ACT Agents Shine at the 2026 REIA National Awards for Excellence

The ACT may be the smallest real estate market in the country, but its agents are among the best. The Real Estate Institute of Australia’s 2026 National Awards for Excellence were held in Melbourne on May 21, and ACT individuals and agencies took home five awards.

“These awards celebrate the very best in our profession, those setting the benchmark nationally,” said REIA president Jacob Caine. “The calibre of finalists and winners this year reflects the resilience and professionalism that continues to strengthen the real estate industry across Australia.”

We spoke to the winners.

Commercial Salesperson of the Year

Michael Ceacis, Select Property Group

With more than 25 years of experience, Michael Ceacis was named Commercial Salesperson of the Year for the third consecutive time. The award recognises a quiet, relationship-driven approach and a long track record of consistent results.

“Commercial real estate is often viewed as a numbers game, but the reality is that it’s a people business long before it’s a financial one,” says Ceacis. “Most of my work happens off market, built on relationships, trust and the networks I’ve spent years developing.”

Medium Residential Agency of the Year

Blackshaw Queanbeyan & Jerrabomberra

Established in 2006 by Alexandra Ah Key, Blackshaw Queanbeyan & Jerrabomberra has become one of the region’s most respected agencies. This marks the agency’s second national win, which Ah Key credits to the team’s strength.

“This recognition is a reflection of our people – a professional, hardworking team that genuinely cares about client satisfaction and achieving outstanding results,” says Ah Key. “Real estate is an exciting and fulfilling industry and we truly love what we do.”

Residential Property Management Team of the Year

Little Bird Properties

Little Bird Properties was founded in 2013 by Heidi Rosin and has grown into a 10-person team managing around 800 properties. “To receive national recognition for the care, expertise and commitment we bring to property management every day is an honour we are truly grateful for,” says Rosin. “This award is a testament to the power of a specialised property management business and our belief that focusing equally on clients and team members delivers outstanding results.”

Business Development Manager of the Year

Kimberly Castle, AM Property Agency

Kimberly Castle, owner and director of AM Property Agency, has successfully managed some of Canberra’s largest rental portfolios. “Winning this award is a huge achievement for both myself and the team,” says Castle. “As a boutique Canberra agency, being recognised at a national level is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

“The recognition reflects the work put into building relationships, the consistent results achieved for clients and the care embedded in the service provided.”

Agency Sustainability Leadership Award

Community Housing Canberra

CHC Australia was established more than 25 years ago and is the ACT’s largest not-for-profit community housing provider, delivering quality, well-located social and affordable rental homes to more than 2160 Canberrans.

“We are very proud to receive national recognition for CHC Australia’s work to embed sustainability across housing operations,” says chief executive Nathan Dal Bon. “For us, sustainability is not just an environmental outcome – it’s about cost-of-living relief, equity and improving tenant wellbeing.”