b'He got to know John through the Millennium partnership. He had a reputation back then asa pretty tough nut. Still does. Its fair to say John always held strong views, but I was lucky enough to build a reasonable relationship with him, says Tibor. We respected each other.Although Lumley and MGA sometimes clashed over Millennium, the two parties always felt they could air grievances without damaging the relationship. I had some very frank conversations with John, Tibor recalls. Im honest in my views, and I had the good fortune to have that relationship with him where he would also tell me exactly what he thought had to happen.MGA GOES NATIONALThe Lumley partnership propelled Millennium into a strong position, increasing its exposure to ruralAs the decade unfurled, MGA racked up64 businesses nationwide. It continued for many years,more offices nationwide. It established with John McDonald taking over from Tibor in 2012a Sydney office in 2001, following the and maintaining the relationship. Subsequently, Johnacquisition of the Nixon, Hortle, MalinMcDonalds son, Josh, moved into Millennium where& Gould broking firm. From 2003 to 2008,he is now the managing director.seven more offices opened in:Millennium also became a Lloyds of London coverholderWarrnambool (VIC)in 2002, which granted it the right to act as a delegated authority, writing risks under Lloyds branding, andMildura (VIC)benefiting from Lloyds global market access. LloydsNewcastle (NSW)is regarded as the worlds leading insurance andSunshine Coast (QLD)reinsurance marketplace. Becoming a coverholder gave Millennium added clout in the marketplace and put it Alice Springs (NT)on an even footing with larger rivals like Elders andMoonta (SA)Wesfarmers. It was another feather in the cap forRoma (QLD) Millennium and MGA.Not every venture was a booming success. In theearly 2000s, the decision was made to sell the Whittles real estate agency and property development arms. Above MGA branch locationsOpposite A selectionacross Australia, 2025. of MGA offices, 2013.'