NIBA unveils winners for NSW/ACT broker awards

The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has revealed the winners of the 2023 NSW/ACT Broker of the Year and NSW/ACT Young Broker of the Year awards.

The awards are intended to recognise and celebrate excellence in the Australian insurance broking community.

NSW/ACT winners for 2023

NIBA gave the 2023 NSW/ACT Broker of the Year award, sponsored by QBE, to Barry Sonter from Finsura.

Elliot Hill, managing director for business at QBE Australia Pacific, congratulated Sonter for earning the award.

“On behalf of QBE, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Barry as this year's NSW/ACT Broker of the Year award winner. He has demonstrated excellent customer service and expertise, and the resulting positive impact on his local community is truly significant,” Hill said.

Joel Morrell from Network Insurance Group took home the 2023 NSW/ACT Young Broker of the Year award, sponsored by Vero.

Yusuf Alexander, state distribution manager for NSW/ACT at Vero, said: “In addition to being a true advocate for his clients, Joel has shown a strong commitment to the professional development and personal well-being of his team.

“He is also passionate about giving back to his community, actively engaging in volunteer work and fundraising activities. We are excited to continue supporting young leaders like him across the country.”

The Young Broker of the Year award recognises excellent professionals under the age of 35 in the broking community.

 “I would like to congratulate Barry and Joel for their win and wish them all the best as they progress to the national awards in October,” said NIBA CEO Philip Kewin.

Finalists

The finalists for the QBE-sponsored 2023 NSW/ACT Broker of the Year award are Helen Bullock (from Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers) and John Kay (from Quantaco Insurance Brokers).

Meanwhile, the finalists for the Vero-sponsored the 2023 NSW/ACT Young Broker of the Year award are Grant Zorad (from Network Insurance Group) and Jordan Caleo (from AEI Broking Group).

“Congratulations to all the finalists, who should be proud of their commitment, passion, and dedication towards the broking profession,” Kewin said. “Every year, these awards give us an opportunity to recognise standout talent who live by and embody the values of professionalism that make our industry proud.”

Broker of the Year award state finalists

The Broker of the Year and Young Broker of the Year winners for each state will compete in the national awards at the NIBA Convention in October 2023.

The state finalists for the 2023 Broker of the Year award are:

• Aimee Henderson, WA State Manager, Grace Insurance;
• Nick Hodges, Corporate and Commercial Leader, Marsh (winner of the Vic/Tas 2023 Broker of the Year award);
• Frans du Plessis, Director, Grace Insurance;
• Shannan Gardner, Account Executive, Guardian Insurance Brokers;
• Gary Thomas, Managing Director, Thomas Insurance Brokers;
• Barry Sonter, Senior Account Manager, Finsura Insurance Broking;
• Samantha Yates, Managing Director, New Generation Insurance Solutions;
• Helen Bullock, Director, Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers;
• Lisa Shanta, Director, SB Protect Insurance;
• John Kay, Director, Quantaco Insurance Brokers;
• Tanushree Arora-Sopori, Account Director, Imperium Insurance and Financial Solutions;
• Lisa Bowles, Senior Account Executive, Master Builders Insurance; and
• Skie Mitchell, Senior Account Executive, Tasmanian Insurance Brokers.