peopleNEWS

Envest has a ball raising charity cash for kids

The Envest Group hosted a charity ball in Brisbane in July attended by 250 professionals.

The evening, sponsored by Envest parent Ardonagh, included an expert rugby panel discussing the British and Irish Lions’ clashes with the Wallabies.

The black-tie ball at Tattersall’s Club also raised more than $150,000 for childhood cancer charity Run DIPG. It was co-founded by Aviso Broking head of sales Luke Eagle after his niece Josie was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a rare childhood brain cancer. She died aged four.

Professor Matt Dun, a leading DIPG researcher, delivered a keynote speech, and there was a live auction and raffles.

Record numbers flock to MGA conference

More than 200 insurance professionals gathered at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas in July for the MGA Insurance Group broker conference.

At a disco-themed gala dinner, nearly $30,000 was raised for charity All Kids. The money will help 75 children in Cambodia access education for a year.

The event, backed by major sponsors Allianz, CGU, Millennium, NTI and QBE, also featured Jessica Watson, the youngest solo sailor to navigate the globe.

“Our theme ‘building on best’ resonated,” MGA managing director Paul George says. “As always, the most important part about the MGA conference is the connection and reconnection – both with colleagues and our partners. This year, our 50th, was no exception.”

Started in 1975 by Paul’s father John George, MGA has now grown into one of Australia’s largest and most respected brokerage firms, with 40 offices nationwide.

“As we mark this milestone, we honour our past and look ahead, committed to evolving and continuing our legacy for years to come. Thank you to all our clients, partners and the MGA team for being a part of the journey and standing by us – 50 years is just the beginning.”

Queensland broker group celebrates awards day

The Council of Queensland Insurance Brokers presented annual awards at its Queensland Day event attended by 280 people in Brisbane.

The awards, which began in 1996, include two individual and 10 company honours, and the celebration lunch took place at the Rivershed, Howard Smith Wharves.

“The Queensland Day Awards recognise the performance of our business partners for the past 12 months, as voted by CQIB members,” council president Danny Brandon said.

“We are proud to be continuing the tradition of fostering connections and camaraderie among industry professionals.”

‘Great vibe’ at UAC’s Brisbane exchange

The Underwriting Agencies Council’s Brisbane Market Exchange was “a standout success” as brokers caught up with the latest insurance offerings available in the market.

UAC says for the first time 140 exhibitor tables sold out, and 504 brokers registered for the event, which took place at the city’s convention and exhibition centre in July.

AFA Insurance national business development manager Anthony Porter said on LinkedIn the agency “was proud to be there and catch up with so many broker partners new and old … what an awesome day … such a great vibe of activity.”

QPR Premium Funding strategic partner for insurance brokers Laura Kinkead said she and her colleagues were kept busy, with plenty of brokers to see.

Xceedance also thanked UAC for once again putting on a great event. “Great energy … We loved connecting with insurance leaders to explore how Xceedance supports underwriting agencies with smarter operations, technology and data-driven decision-making.”