The National Insurance Brokers Association named its annual award winners for Victoria and Tasmania at a gala lunch in Melbourne today attended by more than 520 professionals.  

Aon regional manager for Tasmania Debbie Spandonis was crowned the region’s broker of the year, and said she was “proud to be standing alongside others who are passionate about our industry and making a real impact for the communities we serve”.

Ballarat-based Still Insured founder and MD James Still won the young broker prize. His father nominated him before passing away recently.  

“His belief in me never wavered,” Mr Still said. “Thank you to my clients, peers, mentors, industry partners and my family.

“To be acknowledged by NIBA alongside some of the brightest and most passionate professionals in our industry is a moment I’ll always hold close.”

The pair are now in the running for national awards, up against WA winners Charles Elders and Tom Wheeler, NSW winners Caleb Richards and Derek Turner, and winners from Queensland and SA/NT.

The final winning pairs will be named at lunches next week, at The Star Brisbane on Wednesday and Adelaide Oval on Friday.

National honours will be announced at the NIBA Convention on the Gold Coast in October.

Damien Gallagher, EGM at broker award sponsor CGU, has praised Ms Spandonis for her dedication to client advocacy.

“Debbie has set a very high standard and we commend her for her broking achievements,” he said.

Megan Lewis, from young broker sponsor Vero, says Mr Still has demonstrated great leadership and a passion for the insurance profession.

“His innovative thinking and willingness to go above and beyond for his clients set him apart.”

NIBA is accepting applications for two other national awards – claims broker and community excellence member of the year – until August 8.