Insurance professionals recognised for 'making a difference'

The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has announced the newest winners of its annual Making a Difference awards.

Sydney-based Youi Head of Governance, Risk & Compliance Alison Cameron took the prize in the general insurance category.

Townsville-based Nutrien Ag Solutions Divisional Insurance Manager North Queensland Rebecca Gilbert won the broking award.

The pair – professionals who have gone “above and beyond” – were crowned at the ANZIIF General Insurance breakfast, held at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney this week.

It was previously announced that Flex Insurance Team Leader Sara Rusdiah won in the underwriting category and Tower Head of Pacific Operations Ali Wilkinson won the claims award.

AIA Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Manager Karen Robertson won the life prize and Auckland-based Frank Risk Management Senior Broker Anna Parker previously won Making a Difference New Zealand.

All winners will receive a profile on the ANZIIF website under the Professional Development section and a prize valued at $500.

ANZIIF says Ms Cameron has more than 20 years of experience across the lifecycle of insurance.

“Alison joined the ASIC Indigenous financial framework committee and worked on projects that make a real difference in supporting Indigenous community’s insurance needs,” it said.

Ms Gilbert was a trusted adviser to her local community, going above and beyond for her customers and “really made a difference in supporting customers located in remote areas of Australia who struggled to access professional broking services for their farming business”.

A panel at the breakfast featured Aon Australia CEO Jennifer Richards, Insurance Council of Australia COO Kylie Macfarlane, IAG Chief Insurance & Strategy Officer Tim Plant and Finity Consulting Principal Susie Amos, who discussed product innovation, environmental & social governance, affordability and accessibility.

“Thanks to everyone who joined the General Insurance Breakfast,” ANZIIF said. “There’s no better way to wrap up the year, reflect, and consider the challenges and opportunities for the year ahead.”