The Young Broker of the Year awards are proudly partnered by Vero
Young brokers are inheriting the profession at a pivotal moment. What kind of broker do you want to be in ten years, and what are you doing now to get there? In ten years, I hope to be recognised as a trusted advisor who always led with integrity — someone with a reputation for professionalism, reliability and exceptional service. I also hope to be recognised as a supportive leader: one who encouraged cohesion and growth, and who provided clear developmental pathways and career opportunities for emerging brokers. To get there, I'm committed to ongoing professional development, expanding my technical knowledge and learning from experienced colleagues and industry leaders, while prioritising client and insurer relationships. I actively seek opportunities that push me outside my comfort zone — whether taking on greater responsibility, strengthening relationships or developing my leadership skills. By continually seeking growth, I'm building the foundations of the broker and leader I aspire to be. What does becoming a finalist of the 2026 Young Broker of the Year mean to you? Becoming a finalist is incredibly meaningful to me, both professionally and personally. It validates the hard work and sacrifices I've made as a young professional navigating career growth, motherhood and, more recently, business ownership. Being a finalist affirms my commitment to continued professional development, client advocacy, strong industry relationships and a positive contribution to the profession. I'm passionate about promoting the value of broking and helping demonstrate that it is a rewarding career built on trust and reliability. This recognition only cements that commitment and motivates me to keep raising the standard of my own work, while encouraging others entering the industry to do the same. “It validates the hard work and sacrifices I've made as a young professional navigating career growth, motherhood and, more recently, business ownership.”
Matt Wheelahan, Cornerstone Risk Group QLD State Finalist
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
Young brokers are inheriting the profession at a pivotal moment. What kind of broker do you want to be in ten years, and what are you doing now to get there? As a young broker, I will continue to grow alongside the changing world, taking in what's happening around me and always striving to be the best advocate I can be for my clients and the team around me. In ten years, I think the world will look completely different — and as a trusted advisor, I need to keep adapting. At the end of the day, we are in the business of protecting livelihoods. We have a real opportunity right now to keep growing, and I aim to be at the forefront of that: promoting our industry and leading for the people around me and the clients I serve. What does becoming a finalist of the 2026 Young Broker of the Year mean to you? Being named a finalist is recognition of the hard work and effort I've put in since entering the industry, and of the trust that my team and my clients have in me. It also gives me a larger platform to promote our industry and continue to be a leader for the broader young broking community — to help grow and improve the profession in Queensland and across the country.
I came to broking after four and a half years at IAG, managing claims across a domestic portfolio before moving into agriculture and business. During that time, I saw the profound value of having a broker advocate for people who had lost everything — and I knew exactly where I wanted to build my career: in a role where I could genuinely care for people and their livelihoods. Over the past five years in broking, I've worked with a significant variety of clients across agricultural, corporate, business and residential segments. Tech and AI is reshaping how brokers work. Where do you see it adding value and what do you think will always need the human touch? Tech and AI are evolving quickly and opening up new opportunities for how we work day to day, adding value in ways we may not have had access to before. Automating admin tasks will free up more time to build relationships and trust with clients. But it's important that we as an industry understand the benefits while keeping at the forefront of our minds that we are dealing with people and their livelihoods. A small policy may seem routine to a broker, but for that client, it may represent their life's work. Recognising that distinction and providing the human care the client deserves — that is something no technology can replicate.
“I saw the profound value of having a broker advocate for people that have lost everything, and I knew exactly where I wanted to be and build a career to have the opportunity to care and advocate for people and their livelihoods.”
NIBA .COM.AU / 21
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software