Profile
Petara Tanuvasa built Silverback Insurance to solve a problem he had seen from both sides of the job. Builders were being served by brokers who did not understand construction risk, leaving gaps that only became visible when something went wrong. That insight, shaped by time in claims and later as a contract administrator in construction, now defines why he has been named as one of Insurance Business’ Elite Brokers 2026.
His entry into insurance was unplanned. Tanuvasa started in claims, where early exposure to loss outcomes sharpened his understanding of how policies perform in practice. He moved through sales and service roles before stepping into broking, gaining a full view of the insurance lifecycle. A move to construction shifted his perspective further, giving him direct exposure to project risk, timelines and commercial realities.
That combination led to a clear proposition, with builders needing advice grounded in how projects actually run rather than how policies are written. When lockdowns hit Victoria in 2020, Tanuvasa chose to act. He launched Silverback Insurance at a time when many businesses were retreating, confident there was a gap in the market for a broker who understood both construction and insurance in equal measure.
“While a lot of businesses were closing, I had a fervent belief that solutions in risk management and an understanding of how insurance can help many builders have a greater impact if there were a broker who understood both industries,” he says.
That belief now shapes how he works with clients. Tanuvasa focuses on builders facing ongoing risk exposure and uncertainty, often those dealing with brokers who lack specialist knowledge. New business comes through referrals and trusted partners, supported by direct outreach to construction professionals who need more tailored advice.
A commitment to practical problem-solving defines his approach. Tanuvasa positions himself as a reliable partner rather than a transactional broker, focusing on how risk is managed across the life of a project. This includes structuring cover that reflects contract obligations, identifying gaps before they become issues and ensuring claims are handled with the same level of attention as policy placement.
That service standard has become a core factor in his recognition. Tanuvasa places particular emphasis on claims management, where outcomes matter most for clients. His understanding of construction processes and insurance structures allows him to guide clients through complex situations with a focus on continuity and financial protection.
“Exceptional service, especially when it comes to the management of claims, building strong relationships and being a trusted source for construction insurance and risk transfer solutions, is what sets me apart,” he adds.
The result is a client base built on trust and long-term relationships. Builders value his ability to anticipate risk and provide advice that reflects the realities of their work, rather than generic coverage recommendations.
Tanuvasa’s next step is to build on that foundation. He plans to expand the development of construction-specific insurance solutions and introduce more advanced risk management tools to support clients at scale. The focus remains consistent, helping more builders protect their projects, their businesses and their livelihoods.
The Well, Suite 3.2/58 Highland Wy, Upper Coomera, Qld 4209
0410 152 835
petara@silverabckinsurance.com.au
linkedin.com/in/petara-tanuvasa
silverbackinsurance.com.au
Petara Tanuvasa
Director
Silverback Insurance
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Special Report
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Bio
Milestones
2021
2022
2023
Present
2023–Present
Advisr Finalist for Top Insurance Broker
2021
CBN Rising Star
2022
CBN Community Broker Award
2023
Insurance Broker at Lockmor Insurance Brokers since 2024
Present
Kaihautū Tikanga | Chief People and Culture Officer at Ember Korowai Takitini: achieved CI rating (the highest possible rating) in the Certification Audit 2025 for culture and wellbeing
5-Star Employer of Choice 2026
Finalist in HRNZ Leadership Awards 2025
2023–Present
Milestones
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Empathy underpins that discipline. Prickett has struggled in the industry. She has felt what it is like when promised support does not materialize. Having worked across almost every function in the company, she understands operational detail and the pressure agents face. That shared experience shapes her leadership.
Structural barriers also shaped her path. As a woman and a mother, she encountered the assumption that serious business building required keeping priorities “out of order for a time.” She also experienced the double standard that frames firm women as difficult while praising similar behaviour in men.
“If you have a choice between being liked and doing the right thing, doing the right thing is always better, even if it’s the unpopular thing,” Prickett says.
She wants to dismantle the expectation that women must choose between career and family, or between strength and kindness. In her view, leadership demands both conviction and care.
Being named an Elite Woman carries weight. Prickett did not have female role models in the industry when she started. She hopes visibility changes that. “I hope I can be an example. Not of perfection, but of persistence. Of building from your values and staying true to who you are.”
The legacy Prickett is still defining centres on proof – proof that a large, profitable company can grow without sacrificing integrity; proof that agents can build real assets while keeping their priorities intact; and proof that leadership does not require abandoning who you are to succeed.
“If you have a choice between being liked and doing the right thing, doing the right thing is always better, even if it’s the unpopular thing”
Lee-Ann Prickett,
Experior Financial Group
“What I’ve learned is that when you build from your values, when you put people first, when you do the right thing even when it’s hard, that becomes your plan”
Lee-Ann Prickett,
Experior Financial Group
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage