It was an incredible competition, but there could only be one winner of the 2018 REINSW Novice Auctioneers Competition (NAC).

Over 30 novice auctioneers battled it out over the course of the competition, with nine heat winners competing in the final held at the Powerhouse Museum on Thursday, 28 June 2018.

Admirable competitors

Former investment banker, Joanne Dai took out first heat in Sydney. The second heat in East Sydney was won by Karen Harvey, who, in the last year, completed a Master’s Degree in Business, qualified as a real estate agent and studied the auctioneer licence course through REINSW.

Real estate trainer Lisa Liberatore won the Castle Hill heat and determination paid off for flight attendant and cabin crew trainer, Sarah Tabac, who won the Newcastle Novice Auctioneers Competition heat after initially competing in the Inner West heat.

Clinton Richardson, a sales consultant at Illawarra Estate Agents, took out the fourth heat in Wollongong. Oliver Burton won the Inner West heat to secure his place in the final.

The competition also included three wildcards: Aimee Hunt, who participated in the East Sydney and Castle Hill heats, Romany Brooks from the Inner West and Newcastle heats and Tyler Filippi from the Wollongong heat. 

This year, the NAC boasted 11 female entrants across the heats, with six making it to the final.

Fierce competition

It was an incredible competition, but there could only be one winner.

“Oliver Burton was polished, professional and well prepared,” says REINSW President and NAC judge, Leanne Pilkington. “The event was a great success.”

Burton, a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, took out the Inner West heat to gain entry into the final.

“I love being in front of a crowd, keeping people’s attention and putting on a great show,” he said after winning. “Being a freelance performer is a difficult gig and I was looking for a profession that makes use of my skills and training.

“I am thrilled by how welcoming the [real estate] industry has been and am grateful for the advice I have received during the competition.

“I am looking forward to beginning my auctioneering career and am thankful to REINSW for creating an opportunity to introduce me to the industry.”

A worthy cause

This year, the Novice Auctioneers Competition raised more than $25,000 for suicide prevention awareness charity, R U OK?.

R U OK?’s mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and support those who are struggling with life.

A good fit

In an industry where long hours are the normal and mental health issues are increasing, REINSW wants all agents to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing, and be aware of signs to indicate their colleagues may be struggling.