Afton joined RBS in June 2020, bringing with her genuine firsthand experience of farming life and rural business. Raised on a sheep and cropping property on the Eyre Peninsula, she spent 10 years working within her family’s farming enterprise as a bookkeeper, developing strong financial management skills and a practical understanding of the pressures primary producers face. She commenced with RBS as a Drought Officer supporting clients across the Lower Eyre Peninsula, before stepping into a Rural Financial Counsellor role in late 2024, now assisting clients in the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Growing up and working in a family farming business shaped Afton’s grounded, empathetic approach. She understands seasonal variability, cashflow uncertainty, and the pressures of succession. Her strengths lie in navigating government assistance programs and grants, supporting cash flow budgeting, and helping clients prepare Regional Investment Corporation loans and farm debt mediation. With the ability to interpret financial documents confidently and explain options clearly, Afton walks alongside clients in a way that is practical and respectful.
Afton holds a Diploma of Financial Counselling (Rural Specialisation), along with Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, reflecting her commitment to supporting both the financial and personal wellbeing of her clients. She also holds a Certificate III in Business and a Certificate IV in Business Administration, strengthening her practical understanding of business operations and financial management in rural enterprises.
Outside of work, Afton enjoys painting, reading, and working on projects at her new home. She loves spending time at the beach and camping with her two children and their dog, Lucy, and volunteers on the Governing Council at her local kindergarten. Her guiding principle is simple: “One step at a time”- small, steady progress can make a meaningful difference.