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First-time auctioneer wins first NAC

22 March 2017

REINSW Novice Auctioneers Competition (NAC) first heat was won by Michael Garofolo in his first ever official auction.

The first of 10 NAC heats took place at Cooley Auctions in Double Bay on Monday March 20, and saw five auctioneers sell an item of their choice to impress a panel of judges.

The contestants helped to raise a total of $1,790 with all of the proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation. Items auctioned included a whale watching tour, breakfast at Bondi Icebergs and a whole free range Cowra lamb.

Caption: Michael Garafolo, John Cunningham and Damien Cooley

The winner, Michael Garofolo sold a dinner for two at Ottimo Italian Kitchen in Hunters Hill, and a bottle of Penfolds 2010 St Henri Shiraz, for $350.

As a result of being crowned champion of the first heat, Michael will compete in the NAC State Final in Sydney.

Michael, who currently works in hospitality at his family restaurant, said: “I was nervous before the auction and was not expecting to win, so I was excited when I found out and am really looking forward to the final.

“I want to become a full-time auctioneer and saw entering the NAC as the logical first step to get there.

“I have worked in hospitality all my life and want to find something to make my own. My father-in-law is a real estate agent and he said to look at becoming an auctioneer.”

The overall winner of the final scoops $1,000, conducts a charity auction at the REINSW Women in Real Estate Conference and receives two complimentary tickets to the REINSW Awards for Excellence gala dinner.

The remaining heats are being held at: