Melbourne-based Pace Insurance and Taree’s Complete Risk Solutions were named joint practice of the year winners at the Insurance Advisernet (IA) awards last week.

Regional Operations Assistant Southern Region Nikki McCleary and Manager Accounting Financial Services Nathan Richards were named IA employees of the year.

GM Learning and Development Marni Dittman received the chairman’s award for her role in the design and delivery of the IA Accelerator Academy and IA Essentials Academy training programs.

The southern region was named best region for the third consecutive year.

The awards were presented at IA’s annual conference on Hamilton Island.

An auction at the event raised $100,000 for the Insurance Advisernet Foundation, with sale items donated by QBE, Allianz, CGU, Vero, Commonwealth Bank and IA.

The money will go to charities Love Your Sister, McGrath Foundation, Prostate Cancer Foundation, KidsXpress, Beyondblue and Act For Kids.

The foundation has distributed more than $140,000 to charities since its establishment earlier this year.

Next year’s conference will be on the Gold Coast from October 30.