The mortgage industry in Australia highlights significant stories including Brodie Brown of BH Brown Mortgage Brokers sharing his journey of downsizing his team to improve profitability and client focus. Brown emphasizes that smaller, focused teams can outperform larger ones, advocating for industry standardization in broker remuneration similar to North American models to ensure fairness and reduce bank-broker conflicts. His experience underscores the importance of business agility and maintaining strong client relationships. Meanwhile, the FBAA (Finance Brokers Association of Australia) has announced Brett Spencer as its new chairman, succeeding Tony Carter after eight years. Spencer, CEO of fintech firm DocuScan, has been on the FBAA board since 2023 and is recognized for his extensive industry experience. The transition aims to continue the association’s focus on member support and industry growth, with Spencer emphasizing collective leadership. The FBAA also hosted its 'Monsters & Mayhem' Halloween gala on the Gold Coast, featuring costumes, awards, entertainment, and networking for over 400 industry professionals. The event included 18 awards recognizing excellence across various categories such as broker of the year, industry champion, and regional awards. The evening combined fun activities like haunted houses, live performances, and fireworks with industry recognition, fostering community and celebrating achievements. Overall, these stories reflect a resilient, adaptive industry focusing on business efficiency, leadership, and community engagement to navigate current challenges and future opportunities.