WELCOME TO
AVOCA

Avoca Insurance Brokers are proud members of the largest insurance broker network in Australasia, the Steadfast Group. As a Steadfast network insurance broker, you get the best of both worlds – local and personalised service, with the insurance expertise and support of a large organisation.

about avoca

Our company heart beat is “rewards with respect” which epitomises how we do business. We believe in integrity and trust above all and by focusing on servicing clients’ needs to the highest levels we know the rewards will come.

We believe in dealing with people the way we would like to be treated; such that what is best for you, our clients, will also be the best for us.
You will come to us as an unknown but go away as a trusted friend.

Our business philosophy is based on a triple bottom line agenda (economic, community and environmental) and we strive not only to make the business economically successful but also to contribute and put back into our community and to operate a business that is environmentally aware and friendly.

Our Purpose

We see our purpose as being ‘To provide certainty and peace of mind to clients through the mitigation and handling of risk’. In alignment with ‘rewards with respect’ our positioning statement is “When nothing is too much trouble, when you need reliability, and certainty it is done right, we can be trusted.” So many of our existing clients have been referred by other clients which is testament to our philosophy and purpose.

Background

Our founder, Charles Elders, has worked in the industry both in Europe and in Australia since 1982. Avoca began with a portfolio of wonderful clients who have been very supportive and who have been pivotal in helping us create something unique. It is our intention that we grow our business mirroring these current client relationships.

mEET THE aVOCA tEAM

Charlie Elders

Managing Director

The force behind the team. 

Charlie founded Avoca in 2005 and has worked in the insurance broking industry for over 35 years. Completing a double major in Finance and Management, together with a number of insurance industry qualifications, he has experience both in the Australian and European markets. 

He is reliable and committed to establish that the service provided to his clients is the very best, plus ensuring strong and enduring relationships are developed and trust is built. 

Often starting his day on his bike or doing laps in a pool, Charlie lives a healthy lifestyle and loves to take his second wife, a 1977 red Porsche 911 out for a drive.

Mia-Carla Tree

Broking Operations Manager

A kid of the bush, the office problem solver and straight shooter Mia-Carla has been in the insurance industry since 2001. She knows you have a business to run, and will ensure no questions go unanswered!

Mia does not have the phrase “impossible” in her dictionary. Whatever is unknown, becomes an enchanting challenge for her.

In her spare time, you will find her in the Perth Hills, enjoying family life or in a hidden watering hole – talking about work-of-course! She never stops, and she absolutely loves what she does.

ELAINE MCNICHOLAS

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Elaine moved to Australia to test the waters and loved it so much she now lives here with her family. She has been with the Avoca family since 2019 and says she is the hardworking and honest Irish girl that wants the best for everyone at work and at home.

She will hands down provide her clients with the best options!

When she is not looking after others, she likes to enjoy “me time” walking along the beach, sipping bubbles and camping with the family.

MICHELLE BREMNER

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Be it personal or commercial, Michelle loves any insurance talk. Having worked in the insurance industry for over 9 years, she still enjoys getting to know her customers expectations, and performing a thorough needs analysis to find an optimal solution for her clients.

A mother of 4 boys, who likes to spend her weekends outdoors with family and friends.

SHANE KEYSER

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Shane is has been working in the insurance industry for 20 years. He is “customer focused” and has a passion for ensuring clients get an excellent level of service and responses on claims which is when a client realises the true value of the insurance program they have purchased.

That takes a lot character and Shane has no shortage of that.
When he is not heading off to work, you will find him casually jogging or sweating his guts out outdoors, playing indoor cricket or spending time with his sons camping and 4wdriving.

Not forgetting he is an avid follower of the West Coast Eagles!

CRAIG MCBRIDE

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Craig fell into the insurance industry over 30 years and has loved every minute of it. He has been in various roles over the years including management roles. He has been a Senior Underwriter, Sales Manager and State Manager!

He is committed to creating strong relationships with his clients and dealing with them with them how he would want to be dealt with – Honestly, Ethically and with the client’s best interests at heart.

This natural born leader is self-described as a caffeine-dependent life form.

At those few and far between moments when he is not at work, Craig loves being around his family, their 3 dogs and 1 cat and riding his motorbike.

Melissa Scrivener

Account Executive

Melissa has worked in the insurance broking industry for 10 years and decided this was where her passion is.  Melissa loves a challenge and finding the best options for her clients.

After years of playing netball, she is now involved in sports through her children, either as a coach, team manager or spectator. 

sara mears

claims manager

It’s Sara, not Sarah!

There is nothing more important to Sara than a satisfied customer and 90’s grunge, beagles, chickens and rabbitohs!

Customer-focused lady, Sara is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. Known to be a book freak.  When she’s not working, Sara can be found enjoying live music, or at the beach.

JULIE POTTER

ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & CLAIMS

Julie has previously worked in real estate doing advertising and is our claims support hero. She makes sure our customers get fast and informative responses to their claims lodgements and queries.

When she is not dealing with copious amounts of paperwork in the office, she loves spending time with her family, especially Simba her cat!

Her wish is to take her boys to Bali, put her feet up and have a great time!

CAROLYN IDDLES

Accounts Administrator

Brace yourselves! With over 30 years of experience in the accounting sector, Carolyn is one of the oldest employees of the Avoca team. The gentle soul of the office, calm and collected, her commitment, flexibility and willingness to adapt are commendable.

Besides spending time in her natural habitat, the tennis court, Carolyn is often found on her yoga mat or busy cooking up a creative storm in her kitchen.

Her motto – If you haven’t got the correct ingredient use something that looks the same!

KRIS HACKETT

Office Administrator

Kris holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and in the past, has worked in senior positions as a loan officer and has been with Avoca ever since it was founded in 2005.

She spends way more time getting things done than she does chatting away with us in the office. She is very accurate with her work and pays attention to the finer details.

In her spare time she enjoys the beach, takes walks along the coast and loves holidaying on Rottnest Island with her family.