Andrew has spent his entire career in insurance, joining Shortland Insurance Brokers in 1989, the business founded by his father Stewart in 1977. He took full ownership of the company in 2011, continuing its evolution as a second-generation family business alongside his wife, Marisa, the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

Today, Andrew leads the business while remaining closely involved in client work. He oversees all insurance programs and maintains long-standing relationships with clients across a range of industries, including transport, warehousing, manufacturing and property. Many of these relationships span decades, with some now extending into the next generation – built on consistency, transparency and a level of trust that is increasingly rare in the industry.

Andrew’s approach is grounded in a simple principle: to see every decision from the client’s perspective. He focuses on making the complex straightforward, ensuring clients understand what they are covered for, where their risks lie, and what they are choosing to insure – or not insure – so they can make informed decisions with confidence. He makes it a point to remove the stress and uncertainty, so clients can focus on running their business knowing they are properly covered.

Known for his direct and transparent communication style, Andrew is someone clients rely on for clear, honest advice. He will challenge assumptions where needed and is comfortable having difficult conversations, always in a way that is practical and focused on the best outcome.

Andrew sees his role as standing alongside his clients – working through problems with them and helping them navigate situations where the answer is not always obvious. That approach extends to claims and more complex placements, where he is known for his attention to detail and persistence. He takes the time to fully understand each situation, often digging deeper to uncover the key information needed to support a client’s position.

Within the business, Andrew leads in a way that reflects the same principles. He is approachable, measured and clear in his expectations, backing his team while encouraging them to take ownership of their work. He places a strong emphasis on trust and respect, creating a team environment where people are both supported and accountable.

For Andrew, his business is personal. He takes a genuine interest in his clients and the people behind them, which is reflected in the long-term relationships he has built. Clients know he will be there when it matters, that he will follow things through, and that their interests are always front of mind. As a result, much of his work continues to come from referrals and longstanding connections.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with family and maintaining strong ties within the local business community.

Donna began her insurance career with Shortland Insurance in 1990 and is one of the longest serving members of the team. Highly regarded by her colleagues and clients alike, Donna has maintained a number of ongoing client relationships since her early days with the company. She has contributed greatly to Shortland Insurance’s internal office procedures. Specialising in the insurance needs of those operating in the transport sector/trucking industry, Donna also tailors insurance packages to suit the specific needs of small business operators, residential and commercial strata properties and commercial property owners. Renowned for her high level of attention to detail, her professionalism and integrity combined with genuine warmth, Donna has a way of making all clients feel immediately at ease and confident in her ability to look after their insurance needs.

Marisa is our financial controller which includes remitting our clients’ premiums to insurers, reconciling our financial transactions and paying salaries.

Robert Hay brought more than 20 year’s insurance industry experience to the table when he joined Shortland Insurance Brokers in 2020. His background is in Insurance Broking for a vast range of clients in many industries. Fulfilling the key role of Claims Manager, Robert assists all Shortland Insurance clients through the claims process, from lodgement through to final payout.

Claim matters handled by Robert vary from relatively straightforward small business claims through to detailed and often highly complex claims made by national and multinational corporations. The expeditious and methodical way Robert handles each claim perfectly complements the careful planning undertaken by Shortland Insurance Client Managers when establishing the Insurance Program at the outset.

While the very nature of incidents that result in an insurance claim can be both unpredictable and stressful, Robert works hard to minimise the impact on a client’s business operations. An outstanding communicator with strong negotiation skills, Robert is renowned for his ability to handle disputes and liaise in a professional and appropriate manner with all parties concerned, including lawyers, loss assessor, clients & AFCA if necessary.

Sharon Solomon joined Shortland Insurance in 2013 following more than three decades in an administrative capacity with the one company. As receptionist, Sharon is the first point of call for clients and visitors who phone or call in to the office. Her professional yet warm, friendly manner ensures all callers and visitors feel welcome and assured that their request will be handled promptly and efficiently.

In addition to her reception duties, Sharon handles all compulsory third party (CTP) Insurance needs, maintains the company database and assists other members of the team as required.

Brett brings more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry to his role at Shortland Insurance Brokers. He began his career fresh out of high school as an assistant liability underwriter before moving into insurance broking. In 1990, Brett co-founded a small brokerage firm, eventually becoming the sole proprietor before selling the business to Australian Unity in 2015. He remained with Australian Unity for several years following the acquisition, helping business owners better protect their assets and manage risk through tailored insurance strategies. Having owned and operated his own brokerage gives him a unique insight into the challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses across a wide range of industries.

