Rookie auctioneers to take on the AUSTROS stage for the first time

Presented by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, the AUSTROS competition showcases the region’s top auctioneers in a high-stakes competition that tests their expertise, presence, and performance from 13–15 May.

REIA president, Leanne Pilkington, said that for the first time, the competition introduces the “Novice Championships” to foster new talent.

“[It] ensures the future of auctioneering is in confident, capable hands,” she said.

Novice competitors will be taking the stage and will have an opportunity to showcase their talent, as well as gain experience and exposure in the competitive auction industry.

Senior auctioneer from Menck White Auctioneers, Clarence White, who won the competition in 2022, said the AUSTROS championships culminate months or even years of preparation, making it a particularly challenging arena for novice auctioneers.

“It is a pretty big stage for a novice who, in many cases, has hardly called many or any auctions,” White said.

White said novice auctioneers should try not to get too overwhelmed on stage, as managing their emotions will be key in the competition.

“Once you stand up and you’re actually in front of a big crowd on a big stage in a big important event really early in your career, just managing your emotions is probably the most important thing to make sure that you execute the auction to the best of your ability,” he said.

In total, 14 novice contenders will participate in the AUSTROS competition, hoping to be crowned the first top rookie auctioneer across Australasia.

In NSW, two novice auctioneers, Scott Menck of Menck White Auctioneers and Daniel Carter of Cooley Auctions will take their shot at winning the prestigious competition.

Alongside his mentor White, who will participate in the senior category, Menck said he’s looking forward to challenging himself.

A lawyer by profession, Menck, who started leading auctions over the past year, said he’ll draw on his decade in law to bring his sharp negotiation skills to the auction floor.

“Paul Menck and his business partner Clarence White, both told me an auction competition can be actually harder than calling a real property.

“At an event like this you’re standing up in front of people who really know the profession. It made me train to compete; these sorts of competitions are really good exposure.”

Menck said that, while it's his first time in the competition, he encourages aspiring auctioneers to embrace challenges like the AUSTROS for valuable experience, highlighting the supportive and collaborative nature of the auctioneering community.

Alongside Menck, Carter also earned his place at the inaugural Novice AUSTROS competition.

With 14 years of property experience, Carter’s firm grasp of sales and genuine passion for auctioneering secured him a spot in the AUSTROS, despite not having yet called an auction in the field.

The novice auctioneer participated earlier this year in the in REINSW’s Novice Auctioneer Competition, where he tested his nerve and skills.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking and fairly intense, but it was also a lot of fun at the same time. It’s nice to get a dynamic crowd calling bids however, the nerves come on when you know that every single person in that room is either an auctioneer or a judge,” Carter said.

“I’ve already called a few of the judges to get feedback, and I know that there are definitely things I could do to improve on my call and how I position myself. Overall, though, it’s just a really nice way to kickstart this part of my career and get a new sense of confidence.”

Novice auctioneers who are set to take part in the AUSTROS competitions are:

Campbell Jones – Blackshaw Manuka, Jackson White-Brettell – LJ Hooker Kaleen, Daniel Carter – Cooley Auctions, Scott Menck – Menck White Auctions, Chris Clarke – Real Estate Central, Stefan Krcmarov – Toop + Toop, Joseph Murdock – Klemich, Max Calvert – Nutrien Harcourts, Joseph Laing – Harcourts Devonport & Shearwater, Matthew Rossi – Nelson Alexander, Andrew Melilli – Nelson Alexander, Revandy Rasyad – The Real Estate Times, Ryan Bradley – Bayleys, and Tama Emery – Harcourts.

REIA stated that the Novice competition, alongside the main event, highlights the industry’s dedication to developing the next generation of auctioneers.

In total, 17 senior competitors will take the AUSTROS stage to battle for the prestigious title of best auctioneer across Australia and New Zealand.

Senior auctioneers who are set to take part in the AUSTROS competitions are:

Nic Harding – LJ Hooker Dickson, Brianna Williams – LJ Hooker Gungahlin, Clarence White – Menck White Auctioneers, Paul Hancock – McGrath Estate Agents, Leon Axford – Axford Auctions, Bronte Manuel – Toop + Toop, Anthony DeMarco – Kate Smith Property, Mark Lands – Lands Real Estate, Jake McIntyre – South Property Group Hobart, Paul Tzamalis – The Auction Company, Greg Brydon – Apollo Auctions (Australasia), Prash Nayar – The Real Estate Times, Richard Kerr – Apollo Auctions, Robert Tulp – Apollo Auctions, Mark McGoldrick – Harcourts, Conor Patton – Bayleys, and Sam Steele – Ray White.

CEO of Real Estate Institute of South Australia, Andrea Heading, said the event will help grow further the auctioneering industry.

“We are thrilled to host AUSTROS 2025 in Adelaide and to celebrate emerging talent alongside seasoned professionals in what will be a truly inclusive and inspiring event for the industry,” Heading said.