The National Insurance Brokers Association named the winners of its NSW/ACT awards today at a gala lunch at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney.

Bell Partners Insurance MD Matthew Bates is the region’s broker of the year, and Austbrokers Canberra account manager Emily-Rose Srbinovska won the young broker category.

They are now in the running for NIBA’s national awards, to be announced in October. They will be up against finalists from Queensland, Victoria/Tasmania, WA and SA/NT. The association will announce more regional winners in the coming weeks.

“NIBA would like to congratulate all the NSW/ACT state finalists and wish Emily-Rose and Matthew the best of luck for the national awards,” CEO Richard Klipin said.

The CGU-partnered NSW/ACT broker award recognises a standout senior broker who has helped elevate standards in the profession, and the Vero-partnered young broker prize celebrates an outstanding professional under the age of 35.

CGU’s EM of broker relationships Pegah Vaghaye says Mr Bates’ expertise and integrity are why the insurer is proud to champion broker ambition.

Vero NSW/ACT state distribution manager Yusuf Alexander says Ms Srbinovska’s passion for the industry and dedication to her clients were evident throughout the selection process. “Her involvement in professional development and mentoring peers highlights her leadership qualities,” he said. “We are proud to support brokers like Emily-Rose who represent the very best of the profession.”