Staff

Trevor Markey – Executive Chairman

Trevor is one of the Hunter’s most respected business people who has earned a national reputation in the insurance sector.  He managed several insurance companies before developing his own brokerage to better serve the wider Hunter business community.  With more than forty years experience, Trevor has steered the company through the past three decades.  In 1986, he expanded the depth of services available to clients by taking Austbrokers Holdings Pty Ltd as a shareholder.

Stephen Markey
Managing Director

Stephen Markey – Managing Director

AAII, QPIB, BE (Mech.),

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Stephen has won a national reputation as an innovator in insurance. After completing a Bachelor of Engineering degree, he worked as a mechanical engineer in major industries before joining the family company in 1989.  Stephen quickly added to his skills and professional qualifications to become an associate of the Australian Insurance Institute and a Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker.  He has served as a Board Member of the National Insurance Brokers’ Association and plays an active part in the direction of Austbrokers.

Along with the role as Managing Director of Markey Group Pty Ltd, Stephen is also involved in the servicing of both retail and corporate clients. He is committed to ensuring that all Markey clients receive the highest level of friendly and professional advice.

Simmone Markey
Chief Financial Officer

Simmone Markey – Chief Financial Officer

Simmone is a financial services expert with experience in general insurance, life insurance, premium funding as well as accounting and investment.  Simmone has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Newcastle and has worked also as a CPA within the accountancy profession. Simmone is a highly regarded member of the Hunter business community and participates in insurance industry national and international networks.

Richard Finlay
Administration Manager

Richard Finlay - Administration Manager

Richard brought a wealth of experience and proven success as an administrator when he joined the Markey Group in 2006.  Previously with NSW Health, he managed the business unit for the diagnostic division of Hunter/New England Area Health and South West Area Health.  He had also consulted for every Area Health Service in both NSW and Queensland.  Having taken the diagnostic division from humble beginnings to being the largest and only profit making division in NSW Health, he has applied the same principles of sound business practice in his role as Administration Manager for the Markey Group.

Bernard Brown

Bernard Brown

Diploma Business Management,

Affiliate of the Australian Insurance Industry
Insurance Broker,

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Bernard’s abundance of experience and extensive knowledge in all classes of commercial business has proven to be valuable to many Markey clients.  He holds a Diploma in Business Management, is an Affiliate of the Australian Insurance Industry Insurance Broker and also holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).  Bernard began a successful insurance career more than 25 years ago as an insurance underwriter then moved into insurance broking with Markey Group in 1999.

Bob Brook

Bob Brook

QPIB

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

After commencing with the General Insurance Company in the late 1950s, Bob established his own Insurance Brokerage in 1967.  This extremely successful business expanded to cover major population centres in New South Wales, including Taree, Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong.  By 1986, the Newcastle arm of the organisation attracted the attention of Trevor Markey, who was looking to expand his own Newcastle-based company.  Bob sold his Newcastle business to Markey; at the same time taking on a consultant position with the company.  In 1992, Bob, a Qualified Practising Insurance Broker, was appointed to the position of General Manager.

Cathy Thomson

Cathy Thomson

QPIB, B.Bus,

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Cathy has worked in the insurance industry since 1979 and for Markey since 1987.  She holds a Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Financial Services, and is a qualified Practising Insurance Broker.  She currently looks after a small portfolio of commercial clients.

David Summers

David Summers

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking),

Diploma Business Management,

Diploma Human Resource Management

David has built a rapidly growing portfolio of commercial clients since he joined Markey Group in 2003. He holds a Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking) and added to his knowledge and capacity to deliver best possible outcomes for clients by also completing a Diploma Business Management and a Diploma Human Resource Management. David is committed to providing competitive insurance programs tailored to suit his client's needs.

Frank Gaminde

Frank Gaminde

QPIB

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking),

Diploma Business Marketing,

Diploma Human Resources

Frank has been a member of the Markey team since 1995 and is valued as one of our senior commercial insurance executives.  He is a qualified Practicising Insurance Broker and holds a Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking), Diploma Business Marketing and a Diploma Human Resources.  His background includes experience in the banking industry dealing in both finance and insurance areas.

