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NAC 2017 winner – Michael Garofolo

11 August 2017

Michael Garofolo wowed the judges with a faultless performance to win the 2017 Novice Auctioneers Competition on a night which raised over $11,678 for the McGrath Foundation.

A total of nine NAC heat winners and two wildcards competed at the Police and Justice Museum on Thursday 10 August.

Michael, who auctioned tickets to the Ashes at the Sydney Cricket Ground, only held his first ever official auction at the first NAC heat in Double Bay in March. Previously he worked in hospitality and in finance at the stock exchange, but his impressive performance in the NAC heat earned him a job with Cooley Auctions.

Michael said: “I would like to dedicate this win to my wife Amanda and my daughter Emilia who have backed me all the way.

“I was emotional when I found out I won the NAC because it is validation that I am good at my job and is a rubberstamp I can do it. I know it is called the Novice Auctioneers Competition but it should be renamed because everyone in the final is talented and far from a novice who put in 100%. 

“When I look back on how everything has happened, it could seem like it has happened overnight but it has taken a lot of hard work to get here. You never expect these things to happen to you but if you strive and get there it is an amazing feeling.”

REINSW President John Cunningham said: “This year’s competition saw 66 competitors take part in ten heats right across NSW. It’s a great way for the industry to give back to the community while uncovering new talent for this exciting part of the profession.

“Michael was so confident and reassuring and had a great presence. He had every element of the auction covered and was dynamic and engaging. He balanced his humour really well and connected with the audience.”

View the highlights here: