Leading WA brokers honoured at Better Business Awards 2024

The state-based Better Business Awards program sets the benchmark for excellence in broking in each state and territory.

A total of 20 winners were celebrated on the night, including brokers, brokerages, lender and aggregator business development managers (BDM), loan administrators, as well as an industry thought leader and a mentor.

The gala black-tie ceremony showcased the depth of talent from the state’s leading individuals and businesses in the mortgage and finance industry while affirming the sector’s essential role in supporting the expansion of the Australian economy.

Hundreds of members of the Western Australian broking community attended the awards ceremony to cheer their colleagues and network with industry leaders and peers.

They were treated to the comedic stylings of Australian comedian and satirist Mark Humphries, who provided light and laughter throughout the evening.

Individual broking awards

The coveted Broker of the Year award (which is given to the highest-scoring individual winner) was given to Loan Market Bal & Associates director Balpreet Bal, after winning the Best Residential Broker award earlier in the evening.

The Best Customer Service (Individual) award was handed out to Ming Finance director and finance broker Ming Yang.

Nectar Mortgages broker and franchise owner Beau Duggan was this year’s Editor’s Choice. He drew praise from Momentum Media’s mortgages managing editor Annie Kane for his dedication to good customer service and his passion for ensuring his clients have good financial literacy.

The Best Finance Broker award was presented to Helen Avis, director of finance, specialist finance, at Specialist Mortgage, which is part of the SMATS Group of Companies.

Regional brokers were rewarded for their efforts in serving clients in their area, with Mortgage Choice Albany broker Eli Hayes taking home the Best Regional Broker trophy.

The awards also championed the rising stars of tomorrow, with Momentum Wealth finance broker and credit adviser Maxl Miorada conferred the New Broker of the Year award.

Brokerages applauded for their success

The Better Business Awards recognised brokerages and offices that have carved a presence in their local area and served clients with diligence.

Aussie Fremantle had two reasons to celebrate as it was named Best Franchise Office and received the Best Community Engagement Program award.

The Best Large Non-Franchise Office award went to general manager Simon Kahl’s The Loan Company, while Odin Mortgage (helmed by co-founder and finance director Ben Wong) was given the Best Boutique Non-Franchise Office award.

Mortgage Choice Geraldton (headed by principal Angelina Calver) won the Best Regional Office and The Lending Collective (steered by healthcare and pharmacy finance specialist Julie Bishop) Best New Office award.

Resolve Finance, run by managing director Don Crellin, nabbed the Best Customer Service (Office) award.

BDMs and loan administrators appreciated

The services provided to brokers by BDMs and loan administrators did not go unnoticed at the Better Business Awards ceremony.

This year, the Best Loan Administrator award was presented to Blackburne Mortgage Broking administration manager Megan Kelly.

Bank of Queensland relationship manager Nicky Sly won the Best Lender BDM (Bank) award, while AFG Home Loans business relationship manager Scott Chandler picked up the Best Lender BDM (Non-Bank) trophy.

Nicole Vladich, who is the franchise development manager in Western Australia at Mortgage Choice, won the Best Aggregator BDM award.

Shining a light on those who give back

Many members of Western Australia’s broking industry were praised for giving back to the broking community either through providing exceptional customer service or by becoming mentors and thought leaders.

Vorteil Financial Group director and mortgage consultant Robert Flynn picked up the Industry Thought Leader of the Year prize, while mortgage broking accredited mentor and sales trainer Debbie Hutchings at REFS Australia was named Mentor of the Year.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

Click here to view the full list of winners.

Better Business Summit heads back east

The Better Business Summit and Awards roadshow will return to the eastern states to two more capital cities over the next two weeks.

Dates and locations

They will be held in the following locations:

• Thursday, 7 March at Sofitel Brisbane.
• Thursday, 14 March at The Crown Melbourne.

Click here to buy tickets to the summit and don’t miss out!

Did you know The Adviser Premium members can go to the Better Business Summit for free? Become a Premium member here.

For more information about the 2024 Better Business Summit, including speakers and agenda, click here.

[Related: Top SA/NT brokers crowned at Better Business Awards 2024]