NIBA / Professionalism
Three Generations of Mentoring Program
We are delighted to celebrate three generations of the NIBA Mentoring Program!
17 years ago, the mentoring program was born to create a community where professionals at every stage of their career can feel connected, supported and inspired to grow. Jeff Murdoch was there from day one and the ripple effect of that commitment is extraordinary. “I’ve been part of the NIBA Mentoring Program for 17 years, since its foundation,” says mentor Jeff Murdoch. In 2012, Jeff mentored Amy Dillon. “I met Amy as a mentor back in 2012, before she had kids. Now, she has four lovely children, and we’ve kept up our professional relationship for the last 15 years,” Jeff adds. This year, Amy became a mentor herself, guiding Damian Frei as he reimagines what a career in insurance can look like. “This is my first year as part of the Mentoring Program as a mentor,” says Amy. “In 2012, I originally became a mentee to meet people. I was new to Sydney, but I got so much more from the experience. Jeff was really helpful in terms of helping me with my career direction. He never told me what to do, he always asked lots and of questions. It was a fantastic experience.” “So much so that now that my career has grown and I’ve had lots of different roles, I’m now in a position that I can actually be a mentor myself and share some of that knowledge,” Amy adds. Jeff's legacy doesn't stop there. One of his former mentees, Rebecca Wilson, is now Vice President of NIBA. That's the beauty of this program. Knowledge doesn't stop
Mentor Jeff Murdoch presenting his 2026 mentee Alice Maltman with her Certificate of Completion
Mentor Amy Dillon presenting mentee Damian Frei with his certificate of completion.
Damian presenting as part of the NIBA Mentoring Program.
Mentee Damian Frei with mentor Amy Dillon.
with one person. It travels forward, year after year, generation after generation. “The importance of the NIBA mentorship is to establish a family-like atmosphere,” says Jeff. “So that we feel connected and inspired to do things that we wouldn’t normally achieve without someone’s assistance. To be a part of that and sharing what knowledge I have with them [my mentees], so that they can go on and share it with other people, that’s why we’re here.” “I started off very close-off and very tunnel- visioned – that I need to go down a certain insurance pathway to get success,” says Amy’s mentee Damian. “But I’ve realised that success in insurance comes from different pathways. I think that’s been established through this program and
the conversations I’ve had with Amy. I think it’s also important to realise that’s there no wrong or right answer and to take every opportunity as it comes. That’s something I will take back with me,” Damian adds. Over 10 weeks, participants take part in face-to-face workshops, virtual webinars and weekly one-on-one catch-ups - all designed to help individuals enhance their skills, navigate challenges and unlock their full potential. “When the NIBA Mentoring Program started, it was built on bringing young people together for the purpose of advancing their careers. The principle is still the same, but the level of professionalism that’s grown within the program has advanced over time. What we’re seeing now is an industry that’s accelerated in their learning and professional capabilities,” Jeff concludes.
10 / INSURANCE ADVISER JUNE/JULY 2026
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