More than 200 guests from as far as Albany in Western Australia, Timboon in Victoria, Tumbarumba in New South Wales, Port Augusta in South Australia and Barcaldine in Queensland attended the annual Ray White Rural & Ray White Livestock awards on the Gold Coast on 19 September 19, to celebrate the achievements of the top offices and individuals throughout the network.
Ray White Rural Managing Director, Stephen Nell, said it was humbling to see the positive energy of the group’s members.
“Growth and momentum is oxygen to companies like ours and it was evident in the energy and enthusiasm from those members in attendance.
“It’s also wonderful to also recognise that although regional Australia is experiencing difficult times and we are here to help and support our members, they in turn are able to help find solutions for their clients.
“We are a proudly family owned and led group which is immune from the controversies of many of our ASX listed rivals with diversified farm service models.
“While Ray White Rural is celebrating its 25th anniversary, the broader Ray White Group has been in the game for more than 117 years specialising in rural and livestock sales. But it’s our future that is more optimistic than ever, we’ve never been so youthful and energetic.
“Congratulations to all our winners and nominees. We know the best is yet to come.”
The awards celebrated the achievements of the rural and livestock network in 2018-19 when the network sold some 12 per cent of all farm sales in Australia.
The number one principal for the year was Mark Muldrew of Ray White Emerald, followed by Ray White Rural Wagga Wagga principal Geoff Palmer, and Ray White Dalby principal Roger Lyne.
Ray White Rural Emms Mooney were announced as the best rural agency of the year for 2018-19, while also taking home the award for the best livestock office. Oberon agent, Sam D’Arcy, 33, was awarded the top individual prize of number one rural salesperson.
Outstanding Community Service award went to Ray White Rural Longreach | Barcaldine for their year-round contribution to community events and organisations.
Client’s choice award for both agent and office was awarded to Mark Muldrew, Ray White Emerald. Suzey Whitby, Ray White Rural Atherton and Ray White Rural Esk/Toogoolawah were also recognised as the client’s choice.
The top advertiser in the Queensland Country Life newspaper was Ray White Rural Queensland.
Gary Wendt of Ray White Livestock Rockhampton was awarded the prestigious Charlie Maher Memorial Trophy for his characteristics and attributes that align to the late Mr Maher’s values.
Ray White Rural South Australia principal and auctioneer Geoff Schell was awarded the Significant Contribution award for his dedication to growing the rural brand throughout South Australia.
Brand Territory’s Property Campaign of the Year award was also won by Geoff Schell and Daniel Schell for their successful auction of the historic 172 year-old Clare Valley property Calcannia. The property also topped the state’s record sale price for the year at $11.65 million.
Ray White Rural chairman Paul White said it was wonderful to see the next generation doing so well in the competitive rankings, while long-standing businesses continue to grow.
Young gun George Southwell, 24, of Ray White Rural Yass and Canberra, made it into the top 10 rural sales performers placing fourth as well as receiving the Social Media Recognition Award for his creative and captivating online presence (such as this video pitting ‘Bondi versus Boorowa‘ ).
Mr Southwell was also named as the joint top auction agent of the year for his consistent results for his clients , along with Ray White Rural Camperdown’s Davina Pickles.
Annie Manton from Ray White Tumut was named administrator of the year as well as the whole office ranking eighth nationally. Kylie Sankey of Ray White Dalby was named as Property Manager of the Year.
Ray White Rural Manning Valley received numerous accolades including Brand Territory Property Marketer of the Year, No.1 advertiser in the North Queensland Register and also in the Stock & Land.
Overall Brand Territory’s Livestock Marketer of the Year went to Ray White Livestock Tenterfield.
Sales Assistant of the Year was awarded to Madeline Swan from Ray White Rural Forbes. The rural office was also named as the top advertiser in the Stock Journal.
Of the tenure awards, the White family also played special tribute to Cathy Campbell for her 20 years of service in the corporate team. Congratulations were also extended to Melissa Kirtley from Ray White Dalby and Brad Franks, Ray White Rural Murwillumbah who celebrated 15 years with the rural group, while Liz Brown from Ray White Rural Atherton and Tracey Robertson of Ray White Parkes celebrated their 20 year anniversaries.
