Solid foundations

With origins stretching back to the 1960s (and some of our current clients have been associated with the firm since that time), the firm as we now know it commenced in 1981 when Kimberly Smith asked Bruce Saward to join him in practice. After graduating from Monash University, Bruce trained with Arthur Andersen & Co in their Small Business Division and successfully completed his Professional Year. Following further growth in the practice, Cliff Dawson joined the firm in 1984 after extensive audit, business and taxation services experience with middle tier accounting firm Parkhill Lithgow & Gibson (now known as BDO Nelson Parkhill). Read more about our partners.

In the heart of Melbourne's eastern suburbs

The firm, then known as Kimberly Smith, Saward & Co, moved from the city to Box Hill in January 1985. Within twelve months the firm moved into new premises at 9 Prospect Street. Craig Wright joined the firm in 1986 as a Tax Manager and was invited to become a principal in 1989. In June 1990, Kimberly Smith retired as a principal to pursue some specialist areas of consultancy and investment advisory. It was then decided to change the name of the firm to Saward Dawson Wright. Craig later resigned from the practice in 1992 to pursue full-time theological study with a view to undertaking a church ministry. In January 1999, the firm changed its name to Saward Dawson. At the same time we relocated to our current premises in Albert Street, Blackburn.

Since then, two new partners have joined the firm. Peter Shields and Tim Flowers. The firm has continued to grow with overall staff numbering around 50.