Ray White Port Augusta has a new principal, with long-time sales agent Charmaine Budd taking over the office from Darren Sherriff and Prue Duka.
The office, previously run in tandem with Ray White Whyalla, will now operate as its own standalone business under Charmaine’s leadership.
Charmaine has been part of Ray White for nine years, working her way up through the Port Augusta office before stepping into the top job.
“This isn’t about starting again, it’s an exciting opportunity to build on what’s already working,” she said.
“Darren and Prue have done a wonderful job here over the years, and I’m proud to be the one carrying that forward. Our clients know us, and they know what to expect from us: honest advice and genuine service. That’s not going to change.”
Charmaine said her focus for the next 12 months would be on strengthening her team and embedding more of Ray White’s marketing and technology across the business, including the property management department, as well as recruiting additional salespeople looking for a high performance environment.
“We want to be even better at the things people already come to us for,” she said.
“Continuing to be the local, trusted agents in this community is what matters most to us.”
Community involvement will also be a priority, with Charmaine flagging plans for greater local engagement, including sponsorships and participation in events such as the Port Augusta Christmas markets.
Ray White South Australia Chief Executive Officer Matt Lindblom said the move reflected the strength of the network’s succession pathways.
“Charmaine represents exactly the kind of home-grown leadership we love to see come through the Ray White network,” Matt said.
“She’s spent nine years learning this business and this community inside out, and Darren and Prue could not be handing the office to a safer and more capable pair of hands.”