About Us
ABOUT US
Our Story
Ovens Valley Insurance Brokers (OVIB) has been providing general insurance advice since 1997. We are based in Myrtleford and Bright and service clients all over Australia. At OVIB we believe that all clients are equal and aim to provide the most appropriate insurance solutions for each client, from a small one-off car insurance policy or a large business portfolio.
We believe in providing the highest level of customer service, expert advice and risk management by accessing our knowledge of the insurance industry and modern technology in all our business activities. We aim to simplify the transaction between you and insurance providers and tailor solutions to meet all needs.
Expert advice
Behind every OVIB insurance broker is a wealth of knowledge and the strength of the Steadfast Group; Australasia’s largest general insurance broker network.
Value for Money
Get the appropriate cover without devoting countless hours to learning about the finer points of insurance. OVIB insurance brokers can not only offer quality advice and arrange better coverage, but also be your claims advocate if the need arises.
Peace of Mind
From understanding your business, to helping you through the claims process, OVIB brokers work for you, not the insurers.
Service
Anyone who has compared car or home insurance policies knows how time consuming it can be. Choosing business insurance can be even more complex because of the range of risks. An OVIB broker can be invaluable to your business.
Why use an insurance broker?
Insurance can be overwhelming
Understanding what insurance you need can be complex. And it can be devastating if you get it wrong. It pays to have an insurance expert on your side.
An OVIB Broker works for you, not the insurer. We take the time to understand your business and the risks you face. We pride ourselves in being local and supporting locals with their associated risk.
Having access to the Steadfast network, you have access to policies from more than 150 national and international insurers – so you can feel confident you have all the cover you need.
The OVIB Broker difference
Experience
Our brokers know a lot about insurance. But they also specialise in working with businesses across a wide range of industries. This experience means they can help identify risks that are specific to your type of business – and quickly find the right policy options to match.
Negotiating Power
As part of the Steadfast network, our brokers have the power to negotiate more competitive prices and better policy terms. That means broader coverage and customised options – so you can feel confident your business’s future is secure.
Strength
Steadfast brokers are part of Australasia’s largest general insurance broker network, which manages more than 3.6 million policies for small to medium businesses. So you can benefit from the strength and security that comes from scale, with the personal attention of your own OVIB broker.
Save time
Our brokers can take the time to understand your business and personal insurance and tailor a policy to match – taking the hard work out of getting the right cover. We can do the research, arrange it all and manage the administration when you need to claim. So you can focus on what’s important.
Save money
As part of the Steadfast network, we can often negotiate lower prices for clients. Plus, our knowledge of the insurance market cycle and our efficient claims advocacy can help us to keep your cover cost-effective over the years.
Stress less
With an OVIB broker, you can feel confident you have the right cover for your business, whatever your insurance needs. You can be supported by the strength of Steadfast, and you can have a dedicated advocate should you need to claim. You can speak directly with your broker as often as you need to.
Meet our team
Our people are our strength
Katie has been involved in the Financial Services industry since 2009, where she first started at the ANZ Banking Group working in both Albury and Wangaratta. She then progressed to an adviser role at Insurance Advisernet Merimbula in 2011 after moving from her hometown of Myrtleford for a sea change.
After 5 years in Merimbula, Katie returned to Myrtleford and began working with Ovens Valley Insurance Brokers as an Account Executive in January 2017, becoming director in July 2017.
Katie has brought to the team a very organised and structured way of operating. Her skills have greatly assisted with the rapid continued growth of her knowledge of the insurance industry. Katie’s drive to succeed in all aspects of her business, ensure clients and colleagues alike have an impactful working relationship.
Outside of the office, Katie enjoys spending time with her young family and husband on their beef cattle farm, and enjoying all that the local area has to offer. Gardening is a passion for Katie, and when she’s not busy doing other things, she will often be found pottering around her yard tending to her flowers and veggie garden. Throughout the winter months, you’ll find her on the netball court, playing for her local club, Whorouly Lions, where her competitive spirit really shines.
Joining Farmer Mutual Group during 2006 introduced Steve to the insurance industry with his first insurance position as Claims Officer, where he quickly progressed into a Business Manager role fostering broker and agent relationships. After several years in this role, Steve decided to explore Insurance Broking.
An opportunity arose at Sirius Risk Services on the Gold Coast where he spent 2 years working closely with Senior Account Managers broadening his technical knowledge on complex accounts including Industrial Special Risk, Heavy Motor Fleets, Liability and Professional Risk.
Steve moved back to Albury early 2010 as an insurance consultant at a local firm. Wanting to develop his underwriting expertise he joined global underwriter, Allianz Australia during 2013. Again, providing technical advice and support to all intermediaries.
Steve commenced with OVIB in March 2016 becoming a partner in June 2016.
He holds a Diploma of General Insurance and Diploma of Insurance Broking and is a Senior Associate with the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) as a Certified Insurance Professional (CIP).
