SPOTLIGHT / Meet the state finalists of the 2026 Broker of the Year Awards
your neighbours. They own the shop where you buy your lunch. Their kids go to the same school as yours. So the relationship is never just transactional. It is about being present in that community and providing a genuine service to the people in it. When things get difficult for a client, we draw on more than technical insurance expertise. We apply a deep, personal knowledge of the client — their circumstances, their risks, what they stand to lose. That kind of understanding only comes from being genuinely embedded in a community over many years. It changes how you show up, and it changes what you can do for them. What does becoming a finalist of the 2026 Broker of the Year mean to you? I feel very honoured to be named a finalist. For me, it represents an opportunity to give back to an industry that has given me so much over the years. I am passionate about broking and want to encourage as many young professionals into this profession as possible — and I hope that being recognised as a finalist will inspire others to see what a rewarding career this can be. transactional — it is about being present in that community and providing a genuine service to the people in it.” “Your clients are your neighbours. They own the shop where you buy your lunch. Their kids go to the same school as yours. So the relationship is never just
advocate effectively to help businesses prepare for uncertainty will play a critical role in protecting clients — and in reinforcing the value of professional insurance advice in an increasingly unpredictable world. What does being a trusted adviser mean to you beyond the transaction, and how does that expertise show up when things get difficult for a client? To me, being a trusted adviser means more than managing policies and placing insurance. It’s about genuinely understanding a client’s business and being there when challenges arise — a steady, reliable presence that listens, anticipates risks and offers practical guidance. That expertise becomes most important when clients face difficult situations such as major claims. Beyond facilitating insurance solutions, a trusted adviser provides reassurance, helps navigate complex decisions and coordinates resources to reduce stress and uncertainty. In these moments, trust is earned through empathy, clear communication and proactive support. Clients value a broker who not only understands the technical aspects of risk but genuinely cares about the people and businesses behind the policies. What does becoming a finalist of the 2026 Broker of the Year mean to you? I am so incredibly proud and humbled to be named a finalist alongside so many talented industry professionals. I’ve always been naturally introverted, so agreeing to throw my hat in the ring when I was nominated was well outside my comfort zone — but I’m really pleased I followed through with the process. I am deeply dedicated to this profession and proud to represent Stone Lane on such a significant industry stage. I have worked hard over fifteen years to progress from reception to business partner in a national brokerage, and I hope that journey is an inspiration for other professionals and my team members to back themselves and aim high.
Kelli Dabelstein, Northern Insurance Solutions QLD State Finalist
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
Like a lot of people in this industry, I fell into broking. About thirty years ago, I was offered a job out of the blue at National Mutual, who were agents for CGU at the time. I quickly realised I enjoyed dealing with clients and helping them — and I took a genuine interest in the general insurance side of the business. Growing up and being raised in a small community, people have always been important to me. As my knowledge of insurance grew, I could see that I was producing real solutions for real needs. That’s where my love of helping people and being part of this industry began — and it hasn’t changed since. What’s the biggest challenge you think the profession needs to be ready for in the near future? I think we need to pay close attention to the increasing focus private enterprise is placing on profitability and shareholder returns. With technology now enabling the cherry-picking of risks, we are already seeing a future where many clients — in both the commercial and domestic sectors — will either be unable to afford insurance or find themselves effectively uninsurable. That is a profound challenge for our profession and for the communities we serve. Brokers who work in regional and high-risk areas will feel this most acutely, and we need to be ready to advocate loudly for clients who are being left behind by a market that is retreating from their risks. What does being a trusted adviser mean to you beyond the transaction, and how does that expertise show up when things get difficult for a client? When you are a broker in a small regional community, you are seen as a leader in the industry — but more than that, you are part of the fabric of that community. Your clients are
Alison Morrissey, AON QLD State Finalist
“To remain relevant as brokers, we need to understand these emerging risks and their impact on the insurance landscape, and translate that understanding into practical advice and guidance for our clients.”
How did you get started in the insurance broking profession?
Like many in the industry, I fell into insurance rather than planning it. Growing up in Wagga Wagga, where career opportunities were
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