Meet Barry Payne

barry-payne.jpg

"A big shout out to Barry Payne from Holdfast Insurance Brokers. We have had some damage done from the recent storms in Adelaide and he took care of everything!!!"

Tracy Ellis, Strata Plan Manager

Barry has over 40 years in the insurance industry, having worked for two of Australia's largest underwriters in claims, underwriting and sales before seeing the light and becoming an insurance broker. A Holdfast stalwart for the last 25 years, Barry works across all classes of general insurance and his in-depth knowledge of underwriting makes him particularly effective at lobbying on behalf of his many business clients.

In addition to his considerable insurance experience, Barry is also a keen fisherman (he is particularly partial to King George Whiting) and an open water, distance swimmer. He swears he sometimes combines the two, but we are struggling to believe it.

Senior Account Manager
Tier 1 (Ins. Broking)
08 8273 0914
0413 553 662
barryp@holdfast.com.au

Meet Cheryl Richardson

Beginning her insurance career in 1986, Cheryl brings over 30 years of industry expertise to Holdfast. Throughout her extensive tenure, she has worked alongside international brokers and developed a diverse skill set across areas such as Construction, Professional Lines, General Insurance, and Workers Compensation. Cheryl has overseen placements for a spectrum of clients, ranging from publicly listed corporations to privately owned businesses, governmental bodies, and non-profit organisations.

Cheryl is known for her proactive approach to risk management and her role as an educator, having conducted numerous policy seminars on various insurance topics. She served as President of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) in South Australia and the Northern Territory and held the position of NT Chairperson at the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance (ANZIIF). Her contributions were recognised with a National Award for Services to the Industry by ANZIIF in 2014.

Committed to delivering exceptional service, Cheryl leverages her experience to provide clients with focused and high-quality advice in a timely manner. Having moved to Darwin in 2009 from Adelaide, Cheryl now considers Darwin her home. Outside of work, she enjoys socialising over meals with friends and pursuing her passion for golf.

Authorised Representative No. 001281432
Graduate Diploma Of Insurance
08 8942 8408
0458 247 843
cherylr@holdfast.com.au

Meet Chris Thomas

Chris has over 15 years’ experience in the insurance industry, starting his career with Holdfast, before spending 10 years as an in-house insurance advisor at one of the top 10 independent energy companies in the world. Chris enjoys the challenge of working on complex insurance programs and helping his clients with the optimal balance of risk transfer, and risk retention. He takes pride in building a rapport with his clients, and fully understanding their business in order to provide tailored solutions. When Chris isn’t working, you will find him on the golf course.

Senior Account Manager
Tier 1 (Ins. Broking) | B.Bus (Mgt)
08 8273 0906
0408 803 341
christh@holdfast.com.au

Meet David Stewart

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"Best service ever!"

Rosie Reichstein, Owner
Regina Sole Queen

After years of travelling the world, David returned to Adelaide with his wife and two daughters and joined the family business as a broker in 2005. He handles all areas of general and business insurance and has spent the last nine years in Darwin building strong relationships throughout the Northern Territory. David now splits his time between South Australia and NT, and when he is not looking after your insurance needs, he indulges his great love of surfing - dodging sharks or crocs, depending on the location. Like most of our brokers, David is also a keen follower of the AFL and leads the Adelaide Crows faction within the office.

Senior Account Manager
Diploma Financial Services (Ins. Broking)
08 8273 0910
0409 838 737
davids@holdfast.com.au

Meet David Stewart

"Best service ever!"

Rosie Reichstein, Owner
Regina Sole Queen

After years of travelling the world, David returned to Adelaide with his wife and two daughters and joined the family business as a broker in 2005. He handles all areas of general and business insurance and has spent the last nine years in Darwin building strong relationships throughout the Northern Territory while working in our Darwin office. David now splits his time between South Australia and NT, and when he is not looking after your insurance needs, he indulges his great love of surfing - dodging sharks or crocs, depending on the location. Like most of our brokers, David is also a keen follower of the AFL and leads the Adelaide Crows faction within the office.

Senior Account Manager
Diploma Financial Services (Ins. Broking)
08 8273 0910
0409 838 737
davids@holdfast.com.au

Meet Eleanor Sutton

Eleanor has been working in the Insurance industry for over 15 years, and started at Holdfast 5 years ago.

