Joe Vella – Managing Director QPIB. Dip fin Serv (Broking) C.dec & Hon. Consul Malta (Nth Qld)

Joe commenced his insurance career with one of Australia’s largest international brokerage groups in 1977. During the course of his 21 years employment with the company he held a number of titles including an overseas appointment as the National Sales Manager in their United States office. On returning to Australia he was promoted to the National Sales Manager role before leaving to found Joe Vella Insurance Brokers in 1995. In 2005 Joe established One Group Financial Services to complement the insurance brokerage.

Joe is a Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker and holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Joe has been a National Board Member of the Steadfast Group Limited, Australia’s largest insurance broking cluster group since 1997 and has held the position of Regional Country Representative of the National Insurance Broker Association (NIBA) and remains a current member.

Aside from his thriving insurance brokerage Joe is also a director and shareholder of Data Dot International (Mexico) which have formulated an ingenious crime prevention program for the automotive industry, and Identification Technology Solutions, a security consultancy and solutions provider based in Seattle, Washington.

Joe is passionate about being involved in the community and is actively involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation where he has held the office of North Queensland chairman for 10 years. In 2011 the Steadfast Group recognised Joe for his passion for humanitarian causes and appointed him as inaugural chairman of their newly formed charity division, Steadfast Foundation. He is an honorary member of the Cairns West Rotary Club and is a recipient of Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow award. Joe has also contributed his time and energy to the Hear and Say Foundation and the Leukemia Foundation in Cairns. In 2008 Joe was appointed Honorary Consul (Queensland) for the island nation of Malta and in 2010 he was appointed on the Board of the Cairns Regional Foundation Gallery. Further, Joe has been a Commissioner for Declarations for a number of years.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4402
Email: joe@jvib.com.au

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Joanne Carucci – Broker Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

Joanne has worked alongside Joe Vella since 1989 and was a part of the JVIB team when it was established in 1995. She has seen the company grow from a two person operation to a large corporate brokerage. In her years working in the industry, Joanne has enjoyed the relationships that she has built with clients and insurers and has a “can do” attitude. She will endeavour to make you feel secure and confident with your insurance decisions.

Joanne holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4405
Email: joanne@jvib.com.au

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Rene Sturiale – Broker Assistant Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

Rene joined the JVIB team in 2010. She began her career in the Insurance Industry in 1990 as an Assistant Broker for a local brokerage in Mareeba, North Queensland and later moved to Cairns where she continued to work within the Insurance Industry. Rene works alongside JVIB principal Joe Vella and contributes a practical and extensive knowledge of the Insurance Industry to the team and enjoys applying her skills to accomplish the best possible outcome for clients.

In her own words “Working at JVIB is an experience in a class of its own and I consider the company and its employees as being professional, dynamic, energetic and most of all unique.”

Rene holds a Diploma in Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4421
Email: rene@jvib.com.au

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Renee Vella – Broker Assistant Dip Fin Serv (General Insurance)

Renee joined the JVIB team in 2008 and currently assists both Joe Vella and Paula Carey. Renee’s clients appreciate her excellent customer service and dedication to obtaining a speedy claims process.

Renee started out in the Insurance Industry with one of the major underwriters back in 2005 where she gained an extensive understanding of many facets of general insurance. Her ability to diversify means she has a very practical and logical approach to insurance products and can easily put her clients at ease with their insurance queries and concerns.

Renee holds a Diploma in Financial Services (General Insurance) and is in the process of completing her study to obtain the Insurance Broking qualifications.

Renee is currently on Maternity Leave and will return in 2012.

Phone: (07) 4040 4444 Note: all calls have been re-directed to the Cairns office.
Email: renee@jvib.com.au

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John Devaney – Broker ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

John is one of our most Senior Brokers with considerable expertise in all facets of Commercial Insurance. He is committed to ensuring that the client’s needs are met and uses his wealth of knowledge to ensure you have peace of mind with your insurance program.

John has over 37 years general insurance underwriting and broking experience both in Australia and overseas. His insurance career commenced in the Claims Department of a general insurer so he not only saw the “sharp stick” end of the business, he also gained an understanding of what could go wrong and how insurance helped people. In addition he also gained risk management experience that he uses to assist clients in minimising exposure and mitigating losses when they do occur.

John then moved into the position of insurance inspector in Toowoomba and then onto Papua New Guinea where he worked for 5 years before returning to North Queensland in 1983. In 1987 he declined a promotion opportunity to take on a State Development Manager role in Brisbane and instead, with his wife Lynne, decided to set up their own brokerage, FNQ Tropical Insurance Brokers. Their brokerage operated for just over 17 years before selling to Joe Vella Insurance Brokers in 2005. After a 12 month break from insurance John was lured back into the Insurance Industry and accepted a position with JVIB in March 2006.

