This year’s Valerie Baker Memorial Award has been cancelled because of the virus disruption but will return next year, co-organiser Gold Seal announced today.

It is the first time the annual award has been cancelled since it was launched in 2013 to recognise excellence in the general insurance intermediary sector.

The prize for winning the award is an all-expenses-paid educational trip to London but that is not possible in light of the current situation.

“We are conscious that previous winners and finalists have received a considerable boost to their business opportunities through the Valerie Baker Award,” said Gold Seal MD Sheila Baker, who is chair of the judging panel.

Beau Munn, from Origin Insurance Brokers in Melbourne, was the winner last year.

Ms Baker’s sister Valerie founded Gold Seal and died in 2013 from mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.