SPOTLIGHT / Meet the state finalists of the 2025 Broker of the Year Awards
What does becoming a finalist of the 2025 Broker of the Year mean to you? It’s genuinely been a grand and humbling experience. Recognition like this was never the goal, but to be acknowledged, especially among such a talented group of peers, is profoundly rewarding. It reflects the quiet persistence behind the scenes, the willingness to learn from every experience and the invaluable support of the people who have helped shape my journey. More than a personal achievement, it’s a reminder that this work is about people’s lives and the trust they place in us. That responsibility keeps me grounded and motivated. It drives me to keep evolving not just for my own growth but to support and inspire the next generation of brokers coming through. For me, it’s not just about individual success but about setting the standard for what great broking looks like.
clients and their unique challenges. Over the past 17 years, I’ve worked my way up into leadership roles and now head up part of the strata division at Whitbread Group. It’s an industry where I have the opportunity to support professionals and create solutions that help protect communities. I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible mentors early on who encouraged me to keep learning and always put the client first. What do you think the insurance broking profession will look like in the future? As technology continues to evolve at an accelerated rate, clients are looking for speed and simplicity, but they still deeply value trust, experience and human insight. I see broking shifting towards a model where digital efficiency is paired with a genuine personal connection. AI and automation will have their place, but understanding people and risk remains our greatest strength. The brokers who will thrive are the ones who lean into that: staying sharp, staying human and staying relevant. It’s about becoming a truly embedded partner in our clients’ lives and businesses. As the industry moves forward, we need to redefine our role not just as intermediaries, but as proactive advisors who help clients stay ahead of emerging risks. That shift in mindset will shape the next chapter of broking and redefine the value we bring. “As the industry moves forward, we need to redefine our role not just as intermediaries, but What inspires you the most about the insurance broking profession? The profession is constantly evolving as society, technology, and the nature of risk shift around us. We’re now solving challenges that didn’t even exist three to five years ago, which pushes me to stay curious, adaptable and informed. At the same time, I’m of the view that the next generation of brokers has the chance to shake things up in the best possible way. They have the opportunity to challenge tradition by bringing bold ideas, creative thinking and a level of adaptability that the industry needs. They have the chance to see challenges differently, and that fresh perspective will help broking stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. The profession itself has matured. We’re no longer just placing cover or lodging claims, we’re trusted advisors, strategists and advocates for higher standards. Being part of that shift and challenging the status quo will drive the industry forward. as proactive advisors who help clients stay ahead of emerging risks.”
not for my career in broking. I also enjoy how rewarding it is. We aren’t just insuring a building, for example. It’s a bit more than that. We are protecting something that a human being worked for, put in countless hours, had stressful days and lost sleep for. We are ensuring that when things go wrong, life can continue as best it can. Watching our clients' business grow and being part of someone else’s success feels great. “Being a broker isn’t an easy job, which is what makes it rewarding. There are so many talented, clever people in What does becoming a finalist of the 2025 Broker of the Year mean to you? It’s a huge privilege and quite unexpected. Over the years, I have seen such deserving people as finalists and to be in that group means a lot. I will be in this industry for as long as it will have me. I care about people, their lives, and their futures, so I feel it is my responsibility to be the best broker I can be and to understand as much as I can in making the best decisions possible. Insurance is such an exciting industry and to be here is a proud moment. Thank you NIBA, it is much appreciated. this industry and we are just as important as any other professional in protecting people and their assets.”
VIC/TAS Finalist
DEBBIE SPANDONIS, AON
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
My insurance journey began while studying Commerce at Deakin University, where I stumbled into an administrative role at an insurance brokerage in Melbourne. What started as a job quickly turned into a genuine interest as I discovered the intricacies of risk and insurance and the art of tailoring solutions to meet client needs. However, the moment that truly cemented my commitment to this industry was personal. When my mother lost her home in a fire, I saw firsthand the devastating impact on her. That experience transformed my perspective on insurance; it wasn’t just about policies and premiums; it was about protecting people’s financial security when they need it most. With a newfound drive, I embraced the insurance industry, majoring in Insurance and dedicating my career to making a difference in people’s lives. This industry isn’t just my profession, it’s my passion to deliver for clients with purpose and empathy. What do you think the insurance broking profession will look like in the future? While AI will continue to shift the dynamics of the insurance sector, I believe the role
VIC/TAS Finalist
ALINA LUCACIU, WHITBREAD INSURANCE BROKERS
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
Like many in the industry, I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming an insurance broker. I landed a junior support role and quickly realised there was something in this space for me. I was drawn to the mix of people, problem-solving and strategy. From there, I moved into account broking within the SME sector, which gave me invaluable experience, working closely with a diverse range of
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