Network & Industry

In This Edition… 

🏡  First National expands Sydney footprint in St George 

🎉  Members back FirstAML partnership with record sign-ups 

✨  First National officially announces RizeUp sponsorship 

💪🏻  Supporting member-led training in 2026

🪢  NSW to tighten rules on price guides 

⚠️  Victoria to force disclosure of reserves pre-auction

🥇  Grow as a leader. Lead with impact.

First National expands Sydney footprint in             St George

👓 1.2 minute read

First National Real Estate has strengthened its presence in metropolitan Sydney with the launch of FN JV Partners, led by respected St George agents and Co-Directors, Justin Cai and Vivienne Hua.

Justin and Vivienne bring strong credentials to the network. Over more than a decade, they have established themselves as trusted advisors to homeowners and investors across St George. Their experience in the Hurstville market, bilingual capabilities and insight into school catchments, market trends and local values enable them to provide precise advice that reflects each client’s goals. Their reputations have been built on measured guidance, transparent communication and outcomes that consistently meet or exceed expectations.

‘St George is a vital market for First National’s future growth. It represents the multicultural heart of Sydney and continues to attract committed buyers who value strong community, transport access and long-term opportunity,' said First National CEO, David Edwards as he welcomed the new office to the network.. 

‘Justin and Vivienne’s professionalism, deep local knowledge and client-focused approach aligns closely with our culture. We are pleased to welcome Justin, Vivienne and their team, and we look forward to supporting their contribution to the region.’

Head to the Media and Marketing chapter for a wrap-up of publicity covering Justin and Vivienne’s launch. 

Members back FirstAML partnership in record numbers

👓 1 minute read

Following a rigorous competitive assessment, First National announced its partnership with FirstAML, the industry leader for AML/CTF services, last week.

FirstAML is now fully engaged as our Alliance Partner and ready to support your office with the systems, training and processes you need to meet your legal obligations. Members have responded positively, with nearly a quarter signing up with FirstAML in just days. This portrays an industry-leading response within our network, and members are to be commended for taking the critical early steps to get ready.

What was the webinar about?

Last week’s introductory webinar with FirstAML CEO Milan Cooper, First National CEO David Edwards, and Membership Director Darren Pearce outlined the pathway to compliance that each First National office must commence.

It is now essential that every First National office takes action.

After watching the above webinar recording, please click the link below and sign up with FirstAML today. This will begin your onboarding process, including risk assessments, training modules and the implementation of compliant verification procedures.

Delays at this early stage will only make compliance harder as the deadline approaches. We are relying on every principal to lead this process with urgency.

Sign up with FirstAML now and begin your compliance journey.

Don't FALL behind: FirstAML rollout plan

👓 2 minute read

For members who have not yet signed up with FirstAML, this is the timeline that your fellow members have begun working towards. Please do not underestimate the timeframe required to put your AML programme in place. 

Sign up with FirstAML this week so that your risk assessment is well underway before Christmas 2025. 

50,000 independent real estate agencies will be scrambling for support and staff training in the New Year. First National members can avoid unnecessary pressure and stress by signing up now.

First National officially announces RizeUp sponsorship

👓 1 minute read

Your network has also formally announced its partnership with RizeUp Australia, marking a major step in our commitment to supporting families escaping domestic and family violence. The alliance connects our national network with a charity that delivers rapid, practical assistance by furnishing safe homes for individuals and and families fleeing domestic violence, often within hours of referral.

CEO David Edwards, says the partnership strengthens the work already done to equip property managers to recognise and respond to unsafe tenancies. It also creates a clear pathway for our offices to take meaningful action through fundraising and volunteering.

RizeUp’s Founder and CEO, Nicolle Edwards, has welcomed the partnership, praising the positive difference our collective efforts will make for families needing a fresh start.

This partnership speaks directly to our wider community contribution: helping create safer, stronger communities across Australia. Keep an eye out for your RizeUp advertising pack, which includes posters and window decals that you can display proudly.

Supporting member-led training

👓 1 minute read

First National has introduced a formal framework to recognise members who contribute their time and expertise to our training efforts. The policy sets out how the National Support Office (NSO) will compensate members invited to deliver workshops, presentations, or structured training sessions across the network.

The approach remains true to our cooperative model. It acknowledges that member participation is voluntary and driven by a commitment to collective development rather than commercial gain. A nominal daily or half-day rate applies, covering preparation and delivery, along with reimbursement for reasonable travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.

The policy also confirms that any participating member agrees to training being recorded for use in eLearning and other network learning initiatives. Appointments will be made by invitation and confirmed in writing, with all payments processed through the established state training levy.

This structure provides clarity, fairness, and consistency. It helps ensure our training remains high quality, member-led, and aligned with the needs of offices nationwide. It also raises a question worth considering. How can more members contribute their expertise to strengthen the network’s learning culture?

'Learning Influencer' leads the way in WH&S excellence

Jess Johnson has set a benchmark for FN Broken Hill, if not the entire network. 

As the office manager and 'Learning Influencer', her drive, structure and belief in continuous learning have led the entire team through all 12 Academy modules well ahead of schedule, with even their newest recruit - who completed all 13 modules within her first four weeks.

Jess approached the programme with clear purpose. She admits she was already across almost everything in the material, yet recognised that younger and less experienced staff would benefit enormously. 

'Too often we assume people share the same instincts or industry awareness,' says Jess.

Crucially, she understood that growth comes from removing that assumption. She praises the clarity of First National's Learning Hub training content, saying it 'delivered guidance in straightforward language without diluting standards'. 

Her team responded to that clarity, especially once she mapped out deadlines, reinforced expectations and kept momentum strong. Jess says that without this structure, they would not have engaged as fully.

Her boss, Zeta Bennett, says the achievement speaks to Jess’ character. 

‘She is amazing, cares so much and tries so hard. Jess has also faced some considerable personal challenges this year, yet she continues to stand up, demonstrate leadership qualities, and motivate our staff to be better. Her commitment to her team remains a constant.’

Jess has demonstrated what 'Learning Influencers' bring to the network and our Work Health & Safety compliance training. She set direction, built accountability and showed how a committed leader lifts capability across an entire office. 

Congratulations Jess. Good job!

Stronger together on referrals

Cooperation sits at the heart of our network. The latest ‘Projects & Referrals’ chapter highlights just how powerful that spirit can be. Buyer referral fees of up to 50 per cent are currently available! That creates a clear opportunity to strengthen relationships across the network, support colleagues, and generate additional revenue without adding to your workload.

The principle is simple. You hold buyers who are still searching. Another office holds quality listings that need the right match. Why not bring the two together? Your buyer benefits. Your colleague moves a listing. You earn a fee. Everyone wins.

This is an ideal moment to take a fresh look at your buyer database. Who has missed out recently? Who needs a nudge to consider options in a neighbouring suburb, investment interstate, or a new project? A quick cross-check against the listings posted in this month’s chapter could create immediate opportunities.

Sharing buyers is not only commercially sound, it strengthens our cooperative culture. It builds trust. It reinforces the value of belonging to a network that works as one.