Michael Butler

Michael Butler

Certified Insurance Professional,

Member of NIBA, Member of ANZIF,

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Michael Butler provides clients with experience and specialist knowledge in management or risk.  He has been in the general insurance industry for more than six years. His experience with large commercial clients adds to the blend of knowledge and professional experience provided by the Markey senior broking team. He joined Markey in November 2006 from Aon Corporate Sydney.

Robyn Stella

Robyn Stella

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Robyn is a specialist in commercial insurance and is well known to the growing list of small and medium enterprise business owners and managers whom she serves. She commenced in the insurance industry in 1985 and her previous roles include business development manager with a major Australian insurer where she gained considerable knowledge and experience in workers compensation insurance.  She holds a Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking).

Sandra O’Donnell

Sandra O’Donnell

QPIB

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Sandra manages a portfolio of business clients providing specialist advice on all aspects of insurance that are relevant to their enterprises. She commenced work in the insurance industry in 1980 and has been with Markey Group since 1987.  She has held varying roles in both the underwriting and insurance broking industry building a wealth of experience and knowledge. Those experiences range from claims management, account management, marketing, workers’ compensation, premium financing, and in more recent years, insurance broking.  Sandra is a Qualified Practising Insurance Broker and holds a Diploma Financial Services.

Susan Tan

QPIB

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Susan entered the general insurance broking industry in 1989 and has held various insurance broking positions with major Australian and International brokerages both in Sydney and in Singapore. She also has experience in underwriting. These experiences and knowledge have proved valuable to the Markey clients she now services. Susan is a qualified Practising Insurance Broker and is a member of the National Insurance Brokers Association and has obtained her Diploma Financial Services.  She joined Markey Insurance Brokers in October 2001.

Warrick Bell

Warrick Bell

QPIB

Tier I Certificate General Insurance

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Warrick is a member of the commercial sector team with a clear focus on providing business outcomes for his clients. He started work at Markey in March 2005 and continues to add to his capacity to deliver those outcomes through study which has included the completion of a Tier I Certificate in General Insurance and the Diploma of Financial Services.

Carly Campbell

Tier II Certificate General Insurance

Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Carly commenced working at Markey in October 2005 and has worked in a number of departments including Administration, Processing and Domestic. Carly has completed several courses relating to the insurance industry. She is currently studying for her Diploma in Financial Services. Carly also holds a Certificate III in Business Administration.

Georgi Kantarovski

Georgi Kantarovski

Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance,

Currently studying  Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Georgi has been working in the insurance industry since 2004 and enjoys the challenge of providing excellent customer service. He joined Markey in 2006 and holds a Tier I Certificate in General Insurance and is completing a Diploma of Financial Services. To further build his capacity to service clients he will then study for the Advanced Diploma.

Joanne Walker

Joanne Walker

Tier II Certificate General Insurance

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Joanne joined the insurance industry when she began employment with Markey Group in 2001.  After working in reception for a period she expressed an interest in building a career and was offered an Assistant Account Executive position.  Joanne is currently studying for a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking) having completed a Certificate III in Financial Services (Insurance Broking).  Joanne assists Cathy Thomson in servicing the needs of her clients.

Kate Brunton

Kate Brunton

Tier II Certificate General Insurance

Kate has been working in the insurance industry since 2007. She has completed a Double Diploma in Marketing and Administration, Certificate III in Financial Services (Insurance Broking), Tier II Certificate of General Insurance, Certificate IV in Human Resources and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Kate assists Warrick Bell in servicing the needs of his clients and is enjoying the challenge of continually growing her knowledge of insurance.

Lauren Cooper

Lauren Cooper

Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance,

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Lauren joined Markey Group in June 2007 (the same day as the devastating storms caused tens of millions of dollars in damage to business and private dwellings in Newcastle and on the Mid and Central Coasts). She has over 5 years experience in the industry and has completed her Tier 1 in General Insurance and her Diploma in Financial Services. Lauren has performed a variety of roles since joining Markey’s and continues to build her career.

