National Insurance Brokers owner Abbie Wilson has been named this year’s broker of the year for Victoria/Tasmania.

The region's young broker award winner this year is RSM Group senior account manager Steven Richards, the National Insurance Brokers Association announced today at a gala lunch of over 450 professionals at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. 

Ms Wilson was presented with the Graham “Bear” Stevens Trophy, which is named in recognition of Graham Stevens’ significant contribution and dedication to NIBA and the broader broking profession. Mr Stevens died in 2022.

“The award process continues to unearth the great talent from within the broking industry and shine a light on their achievements,” CEO Richard Klipin said.  

NIBA will name this year’s final winning broker duo, from SA/NT, at Adelaide Oval next week, and then the 10 state winners will compete for national honours, to be awarded at the NIBA Convention in Adelaide in October.  

Matthew Bates, Chelsey Harris and Kieran Volpe are the NSW/ACT, WA and Queensland brokers of the year, and Emily-Rose Srbinovska, Nikita Willis and Jodie Krafft the young brokers of the year for those regions. 

The CGU-partnered 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 EGM Damien Gallagher congratulated Ms Wilson, saying "her dedication to client advocacy has set a very high standard, and we commend her for her broking achievements". 

Vero Victoria/Tasmania state distribution manager Megan Lewis says Mr Richards has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep passion for the insurance profession.  

“His innovative thinking and willingness to go above and beyond for his clients set him apart. Brokers like Steven exemplify why we continue to support young professionals in our industry,” she said. 

The SA/NT brokers in the running to be crowned next week are Guardian Insurance Brokers client relationship manager Phil Spagnuolo; Holdfast Insurance Brokers specialised placement manager Neil Daniel; Pillar Brokerage director Will Laundy; and Marsh specialty principal Daniela Zaccone. 

Young broker finalists are Guardian account executive Kaitlin Munn, Kerrie Woodards Insurance senior account executive Jack Miles, Aon client manager Lachlan Birrell and Holdfast account manager Rebecca Heatley.