WA-based Steve Salvia of Southern Financial Strategies has been named Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) Adviser of the Year.

AFA CEO Richard Klipin says Mr Salvia’s commitment to excellence, superior client service, strong community involvement and streamlined systems made him the winner.

“His strong all-round practice and absolute commitment to excellence ultimately set him apart from his peers,” Mr Klipin said.

Meanwhile, Aspire Financial Planning adviser Katherine Hunt has been named AFA Student of the Year.

She was a 2009 and 2010 winner of the Queensland Student of the Year state award and holds a degree in psychological science and commerce (financial planning) and a first class honours degree in finance, earning the Griffith University Medal.

Adding to the list of AFA awards, the association announced at its Gold Coast conference it is launching a “female adviser of the year” award, to be sponsored by Tower.

Mr Klipin says women advisers are still undervalued and underpaid and “it’s time to shine the spotlight on our professional women and promote their contributions and reward excellence in their endeavours”.