After 36 years with McLaren Hunt Financial Group, our firm was heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of Director Chris Kol in April 2026, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Chris joined Coffey Hunt in 1990 after completing his degree at Deakin University Warrnambool and spending 12 months at Ernst & Young in Melbourne, and soon became an integral part of the firm. Through providing ongoing success and value to his clients, he was promoted to Director in 1999.

Whilst a Director he served as a member of the Chartered Accountants Regional and Rural Committee. Chris was deeply passionate about Warrnambool and gave generously to the community throughout his life. Over the years, he contributed his time and leadership to committees and boards including WRAD Health, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Star of the Sea Parish, Emmanuel College, Warrnambool Golf Club and Western District Food Share and many more.

Underpinning Chris’ immense contribution to McLaren Hunt Financial Group was his desire to deliver exceptional support and advice to his clients and he was instrumental in building the firm’s audit and assurance division into the largest in the region.

Chris had a strong presence in the firm and was known to all as a respected and well-liked leader and colleague. Chris was generous with his time and was invested in the future development of the firm.

Our firm alongside the wider accounting community acknowledge the immense contribution of Chris Kol and his legacy will always be remembered.