NIBA Announces Paul Davenport as the 2026 Community Excellence Member of the Year
Media Release
The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) announced the winner of the Liberty-partnered 2026 NIBA Community Excellence Member of the Year award at the NIBA Convention at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast on Monday, 19 October.
The 2026 NIBA Community Excellence Member of the Year was awarded to Paul Davenport from Affinity Insurance Brokers. NIBA thanks the judging panel for this award: Mark Saunderson, Paul Reis, and Heidi Schmit.
Paul has been involved with the horse industry for decades. He began by teaching children to ride early in his career and has continued that work alongside insurance. His community work focuses on young people and education, including programs that use horses to build confidence and support children through life challenges, such as initiatives in the Northern Territory and with Indigenous youth.
NIBA CEO Richard congratulated Paul and the finalists.
"My congratulations to Paul and to this year's finalists, Lisa, Kate and Benji. Brokers play an important role in supporting their communities, and Paul and the finalists show the values of care and service that are at the core of our profession," Richard said.
The award recognises NIBA members who have helped clients or contributed to their community beyond their regular work responsibilities, and highlights the value of charity and community service. Collectively, Paul and this year’s finalists' actions show how brokers turn expertise and empathy into tangible outcomes when communities need them most.
Richard also thanked Liberty for its continued partnership of the award.
"Thank you to our award partner Liberty for helping recognise brokers who give their time and skills to support their local communities," Richard said.
Peter O'Leary, Vice President – Relationship Management & Marketing, Liberty, said: "At Liberty, we're inspired by the brokers who go above and beyond for their communities, using their skills, influence and compassion to make a real difference in people's lives.”
"Paul's decades of work with young people and the horse community, and his focus on making sure that work continues well into the future, stood out to us," Peter added.
The role of an insurance broker is to be a trusted partner, helping Australian families, communities and businesses manage risk and thrive. Through its awards program, NIBA recognises brokers who continue to lift standards of professionalism to ensure broking is future ready.
2026 NIBA Community Excellence Member of the Year
Winner: Paul Davenport, Affinity Insurance Brokers
Finalists: Lisa Carter, Clear Insurance and Kate Greaves, Goldsworthy General Insurance Services (joint finalists); Benji Klipin, Aon