The National Insurance Brokers Association today named its award winners for the NSW and ACT region at a gala lunch in Sydney attended by more than 500 professionals.

Wagga Wagga-based Gallagher branch manager Caleb Richards is the region’s broker of the year, and Aon senior client manager Derek Turner from Sydney has won the young broker category.

They are now in the running for national awards to be announced in October, when they will compete against soon-to-be-named finalists from WA, Victoria/Tasmania, Queensland and SA/NT. 

Michael Frazer, EM at broker award sponsor CGU, says “expertise and integrity” make Mr Richards a standout.  

And young broker sponsor Vero’s Yusuf Alexander says Mr Turner’s passion for the industry and dedication to clients were evident throughout the selection process.  

“His involvement in professional development is a strong indicator of leadership qualities,” Mr Alexander said.

“We are proud to support brokers like Derek who exemplify the very best of the profession.”

NIBA CEO Richard Klipin said today the association “acknowledges the incredible efforts of all the finalists in going above and beyond for their clients and the impact theyʼve made in giving back”.

More gala lunches will be held on Friday at Crown Perth; July 18 at the Sofitel in Melbourne; July 23 at The Star Brisbane; and July 25 at Adelaide Oval.