The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia bestowed one Life Membership and one Honorary Membership at the MFAA National Excellence Awards in Sydney yesterday.
Former Board Chair Donna Beazley was recognised as a Life Member of the Association while outgoing Chief Executive Officer Mike Felton was awarded Honorary Membership.
“Both Donna and Mike have given outstanding service to the MFAA and the wider industry through their leadership, particularly through the scrutiny of the various regulatory reviews mortgage broking has been subject to over the past few years,” said MFAA Board Chair Rose De Rossi.
Donna retired from the MFAA Board at the end of 2021 after serving for a total of seven years, four of those as Chair. She was also a Councillor of the NSW/ACT State Council for many years, including two terms as Vice President.
“Donna always had the interests of brokers at the core of everything she did as Chair. She was instrumental in guiding the Association through a period of great uncertainty, disruption and scrutiny for the industry – this was a period where many tough decisions had to be made and Donna never avoided her responsibility as Chair,” said Ms De Rossi.
“We are indebted to her for her incredible dedication and leadership as the MFAA has continued to strengthen and defend the industry.”
Accepting her Life Membership, Ms Beazley said she was filled with immense pride.
“My time on the MFAA Board included many periods of great uncertainty and disruption, and I can safely say that I have felt great empathy with my fellow brokers during this time,” she said.
“But what I love about this industry is that we navigated these periods together, and none of what we have achieved could have occurred without the support and great work of our members.”
MFAA CEO Mike Felton joined the organisation in late 2016 with his tenure focused heavily on leading industry advocacy, starting with the ASIC Review of Mortgage Broker Remuneration in 2016 and culminating most recently in the advocacy surrounding the planned 2022 Review, which ultimately proved successful.
“One of the only constants in this period was Mike’s steady hand and strong resolve. He has consistently advocated on behalf of our industry, leaving no stone unturned in his defence of our members,” said Ms De Rossi.
“And what we are today is an industry that has put in the hard work, with Mike leading from the front. We are well and truly on our journey from an industry under pressure from all sides to a profession that has respect from Government, regulators and stakeholders, and loyalty from our customers.”
Addressing the audience, Mr Felton thanked the MFAA Board for “backing the team and I and some of the difficult decisions we’ve had to make over the years, through some extremely challenging times for our industry.”
“I am truly honoured to be recognised as an honorary member of this quality association that has led the way for our industry for more than 40 years with the highest professional standards and a number of incredible outcomes for our members and for the industry as a whole.
“I also want to thank all our members for their continued trust and tremendous hard work in implementing changes that have strengthened and grown our industry whilst ensuring its sustainability and that the value of each of your businesses is protected,” he said.
Mr Felton announced his retirement at the MFAA National Conference in May and will depart the MFAA in September.
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