Meet your new Board of Directors

January/February 2016 edition

The new REINSW Board of Directors kicked off their term at the State Conference on Friday, 27 November 2015. With a balance of new and ongoing directors and a mix of city and country representatives, the Board is poised to continue REINSW’s work in promoting professional excellence.

We asked the Board for their thoughts on the importance of REINSW ot the real estate profession.

 

 

  John Cunningham
REINSW President
Managing Director at Cunninghams

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
Being an REINSW member shows that you take your position as a trusted professional advisor seriously and that you adhere to high standards of practice. The industry needs a strong professional association to lobby and advocate for both property professionals and consumers. REINSW is the peak industry body to do just that.

 

What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
The 2015-17 Board of Directors is a diverse and talented group of professionals who bring the best of the industry together. As President, I plan to lead the team into an exciting and challenging time of change with strong direction and a resolve to make things happen. It is time for clarity and high standards, and I intend for this Board to be at the forefront of reforms for the betterment of the profession.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
REINSW is more relevant today than ever before, as the complexities of day-to-day business practice put more and more pressure on both Principals and agents to perform at the highest levels. We must stand behind our members and create a working environment that is both fair and equitable, and at the same time reduce risk and protect our livelihood.
 

   

  Brett Hunter
REINSW Deputy President
General Manager at Raine & Horne Terrigal – Avoca Beach

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
Our industry is under increasing challenge on all fronts – technology, legislation and service levels. These challenges are exciting, however every agency needs the peak industry body to protect and guide them through this changing environment.
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
Now more than ever, REINSW is relevant to guiding and aiding agencies to productive, profitable and enjoyable business. I will remain focused on increasing the benefits of membership and protecting our industry on all fronts.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
The Helpline, Real Estate Journal, REI Forms Live and professional indemnity insurance are just some of the ways membership helps members. Membership makes so much sense.
 

 

  Leanne Pilkington
REINSW Vice President
Managing Director at Laing+Simmons

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
In addition to the many benefits, membership to an association that lobbies for regulatory and legislative change that impacts our industry is extremely important. Government is willing to consult with reputable bodies that genuinely represent the interests of the industry and REINSW is at the forefront. REINSW’s commitment to training, in particular CPD and training on legislative change, is second to none.
 

What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
I bring substantial experience to the Board and important connections across the different disciplines within the real estate industry. Having worked in real estate for decades, I am able to take a big picture view of the industry as a whole.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
REINSW has achieved an enormous amount in recent years. Our relationship with Government ensures a higher level of consultation than ever before. Driving change to secure the best outcomes for the industry can take years and this requires an unwavering commitment and focus.
 

 
    Malcolm Gunning
REINSW Immediate Past President
Principal at Gunning Commercial

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
REINSW is the peak body representing real estate agency practice in NSW. Prudent real estate agents consider it essential to support and engage with us. The public associate best practice with us.
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
I bring 40 years of experience in most facets of real estate agency practice and a passion for REINSW. As the Immediate Past President, I expect the new Board will draw on my experience

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
REINSW is more relevant today than ever before – representing, protecting and developing real estate agency practice in a highly-competitive environment.
 

 

  Gary Adamson
REINSW Director
Managing Director at Strata Management Services NSW

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
In any profession, it is important that there is an organisation to liaise with and influence government on important matters affecting the industry, and to encourage and support professional development within the industry. REINSW is that organisation.
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?

As a Chartered Accountant, Chair of the Strata Management Chapter and a Principal of both a real estate agency and strata management agency, I hope to bring a business perspective to the Board as well as expertise in the field of strata management.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
In the absence of REINSW, there would not be any industry representation to either the government or media. As a result of REINSW’s recognition by the government and media, we have been instrumental in having a range of changes made to legislation that would not otherwise have occurred.
  

 

  Damien Cooley
REINSW Director
Director at Cooley Auctions

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
I hold REINSW in very high regard as the voice of our industry. Being a member enables my team to have their say, be kept up to date and make sure we are trained by the best in the business.
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
I bring 12 years of experience in working with the best agents right across NSW. As an auctioneer, I am at the forefront of the property auction market working with agents, principals, vendors and buyers alike every day, and I hope to bring my understanding of the industry from all perspectives to Board discussions.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
Being a member of our industry’s professional body has never been more relevant than today, as we face many disruption challenges in the coming years. You can’t underestimate the influence REINSW can have on government to lead our profession into the future.
 