Being social he spends time with his young family and friends, exercises, watches the local footy or heads up the mountains to disconnect and recharge his batteries.
Marnie has almost 20 years insurance industry experience. She gained a wealth of knowledge and experience at the start of her career whilst working with large insurers, Australian Unity and the Suncorp Group. She worked in roles in customer service, underwriting support and learning & development where she really honed her commercial and personal lines product knowledge.
The last 7 years has been spent working as a broker to help her clients procure the right insurance solutions across a range of industries for business and property owners, farmers, transport operators, tradies and individuals, just to name a few. Marnie has a commercial insurance focus but also dabbles in personal insurances and strata policies. Marnie is also currently completing the Diploma of Insurance Broking.
She also brings a unique skillset to the team with her love of technology and all things digital, exceptional computer skills, sales and marketing abilities as well as social media and website development.
Marnie was born and bred on a farm in Whorouly but has lived and worked in the North-East and in both Melbourne and Seoul. She has (in her opinion) the best fur-baby in the world.
John started off in the insurance industry in Adelaide in 2006 with CGU Insurance as a commercial property claims consultant. In 2010 John moved to Victoria to a role as technical claims consultant training others in claims and assisting with the more difficult claims.
John then moved into broking at Instrat Insurance brokers who was acquired by Arthur J Gallagher. There John further developed insurance experience as an internal broker dealing with insurance renewals in the trades space and later remarketing of policies that were ‘out of the box.’
In this role, and prior to COVID, John was offered to operate remotely from home, which at the time was uncommon in the insurance space. This followed by a tree change from the big smoke to regional township Bright whilst working remotely with Arthur J Gallagher.
An opportunity as an insurance broker arose with Ovens Valley Insurance Brokers in early 2021 and with that, provided John an opportunity to work with people and businesses close to home.
During his time in the insurance industry, John has accumulated supportive education including ANZIIF certificate IVand diploma in General Insurance, Tier 1 Insurance Broking Compliance and subsequently a Bachelor of Business (Insurance / Financial Planning) through Charles Sturt University.
On weekends John’s activities are season-dependent! If it’s winter, he can be seen heading up with his family to Mt Hotham and getting in some turns. All other seasons, spending time with his family in all that the North-East has to offer.
Carmel brings over a decade of experience and a strong commitment to OVIB. A native of Myrtleford and a valued member of our team since 2012.
Carmel’s journey with us began after a career transition, highlighting her adaptability and determination to excel in her role. As a born and bred local, she possesses an understanding of our community and the unique needs of our clients. Her ability to relate to clients on all levels has made her a trusted and approachable member of our team.
One of Carmel’s standout qualities is her skill in negotiating with underwriters. She has a personal lines focus and her polite yet firm approach ensures that our clients receive the best possible insurance solutions and client service, making her an indispensable member of our team.
Outside of her work, Carmel cherishes her time with her husband and makes it a priority to catch up with friends, fostering strong connections within the local community. When her schedule allows, she enjoys visiting her children and grandchildren in Melbourne, cherishing those precious moments with her loved ones.
Michelle has worked in the insurance industry for over 20 years, beginning her career at Medibank Private as a call centre consultant and transitioned to an underwriter role for the ancillary division. Michelle also gained experience in a number of underwriting and underwriting support roles at AMP, Suncorp, and Allianz in both Melbourne and Brisbane in predominantly personal lines insurances.
Michelle worked in the Strata Division of a large brokerage in Melbourne for 5 years and learned how complex an owners corporation can be and relished in finding ways to ensure her clients got the most adequate cover and claim outcomes.
After taking a break to raise her young family Michelle moved back to her hometown of Myrtleford. Michelle has a very busy lifestyle with 3 children under 10, but in her spare time she likes to try out new restaurants and restore her 1982 Ford Falcon XE with her family.
John Schmarr
Account Executive
John Schmarr
Account Executive
John started off in the insurance industry in Adelaide in 2006 with CGU Insurance as a commercial property claims consultant. In 2010 John moved to Victoria to a role as technical claims consultant training others in claims and assisting with the more difficult claims.
John then moved into broking at Instrat Insurance brokers who was acquired by Arthur J Gallagher. There John further developed insurance experience as an internal broker dealing with insurance renewals in the trades space and later remarketing of policies that were ‘out of the box.’
In this role, and prior to COVID, John was offered to operate remotely from home, which at the time was uncommon in the insurance space. This followed by a tree change from the big smoke to regional township Bright whilst working remotely with Arthur J Gallagher.
An opportunity as an insurance broker arose with Ovens Valley Insurance Brokers in early 2021 and with that, provided John an opportunity to work with people and businesses close to home.
During his time in the insurance industry, John has accumulated supportive education including ANZIIF certificate IVand diploma in General Insurance, Tier 1 Insurance Broking Compliance and subsequently a Bachelor of Business (Insurance / Financial Planning) through Charles Sturt University.
On weekends John’s activities are season-dependent! If it’s winter, he can be seen heading up with his family to Mt Hotham and getting in some turns. All other seasons, spending time with his family in all that the North-East has to offer.
