14 April 2026
In 2009, just starting out in the real estate industry, Tiana McGrath and Braden Walters were founding members of the REINSW Young Agents Chapter. Fast forward to 2026 and they’ve both been elected to the REINSW Board of Directors. It’s a full-circle moment for both of them that reflects not only their professional growth, but also their longstanding commitment to the Institute and the industry.
You both became aware of REINSW very early in your careers. What are your first memories?
Braden: My father was Head of Training and Development at REINSW, so from about 10 or 12 years old I was at REI House after school – doing filing and playing handball in the loading bay downstairs. I’ve really been involved ever since.
Tiana: When I started out, the agency I worked for was a member of REINSW. We were just down the road from REI House and one of my jobs was to walk down to buy the hardcopy forms. Not long after starting out, I joined the Young Agents Chapter – and that was really the beginning of it all.
What drew you to REINSW so early in your career?
Braden: When REINSW was setting up the Young Agents Chapter, I was approached to get involved. It just made sense. It was a great way to connect with like-minded people at the same stage of their careers as I was.
Tiana: When I started out, I was 19. I didn’t have a team around me – it was basically just me and my boss. Being part of the REINSW Young Agents Chapter gave me camaraderie. It was knowing other people were going through the same thing – getting questioned, getting challenged – and trying to do the right thing. There was comfort in that.
How has involvement with REINSW shaped your careers?
Braden: The professional development has been fantastic. You get insights from other agents and principals across New South Wales, and how they’re dealing with challenges. That’s the best advice you can get.
Tiana: Being an REINSW member holds you to a standard. You feel accountable to do things ethically and ‘by the book’. Once I joined the Property Management Chapter and sat alongside people who were so many years more experienced than me, hearing how they conducted themselves and their knowledge of legislation – it raised my own standard. Over time, people came to know I was involved with REINSW. They expected a certain standard – and I expected that from myself too. As I moved into business ownership and leadership, that grounding never changed
What made you nominate for the Board of Directors?
Braden: After almost 20 years of involvement with REINSW, there’s a real sense of wanting to give back. I’ve learned so much from my involvement and I feel indebted to the industry and to REINSW. I was nominated as the youngest board member some time ago and I’m now returning for my fourth term. Coming back with more experience gives me perspective. I understand the responsibility.
Tiana: A couple of years ago, I was awarded the Ann Banister Award for my contribution to REINSW. At that time, REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said: “I firmly believe there’s a seat at the table for you.” That stuck with me. I felt it was time for the Illawarra and Wollongong to have representation on the REINSW Board. I knew that I could bring that perspective.
How did it feel to be elected?
Braden: It was definitely a full-circle moment.
Tiana: It was surreal. We started out as young agents just wanting to be involved – and now we’re leading the industry.