The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has announced the winners of two prestigious awards in the Victoria and Tasmania region.

Broker of the year is John Mutton of InterRISK in Melbourne, who beat finalists Belinda Scott of BJS Insurance Brokers and Ron Tatarka of Scott Winton Insurance Brokers.

Young professional broker of the year is Shane Brady of Sear Insurance Brokers in Dandenong, who saw off finalists Amy Dennis of Midland Insurance Brokers and Susanne Jones of Marsh.

“Huge congratulations go not just to our winners but to all the finalists, who represent all that is good about the insurance broking profession,” NIBA CEO Dallas Booth said.

“Events like this are really a celebration and reminder of the high standards of professionalism and competence in the broking profession.”

The awards were presented on Friday in Melbourne following the annual underwriting expo held jointly by NIBA and the Underwriting Agencies Council.

Zurich State Manager Victoria and Tasmania Chris O’Connor presented the main award and Vero Sales Manager Victoria and Tasmania Glenn Burbidge handed out the young professional award.

The national broker of the year and the Warren Tickle Memorial Award for best young professional will be chosen from state and territory winners and announced at the NIBA Convention in Adelaide on September 14-16.

Vero has been sponsoring the Warren Tickle award since it was launched in 1990, and the broker of the year award – launched in 2012 – is sponsored by Zurich.