Austbrokers raised $12,000 for Children’s Cancer Institute Australia as part of its 30th birthday celebrations at Sydney’s Ivy Ballroom last week.

CEO and MD Mark Searles says giving back to communities is something in which the broker group plans to increase its activities.

“We know we wouldn’t be the organisation we are today without the support of our communities right across Australia,” he said. “Our staff and our partners are some of the most generous people I’ve ever met, giving their time and money to help those in need.”

Each year 950 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer, and each week three die from the disease.

The 350 guests at the Ivy celebrated Austbrokers’ evolution from a one-partner business to a company boasting more than $250 million in gross written premium and with $310 million invested in 75 partner businesses. 

Mr Searles attributes Austbrokers’ success to its “unique” owner-driver model.

“Our partner businesses have skin in the game – everyone remains focused and committed to growth,” he said. “The result is clearly demonstrated by the sustained growth we’ve enjoyed year on year.”

In attendance at the birthday party was Chairman Richard Longes, who oversaw Austbrokers’ float 10 years ago as a $100 million company and its acquisition-led growth to become worth more than $500 million.

Former MD Lachlan McKeough, who led the business until 2012, was also at the event.