Engage & Rise-Up: Ausure 2025 Conference
On the 23rd of February, over 300 delegates, sponsors and Ausure staff descended on the Gold Coast to begin a three-night, two-day conference stacked full of opportunities, networking and education.
Welcome Dinner - Sponsored by Chubb, Gold Sponsor
As delegates and sponsors arrived at The Star Gold Coast’s event centre on the afternoon of the 23rd, an overwhelming buzz of anticipation developed throughout the afternoon, leading into the evening where the Ausure 2025 Conference Welcome Dinner, sponsored by Chubb, was the opportune time for both AR and Insurer to reconnect, meet and genuinely get a feel of what Ausure had in store over the next few days.
Returning for a second year, renowned MC and one of Ausure’s finest insurance industry specialists, John Mills, Broking Manager at Ausure, opened the conference with some light housekeeping, acknowledgements to both sponsors and delegates and an overview of the conference agenda.
Ausure also welcomed Managing Director, Troy Brown to the stage to welcome everyone to the annual event and to express Ausure’s condolences for the loss of a treasured industry colleague, Lion Underwriting’s Managing Director Kurt Nilsen.
Troy then welcomed Danny Byrnes, National Relationship Manager, AR Networks at Chubb, to formally welcome everyone again to the Ausure 2025 Conference and to thank everyone for travelling from across Australia to attend.
Danny Byrnes shared, “Chubb is excited to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2025 Ausure conference. We greatly value our relationship with the Ausure network and thank you for your support and trust, recommending Chubb to your clients. We’re eager to connect with you during the conference to sharing insights on Chubb’s new propositions. Thank you to the Ausure organising committee for a wonderful opening night”.
Conference Day One
The official day one of conference began at 10.00am, with Ausure’s Head Office providing a dynamic Ausure network update, including 2025 education and development initiatives, extensive technology rollouts and Ausure’s future focuses for their current and future ARs.
“The panel comprising a number of Ausure’s management team provided an update on various topics covering market conditions, business management, key compliance issues for 2025 and technology. Our aim was to update everyone on recent initiatives, plans for 2025 and also encourage businesses across the group to review their own business operations. As the market conditions are different in 2025 to previous years, all businesses should review their approach to business development, which markets are utilised to place business and internal processes to ensure business practices are still appropriate.“ – Scott McCarthy, CEO at Ausure.
Keynote Speaker Dean Boxall provided an energy-packed presentation filled with trial and tribulations; whilst inspiring, his stories held relatable qualities which the audience will be able to apply to their own goals and achievements.
“Dean Boxall was a great addition to the conference speakers – very engaging and motivating. The Ausure update was also very thorough, relatable and entertaining.” – Holly Butler, Market Lane Insurance Group
”The Conference was a great success and I thank Ausure and all of the organisers for another great event. The highlight for me being guest speaker, Dean Boxall.” – Vikki Burcher, Abico Insurance Brokers – Wollongong.
The CEO and Founder of RizeUp Australia, Ausure’s 2025 Conference charity of choice, Nicolle Edwards was a honorary guest speaker, highlighting the invaluable work that RizeUp does for some of Australia’s most vulnerable. You can read more about RizeUp and the successful donation drive at the Ausure 2025 Conference here.
“The room had such great energy, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share the work we do with your team and colleagues. The support from leaders like Ausure helps us continue standing alongside families as they rebuild their lives after domestic and family violence.” – Nicolle Edwards, CEO & Founder of RizeUp Australia.
Danny Byrnes, National Relationship Manager, AR Networks at Chubb, and Jeremy Boyle, NSW & ACT Relationship Manager – AR Networks were the final presentation of the day before the well awaited Market Stall, providing insight into Chubbs newest products and services.
Market Stall
Lunch signalled the end of presentations for the day and the commencement of the conference market stall. Running over four hours, the 50 stalled configuration of Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors, provided the perfect environment to promote networking, and discussion whilst sipping a hot coffee provided by Gold Sponsor QBE, or a refreshing gin supplied by Silver Sponsor Market Lane Group.
“Market Stall was excellent, great to see local underwriters based in QLD. everyone was approachable and a pleasure to deal with.” – Katherine Richards, Reg Leis Insurance Services.
