About us
We Give Comprehensive Financial Solutions
We’re a small, dedicated accounting practice built on trust, reliability, and a strong sense of teamwork. Our close-knit office works efficiently and respectfully, supporting one another to deliver consistent, high-quality service to our clients.
We value a healthy work-life balance and believe that a calm, well-organized environment helps us do our best work—together.
Meet Our team
Robert Wearne
Principal
Robert has had careers in corporate finance, law (tax litigation) and taxation advice and compliance and he holds practicing certificates in accounting and law. He assists clients in structuring their affairs to achieve their objectives and reduce their commercial and tax risks. Tax is in Robert’s blood, and he follows in his father’s footsteps, Warren Wearne, who was a prominent Chartered Accountant in the 60s and 70s and who had a firm with offices in Sydney, New Hebrides (Vanuatu) and Hong Kong. Robert did his training with Coopers and Lybrand and then the firm his father had started, which was taken over by his old partner, John Moore. After his initial training in public practice, Robert spent 12 years in corporate finance in Sydney working at ANZ and Westpac in their leveraged finance areas before commencing working for himself at 40 This time gave Robert excellent insight into a range of business acquisition experiences. Apart from running his accounting practice, Robert was at chambers in Brisbane (Fullagar Chambers 2018 to 2020) and Sydney (Ground Floor Wentworth 2020 to 2025) where he was involved in tax litigation and advice.
Robert’s ability to consider the tax and legal implications of his clients’ affairs enables him to provide advice to a range of clients, from small to larger, including complex family business groups and public companies. He still consults with other accountants and solicitors on tax and asset protection matters. Recently, Robert has assisted in structuring a management buy-in for a management consulting practice under the employee share provisions of the tax act and consults to both companies and participants in this area. Robert enjoys traveling and exploring Southeast Asia on motorcycles and skiing. He has two boys in their teenage years with whom he co-parents with his ex-wife.
Melanie Jackson
Senior Associate
Melanie is a qualified accountant holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business, majoring in Accounting from James University, with experience in taxation and business advisory services. As a founding member of Northland Tax, Melanie has played an instrumental role in the company’s growth from conception and currently oversees operations at the Mareeba office. Drawing on her entrepreneurial background and deep understanding of business dynamics, Melanie is passionate about guiding local businesses and individuals through complex financial obligations while providing strategic tax planning solutions. Her commitment to community engagement has made her a trusted advisor for clients seeking to optimize their financial outcomes. Melanie has 2 teenage boys, enjoys yoga, snow skiing and cooking.
Gabriela Villanueva
Senior Associate
Originally from Argentina, Gabi has been living in Australia since 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Argentine University of Business (UADE) and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Australia. Gabi is particularly passionate about taxation law and enjoys working through complex financial matters. She finds the most rewarding aspect of her profession to be the opportunity to help others, as it allows her to combine strong technical skills with a genuine desire to support and connect with people. Outside of work, Gabi enjoys practicing sports, spending time with friends, and travelling whenever possible.
Michelle Vladich
Associate
Michelle brings more than 30 years of experience in bookkeeping and administration, with the past 6 years focused on accounting and taxation services. Contracting to Northland Tax four days a week, Michelle supports individuals and businesses with BAS and IAS lodgements, payroll, accounts management, reconciliations, and tax return preparation. With deep practical knowledge and a sharp eye for detail, Michelle is highly experienced in all areas of bookkeeping, including accounts payable and receivable, bank and credit card reconciliations, superannuation, and end-of-month reporting. She is a registered BAS Agent and a professional partner with both MYOB and Xero. She also assists clients in getting back on track with their tax obligations, including preparing multiple years of overdue tax returns where needed—always in a supportive and judgment-free manner. Her background includes working with a range of businesses across regional Queensland, and she prides herself on delivering solutions that are both efficient and tailored to each client’s unique needs. Outside of work, Michelle is a devoted mum of four, a community-minded volunteer, and enjoys time spent outdoors, watching local sport, and supporting causes that strengthen families and youth.
Lynne Kinrade
Consultant
Lynne is a semi-retired Chartered Accountant consulting two days per week to the Northland practice. Her past experience in the UK and Sydney included advising companies involved in Corporate Finance transactions, particularly private equity, as well as auditing and accounting. She has worked with clients and transactions all over the world and is now happy to remain at home in Port Douglas, playing sports and walking with her two dogs.