Starting as a Broker Support in Personal Insurance, Eleanor has worked her way up to become a Junior Account Manager specialising in small business Insurance. She has experience in dealing with a variety of clientele and their businesses.

Eleanor prides herself on the connections she is able to make with her clients, to then be able to offer great customer service, and find the most suitable cover for them.

When Eleanor is not working, you will find her travelling all over the world from America to Europe to the coast of Bora Bora. She also loves to participate in cooking classes to challenge her excellent cooking skills and to expand her food knowledge.

Junior Account Manager
Diploma of Insurance Broking
08 8273 0905
0499 191 571
eleanors@holdfast.com.au

Meet Jade Harris

A family grounding in the insurance industry from a young age made Jade’s eventual career choice an easy one. Passionate, energetic, approachable, and committed to delivering excellent outcomes to her clients, she’s a solution driven broker.

It’s an exciting time for Jade, being a young Broker in the Industry, backed by an experienced team. She has time and opportunity on her side to help clients overcome the challenges they may face in the insurance industry, especially in the Northern Territory. 

When Jade is not looking after your insurance needs, she is enjoying the great outdoors of the Territory’s Top End with her husband and two young kids.   

Authorised Representative No. 001262740
Tier 1 (Ins. Broking)
08 8942 8404
0428 316 688
jadeh@holdfast.com.au

Meet Karen Hicks

“Karen Hicks has been my insurance broker in my busy commercial legal practice for over 15 years. I cannot praise and thank Karen enough for her professional assistance to me as a business and property owner and her care and attention to my insurance affairs, not only in terms of her diligence in sourcing the policies and protection best suited to my needs but also as regards her tireless efforts for me when I have had to make claims. I feel safe that my business’ insurance needs are well catered for being in Karen’s hands and have no hesitation in commending her to anyone in commerce who is looking for an insurance broker.”

Philip Farlam, Lawyer
Philip Farlam Legal Consulting

Karen is no stranger to the insurance industry, she has worked in the industry for over 40 years. Over the years she has worked within major Insurance companies, ran her own Insurance Agency for a number of years & most recently managed a brokerage.

Along with Karen’s extensive knowledge of the general insurance industry, her passion for her job shows by making sure her clients have the right insurance in place and ensuring they know she is always there for them.

She loves what she does and enjoys looking after people, so that’s why she joined the Holdfast team. 

Outside of work Karen is involved in Calisthenics, enjoys her AFL football & just being with her family.

It doesn’t feel like work if you love what you do!

Authorised Representative No. 001279513
Tier 1 (Ins. Broking)
08 8273 0900
0480 182 007
karenh@holdfast.com.au

Meet Kelly Keast - SA/NT Broker of the Year 2017

Recognised by the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA)

"Kelly has been my preferred broker for my personal and business insurance as well as the primary referrer that we recommend for clients of our practice. Neither ourselves nor our clients would go back to managing our own insurances having been a client of Kelly."

Jarrad Sims, Partner
Commercial and Legal

Kelly has been with Holdfast for over 20 years, and in that time, worked in every part of the business. Having completed her Diploma in Business Management, she was thrust into an old school style apprenticeship that saw her gain experience as Receptionist, Assistant Broker, Broker, and Sales Manager, before being appointed General Manager in 2014.

Kelly has an unrivalled depth of knowledge in every aspect of insurance broking, and a strong commitment to the important role that insurance plays within the community. She is one of a number of strong female leaders who are redefining insurance in Australia.

Managing Director
ANZIIF (Snr. Assoc) CIP Dip. FS (Ins. Broking)
08 8273 0902
0417 865 787
kelly@holdfast.com.au

Meet Lee Lynch

Lee Lynch began her career over 20 years ago at Holdfast, starting as a Receptionist and advancing to a Junior Broker through dedication and hard work. After 13 years at the company, she took a hiatus to focus on raising her family. During this period, she prioritized her three children, but once they were all in school, she sought to re-enter the workforce.

Lee returned part-time, working with various smaller brokers, which allowed her to gain diverse experience and expand her expertise in the industry. Her role on a Broker Partnering team exposed her to a wide range of niche policies, offering her the chance to develop new skills and knowledge in areas she hadn't previously encountered.