“From a brokers point of view, the length of time, and location of the Market Stall was great.” – George Sismondi, Asset General Insurance Services.
Dinner on the Garden Lawn - Sponsored by Qnect QBE, Gold Sponsor
With a red carpet leading through, to golden décor mixed with the rustic sophistication of bar leaners, picnic tables and central light up bar, the Dinner on the Garden Lawn, hosted by Gold Sponsors QBE was a relaxed and inviting reprieve after a day of presentations and networking. Between DJ sets, MC, John Mills, along with Head of Q Nect, Partnerships – QBE Insurances, Steve Talbot, thanked again those who were in attendance, and the Ausure Conference Committee for coordinating such a successful event thus far.
Conference Day Two
Day two, was welcomed in by Qnect, QBE’s guest speaker Jude Bolton, former Sydney Swans player, turned broadcaster who spoke about both leadership, culture and the influence of AI in business.
Following Jude’s presentation, some of Australia’s insurance industry experts, took to the stage to share their insights:
- Gold Sponsor NTI, presented by Jay Hani, National Operations Manager – Commercial.
- Silver sponsor Allianz, presented by – Catherine Troyahn, National Manager Claims Customer Relationship Management.
- Silver sponsor Elantis, presented by Rebecca Capes, Regional Sales Manager QLD & NZ.
- Silver sponsor Market Lane Insurance Group presented by Shane Golding, Director / Group Head Of Liability – The Barn and Bobby Major, Eastern Regional Manager.
- Silver sponsor Attvest, presented by Nick Cunningham, Chief Commercial Officer.
- Silver sponsor CGU, presented by Tiana Luvale, Manager, Broker Engagement and Communication.
- Silver sponsor Arteva, presented by Bernie Van Altena, Business Development Manager.
- Silver sponsor CFC, presented by Yasoda Stephenson, Financial Lines – State Manager (QLD/NT), Emily Dickens, Senior Accident and Health Underwriter and Mason Pun, Financial Lines Underwriter.
- Silver sponsor IQumulate, presented by Peter Laydon, State Manager & Melinda Salemi, Relationship Manager.
“Wow, what a marvellous few days to be part of at the ‘Engage and Rize Up’ Ausure Conference 2025! I am honoured and privileged to play the role of MC for the second time and take everyone on a special Ausure journey.
Day 2 was just as electric as Day 1, starting off with QBE Qnect sponsored former Sydney Swans player Jude Bolton. Jude shared his learnings of how we should embrace AI in our team environments and use this to enhance culture and focus more on our people. The Gold and Silver presenters during Day 2 had our audience captivated all day. It really was special to witness, and the overall feedback I got from our delegates and amazing sponsors was that there was superb engagement, which culminated in our Gala night, and huge congratulations to the five winners on the night. What was my highlight?
Just being part of that super connection between everyone involved just made me realise I really can’t wait till Sydney 2026!“ – John Mills, Broking Manager at Ausure
Awards Gala Dinner, Sponsored by NTI, Gold Sponsor
The final evening event, and one of the most important nights for some of our brokers and insurers, the Award Gala evening began with light networking and refreshments, leading through to a three course meal, the awards presentations and live entertainment and dancing well into the evening.
John Mills, carried out his final duties as this years conference MC, announcing the final donations raised for RizeUp Australia, in partnership with Z Zurich Foundation who committed dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 dollars raised.
Jay Hani from NTI was invited to the stage as the official sponsor of the Award Gala Dinner, to welcome and thank everyone in attendance, and to express his appreciation for the success of the three day event.
Fastest Growing Branch Award, Sponsored by Lion Underwriting
After a short interim, John proceeded to announce the prestigious Ausure Awards starting with the Fastest Growing Branch Award, proudly Sponsored by Lion Underwriting. Mick O’Bree, General Manager of Operations and Underwriting was asked to present the award on behalf of Lion Underwriting in Kurts honour.
the 2025 Winner of the Fastest Growing Branch Award was Strelow Insurance & Wealth. Strelow Insurance & Wealth is an Ausure AR located in Rockhampton, Queensland and the award was accepted by Aaron Jasperson and Priscilla Strelow.
