peopleNEWS

Queensland brokers go for Long Lunch

The Council of Queensland Insurance Brokers held its annual Long Lunch event in Brisbane after finishing a six-stop pop-up expo tour in the state’s capital city. It had also visited Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast.

The 300 broking members, business partners and colleagues who attended the luncheon in February supported a good cause as well – chipping in to raise more than $7000 for QENDO, a non-profit support group for women with endometriosis and other conditions.

Sponsors of the lunch included Specialist Claims Advocates, Community Underwriting Agency, Cochrane Leahy Litigation, Survey Services, Attvest, NthStar Con-structions, Hunter Premium Funding and ATC Insurance Solutions.

UAC leader academy under way

The Underwriting Agencies Council Leadership Academy program began in March with a 30-strong cohort taking part.

A welcome reception took place at Market Lane Insurance Group’s office in Sydney, featuring a presentation from Stefan Feldmann, the head of Asia-Pacific at program sponsor HDI Global.

“In an industry that often moves fast and rarely pauses, this academy represents something different – a decision to invest in people, a commitment to leadership and a belief in the future of underwriting agencies,” UAC CEO Jenny Bax said.

The 30 participants were selected from 80 applicants.

As part of the program, HDI will hold a session showing how a regulated insurer works with underwriting agencies. It was produced by head of delegated authority for Australia Peter Gezimati, who says he is “super-proud to be part of this program and that HDI is supporting an industry that is a growing part of our business”.

Procare’s cricket series hits funds record for six

Procare Group’s national charity cricket day series has delivered a record-breaking season, raising more than $174,000 for children’s hospitals and charities across Australia.

More than 1000 players, sponsors and supporters from the personal injury industry took part in five events across Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Victoria and Perth, coming together to give back through sport and strengthen industry connection.

Now in its 16th year, the series continues to grow, bringing Procare’s total fundraising to more than $1.2 million for children’s causes nationwide.

“Procare Group is proud to back essential services for children and families and thanks all supporters for delivering another standout season,” a spokesperson said.

“Look out for the next instalment coming to a state near you, with the FY27 season kicking off later this year.”

Conference celebrates three decades of Ausure

The Ausure network marked its 30-year anniversary with a three-day conference in Sydney attended by almost 300 representatives, staff and industry partners.

The leadership team of Troy Brown, Scott McCarthy and Graeme Lilley reflected on the early days under founder Wayne Brown, through to becoming a national network.

“The 2026 conference was a meaningful reflection on the relationships, integrity and shared commitment that have shaped our network since Wayne founded it in 1996,” Ausure said.

“We are excited for the next chapter – continuing to work alongside our authorised representatives and supporting their journey as they grow, evolve and thrive.”

Experts shine at Sydney insurtech summit

Hundreds gathered in Sydney for InsurtechLIVE26 in February, as insurance luminaries including Richard Enthoven shared insights at the sold-out event.

Insurtech Australia CEO Simone Dossetor said there had been a boost of funding recently for insurance technology, and scaling ambition will be a key theme in coming years, as will deploying AI confidently.

Guests at the harbourside Doltone House event included Lynn Thompson of QBE Ventures, Scott Gunther of IAG Firemark Ventures, Fetch CEO Phil Wilson-Brown and Lorikeet CEO Steve Hind, who told the crowd AI is a lever to improve compliance posture, not a compliance risk.

Hobart’s InsurAI won the annual pitch competition.

Its software uses artificial intelligence to make comparing policies, quoting and managing renewals easier.

Broker and founder Dylan Rodricks says his start-up is “moving beyond clunky dashboards and building a system where a single chat does the work of 20 clicks.”

Also selected to pitch were CrikeyAI, PropertyExpert and Voxworks.

Last-ball drama at Insurance Ashes

NRMA Insurance emerged victorious with a last-ball victory over CGU in the annual Insurance Ashes charity cricket tournament.

The event, organised by the Primary Club of Australia, took place at the North Sydney Oval in March, and also featured teams from Chubb and streaming service Stan.

Almost $19,000 was raised for two Primary Club charities – Wheelchair Basketball and Cerebral Palsy Alliance – to fund new sporting and recreation equipment.

ICC umpire and Primary Club ambassador Siman Taufel joined the fun, helping out on the field, then assisting with trophy and medal presentations as NRMA captain Kristen Dorsch received the trophy from CGU’s Dean Storey.

Insurance News conference delivers key insights

About 250 people attended the Insurance News Outlook 2026 conference held in Sydney in March.

Attendees were presented with an exclusive printed copy of the latest INFORM market outlook report, compiled in partnership with Finity.

Speakers at the event included ICA CEO Andrew Hall and former IAG executive Jacki Johnson, while panels discussed issues including cyber, the future of broking, claims, workplace wellbeing and AI. The final session was the annual CEO panel.

The event was backed by gold partners QBE and Tata Consultancy Services, and sponsors Entsia, AAMC and Australia Underwriting.

Steadfast Convention raises $450,000

An impressive $452,000 was raised for Guide Dogs Queensland at the Steadfast Convention on the Gold Coast in March.

Australia’s largest gathering of general insurance professionals kicked off with a welcome event at Miami Marketta on the Sunday night.

Conference sessions included CEO Robert Kelly looking back at 30 years of Steadfast, plus speeches from comedian and event MC Adam Spencer and former tennis pro Jelena Dokic.

The conference, which was attended by about 1700 people, wrapped up with a Greek-themed gala dinner on the Tuesday night.

Next year’s convention will be in Adelaide. It was last held there in 2022, following a two-year break during the covid pandemic.

UAC market event in Sydney smashes records

The Underwriting Agencies Council’s Sydney Market Exchange brought together a record 174 exhibitors and more than 650 brokers.

Held at the International Convention Centre in February, the event was supported by headline sponsor Five Sigma and its Clive AI tool.

“From the moment doors opened, the room was alive with conversation, connection, and opportunity,” UAC CEO Jenny Bax said.

“The introduction of Clive AI reinforced the importance of digital capability, data-driven insights and smarter ways of working across the ecosystem.

“Exhibitors and brokers alike embraced the opportunity to engage in meaningful, face-to-face discussions, strengthening existing relationships while forging new ones in an increasingly competitive and evolving market.”