Held at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane, this year’s event brought together people from across the network for a day of inspiring speakers, fresh ideas and plenty of opportunities to connect, followed by an evening of celebration and recognition.
The conference featured three speakers, each bringing a very different story and perspective to the stage.
Angela Davies, founder of Mind Your Grit, shared her expertise in leadership, wellbeing and sustainable high performance. Her insights challenged attendees to think about how they lead, perform and look after themselves and the people around them.
Entrepreneur and Di Bella Coffee founder Phillip Di Bella shared lessons from his own business journey, offering plenty of insight into entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience and what it takes to build and grow a successful business.
We were also taken around the world with wildlife biologist and documentary filmmaker Dr Chadden Hunter.
Having worked alongside Sir David Attenborough on some of the world’s most acclaimed natural history documentaries, Chadden shared stories from behind the lens and an insight into the challenges, creativity and perseverance involved in bringing these incredible stories to life.
As the day conference wrapped up, the focus shifted from learning to celebration.
The Exploration Day Awards recognised the achievements and contributions of people across our network, with awards spanning sales, property management, support, principal performance and network contribution.
Among the night’s highlights was the Person in the Arena Award, presented to Steve Marks, Leader of Explore Property Whitsunday.
The highest recognition across the Explore network, the award is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s famous words about the person who is “actually in the arena”.
It recognises someone who consistently demonstrates courage, commitment and a willingness to get involved and make a difference.
There was plenty of recognition across the sales awards too, with Karyn Voevodin of Central Townsville taking out the Everest Sales Award and finishing first in both the Top 10 Agents by Total GCI and Top 5 Agents by Total Sales.
Stacy Brand of Mackay ranked second in both categories, with Maxine Richardson of Mackay, Justin Spyve of Mackay and Julie Goddard of Munro & Co also featuring in the top five for total sales.
Across the broader awards, agents, principals and support professionals from across the Explore network were recognised for their achievements throughout the year.
And, of course, Exploration Day wouldn’t be complete without some time to relax and celebrate together.
With a great venue and location, good food, live music and, most importantly, great people, the evening was a fitting way to finish the day and celebrate the people who continue to contribute to the Explore network.
Exploration Day 2026 Award Recipients
Property Management Star Award
Alysha Gilotti – Mackay
Camille Catelan – Burdekin
Alina Williamson – Munro & Co Townsville
Support Star Award
Greg Critchley – Cairns City
Sebastian Abbott – Atherton Tablelands
Ella Heke – Mackay
Mandy Resegati – Munro & Co Townsville
Explore Spirit Award
Ciara Higgins – Mackay
Georgie McCracken – Bundaberg
Sherrie Tuppurainen – Munro & Co Townsville
Silver Sales Award
Dean Fuhlbohm – Mackay
Jennifer Rattray – Whitsunday
Sarah Murrell – Mackay
Mark Pritchard – Munro & Co Townsville
Sarah Coles – Mackay
Nic Tate – Mackay
Jade McLeod – Whitsunday
Kaileb Chick – Mackay
Jesse Lemon – Atherton Tablelands
Gold Sales Award
Julie Goddard – Munro & Co Townsville
Adam de Jong – Rockhampton and Yeppoon
Ciara Higgins – Mackay
Kelisha Day – Commercial
Platinum Sales Award
Maxine Richardson – Mackay
Justin Spyve – Mackay
Emma Nancarrow – Central Townsville
Everest Sales Award
Karyn Voevodin – Central Townsville
Stacy Brand – Mackay
Top 10 Agents – Total GCI
10. Dean Fuhlbohm – Mackay
9. Kelisha Day – Commercial
8. Ciara Higgins – Mackay
7. Adam de Jong – Rockhampton and Yeppoon
6. Julie Goddard – Munro & Co Townsville
5. Emma Nancarrow – Central Townsville
4. Justin Spyve – Mackay
3. Maxine Richardson – Mackay
2. Stacy Brand – Mackay
1. Karyn Voevodin – Central Townsville
Top 5 Agents – Total Sales
5. Julie Goddard – Munro & Co Townsville
4. Justin Spyve – Mackay
3. Maxine Richardson – Mackay
2. Stacy Brand – Mackay
1. Karyn Voevodin – Central Townsville
Silver Principal Award
Patrick Richardson – Rockhampton and Yeppoon
Jools Munro – Munro & Co Townsville
Rob Prendergast – Bundaberg
Steve Marks – Whitsunday
Kylie Lawson – Burdekin
Gold Principal Award
Jordan Miller – Commercial
Nichole Dawson – Atherton Tablelands
David Hall – Cairns City
Platinum Principal Award
Dean Dank – Townsville City
Everest Principal Award
Ben Chick – Mackay
Katrina Kazim – Mareeba
Network Award – Person in the Arena
Steve Marks – Whitsunday