Darren is an award-winning businessperson with almost two decades of lending experience.

He began his career in finance as a bank manager for Westpac in Sydney’s Inner West, before moving into corporate roles in mortgage insurance and non-bank lending with Royal & Sun Alliance and Challenger, respectively.

In 2005, Darren was appointed as the NSW state manager for a Reverse Mortgage lender with this was when he soon realised that there was a strong need for a mortgage broking service dedicated to reverse mortgages.

In 2006, he established Seniors First. The company quickly became an industry leader, and was recognised with awards in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Since then, Darren has often been invited to contribute to public policy forums and continues to appear regularly in the media.

Today, Darren is excited by the re-awakening of the Reverse Mortgage industry and the opportunities these new lenders and products offer to senior Australians.

As ever, he remains committed to serving their interests with responsible finance solutions that deliver a better retirement for Seniors First customers.

Mia Cusack is our Team Leader Support, bringing a strong background across diverse industries and partnering closely with leaders to ensure seamless day‑to‑day workflows.

Highly adaptable and detail‑focused, she thrives in fast‑paced environments, providing reliable coordination, stakeholder support, and continuous process improvement to help teams succeed.

Trusted to manage competing priorities with professionalism and discretion, Mia is known for her ability to anticipate needs, streamline processes, and foster strong working relationships. Her proactive and people‑focused approach helps create clarity, consistency, and alignment across teams, enabling leaders and team members alike to perform at their very best.

Isabelle recently joined the team at Seniors First as a Personal Assistant and Office Coordinator. She brings over 10 years of experience in providing high-level administrative support across a variety of settings, with a strong focus on organization, efficiency, and clear communication. Isabelle is passionate about creating structure and support systems that help teams operate at their best.

In her role at Seniors First, she helps keep the office running smoothly and ensures the team has what they need to provide exceptional care to the seniors they serve. Her background has equipped her with the tools to manage a busy office environment, juggle multiple priorities, and anticipate the needs of both staff and clients.

Outside of work, Isabelle enjoys trying new restaurants, exploring different cuisines, and traveling whenever she can. She’s always planning her next adventure and loves discovering new places both near and far.

Elaine is the longest-serving member of Seniors First staff, having been with the company since its launch in 2006.

She is a qualified reverse mortgage broker with ten years of lending experience and is one of the leading Reverse Mortgage lenders in Canberra and the ACT.

In addition to her work with Seniors First, Elaine is a successful business person in her own right.

She is well known for her activities as a business mentor, advisor, and former councillor of the Canberra Business Council.

In 2002, her abilities were recognised when she became one of the Telstra Business Woman of the Year finalists.

Today, Elaine continues to help other seniors, and remains a passionate believer in Reverse Mortgages and its power to transform lives for the better.

Himanshi is a former banker with extensive experience in finance, primarily focused on credit and lending. After spending long time in the banking industry, she transitioned into her current role as a Para Broker, where she use her background to help people find the right financial solutions for their unique needs.

At Seniors First, she is proud to play a key role in streamlining the loan process and ensuring seamless communication between clients, lenders, and brokers. She's passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and providing clear, honest guidance to help senior Australians achieve financial independence and peace of mind in their later years.

What drives her most is seeing the relief and excitement on a client’s face when everything comes together—the feeling that they’re one step closer to their goals. She truly believe finance doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful; with the right support, it can be empowering and even enjoyable.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or cooking up meals for friends and family. She have always believed that good food and good conversations go hand in hand—just like good finance and good advice.

Joan started her career as a Financial Consultant Specialist with Equifax, specializing in customer service and sales.

With her 7 years stint in the business, she had developed her career while radiating a positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed around her workplace and get the best outcomes for her clients.

Sam brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. and holds a Diploma in Finance & Mortgage Broking. Prior to joining the organization, Sam developed a strong foundation in residential lending, he previously worked as a mortgage consultant where he gained extensive knowledge of home finance and built a solid reputation for delivering personalized, client-focused solutions.

His ability to understand individual needs and provide guidance has made him a trusted advisor to many. Sam is passionate about helping clients navigate complex financial decisions and is committed to delivering exceptional customer service.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends and has a love for all sports. During his spare time he stays active by playing soccer and tennis.

Ronnie is a highly experienced broker support officer with four years of expertise in the Australian mortgage industry. He holds a Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking, demonstrating his commitment to providing exceptional financial services to his clients.

Ronnie is well-known for his unwavering dedication to delivering the highest quality customer service, ensuring that his clients' needs are met with professionalism and efficiency.

In his free time, Ronnie enjoys spending quality time with his family, honing his guitar skills, and maintaining an active lifestyle through running. He also has a passion for traveling, which fuels his desire to explore new cultures and broaden his horizons.