns and Far North in Motor Sales and Management. Prior to commencing work at Astute North QLD I was the Business Finance Manager at Australian Motor Group for 11 years.

Already having a passion for customer service, and vast lending experience, I took up the offer to head the Equipment Finance department within Astute North QLD, operating out of the Cairns office.

As a team of three Equipment Finance Brokers, one Mortgage Broker and support staff, it was time to grow the business further. In 2024, we opened Astute Finance Barron River in Stratford and look forward to cementing ourselves in the local community and continuing to provide the best customer service possible.

Away from work I enjoy maintaining my Kuranda property. Horse racing has also been a passion of mine from a young age so you will often find me trackside having a few cold beers.

October 2018 – I’m starting at Astute Finance in the Equipment Finance team and loving every moment. In 2019, I had now become a fully accredited Finance Broker, specialising in Consumer Lending which is your everyday type personal borrowing.

Look forward to May 2024 and after many years of working in the Astute Cairns office with an amazing team, we’ve now opened our office, Astute Finance Barron River.

Within the Astute North QLD group, we understand the importance of outstanding customer service and being able to deliver an un-matched financial experience for our valued clients. I’m a big believer in building relationships so I’m always open for a chat and not just about your finance needs!

Although, when I’m not chatting finance, you will find me either camping or curled up on the couch with my amazing husband, Troy and kelpie dog, Evie.

Email: amy.spiller@astutefinancial.com.au
Call: 0435 374 075

Bri Grunow

Originally from Wagga Wagga, my family relocated to the Atherton Tablelands where I spent my early years. In high school I moved to Cairns and Cairns has been my home ever since. I appreciate the coastal lifestyle Cairns has to offer and plan to continue growing and building a life for myself here.

In 2022, I began my journey at Astute Finance North QLD as a Client Manager. This role gave me invaluable insights into the financial needs of individuals and families in our region. Witnessing firsthand the benefits and importance of utilising a mortgage broker, I discovered a passion for guiding people through one of their most significant milestones they will achieve in their lifetime which is homeownership.

My father (Clarrie Clocker Martin) introduced me to the Motor Industry in 1987 and I  enjoyed a fantastic 23 years servicing the Cairns and Far North in Motor Sales and Management. Prior to commencing work at Astute North QLD I was the Business Finance Manager at Australian Motor Group for 11 years.

Already having a passion for customer service, and vast lending experience, I took up the offer to head the Equipment Finance department within Astute North QLD, operating out of the Cairns office.

As a team of three Equipment Finance Brokers, one Mortgage Broker and support staff, it was time to grow the business further. In 2024, we opened Astute Finance Barron River in Stratford and look forward to cementing ourselves in the local community and continuing to provide the best customer service possible.

Away from work I enjoy maintaining my Kuranda property. Horse racing has also been a passion of mine from a young age so you will often find me trackside having a few cold beers.

Motivated by this passion, I decided to invest in further training and become a fully accredited Mortgage Broker. My goal is to help my clients navigate the complexities of mortgage options and find solutions that best fit their lending needs and aspirations.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Cairns’ natural beauty, whether it’s taking a day trip out to the reef or hiking through one of our many hiking trails. Engaging with the community is also a priority for me, as I believe in giving back and contributing to the place I proudly call home.

Josh Mealing

Having spent most of my life in Cairns, I consider myself a true local!  I have recently joined the team at Astute Finance Barron River. My first experience with Astute Finance was in 2023 when Amy assisted me with a loan. I had previously gone direct to the bank and the two experiences could not have been more different! Amy educated me on the finance world and kept me informed throughout the process, finding me a great solution to what I needed.

After this experience, I wanted to pursue a future in finance and with an extensive background in customer service, I am happy to have found a career that entails both!

My father (Clarrie Clocker Martin) introduced me to the Motor Industry in 1987 and I  enjoyed a fantastic 23 years servicing the Cairns and Far North in Motor Sales and Management. Prior to commencing work at Astute North QLD I was the Business Finance Manager at Australian Motor Group for 11 years.

Already having a passion for customer service, and vast lending experience, I took up the offer to head the Equipment Finance department within Astute North QLD, operating out of the Cairns office.

As a team of three Equipment Finance Brokers, one Mortgage Broker and support staff, it was time to grow the business further. In 2024, we opened Astute Finance Barron River in Stratford and look forward to cementing ourselves in the local community and continuing to provide the best customer service possible.

Away from work I enjoy maintaining my Kuranda property. Horse racing has also been a passion of mine from a young age so you will often find me trackside having a few cold beers.

I look forward to this new opportunity, building relationships within the community and assisting clients in reaching their goals!

When I am not in the office, you’ll either find me on the golf course or watching the footy with a beer in hand!