Staying Alive Foundation Advisory Board
Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith is an award winning insurance specialist with over 20 years’ experience. As the senior principal of Optimum Insurance Services, she provides qualified and tailored insurance broking services to business and corporate markets.
Since starting her career in the late ‘90s, Amanda has worked in a number of broking firms in senior management positions. She founded Optimum Insurance Services in 2005 and operates as an authorised representative of the respected national brokerage, Insurance Advisernet Australia Pty Ltd.
Amanda is a dedicated insurance professional, committed to continuous professional development and to providing optimum insurance protection for her clients.
When asked about her passion for the industry, Amanda says: “I enjoy all facets of the day to day challenges that being part of the insurance industry has to offer. There’s never a dull moment. I also thoroughly enjoy the experience of training my staff and sharing with them my experience and knowledge.”
Amanda is a recipient of the National Insurance Brokers Association’s highest recognition for outstanding performance, The Warren Tickle Award (2004). This national award aptly acknowledges Amanda’s ongoing commitment to the profession and her clients.
From 2004-06, Amanda was the NIBA Young Professional Chairperson, a natural progression from her previous four-year role as a NIBA Committee Representative. Amanda holds an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services - Insurance Broking and is a Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker (NIBA).
In 2008, Amanda was nominated as a finalist for Insurance Adviser of the Year with Insurance Advisernet. And again in 2009, Amanda was nominated and a finalist for Insurance Adviser of the Year with Insurance Advisernet and the recipient of the IAA Vero Insurance Adviser of the Year award.
Amanda is very passionate about raising awareness and education about saving lives in case of heart attacks and cardiac arrests out-of-hospital.
Amanda is an important part of our team presenting lifesaving demonstration in different areas of the community.
Shaun Thiya
Shaun is dedicated to providing practical and straightforward solutions to his clients’ most important business questions. Since joining Imagine Accounting in 2024, he has embraced the firm’s client-focused values, which align perfectly with his own.
With a deep curiosity and passion for business, Shaun approaches each client’s matters with care and dedication. He thinks outside the box, examining business affairs holistically to ensure all bases are covered. As a trusted advisor, planner, strategist, and sounding board, Shaun consistently adds value to his clients’ businesses.
Shaun has over 15 years of providing business advisory and taxation services to medium to large companies and high net wealth groups. Also, extensive experience at international accounting firms, offering tax and business advice, tax compliance, and CFO services across various industries.
Shaun has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) and is Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand. Shaun is also a Justice of the Peace (JP).
Shaun loves watching Formula 1 and motorsports, functional strength training and staying active, overseas travels, exploring new cuisines and eateries as well as spending quality time with family and friends.