Carmel Ardern
Account Assistant
Carmel Ardern
Account Assistant
Carmel brings over a decade of experience and a strong commitment to OVIB. A native of Myrtleford and a valued member of our team since 2012.
Carmel’s journey with us began after a career transition, highlighting her adaptability and determination to excel in her role. As a born and bred local, she possesses an understanding of our community and the unique needs of our clients. Her ability to relate to clients on all levels has made her a trusted and approachable member of our team.
One of Carmel’s standout qualities is her skill in negotiating with underwriters. She has a personal lines focus and her polite yet firm approach ensures that our clients receive the best possible insurance solutions and client service, making her an indispensable member of our team.
Outside of her work, Carmel cherishes her time with her husband and makes it a priority to catch up with friends, fostering strong connections within the local community. When her schedule allows, she enjoys visiting her children and grandchildren in Melbourne, cherishing those precious moments with her loved ones.
Michelle McMahon
Administration
Michelle McMahon
Administration
Michelle has worked in the insurance industry for over 20 years, beginning her career at Medibank Private as a call centre consultant and transitioned to an underwriter role for the ancillary division. Michelle also gained experience in a number of underwriting and underwriting support roles at AMP, Suncorp, and Allianz in both Melbourne and Brisbane in predominantly personal lines insurances.
Michelle worked in the Strata Division of a large brokerage in Melbourne for 5 years and learned how complex an owners corporation can be and relished in finding ways to ensure her clients got the most adequate cover and claim outcomes.
After taking a break to raise her young family Michelle moved back to her hometown of Myrtleford. Michelle has a very busy lifestyle with 3 children under 10, but in her spare time she likes to try out new restaurants and restore her 1982 Ford Falcon XE with her family.
Katie Ivone
Director
Katie Ivone
Director
Katie has been involved in the Financial Services industry since 2009, where she first started at the ANZ Banking Group working in both Albury and Wangaratta. She then progressed to an adviser role at Insurance Advisernet Merimbula in 2011 after moving from her hometown of Myrtleford for a sea change.
After 5 years in Merimbula, Katie returned to Myrtleford and began working with Ovens Valley Insurance Brokers as an Account Executive in January 2017, becoming director in July 2017.
Katie has brought to the team a very organised and structured way of operating. Her skills have greatly assisted with the rapid continued growth of her knowledge of the insurance industry. Katie’s drive to succeed in all aspects of her business, ensure clients and colleagues alike have an impactful working relationship.
Outside of the office, Katie enjoys spending time with her young family and husband on their beef cattle farm, and enjoying all that the local area has to offer. Gardening is a passion for Katie, and when she’s not busy doing other things, she will often be found pottering around her yard tending to her flowers and veggie garden. Throughout the winter months, you’ll find her on the netball court, playing for her local club, Whorouly Lions, where her competitive spirit really shines.
Steve Prince
Director
Steve Prince
Director
Joining Farmer Mutual Group during 2006 introduced Steve to the insurance industry with his first insurance position as Claims Officer, where he quickly progressed into a Business Manager role fostering broker and agent relationships. After several years in this role, Steve decided to explore Insurance Broking.
An opportunity arose at Sirius Risk Services on the Gold Coast where he spent 2 years working closely with Senior Account Managers broadening his technical knowledge on complex accounts including Industrial Special Risk, Heavy Motor Fleets, Liability and Professional Risk.
Steve moved back to Albury early 2010 as an insurance consultant at a local firm. Wanting to develop his underwriting expertise he joined global underwriter, Allianz Australia during 2013. Again, providing technical advice and support to all intermediaries.
Steve commenced with OVIB in March 2016 becoming a partner in June 2016.
He holds a Diploma of General Insurance and Diploma of Insurance Broking and is a Senior Associate with the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) as a Certified Insurance Professional (CIP).
Being social he spends time with his young family and friends, exercises, watches the local footy or heads up the mountains to disconnect and recharge his batteries.
Marnie Bussell
Account Executive
Marnie Bussell
Account Executive
Marnie has almost 20 years insurance industry experience. She gained a wealth of knowledge and experience at the start of her career whilst working with large insurers, Australian Unity and the Suncorp Group. She worked in roles in customer service, underwriting support and learning & development where she really honed her commercial and personal lines product knowledge.
The last 7 years has been spent working as a broker to help her clients procure the right insurance solutions across a range of industries for business and property owners, farmers, transport operators, tradies and individuals, just to name a few. Marnie has a commercial insurance focus but also dabbles in personal insurances and strata policies. Marnie is also currently completing the Diploma of Insurance Broking.
She also brings a unique skillset to the team with her love of technology and all things digital, exceptional computer skills, sales and marketing abilities as well as social media and website development.
Marnie was born and bred on a farm in Whorouly but has lived and worked in the North-East and in both Melbourne and Seoul. She has (in her opinion) the best fur-baby in the world.