Bean counters Ball

About

The Bean Counters Ball is a joint initiative between local members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA) who form a committee to organise and run the event.

The event was first held in 2011 where 162 people attended and $3,800 was raised and donated.

Now, the event is attended by over 350 people with an average of $30,000 donated annually, split between our charity partners, Samaritans and Hunter TAFE Foundation.

The money provides safe accommodation for adolescents living in the Samaritans Youth Accommodation in Newcastle and Maitland. It also goes towards providing scholarships for students studying Accounting or Finance at Hunter and Central Coast TAFE.

Since 2011, we’ve been proud to support Hunter-based organisations that are making a difference in the lives of youth.

Our committee

A new committee is formed every year with a range of Hunter business professionals across various industries. We meet regularly outside of business hours to discuss and organise the event over a 12-month period. The committee is also made up of sub-committees for the event including sponsorship, communications, prizes, event, and design.

It is estimated that on average, the committee provides over 300 hours of volunteered time each year.

We’re always looking for new committee members, so if you’re interested, please get in touch!

The 2027 Committee

We’re delighted to introduce the Bean Counters Ball 2027 committee:

Kimberley Thomas-Cook

director of Delbridge Forensic Accounting

Kimberley Thomas-Cook is a director of Delbridge Forensic Accounting and is recognised as a CAANZ Forensic Specialist and Business Valuations Specialist. Delbridge Forensic Accounting is a Newcastle based practice that completes work all over Australia, primarily for the purpose of litigation, with a particular interest in the Family Law jurisdiction. Additionally, Kimberley is Chair of the Hunter committee of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Kimberley is excited to join the Bean Counters Ball committee as it pivots to supporting children facing a cancer diagnosis via Camp Quality.

Gemma Morgan

Co-Chair

Gemma Morgan is a Senior Tax Manager in the Tax Consulting team at PKF Newcastle. She has more than 10 years' experience in the accounting profession. Passionate about contributing to the local community, Gemma has been involved with several Hunter-based not-for-profit organisations and currently serves as Treasurer of Community Activities Lake Macquarie Inc (CALM) and Care Activities Inc. Through these roles, she has seen first-hand the positive impact community organisations have on children, young people and families across the region. Gemma is also a member of the Hunter Local Committee of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). She joined the Bean Counters Ball committee in 2026 and is looking forward to contributing to an event that has such a positive impact on the Hunter community.

Emily Plaza

Employment & Litigation Lawyer

Emily Plaza is an Employment & Litigation Lawyer at Jenkins Legal & Advisory, where she advises and represents clients across a broad range of workplace and litigation matters. Outside of work, Emily has a strong interest in community events and fundraising. She has previously been involved in helping organise and support a number of balls and other fundraising events for a children’s brain cancer charity, The Cure Starts Now Australia and loves the opportunity to bring people together while supporting a great cause. She is excited to bring that experience, plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved to the Bean Counters Ball Committee. When she is not working or helping with events, Emily can usually be found refereeing basketball, spending time with her partner Maddie, or being bossed around by their miniature chocolate dachshund, Murphy.

Katie Young

holistic financial planner

Katie brings a grounded, thoughtful approach to financial advice - combining deep expertise with a genuine desire to help people feel empowered. With over 16 years of experience in holistic financial planning, she’s known for her clear communication, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to her clients’ wellbeing. Katie has a special interest in supporting women to feel confident and in control of their financial lives - whether that’s navigating career changes, planning for family, or building long-term security. Her practice is inclusive and welcoming to all, and she believes that everyone deserves advice that feels approachable, respectful, and tailored to their unique needs.

Laura Balding

Associate Director at Prosperity Advisers Group

Laura Balding is an Associate Director at Prosperity Advisers Group, where she works closely with businesses and families on tax, compliance and strategic advice. As Treasurer of the Bean Counters Ball, she is proud to contribute her financial expertise to an event that brings together the local accounting and business community while raising funds for important causes. When she's not working with clients or balancing the books, Laura enjoys spending time with family and friends playing board games, combining her love of strategy with plenty of laughs and friendly competition.

Hannah Downes

Financial Adviser

Hannah is a dedicated Financial Adviser who is passionate about helping clients achieve their financial and lifestyle goals. With a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and experience in the financial services industry since 2017, she combines technical expertise with a personalised, goals-based approach to advice. Hannah takes pride in building meaningful relationships and creating tailored strategies that give clients confidence in their financial future. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys an active lifestyle, spending time with family and friends, running, and making the most of Newcastle’s beaches and outdoors.

Debra Moore

Fundraising and Events Manager

Deb Moore is the Fundraising and Events Manager at Camp Quality, where she has spent eight years bringing positivity, fun, and laughter back into the lives of children and families facing cancer. Based in Newcastle, Deb works with local businesses, community groups, and volunteers to build meaningful partnerships and deliver high-impact fundraising events. Known for her high energy, down-to-earth approach, and belief that work should be professional without being boring, Deb focuses on creating memorable experiences that unite the community around a vital cause. Above all, she is passionate about making sure kids facing cancer still have the chance to laugh, build resilience, and simply be kids.

Lana Black

solicitor

Lana Black is a solicitor who heads up the Wills and Estates Team at Osborn Law. Lana's practice is primarily focused on estate planning and commercial structuring arrangements, along with deceased estates. Lana is passionate about providing practical advice to her clients and looks to ensure her clients' affairs are appropriately structured both in their lifetimes and after their death. Giving back to the community is one of Lana's core values and she is regularly involved in fundraising and charitable initiatives and is excited to be chairing the Bean Counters Ball committee after several years’ involvement with the organisation.

Annie Shumack

Commercial and Estate Planning Lawyer

Annie Shumack is a Commercial and Estate Planning Lawyer at Jenkins Legal and Advisory. She was admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court in 2025 after completing a Bachelor of Law and Global Studies at Australian Catholic University. With a background in early education and hospitality, Annie has developed a passion for organising and running events that bring people together while contributing to meaningful charitable outcomes, particularly those supporting children’s access to education. Growing up in Dungog, Annie developed a strong connection to her local community and an appreciation for the importance of community involvement. Annie is passionate about giving back to her community and is excited to be part of the committee, supporting a wonderful cause while helping to create an enjoyable and memorable event.

Erin Marney

Chief Operating Officer

Erin Marney is the Chief Operating Officer at Maxim Business Advisors, where she oversees the firm's operations, people and culture, and compliance initiatives. With a background in event management and business operations, Erin is passionate about creating positive experiences for both staff and clients. Erin joined the Bean Counters Ball Committee in 2025 and enjoys the opportunity to support a worthwhile cause while connecting with Newcastle's business community. Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, attending local events, and supporting community fundraising initiatives.