PHOTO: REA GROUP
The Annual REA Group Excellence Awards, held in Melbourne, celebrated Australia’s leading real estate agents, agencies, and projects, shining a spotlight on their outstanding performance in the property sector. This prestigious event recognised the achievements of realestate.com.au and realcommercial.com.au customers who have made significant contributions to the property industry, assisting Australians throughout their property journeys.
This year’s event was a resounding success, with nearly 70 awards presented based on data-driven metrics and detailed submissions. The competition was fierce, with over 800 submissions received from across Australia.
Key Winners and Categories
- Residential Agency of the Year: Harris Real Estate (South Australia) clinched this award for their hyper-local campaigns and a robust in-house training platform that includes over 300 courses. Their strategic approach has significantly boosted their brand recognition in the local market.
- Commercial Agency of the Year: Colliers stood out for delivering exceptional results across all property asset classes during the 2023-24 financial year. Their focus on innovative marketing strategies and team culture was instrumental in their success.
- Excellence in Sustainability: This new category highlighted the industry’s shift towards sustainable development. The Village in Daylesford by Hygge Property won the award for their 31-townhouse project, designed in collaboration with Breathe Architecture. The development prioritises eco-friendly building practices, boasting a minimum 7.5 NatHERS rating.
- Contribution to Community Award: Professionals Real Estate was awarded for their longstanding partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), to which they have contributed for 20 years, raising funds for cancer research and supporting cancer-free futures for women.
- Most Influential Woman in Property: This coveted award went to Karuna Mazzocchi, CEO of Coronis, for her exceptional leadership in promoting diversity and representation of women within the property industry.
Harris Real Estate in South Australia won the Residential Agency of the Year award.
The REA Group’s general manager – customer excellence, Amy Read, said 2024 has been another great year for Australia’s property industry.
Notable Achievements in Other Categories
- Rising Star of the Year: Nancy Yang from Buxton Port Phillip is making waves as she aims to become Port Melbourne’s first female auctioneer and director. Her dedication to client satisfaction earned her this accolade, along with a $5000 development grant.
- Support Superstar of the Year: Jessica West of DiJones Real Estate, known for her hands-on approach and client dedication, took home this award. Her exceptional support to clients, including helping them prepare and style homes, set her apart from the competition.
- Wellbeing Initiative of the Year: The award was presented to Ouwens Casserly Real Estate, South Australia, for their comprehensive wellbeing program designed to support their team’s physical, mental, and emotional health, leading to improved performance and employee retention.
Coronis chief executive officer Karuna Mazzocchi took home the The Most Influential Woman in Property award. Picture: Supplied.
Regional Campaigns and Top Agents by State
The REA Awards also recognised excellence across various states, celebrating the best marketing campaigns and top-performing agents:
- Queensland: Ryan Suhle (Ray White, North Lakes) for most properties sold, while Alex Jordan (McGrath Estate Agents, Paddington) took home the award for total value sales.
- New South Wales: Josh Tesolin (Ray White Quakers Hill) dominated the metro residential category, and Alexander Phillips (PPD Real Estate) led in total value sales. Regional winners included Nick Clarke of Clarke & Co Estate Agents.
- Victoria: Michelle Stephens (OBrien Real Estate, Carrum Downs) was recognised for most properties sold in metro areas, with Helen Yan (Ray White Balwyn) excelling in total value sales. Regional accolades went to Tim Carson (McCartney Real Estate, Torquay).
- Western Australia: The Civic Heart development by Finbar Group received the Campaign of the Year award, showcasing excellence in apartment projects. Top agent Mark Grogan of O’Neil Real Estate was awarded for the highest number of sales.
- South Australia: Rivergum Homes and Tonsley Village by Peet received Campaign of the Year honours, with individual accolades awarded to Mike Lao (Edge Realty) and Kathleen Fry (Ouwens Casserly Real Estate).
- Tasmania: The awards in the island state were dominated by Harry Coomer (Peterswald) and Leigh Jordan (One Agency Collins Real Estate), recognising their significant contributions to both metro and regional residential sales.
- Northern Territory: Daniel Harris (Real Estate Central Projects) led the Darwin market in metro residential sales, while Lindsay Carey (Nutrien Harcourts Alice Springs) excelled in regional sales.
Buxton Port Phillip’s Nancy Yang was named The Rising Star of the Year. Picture: Urban Angles.
DiJones Real Estate’s Jessica West was announced as The Support Superstar of the Year.
Special Recognition for Innovation and Technology
- Game Changer of the Year: Awarded to Stockland’s Dreamcatcher platform, which empowers users to visualise their dream homes using innovative technology, transforming ideas into reality.
- Integrated Brand Campaign of the Year: Assemble’s “Imagine less. Experience more” campaign stood out for its creative approach, earning recognition for brand impact.
The gala was a testament to the resilience and creativity of Australia’s real estate industry in the face of economic challenges. Amy Read, REA Group’s General Manager of Customer Excellence, praised the winners, stating, “These awards highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams across the property industry, helping to broaden their reach and secure new business opportunities.”
The $375m development Archibald, by ALAND, in Gosford, featuring more than 320 apartments, a hotel and six hospitality venues, was among the NSW winners.
The Argyle SQ apartment project in Carlton, Melbourne, by Metier, Tomorrow Agency and Marshall White Projects, received a Campaign of the Year award for Victoria and Tasmania.
Menangle Park, by the Dahua Group Australia, is in Sydney’s south west. It spans 498ha hectares and has 4000 land lots, and won a Campaign of the Year award,
Conclusion
The 2024 REA Group Excellence Awards have once again highlighted the exceptional talent and dedication within Australia’s property sector. From sustainable housing projects to top-performing agents making a difference in their communities, the awards celebrated innovation, excellence, and commitment to customer service.
For more details on the full list of winners and the event highlights, visit REA Group’s official website.