 

  Chris Hines
REINSW Director
Managing Director at Unrealestate Coffs Coast 

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
Why wouldn’t you be a member? The benefits of membership are enormous: being a member of the most highly regarded real estate advocacy organisation in the country, access to the Helpline, reduction in professional indemnity insurance premiums, first class training and webinars, the list goes on.
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
Even though I’m new to the Board, from my initial meetings with the President, other Board members and senior management, I believe we are all on the same page when it comes to moulding our industry into the profession it deserves to be. Changes to real estate training need to be addressed and standards must be raised. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to contribute.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
I believe that REINSW is more relevant now than ever before. Our industry needs a united voice – that’s REINSW.
 

 

  Barry Johnston
REINSW Director
Director at Balmoral Partners

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
We must support REINSW in order to maintain high professional standards within our industry. Being a member enables the industry to contribute and speak with a strong voice on a range of practice and legislative issues.
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
Our industry faces many changes and helping to represent agents through REINSW to embrace and capitalise on those changes is a real priority for me. Exciting times are ahead for both REINSW and agents and I look forward to contributing.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
REINSW works to achieve solid and sustainable outcomes for our industry and has strong relationships with government leaders and policy makers.
 

 

  Peter Matthews
REINSW Director
Managing Partner at Ray White Lower North Shore

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
The real estate industry services a broad and diverse demographic. This diversity demands high standards. Being a member of REINSW demonstrates an agent’s interest, knowledge and commitment to adhering to these standards. It is these standards that create an expectation of each and every member.
 

   
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
With more than 25 years’ experience in the industry – as a salesperson, franchisee, business owner and auctioneer – I expect to contribute leadership by sharing my experience with the Board and members, providing direction to an industry that is poised for great change.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
Industry leadership has never been more important. Industry representation by a body that is experienced, committed and aware makes membership not just relevant, but essential.
 

 

  Andrew Palmer
REINSW Director
Director at The Property Shop

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
REINSW maintains and increases standards, and effectively influences and manages change within our industry. Membership provides the best opportunity to be part of the discussion.
 
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
Government and media tend to focus on metropolitan markets. But regulatory changes designed to balance metropolitan affordability can adversely impact regional markets. With experience in both metropolitan and regional markets, I would like to provide a voice for regional agencies and marketplaces.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
With the gradual erosion of education requirements and new players coming in to disrupt the traditional model, it is more important than ever that the industry has a strong representative body. We need to ensure entry standards are high and the playing field is level. Education standards cannot continue to be dumbed down.
 

 

  Peter Prouzos
REINSW Director
Senior Sales Consultant at LJ Hooker Riverstone
 
Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
REINSW membership is an absolute necessity for any agent operating in NSW today. We all need to be kept up to date with changes to legislation and technology. REINSW has the wealth of experience and knowledge you need to grow your business.
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
As Chair of the Nepean, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains Division for the past six years, I am well informed and up to date. I hope to bring flexibility, open mindedness and a willingness to change.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
REINSW was born of the need and desire for one central organisation to be the voice of all agents in NSW. The record number of new memberships every year is an indication that REINSW is more relevant now than ever before.
 

 

  Tony Santolin
REINSW Director
Director at Griffith Real Estate

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
Membership is important because it gives you the ability to mix with like-minded professionals who are looking to continually raise the standard of agency practice. It also gives you access to training and valuable support from the Helpline, which we rely on in isolated regional areas.
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
I hope to bring a fresh approach and a different perspective, particularly in relation to technology, marketing and training. I hope I can pass on my knowledge to all members and be a voice for country members.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
As an organisation, REINSW faces the same challenges as its members. We all have to be relevant – the purple cow that standards out from the crowd and delivers awesome service, advice and guidance. There are so many benefits of membership. Just the Helpline alone is worth the membership fee.”
 

 

  Kylie Walsh
REINSW Director
General Manager at Di Jones Real Estate

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
REINSW is an institution, known and trusted by agents and consumers alike. I have many friends and clients who, over the years, have been referred to REINSW members and trust their opinion and guidance. Membership is invaluable. 
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
I hope to bring valuable insights into the challenges of owning and operating your own business that can deliver long-term sustainable futures for our members, as well as a focus on scalability, succession and ensuring we evolve and stay relevant. We need to stand for what really matters and be authentic about what is important, cut through the politics and get on with the real issues.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
REINSW is focused on lobbying to deliver real outcomes for members. The Board is a group of achievers that will, quite simply, draw on their experience and get the job done.
 

 

  Braden Walters
REINSW Director
Sales Agent at McGrath Estate Agents

Why is it so important to be an REINSW member?
It’s important for all agents within the industry to be a member of REINSW to get the most current and specific information relating to their careers. The training is exact and REINSW supports all members, regardless of their experience of length of career. 
 
What do you hope to bring to the 2015-17 Board?
I hope to continually push for increased education standards, bring about increased access for agents to technology and lift our reputation through best practice.

Why is REINSW still relevant today?
To be the best agent you can be, you must be properly trained and stay up to date with the latest legislation. REINSW does this for members.