Canberra's best real estate professionals recognised at industry awards

Canberra’s real estate industry celebrated its outstanding performers at its annual awards ceremony on Saturday.

More than 300 people attended the Real Estate Institute ACT’s 2016 Awards for Excellence at the QT Hotel.

The black-tie event recognised various professionals in the industry including residential and commercial agencies, as well as individual auctioneers and agents.

Ray White Tuggeranong celebrated wins for both its newcomers and veterans, with Lisa Silberberg taking out rookie of the year and Colin McIntyre named residential salesperson of the year.

Ray White’s Belconnen office was named medium residential agency of the year, while agent Jake Battenally picked up an award for novice auctioneer of the year.

Peter Blackshaw Belconnen principal Peter Walker is on his way to Alice Springs to compete in the Australasian Auctioneering Championships after taking out the award for ACT auctioneer of the year.

His office also won a marketing and innovation award.

Real Estate Institute ACT president Frank Pompeani said Canberra’s auctioneers have raised the bar this year.

“We always complete well among Australasia’s best and I really believe they’ve taken it up a notch,” Mr Pompeani said.

Peter Blackshaw Manuka was named large residential agency of the year, while Maria Selleck Properties won the award for small residential agency.

Large residential agency and last year’s big winner Independent Property Group was entered into the hall of fame and their city team took out the award for residential sales team of the year.

CBRE Canberra were the big commercial property winners on the night, picking up an award for commercial agency of the year and a community service award.

Mr Pompeani said Canberra has a high level of professionalism within the industry.

“As president I’m very proud of how we’ve conducted ourselves and helped consumers with their transactions this year,” Mr Pompeani said.

Winners will have the opportunity to compete in the Real Estate Institute’s national awards next year.