Thank you also to our finalists:
Tebbutt Broking House
Commercial Collective Protect
Young Achiever Award, Sponsored by QNect, QBE
As the General Manager – Development, and the driving force for initiatives like Ausure’s Emerging Talent Day, Adam Sloan was invited to the stage to present the Young Achiever Award, along with Steve Talbot of QNect/ QBE, the official sponsor of the Young Achiever Award.
This award is presented to a young individual who demonstrates an outstanding level of professionalism and integrity, with the Winner receiving an invitation to attend the QBE Equip Program. The 2025 Winner of the Young Achiever Award was Tom Leis, from Reg Leis Insurance Services in Gympie, Queensland.
“Firstly, I would like to say a massive thank you to both Ausure for another epic conference, and to QBE for sponsoring this award. I can’t wait to get involved at the QBE Equip program in Sydney. It’s an honour to have been nominated, especially amid such quality brokers as Michael and Lachlan. I have been very fortunate to have a great support network within Ausure and the team at Reg Leis Insurance Services; and am really looking forward to what’s to come in 2025 and beyond.”
Thank you also to our finalists:
Lachlan North (ABICO Insurance Brokers)
Michael Hooper (Bridgewise Insurance Brokers)
Mike Dunn - Insurer of the Year
Scott McCarthy, CEO at Ausure was honoured to present the Mike Dunn Insurer of the Year Award, which is presented to the Insurer who has shown exceptional service and outstanding attention to Ausure and its ARs.
This Year, Scott presented the Mike Dunn Insurer of the Year Award to Allianz Insurance. After being a finalist in 2023, Allianz has committed to providing Ausure ARs service and care that goes over and above the standard. Faaizah Banu, National Relationship Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Allianz and her team.
Faaizah shared, “On behalf of the whole team at Allianz, I just want to thank the Ausure network for their continued support, and I look forward to what we can achieve in the future, working closely together.”
Thank you also to this years finalists:
Finalist: Chubb Insurance
Finalist: QBE Insurance
Underwriting Agency of the year
Mick O’Bree returned to the stage to present the Underwriting Agency of the Year Award, presented to the underwriting agency who has shown exceptional service to Ausure ARs.
NTI has been awarded the 2025 Underwriting Agency of the Year Award, winning this award for the second time in a row, is a testament to the outstanding relationship NTI has continued to grow with Ausure over several years.
Jay Hani, National Operations Manager – Commercial at NTI accepted the award on NTI’s behalf sharing, “As I mentioned at the conference, a lot of things these days are made harder than they need to be. The feedback from my team is that working with Ausure is easy, and everyone just wants to do the right thing. Winning ‘Underwriting Agency of the Year’ for the second time running really does mean a lot to everyone at NTI. It’s validating for everyone that puts in effort every day to know that those feelings as key partners is reciprocated. Thanks you all again!”
Thank you also to this years finalists:
Finalist: SafetyCulture Care
Finalist: Market Lane Insurance Group
Jim McIlveen Award of Excellence
For the final award of the evening, Troy Brown, Managing Director of Ausure was welcomed to the stage to present the Jim Mcllveen Award of Excellence.
The Jim Mcilveen Award of Excellence is named after and honours insurance veteran Jim Mcilveen, the man who inspired Ausure Founder Wayne Brown to “Have a Go”. He is credited as being a major guiding influence on the early formation of Ausure as being a business built on family values of loyalty, integrity and care.
After awarding the finalists, Ausure City & Rural, and Ausure Insurance Services, also known as Rutherford Street Insurance Services, John Mills announced Strategic Insurance Services as the 2025 winner of the Jim Mcllveen Award of Excellence.
Jo King & David Reid accepted the award on behalf of the Strategic Insurance Services, and Jo, Operations Manager at Strategic Insurance Services, shared,
“Firstly, thank you for the recognition and appreciation of our Tassie team and business in the form of winning this prestigious award. Our team have taken on all the processes and business structure changes to make this happen. This is their award and so very well deserved for them, go Team Tassie!”
Thank you also to this years finalists:
Finalist: Ausure City & Rural
Finalist: Ausure Insurance Services/Rutherford Street Insurance Services