After a 10-year break, Lee rejoined Holdfast, bringing with her a wealth of new insights and a fresh perspective. This return has been both fulfilling and exciting for her, as it has allowed her to leverage her accumulated experience while embracing the challenges and opportunities of her renewed role. Lee’s reintegration into Holdfast has been marked by a revitalized enthusiasm and a commitment to contributing to the company’s success with a broader and more nuanced understanding of the brokerage field.

Account Manager
Tier 1 Insurance Broking
08 8273 0949
0417 007 361
leel@holdfast.com.au

Meet Liam Watson

Liam has been active in the industry for a relatively short period but has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude and enthusiasm for broking. Since entering the field in 2021, he has earned notable recognition, including the 2023 Steadfast-ANZIIF Outstanding Insurance Professional Award.

Initially serving as an Account Broker, Liam managed daily client policy inquiries. He quickly advanced to the role of Claims Manager, where he effectively addressed both domestic and commercial needs, collaborating with insurers and third parties throughout the claims process.

Liam has since transitioned to his current position as a Personal Lines Account Manager, where he provides comprehensive assistance with all aspects of personal insurance. He is known for his effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability in this role.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Liam is an enthusiast of motorbikes and exotic cars, indulging in riding whenever possible. Additionally, he has been an avid tennis player for the past five years.

Account Manager - Personal Lines
ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP / Diploma of Insurance Broking
08 8273 0929
liamw@holdfast.com.au

Meet Luke Fisher

"Luke has been looking after our insurances for years because he has always taken the time to understand our business so we can get the insurance we need and then explain that insurance to us in a way we can understand. We appreciate that approach."

Jan Nalty, Director
A.L. Nalty Memorials Pty Ltd

Luke has more than 20 years experience in insurance broking and 18 of those have been with Holdfast. He works across all areas of insurance with a varied and diverse set of long term clients. Outside of work, Luke played nearly 200 games of footy for Blackwood in the Hills Football League before retiring and continues to follow the Crows in the AFL. He also plays guitar in his heavy metal band, 'Headbore', who are regulars on the pub circuit and have put out a couple of albums. They have been known to tour the East Coast, and even have their own YouTube channel - Headbore Official! 

Senior Account Manager
Diploma of Insurance Broking
08 8273 0928
0438 278 505
lukef@holdfast.com.au

Meet Neil Daniel

Neil has been a valued Holdfast Team member for over 5 years and is experienced in all facets of Insurance. Neil specializes in finding cover for hard-to-place risk, liaises with underwriting agencies, and supports all Holdfast Brokers. Based out of the Holdfast Adelaide office, Neil has exceptional customer service skills and ensures that clients are covered for all of their business insurance needs. 

Specialised Placement Manager
Diploma of Insurance Broking

08 8273 0904
neild@holdfast.com.au

Meet Rebecca Heatley

“I have been with Holdfast Insurance Brokers for many years and have always found Rebecca and her team to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity.  Their knowledge of the insurance industry is impeccable and they are always friendly and willing to help out in any way possible whether it be for quoting insurance or for an insurance claim.   I would not hesitate in recommending Holdfast Insurance Brokers to friends and family.”

Jill Hoile Ozone Specialists

Rebecca has worked in the insurance industry for nearly 14 years, throughout this time she has taken on many roles. Rebecca prides herself on her ability to connect with her clients and match their risk profiles and needs with suitable insurance policies. Through her passion for customer service and her clients she has become an Account Manager.

Through Rebecca’s years of experience as an Assistant to a Senior Account Manager she has worked with a vast range of clients and industries. From this, she has found a particular interest and talent for insuring small business and tradie insurance risks. Outside of work, Rebecca and her husband are kept busy with their 4 children and enjoy spending with family and friends. She is also known to be a sucker for a shoe sale and the fashion icon of the Holdfast office.

Account Manager
Diploma Financial Services (Ins. Broking)
08 8273 0918
0417 101 575
rebecca@holdfast.com.au

Meet Riley Knight

“I’ve trusted Riley for several years now. When I thought of insurance brokers I thought… yuck. But Riley and the Holdfast team are different. He gets the job done efficiently and cost effectively. From personal to business and any claim in between. Thanks Riley, love your work mate.” 

