A speech by McGrath Foundation director Tracy Bevan at last week’s Insight Insurance Brokers Association conference in Adelaide resulted in an impromptu whip-around by brokers and commercial partners in the audience.

They donated a total of $17,475 to help fund support services for breast cancer sufferers. 

Ms Bevan was the best friend of Jane McGrath, who died in 2008 after a five-year battle with breast cancer. The surprise donation from conference delegates capped off a positive weekend for Insight members.

Newcastle broker David Brockwell won the Les McInerney Award of Excellence, which is sponsored by Vero and recognises excellence in professionals with more than five years’ industry experience.

Mr Brockwell, from Nadic Insurance Brokers, has worked in the industry for more than 30 years.

Ruralco Insurance – Rodwells broker Sharni Hood won the Norm Dyer Award of Excellence for professionals with up to three years’ experience. It is specifically intended to encourage young brokers to pursue academic qualifications, and sponsored by CGU Insurance.

Next year’s Insight conference will be held in Cairns, Qld, in May.