John is a Senior Associate of the Australia and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) and also holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4418
Mobile: 0408 749 574
Email: john@jvib.com.au

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Kate Innes - Broker Assistant

Kate Innes joined the JVIB team in May 2010. She transitioned into the Insurance Industry after working within Government Departments on both local and state levels and is Broker Assistant to John Devaney. Kate is extremely proficient at handling a multitude of tasks at one time and takes great pleasure in making sure our clients feel welcomed and reassured with her cheerful disposition and looks forward to expanding her industry knowledge through both her formal and informal studies.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4428
Email: kate@jvib.com.au

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Lynne Devaney – Broker ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

Lynne began her working life as a book keeper for a public accountant in Brisbane before progressing to work at a chartered accountant’s office in Toowoomba. When her husband, John, moved to Papua New Guinea she moved with him and accepted a position as an office manager for a trucking company where she worked until giving up work to start a family. On returning to Cairns in 1983 she took a break from work so she could dedicate her time to her young family.

During her time at home Lynne and John made the decision to establish their own brokerage and in 1987 opened Tropical Insurance Brokers and so began her career in the Insurance Industry. Their brokerage, with a name change to FNQ Tropical Insurance Brokers, operated for just over 17 years before selling to Joe Vella Insurance Brokers in 2005. After the sale Lynne remained on board with JVIB and in addition to her broking expertise is fundamental in assisting our broking staff achieve their formal insurance qualifications through training and guidance. Lynne handles all aspects of general insurance with her experience extending to professional indemnity, motor fleet and cranes as well as retail, manufacturing, accommodation and liability risks.

Lynne understands what is required by her clients and she enjoys ensuring that their insurances cover them precisely for what they do so that they can rest assured that they are covered in the event of a claim. She also gets great satisfaction when she can assist her clients settle their complicated claims.

Lynne is a Senior Associate of the Australia and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) and holds a Diploma in Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4417
Mobile: 0408 757 370
Email: lynne@jvib.com.au

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Nadine Mulkearns – Broker Assistant

Nadine joined the JVIB team in 2009 and is currently the Broker Assistant to Lynne Devaney. She enjoys being the first point of contact for her clients and it is in this capacity that Nadine is able to dedicate her time to ensuring that client quotes, claims and general insurance enquiries are actioned proficiently. Nadine prides herself on providing exceptional customer service as well as a dedicated claims support service.

Nadine holds Tier 2 Broking qualifications.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4426
Email: nadine@jvib.com.au

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Lisa Ryan – Broker ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

Lisa joined the JVIB team in 2010 where she currently heads up the Marine Division. Lisa is a Marine Specialist, predominantly working with the Fishing Industry and associated trades however also has extensive background in all other areas of general insurance.

Lisa commenced work in the Insurance Industry in 1985 as a Broker. After 21 years Broking she decided to have a change and worked for 4 years as an Underwriter for one of the leading Marine Insurers. Lisa provides excellent customer service with claims settlement a priority. She has a reputation for getting difficult claims paid. If you’re in the Marine Industry, Lisa is an invaluable asset to both your team and ours.

Lisa is a Senior Associate of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) and also holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4407
Mobile: 0459 323 473
Email: lisa@jvib.com.au

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Kila Baird – Broker Assistant

Kila joined JVIB in November 2010 as Broker Assistant to Lisa Ryan. She has been a part of the Insurance Industry since 2001 and has had the opportunity to expand her knowledge of all areas of Domestic and Commercial products. Kila is a quiet achiever and has impeccable attention to detail and believes everyone deserves the professional customer service experience offered by the team at JVIB.

Kila is in the process of embarking on her formal studies to achieve her Tier 2 Broking qualification.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4432
Email: kila@jvib.com.au

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Paula Carey – Broker Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

Paula joined JVIB in 2010 and heads the Strata Division. Paula has been in the Insurance Industry since 1979 where she has gained experience as an Underwriter for an insurance company providing Commercial and Domestic insurances and in 1995 Paula transitioned across to broking where she continued her involvement with Commercial, Domestic and Marine insurances as well as a proficient dedication to claims service. Her personalised approach and extensive insurance broking experience is the perfect combination to ensure you have the cover you need and the peace of mind to get on with your life.

Paula holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4435
Mobile: 0409 936 785
Email: paula@jvib.com.au

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Ben Monteforte – Broker Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

Ben joined JVIB in 2011 and assists in managing the Strata Division. Ben has been in the Insurance Industry since 2005 predominantly looking after both Commercial and Domestic insurances. It was in this area that he developed a specialist appetite in claims handling and has a reputation for getting difficult claims paid.

Ben’s experience and knowledge of insurance, along with his professional customer service are the perfect combination in ensuring that you will feel at ease knowing you are covered should the unexpected occur.

Ben holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4423
Toll Free: 1800 663 111
Email: ben@jvib.com.au

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Stuart Craig – Broker Assistant

Stuart started at JVIB in October 2010 as an assistant to Paula Carey in our Strata Division team. He made the transition into the Insurance Industry after several years in the Retail Service Industry. Stuart is a meticulous and focused individual and is looking forward to expanding his industry knowledge through further studies.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4445
Email: stuart@jvib.com.au

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Debbie May – Broker Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

Debbie commenced her employment at JVIB in 1999 having previously been employed as an Underwriter for a leading Insurance Company. Debbie has continued to extend her vast knowledge of Commercial and Retail Insurances during the course of her years with JVIB.

In her words “I have a passion for acquiring knowledge of the Insurance Market, listening to the client’s requirements, assessing the risk factors associated with their businesses, and in turn providing a Professional Insurance package to suit their needs.”

Debbie holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4403
Email: debbie@jvib.com.au

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Lee Mounsey – Broker Assistant

Lee joined the JVIB team in July 2007 and is currently employed as Broker Assistant working with Debbie May specialising in Commercial and Retail Insurance. Lee enjoys a challenge and is always endeavouring to expand her knowledge. No question is too big or too small for Lee and she will always find an answer for you.

Lee holds Tier 2 Broking qualifications.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4420
Email: lee@jvib.com.au

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Karen McFarlen – Broker

Karen joined JVIB in 2009. Karen started her career in the Insurance Industry in 2002 as a consultant and continued to advanced her qualifications through working with two of Queensland larger “direct market” insurance companies. She has extensive expertise and knowledge of the domestic and strata insurance products. Karen offers a professional and friendly service to all of her valued clients and enjoys the opportunity to assist wherever she can.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4406
Email: karen@jvib.com.au

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Col Craig – Operations Manager JP (C.Dec)

Col joined the JVIB team in 2008 as the Operations Manager. Col is responsible for the overall operational health of JVIB including financial control, personnel and property management. Col has been unofficially involved with JVIB since its inception in 1995, albeit he was Joe Vella’s Business Banking Manager, and has always considered himself part of the team. After 28 years in banking he accepted a redundancy in January 2001. Joe was the first one to offer him a position, however Col instead chose to embark on a jet-setting career importing auto parts from Asia. In 2009, Col decided it was time to spend more time at home in Cairns and was very pleased to finally accept Joe’s offer.

Outside of JVIB Col takes on a senior role in the Cairns West Rotary Club where he first met Joe Vella.

Having worked as a Bank Manager for many years, Col is perfectly suited to ensure that JVIB has stream-lined processes in place to ensure prompt service and assistance to our clients.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4416
Mobile: 0458 741 536
Email: col@jvib.com.au

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Larissa Cooper – Operations Assistant Dip Fin Serv (General Insurance)

Larissa accepted the role of Operations Assistant to Col Craig at JVIB, in February 2011.

Larissa commenced employment as a Broker’s Assistant in April 1998 before taking on a position as an underwriter for one of Australia’s largest insurance companies in 2002.

Larissa thoroughly enjoyed her time as an underwriter and used this position to advance her insurance knowledge and continue to provide excellent customer service to the local brokers.

Larissa holds a Diploma of Financial Services (General Insurance).

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4443
Email: larissa@jvib.com.au

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Jan Blake – Accounts Administration

Jan joined the JVIB team in 2005. She has a background in accounting and with her previous managerial experience is perfectly suited to overseeing the accounting management for all of the JVIB offices. In her words “it is a pleasure to work with such a friendly and welcoming group of people.”

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4415
Email: jan@jvib.com.au

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Jacqueline Wilson – Receptionist

Jacqueline joined the JVIB team in May 2011. During her extensive overseas travels Jacqueline had the opportunity to work for several internationally renowned companies and gained invaluable experience on how to adapt her customer service skills and overcome the language and cultural obstacles. On her return home, she continued to apply these skills as part of the Australian airline industry working as a flight attendant.

Jacqueline’s main focus is to provide outstanding customer service and as the first point of contact, she will endeavour to go ‘above and beyond’ for our clients’ needs. She also provides assistance to our One Group Financial Services team and Broking teams and is delighted to be a part of the JVIB team.