Brett’s connection to Shortland Insurance goes back many years through his professional relationship with the company’s founder, Stewart Ball. Today he works closely with Stewart’s son, Managing Director Andrew Ball, assisting with a broad range of client accounts and supporting the placement and renewal of insurance programs. He values being part of a long-established and highly respected business known for its proactive, client-centred approach and friendly team culture.

Brett believes insurance brokers should always ‘have a seat at the table’ alongside a business’s accountant and solicitor, helping owners make informed decisions about risk and protection. Known for his practical approach and initiative, he enjoys helping businesses put the right cover in place and ensuring it performs when it matters most.

Outside of work, Brett enjoys spending time between the Central Coast and Sydney, making the most of coastal living and time with family and friends.

Mathew has worked in insurance broking for around 10 years and has been part of the team at Shortland Insurance Brokers for the past two. He first entered the industry in 2013, completing his Certificate III and Tier 1 qualifications while working in a brokerage environment in Queensland. Originally from the Central Coast, he later returned home and, after several years working in disability support, made the decision to re-enter the insurance industry and continue building his career in broking.

At Shortland Insurance, Mathew works in a support role assisting Managing Director Andrew Ball and other members of the team with renewals, new business quotations and a broad range of general insurance matters. His experience spans many areas of insurance, including property, transport, construction, professional indemnity and small business cover. He is particularly drawn to complex insurance situations where standard solutions don’t apply and persistence is required to secure the right cover.

Mathew values the friendly team culture at Shortland and the opportunity to learn from highly experienced brokers while contributing to the smooth running of the business. Known for his thoughtful and persistent approach, he enjoys working through situations where cover has been declined or difficult to place. He takes the time to explore all viable options and has developed a reputation within the team for working through problems others might set aside.

Outside of work, Mathew enjoys video games and building and painting Warhammer models

Kristy joined Shortland Insurance Brokers in 2021, transitioning from a successful career in property management into the insurance industry. Starting in a front-of-house role, she quickly developed a strong interest in the work and has since progressed into a key support position within the business. She has grown alongside the company, taking on increasing responsibility while building her knowledge across a wide range of insurance areas.

In her role as Executive Assistant, Kristy is central to the flow of the business, providing the structure that reinforces the team’s ability to deliver consistently for clients. She works closely with Managing Director Andrew Ball, overseeing the preparation of renewals, new business and client accounts across multiple industries. She also plays a critical role in the coordination of the office, ensuring work is structured, prioritised and progressing ahead of deadlines.

Drawing on her experience in property management, she brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a forward-planning mindset that supports the smooth running of the business and enables Andrew to focus on client relationships and strategy.
Kristy values being part of a long-standing, family-owned business where there is genuine flexibility, support and opportunity to grow. She enjoys learning from the different approaches within the team and finds the variety of insurance work both engaging and rewarding, particularly in understanding how the right cover can make a meaningful difference for clients.

Outside of work, Kristy enjoys spending time with her young family, working on home projects and getting away on camping trips.

Tegan has been working in the insurance industry since 2014, beginning her career straight out of school in an administrative role within sports underwriting before progressing into underwriting positions in Sydney. After several years working in the city, she transitioned into insurance broking on the Central Coast, where she has continued to build her knowledge across a range of personal insurance products.

At Shortland Insurance Brokers, Tegan works in a support role across the team, supporting the placement and renewal of personal insurance policies, ensuring clients receive accurate, responsive and competitively positioned cover. Tier 1 qualified, she primarily supports the placement and renewal of retail insurance, including home and motor vehicle policies, and plays a key role in sourcing and comparing quotes across insurers to secure competitive, practical outcomes for clients.

Known within the team for her proactive and reliable approach, Tegan is always willing to step in and assist wherever needed. She enjoys the variety the role brings and the opportunity to learn something new each day, as well as the satisfaction of helping clients achieve better outcomes, particularly when it comes to securing the right cover at the right price. Her focus on retail insurance means she is often the first point of contact for clients seeking straightforward, well-structured cover.

Tegan values being part of a family-owned business where flexibility and understanding support a healthy balance between work and family life.

Outside of work, Tegan enjoys spending time with her young family, playing soccer and making the most of weekends away camping and caravanning.