Helen Munro Property, one of Townsville’s long-standing independent real estate businesses, has become First National Townsville.
The agency, led by Director Tracy Crome, employs 24 people across residential sales and property management. It was founded by Tracy’s mother, Helen Munro, 30 years ago.
Tracy said the change in name doesn’t mean a change in who runs the business.
“This is still the same local business, with the same people and the same commitment to our clients and community,” Tracy said.
“What changes is the level of support behind us. First National gives our team access to stronger marketing, training, compliance guidance, technology and a network of independent agencies that work together.
“We are not trading our independence for a corporate franchise. We are joining a cooperative that respects local ownership and understands that every community is different.”
Tracy began her career in event management before moving into shopping centre marketing and management in Townsville and Hobart. She returned home 20 years ago when Helen asked her to join the family business.
“Mum told me that one day I would need to take over the business, so we came home,” Tracy said.
“Her local knowledge and experience, combined with my background in management and marketing, gave the business a strong foundation. Although Mum officially retired seven years ago, she remains one of our greatest supporters and still sends prospective clients our way.”
Tracy began considering the agency’s longer-term direction as the demands facing independent real estate businesses continued to grow.
“I wanted the strength and resources of a national network without losing our independence or being told how to run a local business,” she said.
Two former First National Townsville principals, Wayne Nicholson and Terry Godde, influenced her decision. Wayne operated under the First National name for more than 38 years, and Terry for six years before the sale of his business.
“I asked him directly why he had stayed with the network for so long. His respect for First National and the cooperative model said a great deal,” Tracy said.
“After meeting First National Chief Executive Officer David Edwards, I knew we had found the right fit.”
David said the return of First National Townsville restored a trusted network presence in one of regional Queensland’s most important centres.
“Tracy leads a strong local business with deep community connections and a clear sense of responsibility towards its clients and employees,” he said.
“Her decision reflects what First National’s cooperative model is designed to provide – national resources and shared knowledge while keeping ownership and decision-making in local hands.”
Tracy introduced specialised property management departments, each staffed by two team members and overseen by a department manager, after Cyclone Yasi placed significant pressure on Townsville’s property management sector, rather than allocating every aspect of a rental property to one property manager.
The sales team also continues a longstanding Wednesday stock run, during which every agent visits the agency’s current listings.
“It means the listing agent is never the only person familiar with a property,” Tracy said. “Our agents work collaboratively and can introduce buyers to suitable homes across the agency.”
The agency has committed to sponsoring the Townsville Mendi Blackhawks for the 2027 season and will continue its involvement as a Diamond Sponsor of Stable, Townsville’s free annual community Christmas event, where Tracy, Helen and family and friends make more than 7,000 Melting Moment biscuits each year for families attending.
“People come back asking for the Helen Munro Melting Moments, and that has become a lovely tradition for us,” Tracy said. “This Christmas, they will become the First National Townsville Melting Moments.”