Louise Stephen

Louise Stephen

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Louise has 14 years’ experience in the Insurance industry. She started her Insurance career with underwriting agency, Union des Assurances de Paris (UAP) before moving to a large International Broker in Sydney in 1998. Louise has extensive experience covering Builders Insurance, mainly home warranty and contract works and began employment with Markey in August 2011. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in home warranty insurance, contract works and negotiation skills.

Megan Farmer

Megan Farmer

Tier II Certificate General Insurance,

Currently studying Tier I Certificate General Insurance

Megan joined Markey Group in administration and has since moved into a broking role.  She is studying for her Diploma in Financial Services and is looking forward to providing Markey clients with efficient business broking solutions. Megan assists both Steve Markey and Michael Butler in servicing the needs of their clients.

Natalie Bull

Natalie Bull

Tier I Certificate General Insurance

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Natalie has recently joined the Markey team as an Assistant Broker.  She has worked in the insurance industry for more than eleven years and specialises in general client service and preparing documents for renewals and new insurance policies. Natalie is also experienced in preparing proposals and declarations as well as managing claims with insurers and assessors to ensure that all settlements run smoothly. Natalie’s capacity to deliver outcomes to Markey clients is supported by her qualifications which include Tier I Certificate in General Insurance. She is currently studying for a Diploma of Financial Services.

Natalie Gibbs

Natalie Gibbs

Tier I Certificate General Insurance

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Natalie has more than 12 years experienced in the industry and assists Robyn Stella in servicing the needs of her clients.  She has completed Tier II and Tier I General Insurance as well as a Diploma Financial Services. Natalie joined Markey in January 2006 with experience in general insurance and insurance broking.

Ruthanne Murdoch

Ruthanne Murdoch

Tier II Certificate III Financial Services

Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)

Ruthanne joined the Markey Group in December 2007. Previously she worked in a similar broking role in Atlanta, Georgia, USA before moving to Newcastle.  Ruthanne has worked as part of the Small Business team whose support and training have been instrumental in her learning and professional development. She now assists David Summers in servicing his clients with their insurance needs. She has completed a Certificate III (Tier 2) in Financial Services and is currently undertaking Tier I in Financial Services.

Sarah Nixon

Sarah Nixon

Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance

Sarah has worked in the insurance industry for 7 years. She has been working with Austbrokers Sandersons since 2005 and has now moved over to the Markey team. She has a Diploma of Financial Services (insurance broking) and has worked in a variety of departments over this time developing her industry knowledge. Sarah assists Sandra O’Donnell in servicing the needs of her clients.

Jan Hawley

Jan Hawley

Jan has recently joined Markey in the role of receptionist. She recently moved to Newcastle from the Manning Valley where she has had many years’ experience in reception, customer service and administration roles primarily in the real estate industry. Jan believes that this role calls for great customer service and she enjoys delivering just that.

Frances Shanko

Frances Shanko - New Business Manager

Frances is the New Business Coordinator at Markey - a position she has earned following periods as receptionist then assistant in the Life Department.  
She began employment with the Markey Group in 2004. Frances is keen to expand her career options and looks forward to the rewards and challenges this new position will create for her.

Marlene Harrison

Marlene Harrison

Marlene has worked in the insurance industry for more than 30 years both with insurance companies and brokerages, with multiple roles including underwriting and administration. She joined Markey in 2002 working in the finance department performing duties such as finance, administration and premium funding. Marlene’s bright character and dedication to work make her a valuable staff member.

Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson

Tier 1 Insurance Broker Training Statement of Attainment

Diploma of Business (General Insurance)

Michelle has been working in the insurance industry since October 1999. She holds a Tier 1 Insurance Broker Training certificate and a Diploma of Business (General Insurance). She was employed with Markey Group in October 2009 as part of the processing team. Michelle is now assisting Marlene Harrison in the finance department performing duties such as finance, administration and premium funding. Michelle is looking forward to the challenges of her new role.

