The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has revealed the Victorian/Tasmanian Broker of the Year Award finalists – Abbie Wilson from Reliance Partners Insurance Brokers, Avi Tatarka from Scott Winton Insurance Brokers and Tom Teom from EBM.
The Broker of the Year Award, sponsored by QBE, goes to an individual broker who is deemed an inspirational role model for the broking community.
QBE Regional Manager for Victoria & Tasmania, Danny Ravenhill said: “On behalf of QBE, I’d like to congratulate this year’s VIC/TAS Broker of the Year Award finalists – there’s no shortage of talented brokers across the region, so being named a finalist is a truly outstanding achievement.”
“This year’s finalists have clearly demonstrated an admirable commitment to professional excellence, client advocacy, customer service and the development of not only themselves, but their teams and the broking community in Victoria and Tasmania.”
“Our broker partners are vital to our success at QBE, which is why we’re so proud to partner with NIBA to recognise the best brokers in the business at a regional level and nationally via the Stephen Ball Memorial Insurance Broker of the Year Award.”
NIBA CEO Dallas Booth congratulated the three Victorian/Tasmanian finalists, adding: “We are delighted to recognise Abbie, Avi and Tom who have all demonstrated exemplary professionalism and excellence in broking practice.”
Wilson believes that the nomination is a testament to her hard work, not only as an insurance broker, but also as a small business owner, “Working alone in the country means that one really doesn’t get a chance to see or talk to many industry colleagues, let alone have the time to stop and truly reflect on what one has achieved over the years. So, knowing that someone out there took the time to nominate me because they truly believe I am deserving of such a prestigious award is extremely humbling and I am truly honoured.”
Tatarka also expressed that he was humbled and honoured to be one of the finalists for this prestigious award, “It is an affirmation that my dedicated team and I are appreciated for what we do. It motivates me to aim higher, continually improve and strive to be the best that I can be with the backing of a professional and rewarding industry.”
Teom believes that just being nominated for the NIBA Broker of the Year award is an achievement in itself, and to be announced as a finalist is an even more humbling accomplishment and one he is immensely proud of. He said: “This award highlights that you can achieve greatness, no matter your race, education or background, as long as you possess an unwavering passion and are willing to work hard.”
The Victorian/Tasmanian winners will be announced during the NIBA Victorian Gala Lunch on 24 May at Crown Aviary, a stunning rooftop venue that offers uninterrupted views over the Melbourne city skyline. Don’t miss out, register now at niba.com.au.
The region winners will go on to compete for the Stephen Ball Memorial Award for Insurance Broker of the Year, which will be awarded at the 2019 NIBA Convention on the Gold Coast, visit nibaconvention.com.au for more information.
About NIBA
NIBA is an independent industry association representing approximately 320 firms and more than 3500 individual intermediaries, who handle almost 90 per cent of the commercial insurance transacted in Australia. Brokers play a major role in insurance distribution, handling $18 billion in premiums annually and placing around half of Australia’s total insurance business.