The annual practitioner awards were presented at the SMSF Association National Conference 2025 held in Melbourne last week.
Awards were presented across four categories to recognise SMSF Association members who symbolise the industry body’s values by demonstrating excellence in their SMSF capabilities and the contribution they make to the sector.
The award for achieving the highest score in the SMSF Association specialist advisor (SSA) exam was presented to Heffron national relationship manager Michael Lorimer.
Aquila Super Management SMSF audit manager Ryan Ding was presented with the award for achieving the highest score in the SMSF Association specialist auditor (SSAud) exam.
“The SMSF Association’s SSA and SSAud designations are highly regarded in our industry. They are the industry benchmark [reflecting] excellence and professionalism in our sector,” SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess noted upon presenting the two awards.
The 2024 CEO Award, recognising a member who has made a significant contribution to foster the SMSF community and promote the values of the SMSF Association, was presented posthumously to Foxton Financial founder and director Brooke Hepburn- Rogers.
“Brooke Hepburn-Rogers was a passionate and proud member of the SMSF Association and held both the SSA and SSAud designations. She was a passionate and active member of the ACT local community and committee, holding the positon of chair from 2020 to 2023,” Burgess told delegates at the conference.
“Sadly we lost Brooke last year. Brooke brought her high energy, enthusiasm and larger-than-life sense of humour to everything she did. Brooke never missed a national conference and referred to it as her happy place and the highlight of her year.
“Brooke was a passionate believer in specialisation and always encouraged others on the pathway to specialisation.
“With over 22 years’ experience in SMSFs, and as director of Foxton Financial, I’m sure those who knew Brooke would agree her tireless, continuous and joyful enthusiasm for the SMSF sector was outstanding.”
Heffron SMSF technical and educational services director Leigh Mansell was presented with the SMSF Association Chair’s Award.
“We give this to a member who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the growth and sustainability of the SMSF sector,” SMSF Association chair Scott Hay-Bartlem said.
