After a decade at Statewide Mutual – and 25 years in insurance – Adam Hellier knows what matters most: strong relationships and local insight.
Now Divisional Manager of Client Services at Statewide, Adam leads the team that directly supports our member councils across New South Wales.
We sat down with him to reflect on the changes he’s seen, the lessons he’s learned – and why he’s more committed than ever to supporting councils and the people he works with.
Q: Can you share a bit about what you were doing before you joined Statewide?
I’d spent 15 years in the commercial insurance sector, including nearly five specialising in construction risks. I started out in a small brokerage that was later acquired by Aon and stayed with the organisation as it evolved.
Then, about a decade ago, an opportunity with Statewide came up. It offered not just a role, but also a chance for a lifestyle change.
The position was based in Byron Bay, allowing me to stay in the industry I loved while moving to a regional area that better suited my young family. It was the perfect fit.
Q: That’s a total of 25 years in insurance. What drew you to the industry in the first place?
Like many people, I fell into it.
Not long after high school, someone I knew mentioned an opportunity and I decided to give it a go. At that time, I didn’t know much about the industry – but 25 years later, I’m still here.
Insurance is the kind of industry where you never stop learning. It touches every sector – from construction, retail and agriculture to mining, energy, health and government. So if you’re curious and enjoy working with people, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Q: And what was it like transitioning from the commercial space to local government?
Very different – but in a good way.
In the commercial world, the focus is on growing portfolios and bringing in new business. But in the Mutual space, it’s about long-term relationships and doing what’s best for our members.
We’re not competing for commercial enterprise clients. We’re collaborating with councils to help them manage risk more effectively.
And because we work exclusively with local government, we’re constantly thinking about how we can improve the support we offer councils – whether that’s through claims, risk or member services.
Q: Tell us a bit about your journey at Statewide.
I joined Statewide in 2015 as an Account Manager, supporting councils from the Northern Rivers to the Mid North Coast and out west to Moree. After a few years, I stepped into a senior role within the team.
Then, at the end of 2024, I moved into the Divisional Manager position when my manager retired.
What’s great is that even though I’ve worked regionally for most of my time here, there’s always been room to grow. That’s something I really value about Statewide.
Q: And what do you love most about your job?
Without a doubt, it’s the people – both at Statewide and the councils we work with.
Local government is full of people who genuinely care about their communities, and that comes through in the work they do. I enjoy learning how councils operate and how we can support better outcomes for their residents.
Internally, we’ve got a brilliant team across account management, risk and claims. Everyone’s invested in helping our members. And that shared purpose makes a big difference.
Q: Reflecting on the past 10 years with Statewide, what’s been a highlight for you?
There are plenty. But what stands out most is the level of collaboration within our team and with councils.
Besides that, this job has also given me the chance to travel throughout large parts of regional NSW, to places I may not have ever visited if not for my role. Spending time in those communities and learning about the history of each town is rewarding.
I’ve also really enjoyed being involved in events like the LGNSW conferences. These have been a great chance to meet and connect with elected members – mayors, councillors, general managers. And it’s been invaluable in helping me gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face on the ground.
Q: Speaking of challenges, what were some of the most impactful on your career?
The biggest challenge would have to be the class action involving our management company, JLT, a few years back.
It was a difficult time. We had to continue supporting councils while navigating a complex legal process and staying true to who we are as a Mutual.
But in many ways, it brought our people closer together. We came through it stronger and more united, and I’m proud of how we held our heads high and kept delivering for our members.
Q: What do you value most about being part of Statewide?
It’s the consistency of our service, even during tough times.
We’ve always focused on delivering stable premiums and strong claims outcomes. And our Mutual model means we’re genuinely working in our members’ best interests. Not to maximise profit, but to support councils in doing their work safely and sustainably.
Q: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned over your career?
One is to surround yourself with people you can learn from. Insurance and risk are constantly evolving, so the more you can absorb from experienced colleagues and mentors, the better.
Another is to really understand your clients. Take time to learn what they do, what matters to them and how you can add value. That relationship is critical.
Q: And what keeps you going during difficult times?
The bills help!
But really, it’s about mindset. You’ll always face ups and downs in your career. I try not to get too caught up in the tough moments – instead, I look for what I can learn from them. There’s usually a silver lining or an opportunity to grow.
Q: Outside of work, how do you unwind?
I spend a lot of time with my two boys. In summer, we’re usually at the beach swimming or surfing. They’re also into basketball and Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the moment – and actually, I’ve also just taken up jiu-jitsu myself.
It’s one of the hardest martial arts I’ve tried, but I love it. It pushes me physically and mentally, and at the end of every class, I always walk out feeling better than when I walked in.
Q: And finally – where do you see yourself in five years?
Still here, hopefully!
As long as local government is around and Statewide is here to support it, I’ll be here too. There’s still plenty of work to be done – and I’m proud to be part of that journey.
Thanks to Adam for sharing his journey and insights with us.
If you’d like to learn more about the Mutual or ask questions about how we can support your council, get in touch today.