Jacqueline is currently completing a Bachelor of Public Relations through the University of Southern Queensland.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4444
Email: jacqueline@jvib.com.au

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Jason Rosendahl – Broker, Manager Mareeba Bachelor of Commerce (Acct) ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

In 2005 Jason moved from Townsville to Cairns when he joined the JVIB team and in 2009 accepted the role as Manager of the JVIB Mareeba office. He started in the Insurance Industry in 1997 and in 2000 he received the Warren Tickle award for “National Young Insurance Broker of the Year”.

Jason has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and is a Senior Associate of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, Certified Insurance Professional (CIP). He also holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Phone: (07) 4092 4188
Mobile: 0419 613 105
Email: Jason@jvib.com.au

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Tamara Srhoj – Broker Dip Fin Serv (Broking)

Tamara has been successfully broking as part of the JVIB Tablelands team since 2006. Tamara began her career in the Insurance Industry at the age of 17 and within two years she had completed her main studies to become a Broker.

Tamara is very supportive of her regional customers and focuses her expertise predominantly in the retail, farm and small business products. She provides a highly professional service and seeks to ensure that her clients are adequately covered.

Tamara is happy to answer your calls anytime to answer any questions you may have or to assist you with the claims process.

Tamara holds her Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Phone: (07) 4092 4188
Email: tamara@jvib.com.au

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Rosetta Spena – Broker Assistant

Rosetta joined JVIB as part of the Mareeba office in 2009. Rosetta brings with her the experience she has gained from years managing her own local business as well as working at a local newspaper. Rosetta currently assists both Jason Rosendahl and Tamara Srhoj in maintaining their portfolios. Rosetta is also gaining experience in claims handling and ensures that claims are always made a priority and settled in a timely, professional manner. Rosetta is a very dedicated individual who ensures our customers receive the small town hospitality they are used to.

Rosetta holds Tier 2 qualifications.

Phone: (07) 492 4188
Email: rosetta@jvib.com.au

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Leesa Wyatt - Broker

Leesa has been a part of the JVIB team since 2005 and assisted in opening the JVIB Atherton Office in February 2006. She is a born and bred Tablelands local and understands that face value in a small town is an important commodity. Leesa has a strong community stance and is here to assist you in any way that she can. She also prides herself on providing good old fashioned country town service.

Leesa is currently finalising her studies to obtain her Diploma in Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Phone: (07) 4091 6011
Mobile: 0407 319 169
Email: leesa@jvib.com.au

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Rebecca Doolan - Broker Assistant

Rebecca joined the JVIB team in June 2011. Her appointment as a Broker Assistant in our Atherton office is her first role within the Insurance Industry. Rebecca is accustomed to thinking on her feet and multi-tasking from her experience working in the hospitality industry as a front office duty manager. As JVIB is her first experience in the insurance world, Rebecca is enjoying the new role and looking forward to furthering her knowledge in the industry. She has a passion for customer service and as a born and bred Tablelands girl she is glad that she is able to provide her home town community with the exceptional service they deserve.

Rebecca is currently completing her Tier 2 Broking qualifications.

Direct Line: (07) 4091 6011
Email: rebecca@jvib.com.au

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Brad Hancock – Claims Manager

Brad joined the JVIB team in June 2011. Brad started in the Insurance Industry in 2003 for one of Australia’s leading insurance companies. It is there that he gained valuable experience and understanding of the intricate details of many insurance products ranging from compulsory third party (CTP) to underwriting & pricing and claims. His involvement in claims saw him working locally as part of a team dedicated to those affected by Cyclone Yasi.

Brad is a perfect fit for the JVIB team and has already started getting to work looking after your claims.  Brad is very approachable, down-to-earth and patient, all of which are imperative skills when dealing with claims. He also has a practical understanding of what is required and is here to do everything in his power to look after your claims and resolve any of your claims issues.

Brad is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce through the University of Southern Queensland.

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4429
Email: brad@jvib.com.au

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Andrew Chand – Finance Manager Bachelor of Economics

Andrew joined One Group Financial Services (OGFS) in 2005 as our consumer and commercial loan specialist. Andrew has been working in the finance industry since 1996 and gained valuable industry experience through working with a number of the major finance and leasing companies.

The OGFS team has access to over 16 lenders and funders. By having access to a broad range of finance lenders. Andrew has more options and flexibility to find the product best suited for clients ideal finance solution. He enjoys being able to complete all of his clients financial needs in house with his friendly face to face service and you will feel at ease with his determination and focus.

Andrew has a degree in Economics, a Diploma of Financial Services and a Certificate IV Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking).

Direct Line: (07) 4040 4414
Toll Free: 1800 663 111
Fax: (07) 4040 4414
Mobile: 0417 786 588
Email: andrew@onegroup.com.au

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