Twelve life insurers, claims professionals and underwriters were recognised for their service to the industry at an awards night in Sydney.

The Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association handed out its Life Insurance Excellence Awards at an event at Darling Harbour.

Scott Power and Tony Baker of Zurich won awards for excellence in underwriting and life insurance education respectively. Michelle Byrne of CommInsure won for claims excellence and Jennifer Jackson, also from CommInsure, won for volunteer services. MetLife’s underwriting team was honoured, while employee Melissa Colonna won the division prize for her work in rehabilitation services.

AMP’s Emily Plahuta was named life insurance rising star, while AMP’s customer service team won a prize for innovative customer care and great customer outcomes.

MLC won an award for creating the Mental Health Navigator product, and Peter Tilocca from OnePath was named outstanding life insurance leader.

MLC and BT were joint winners of the claims team of the year award.

Nominations for next year’s awards will open in November.