Posted by on
16/03/2026
Helping clients to prosper is the priority of the whole Gippsland team.
The Rabobank team across Gippsland and Melbourne brings together deep local knowledge, decades of industry experience and emerging agricultural banking talent to support farming businesses across Victoria.
With a presence spanning Leongatha, Sale, Warragul and Melbourne, the team combines trusted expertise, fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to helping clients achieve their goals.
Led by State Manager Sally Bull and Area Manager Tony Platt, the team is well positioned to support farmers through changing seasons, market conditions and opportunities for growth.
For Tony, who lives in the heart of Gippsland and has been with Rabobank for nine years, working alongside farmers every day is both a privilege and a passion.
"Supporting our clients to prosper is our priority," Tony says. "We genuinely enjoy being part of the journey with farming families across this incredible region."
A team dedicated to agriculture
With a genuine passion for agriculture and deep industry expertise, the team is uniquely equipped to support rural businesses.
Gippsland Senior Rural Manager, Tony Platt, with local dairy farmer, Tim Morley.
Many team members come from farming backgrounds themselves, bringing first-hand understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
"We're fortunate to have highly respected professionals such as Senior Rural Manager, Craig Hoober in Leongatha, along with Senior Rural Managers, Hannah Sturgiss and James Ristrom in Sale," Tony says.
"Their experience, industry knowledge and long-term commitment to agriculture provide tremendous value for our clients."
Warragul-based Rural Manager, Cameron de Kok, Leongatha Rural Manager, Zoe Rotthier and Melbourne-based Rural Manager, Tom Cohen further strengthen the team's offering, each bringing valuable agricultural knowledge, banking expertise and a strong client focus.
The team's diversity also provides a broader perspective, with international experience and agricultural expertise drawn from a range of farming regions and backgrounds.
"As a bank dedicated solely to agriculture, many of us come from farming backgrounds ourselves," Tony says. "That creates a level of empathy and understanding that's incredibly valuable."
Leongatha Rural Managers, Max Murray and Alex Bennett have become integral members of the team, building strong client relationships and earning a reputation for their proactive and practical approach.
Some of the Gippsland team with the RaboTruck recently.
"Both Max and Alex bring a strong understanding of agriculture and a genuine commitment to helping clients achieve their long-term goals."
Their expertise and client-focused mindset complement the depth of experience across the broader team and help ensure Rabobank continues to deliver local support backed by specialist knowledge.
Investing in the next generation
Developing future agricultural banking leaders is a key focus for the team.
Sale-based Rural Officer, Brooke Leonard and Warragul-based Rural Officer, Annabelle Linnell are building their careers alongside experienced Rural Managers, gaining valuable exposure across a broad range of farming enterprises.
Brooke brings international agricultural experience from her previous role with Livestock Improvement Corporation across New Zealand and Europe, while Annabelle has quickly become a valued member of the Warragul team.
"Brooke and Annabelle bring tremendous enthusiasm, capability and commitment to the team," Tony says. "Working alongside experienced colleagues, they are developing the skills and relationships that will support Victorian farmers for many years to come."
Their development reflects Rabobank's commitment to investing in people, fostering local talent and building the next generation of agricultural banking professionals.
Rabobank’s Alex Bennett and Craig Hoober with Callum Moscript, touring the Moscript family’s recent dairy expansion.
Supporting our clients every step of the way
Behind every successful client relationship is a dedicated support team.
Relationship Analysts, Julieanne Nicholls, Misty Croker, and Brigitte Harrington play an integral role in supporting clients and rural managers across the region.
"Our Relationship Analysts are critical to our success," Tony says. "Julieanne, Misty and Brigitte bring professionalism, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to supporting clients and colleagues every day."
Together, they help deliver responsive service, strong insights and personalised banking solutions for clients.
Strong leadership and values, from the community up
The team's commitment extends well beyond the workplace, with many actively involved in local organisations and community groups.
Sale-based Relationship Analyst Julieanne Nicholls serves as Captain of the Stradbroke CFA, reflecting the strong community values shared across the team.The team also supports a range of initiatives, including fundraising for the Sony Foundation and participating in BlazeAid recovery efforts following natural disasters.
For more than 20 years, Rabobank has maintained a strong presence throughout Gippsland while continuing to support agricultural clients across Victoria through its Leongatha, Sale, Warragul and Melbourne branches.
"We're proud of the relationships we've built across Gippsland and Victoria," Tony says. "We understand both the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture, and we're committed to continuing to support our clients and communities well into the future."
Rabobank’s Sale team.