Austbrokers Coast to Coast MD Dale Hansen has won the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) broker of the year award, while Noel Kelly of Austbrokers AEI Transport has taken top honours in the young professional broker category.

The winners were announced this morning at the NIBA Convention in Melbourne.

CGU triumphed for the second straight year in the general insurer section, beating Allianz and QBE.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” CGU EGM Broker Business Donna Walker said.

“This is the second year in a row CGU has taken out this award, and we’re thrilled with the feedback we continue to receive from our NIBA broker partners.”

Queensland-based Mr Hansen takes home the inaugural QBE-sponsored Stephen Ball Memorial award, which is worth $20,000.

The other regional finalists were Ali Conte (Arthur J Gallager, SA/NT), John Dunk (Dunk Insurance, NSW/ACT), Neil Gray (Mason Gray Insurance and Risk, WA) and David Kelly (JLT Sport, Victoria/Tasmania).

Mr Kelly, who is based in Sydney, wins a prize worth $10,000 for the Vero-sponsored Warren Tickle Memorial Award. The other regional finalists were Tyrone Shandiman (Strata Insurance Solutions, Queensland), Katie Stephenson (Arthur J Gallagher, SA/NT), Erica Filby (EBM, WA) and Todd Arnold (Roderick Insurance Brokers, Victoria/Tasmania).

Steadfast CEO and MD Robert Kelly won the Lex McKeown Trophy, which is presented each year at the discretion of NIBA’s President in recognition of a contribution to the association and the broking profession.

Mr Kelly founded Steadfast and has led it for more than 19 years.

Maria Perry of Austcover Queensland was named Student of the Year and Veronica Harrison from Oxley Insurance Brokers, NSW, was Trainee of the Year.