Anthony Donati - IT System Administrator/Manager

MCSA, Comptia A+,

Diploma (IT Administration)

Anthony entered the IT industry after being offered a scholarship with a local IT and Training company as a System Administrator. After 5 years in the industry he has joined the Markey Group as the IT System Administrator/ Manager.  Anthony provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure the computer system runs smoothly. 

Leanne Went

Leanne Went

Leanne has 15 years experience in the administration field.  She commenced employment with Markey Group in 1996.  Leanne’s main role is payroll and superannuation but also has a vast knowledge of our insurance broking computer system and overall administration duties.

Jenny Dibben

Jenny is Executive Assistant at Markey Group and is a familiar contact for many clients and business people. She joined the Markey Group in 2008.  She has an extensive administration background having worked in various businesses including Local Government, real estate, accounting and typesetting.

Michele Marks - Processing Manager

Michele has been in the insurance industry for many years and has held underwriting and administration positions both with insurance companies and more recently with brokers.  Michele joined Markey in 2001 and is our most experienced processor with extensive knowledge of the insurance industry.

Katie Wilson

Katie Wilson

Katie commenced employment at Markey Group in 2007 after a year of temporary work across a broad range of industries where she gained experience in administration. She is now enjoying her new permanent role in the processing department gaining a more and wide ranging experience in the insurance industry.

Adrianna Mellos

Adrianna Mellos

Adrianna joined Markey Group in 2008 and has completed her Certificate III in Business Administration.  Adrianna is part of the processing team and is currently studying Certificate III in Financial Services.

Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith - Domestic Business Manager

Amanda is the Domestic Business Manager at Markey. She joined the Group in 1980 and is therefore one of our longest standing employees.  She is recognised for her dedication to getting the job done and her accuracy.  She is well respected in the insurance industry and her expertise in motor vehicle, CTP and householder insurance is unequalled.

Kate Brunton

Kate Brunton

Kate has been working in the insurance industry since 2007. She has completed a Double Diploma in Marketing and Administration, Certificate III in Financial Services (Insurance Broking), Certificate IV in Human Resources and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She is a new addition to our Domestic Team and aims to commence her Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking) in the near future.

Lauren Birchnell

Lauren Birchnell

Lauren joined Markey in August 2007 and is dedicated to ensuring fantastic customer service in a professional manner – she comes to Markey with a reputation of great customer service and has built a great rapport with clients.  Lauren completed a business management course in 2006 and understands the importance of professional service.  Lauren has recently completed her Certificate III in Financial Services.

Loukas Nadiotis

Loukas Nadiotis

Loukas moved to Australia after completing his Bachelor of Laws in Sheffield, England. He has experience in both the Insurance and Legal industries and has recently commenced employment within the domestic department of Markey Group.

Loukas is keen to develop his career and aims to undertake further studies within the Insurance industry.

Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith

Sarah has joined Markey Group as a member of the Domestic team, with a background consisting primarily of customer service and sales. Sarah is interested in taking a new direction towards the insurance industry and is eager to take on studies to create a new career path with Markey.

Robyn Cairns

Robyn Cairns - Claims Manager

Markey Group Claims Manager Robyn Cairns is one of our longest standing employees with her employment commencing in 1978. Robyn has worked in all areas of the business and due to her determination to get the job done, has been appointed as Claims Manager where she is doing an excellent job in negotiating the desired results for our clients.

Louise New

Louise New

Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance

Louise commenced at Markey in June 2007 after moving from Dubbo and is currently assisting in the Claims Department. Louise has been in the general insurance industry for more than 10 years, starting out in underwriting at a major Insurance company and moving to office management with a major rural insurance company.

Michael Bannon

Michael Bannon

Michael has been working in the insurance industry for the past 7 years, with 6 of those years dealing specifically with Claims. After spending the past 3 1/2 years working in Sydney, he has made the move back to his hometown of Newcastle. Michael brings with him a wealth of experience, primarily in Motor Vehicle Claims. He is looking forward to expanding his knowledge and skills by working with the Markey Claims team.