Twenty-five years ago, Heather Crowther and Silvio Marinelli set out to build something of their own. In 2001, they opened the doors to Highview Accounting Services in Cranbourne with a simple goal: to create a firm they could grow and stand behind for the long term.
Looking back, Silvio says the vision was simple.
“When we started, we wanted to create a great environment for our clients and provide exceptional service. We certainly weren’t thinking about seven offices or 150 team members. We just wanted to build a business we could be proud of.”
What has followed since then is a story of steady, considered growth.
Looking back to 2001
Twenty-five years can sometimes feel closer than it is, but when you look back to 2001, the world Highview was born into feels very different. GST had only recently been introduced, most Melbourne drivers relied on a Melway to get around, the internet was still largely dial-up, MySpace wasn’t even on the horizon, and Australia was still enjoying the afterglow of the Sydney Olympics.
From that first Cranbourne office on Childers Street, Highview has grown into a multi-disciplinary firm spanning seven locations across Victoria and Queensland, with more than 150 employees across accounting, financial planning, finance, insurance and bookkeeping.
In those early years, the focus was firmly on building a strong foundation. The team was small, the pace was steady, and growth came through new people joining and the gradual expansion of capability. Work was recorded in paper files, with grey lead pencils, erasers and handwritten notes forming the everyday tools of the trade.
One of the early milestones was the appointment of Darren Crowther, who joined while still completing his studies and went on to become Highview’s first Associate Partner in 2008.
As the business evolved, so too did its services. Financial Planning was introduced in 2009, followed by Finance in 2010, broadening the offering beyond accounting and setting the foundations for a more integrated approach.
Over time, Highview gradually expanded beyond Cranbourne, opening in Prahran in 2011, followed by Mornington in 2014 and Ringwood in 2018. Each new office reflected the same approach: steady growth, local teams, and building a presence within each community.
In 2016, the business was renamed Highview Accounting & Financial to reflect its broader range of services.
By 2017, the Cranbourne team moved into its current headquarters on Codrington Street, supporting continued growth across the organisation.
Growth and change
The business continued to evolve across multiple service lines, with the Finance division expanding in 2022 from a single Broker into a dedicated team.
More recently, Highview has continued to expand into new regions, with Bass Coast opening in 2024 with Partner Carlia Morgan, Frankston opening in 2025 with Partner Adam Pasquill, and the Gold Coast office also opening in 2025, marking Highview’s first interstate location under Senior Partner Darren Crowther.
Today, Highview is a team of more than 150 employees across seven locations.
While the milestones are easy to map out, the story of Highview has been one of gradual, steady growth rather than sudden change. It has been shaped by new offices, new services, and most importantly, the people who have contributed along the way.
Reflecting on the journey, Silvio says the growth isn’t measured by the number of offices or services, but by the impact the business has been able to make.
“As we’ve grown, we’ve been able to help more people thrive. Whether it’s our clients, our team or the communities we’re part of, that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Celebrating 25 years
Highview marked this significant milestone with a celebration at Southside Racing in Cranbourne, bringing together past and present employees and those who have been part of the journey.
The evening was a chance to reconnect, share stories and reflect on the growth of the business since those early days. With great food, plenty of laughs and a packed dancefloor kept moving by Andrew Wishart and DJ John Course, it was a fitting celebration of the people and relationships that have helped shape Highview.
More than anything, the night served as a reminder that while offices, services and technology have changed over the years, Highview’s success has always come back to its people.
As Silvio reflects on the past 25 years, he believes that’s been the biggest driver of Highview’s success.
“Our people have always been the heart of Highview. We’ve invested in them, backed them and watched them grow, and that’s what has made this business what it is today.”
