Synchron exec, four others recognised with AFA awards

Yesterday, during the 2015 AFA National Adviser Conference in Cairns, Mr Porter received the award which is named in honour of the late Michael Murphy, who was its inaugural 2009 winner.

Mr Porter, a former Queensland state director of the AFA, has been dubbed the "grandfather" of GenXt, an AFA initiative that began in 2006 as a way to bridge the gap in knowledge, skills, experience and networks between experienced advisers and new industry entrants.

"Over a period of many years Gerry has displayed the outstanding characteristics that make him such a worthy recipient of the award," said AFA chief executive, Brad Fox.

"As a member of the AFA community, as a member of his own community and as a financial adviser, Gerry personifies what it means to be a professional and a leader in our industry.

"The contribution GenXt has made to accelerating the careers of hundreds of advisers over the 10 years was possible because Gerry led the charge to develop the initiative and to mentor those advisers tasked with bringing GenXt to life," said Mr Fox.

The AFA also presented its "recognition awards" at the conference. Winners include Olivia Sarah-Le Lacheur of CommInsure; Rebecca Sheils of The Beddoes Institute; Richard Dunkerley of Zurich; and Nathan Morgan of IOOF.