Victoria’s best auctioneers battle it out for top gong

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 21 May 2019

The best auctioneers in Victoria will bring out the big guns during a two-day competition at the REIV today (Tuesday) and tomorrow as part of the Senior Auctioneer of the Year Competition.

Real Estate Institute of Victoria President Robyn Waters said auctioneers will be tested on their knowledge of best practice and legislation as well as their performance in a simulated auction situation, complete with complex bidding sequences and challenging questions. 

“Auctioneering requires a particular skills set which includes a booming voice, a nimble and mathematical mind and more than a touch of theatrical flair,” Ms Waters said.

“The REIV’s Senior Auctioneer of the Year Competition has always been well-attended by spectators and this year, for the first time, we will live-stream the competition via our Auction Partner, GAVL with links for each competitor updated on the REIV’s Facebook page throughout the competition. The REIV is delighted to again have the Herald Sun and Leader as our Auction Partners.

“We have 10 entrants this year, including last year’s winner Luke Banitsiotis, our 2007 winner John Matthews and Joshua Kalender, who is challenging for the first time in 2019, having  won the Novice Auctioneer of the Year Competition in 2017.”

REIV Vice President, Auction Chapter Chair and Chief Judge Adam Docking said this is great opportunity to see best auctioneers in Victoria in action.

“The winner and runner up will go on to contest the Australasian Auctioneering Championships in October, which we are very excited to be hosting in Melbourne in association with the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania,” Mr Docking said.

“We last hosted the Australasian competition in 2015 when our own Harry Li took out the title, which was the first time in 10 years that a Victorian won.

“This is a good omen for some of our home-grown talent who will have plenty of grassroots support.”

Three-time Australasian Auction Champion, Mark Sumich will share tips and strategies with members during an interactive training session following the Senior Auctioneer of the Year heats today (Tuesday).

Finalists will be announced at the end of Tuesday’s session, with the final to commence at 2pm on Wednesday, 22 May. The winner and runner-up will be announced at the conclusion of the final with both progressing through to the Australasian Auctioneering Championships in Melbourne from 22 to 24 October 2019.
 

REIV Senior Auctioneer of the Year Competition Heats – Tuesday, 21 May 2019

BLOCK ONE: 9.30am to 10.55am

BLOCK TWO: 11.20am to 12.45pm

 
Media contact:
Chanelle Pearson 0402 241 621