Sam Ackland, CEO Build Clean

Riley began his career at Holdfast in our Broker Support Team and has since progressed through the Holdfast Trainee-ship Program. Assisting a Senior Account Manager with various clients, small and large, has enabled Riley to step into his new role as Account Manager looking after a portfolio of farms, personal insurance, small businesses and tradies.

Growing up as a local South Australian from the rural town of the Clare Valley, Riley prides himself on his connection with clients and his understanding of local businesses.

His communication and customer service are his strong points and he will always have his client’s best interests at heart. Riley is committed to growing and learning side by side with his clients, and delivering a strong relationship-based approached.

Outside the office Riley has a love for football and spending time water skiing.

Account Manager

Tier 1 (Ins Broking)
08 8273 0938
0457 462 237
rileyk@holdfast.com.au

Meet Ryan McCarthy

"Ryan does a fantastic job. He's the right guy for our business."

Jarrett Fox, Owner
South Adelaide Glass

 

Ryan has more than 20 years experience in the insurance industry, firstly with CGU in a variety of underwriting-based roles, and then with Holdfast as an insurance broker. He is passionate about service and works hard to maintain strong relationships with his clients. A diehard Crows supporter in the AFL, Ryan has high footballing hopes for his two sons, aged 6 and 8. He also has an interest in wine and the Barossa remains one of his favourite places to visit. Reflecting his dedication to the industry, Ryan qualified as an Authorised Representative in 2017.

Authorised Representative No. 001249153
ANZIIF (Snr. Assoc) CIP
08 8273 0933
0401 144 928
ryanm@holdfast.com.au

Meet Terrie Walters

Terrie has worked in the insurance industry for just over 4 years, after beginning her career here at Holdfast. Terrie is a valued and integral part of our Personal Lines Division, with broad experience assisting clients with their personal insurance needs, specialising in Home, Landlord and Motor Vehicle Insurance.

Terrie prides herself in providing exceptional customer service to all clients by ensuring they receive the most suitable outcome for their insurance needs.

Outside of work, Terrie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, road tripping to some of SA’s amazing beaches, as well as the odd camping trip.

Account Manager
Tier 1 (Ins. Broking)
08 8273 0948
0439 893 178
terrie@holdfast.com.au

Meet Tiska Howell

Tiska has lived in the NT for most of her adult life and has worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years. Throughout this time she has taken on many roles, some of which include managing a branch for the NT’s largest insurer, underwriting, sales and claims. Tiska started at Holdfast over 15 years ago as a Broker’s Assistant and is now the Account Manager for the NT Personal Lines Team.

Tiska prides herself on her ability to connect with her clients and assist them in choosing insurance that meets their needs.

Outside of work she enjoys cooking, spending time with her family and going for long walks on the beach with her fur baby.

Account Manager - Personal Lines NT
08 8942 8405
tiska@holdfast.com.au

Meet Tony Basnec

"Tony and Holdfast have our repeat business! He provides the very best in comprehensive, practical information and advice so that we have the 'right level' of insurance cover for our changing needs. Nothing is too much trouble."

Maree Gooch, CEO
Grow Zone Mentoring Program WA

 

Tony has more than 40 years experience in the insurance industry - the first 12 as an underwriter and subsequent years as a broker. He handles all areas of general insurance but specialises in Professional Indemnity, particularly for financial service licensees. One of our longest serving insurance brokers, Tony has been with Holdfast for 25 years. He is an Adelaide Crows supporter in the AFL, and also a keen golfer. Now his children are off his hands, Tony is once again dreaming of a single digit handicap.   

Senior Account Manager
ANZIIF (Aff) CIP
08 8273 0922
0417 666 616
tony@holdfast.com.au

Meet Tony May

Originally from the West Coast of South Australia, Tony moved to the Northern Territory 18 years ago where he was able to travel all through the Top End working in the agriculture machinery industry. For the past 8 years Tony has worked in the insurance industry, dealing in the lines of business, farming and commercial motor, before recently joining the Holdfast Insurance Brokers Darwin team.

Tony likes to spend his weekends either playing golf or fishing, and enjoys following the cricket and the AFL, in particular the Carlton Football Club.

Senior Account Manager
Tier 1 (Ins. Broking)
08 8942 8406
0447 000 688
tonym@holdfast.com.au