A Structured, Relationship-Led Approach

Banksia & Sage was established to provide a more considered approach to finance and dealership support — one grounded in structure, clarity and long-term relationships.

The business operates across both lending and operational support, working with individuals, business owners and dealership teams to deliver well-structured finance solutions and consistent, high-performing processes.

While access to lenders and systems may be similar across the industry, outcomes are often determined by the quality of structure, communication and execution behind each transaction. Banksia & Sage focuses on strengthening these foundations — ensuring both client experience and commercial performance are aligned.

OUR TEAM

Black and white photo of a woman smiling, wearing a sweater over a collared shirt, sitting with her arms crossed and hand resting on her knee.

Samantha Donovan - mANAGING dIRECTOR

Samantha Donovan brings over a decade of experience across automotive finance and dealership environments, having worked extensively within Business Manager roles as well as supporting dealer groups through training, relief and operational development.

Her experience is grounded in the day-to-day realities of dealership operations — managing applications, structuring deals, working with lenders and navigating the pressures of a live finance environment.

Through this experience, Samantha identified a consistent gap across the industry: while many finance departments have access to the same lenders, performance varies significantly due to differences in structure, training and communication.

Banksia & Sage was established to address this — offering a more structured, hands-on and relationship-focused approach to both lending and finance department support.

Samantha works closely with clients and dealership teams to ensure finance is not only approved, but positioned correctly, communicated clearly and aligned with longer-term objectives.

A black and white photograph of a middle-aged woman with glasses, wearing a black jacket, a top, and gloves. She is smiling and looking directly at the camera, standing against a plain background.
A black and white photograph of a middle-aged woman with glasses, wearing a black jacket, a top, and gloves. She is smiling and looking directly at the camera, standing against a plain background.

jILLIAN NICOL - Executive Assistant/Loans Processing Officer

Jillian supports the day-to-day operations of Banksia & Sage, working closely alongside Samantha to ensure a consistent, organised and responsive experience for both clients and dealership partners.

With a diverse professional background spanning executive support, community-based roles and small business ownership, Jillian brings a unique combination of structure, communication and people-focused experience to the business.

Her previous roles as a community support worker and early childhood music specialist, along with owning and operating a music school, have developed a strong ability to manage relationships, communicate clearly and adapt to individual needs. Prior to this, Jillian worked in an Executive Assistant capacity, building a solid foundation in organisation, coordination and workflow management.

At Banksia & Sage, Jillian plays a key role in managing client communication, documentation and process flow — ensuring each application progresses smoothly and with a high level of attention to detail.