Prominent North Queensland businesswoman and former political candidate Annette Swaine has taken her next business challenge as principal of her own real estate office, Professionals Innisfail.
Ms Swaine has hit the ground running, selling two homes in her first week of opening the new office.
The launch marks a significant milestone for Professionals Real Estate, which has recently undergone a national rebrand and business transformation. Professionals Innisfail is the first North Queensland office to open under the new branding.
“Taking this next step to open my own Professionals office is both exciting and rewarding,” Ms Swaine said.
“I truly believe in the future of Innisfail – it’s a beautiful, affordable region with a great lifestyle, strong agricultural base and friendly community.”
Ms Swaine brings a diverse background to her new venture. Growing up in the Torres Strait Islands, she began her career in the commercial fishing industry before serving as a police officer in Mount Isa, Innisfail and Cardwell.
Her entrepreneurial spirit later led her to own and operate a fishing charter and tourism business, and she served as President of the Cardwell Chamber of Commerce.
After living in Innisfail for 20 years, Ms Swaine offers exceptional local knowledge to her clients. She is launching with a team of two but plans to expand and offer property management in the near future.
“Looking for a challenge three years ago, I fell into real estate after always having a passion for property investment,” Ms Swaine said.
“I got my real estate licence and joined an agency in town. It was a steep learning curve, but I worked hard to become the number three agent on the Cassowary Coast, and I quickly realised I could lead my own office.”
Ms Swaine is no stranger to taking on significant challenges, having stood as a candidate against political heavyweight Bob Katter in the federal seat of Kennedy in 2025 and contested the seat of Hinchinbrook in the 2024 Queensland election.
Her decision to join the Professionals group came after extensive research of competitors in the market.
“Professionals offers great marketing support but also gives its principals a level of independence to bring their own creativity to how they operate. The support from the network has been outstanding as I launched the office,” she said.
“I love the new branding – it looks spectacular against my art deco building in Innisfail’s main street. My goal is simple: to become the town’s number one real estate office by delivering great results and great service.”
Professionals Real Estate CEO Sean Hanneberry expressed confidence in Ms Swaine’s leadership capabilities.
“Annette brings entrepreneurial drive and a long history of service to her community that truly reflects Professionals spirit,” Mr Hanneberry said.
“We’re proud to welcome someone who not only understands her local market but is actively involved in shaping its future.”
Professionals Innisfail is the latest office to open under the network’s refreshed brand, which is currently being rolled out across 190 offices throughout Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
