Network and industry

Kuala Lumpur Convention 

With your network’s Kuala Lumpur Convention delivered, there’s no doubt First National’s future looks incredibly bright. 

The passion, energy and groundswell of member engagement demonstrated in Malaysia showed that your enthusiasm to advance our common goals has never been stronger.

New CEO, David Edwards, illustrated the need for positive change starting today. 

Reminding us of the proverb ‘The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second-best time is now’, David acknowledged that longer-serving members would recall a time when the network numbered many more than 230 offices. He emphasised that the brand is fundamentally what we own, and that the time has come to reunite behind a strong, consistent brand.

Formerly exclusive events like the Bill Wood Evening were incorporated into the general Convention agenda, heralding inclusivity for all members and greater recognition of your achievements. 

The network’s AGM saw the first woman elevated to the Board of Directors since 2015, Jennifer Nitschke (SA/NT), and three more women assume Chair or Vice Chair roles on their Regional Councils – Sylvia Presepio (SA), Allison Holzer (VIC/TAS) and Kelly Isaacs (QLD). 

With numerous members joining their Regional Council again or for the first time, participation in our cooperative has been revitalised. 

National Convention 2025

Announced to great excitement during the National Awards, next year’s Convention will be hosted at the extraordinary Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas. 

With 147 hectares of tropical gardens, a sprawling network of 10 lagoons, 18-hole golf course, Kaia day spa and tennis courts, this chic resort on 4 Mile Beach has played host to Bill and Hillary Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Hudson, Tom Hanks, Claudia Schiffer, Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, and Luciano Pavarotti!

Get registered now by clicking here.

National award winners

Our national GEM Award winners were announced in Kuala Lumpur. Taking the top office awards were FN Cleveland (Qld), which was announced Magnificent 7 - Number One Sales Office of the Year, and FN Hedland (Port Hedland, WA) - who took home Magnificent 7 - No.1 Investor Relations Management Office of the Year.

Topping the individual awards were Melissa Starkey, FN Surfers Paradise (Qld) who took home Magnificent 7 - No.1 Investor Relations Manager of the Year; Amy Doran, FN Hedland (Port Hedland, WA) who won Magnificent 7 - No.1 Business Development Manager of the Year, and Ethan He, FN JXRE (Clayton, Vic) who received Magnificent 7 - No.1 Salesperson of the Year.

The recipient of the network’s highest honour, The Kaye Heath Memorial Award, was Mr David Forrest, in recognition of his many years of work on QLD Regional Council and the Board of Directors. 

New Board of Directors

Following the Kuala Lumpur AGM, your Board of Directors for 2024/25 was elected, as were your local representatives on Regional Council. Access all Board and Regional Council members contacts on FN Central.

Rob Westwood – Chair (VIC/TAS)

Joseph Bryant – Vice Chair (WA)

David Doherty – Director (NSW)

Neil Coupland – Director (QLD)

Jennifer Nitschke – Director (SA/NT)

Kelly Donaldson – Board Appointed Director

Register now for Regional & Rural Muster 

Coming up fast is Regional & Rural Muster, the event that always proves hugely popular with our rural membership. 

This year, we’re based in beautiful Mildura – the iconic Aussie town on the Murray River where 90% of our table grape exports are grown. Click the image to register now.

Coping with the discovery of a tenant’s tragic end 

The death of a tenant can be a traumatic event for our property managers. When a death is discovered many weeks later, whole teams can be deeply affected. That’s before we account for the additional challenges property managers face balancing the interests of grieving relatives against those of landlords seeking the vacation and re-letting of their property. 

Recently, one of our property management teams grappled with just such an event – with the deceased in an advanced state of decay. Deeply traumatised, they turned to the counselling service offered through the Real Care App - the real estate industry’s own free service developed by the RISE initiative.

Feedback from our team is that the support received from Real Care was outstanding, so don’t forget to download the app and take advantage of the tools it provides to manage anxiety, anger, physical health and even your finances.

Vale John Blackman

Long-term members of First National and indeed many Australians were saddened to learn of John Blackman’s passing at the age of 76 last week. 

John entertained us as the MC of First National Conventions for more than a decade, before his battle with cancer prevented further appearances. He was a much-loved friend of the network and will be greatly missed.

Victoria and New South Wales property managers, have your say - quickly!

The deadline for submissions into proposed no grounds evictions laws in NSW is approaching, amidst concerns, that landlords’ rights are going to be harmed.

The “No Grounds 2024” Bill, if approved, will be inserted into the Residential Tenancies Act and will mean tenants will no longer be able to be evicted, except in certain situations, such as an owner moving back into the property, or when the property is to be sold.

If you wish your feedback to be heard, complete this survey:

In Victoria, in addition to a Windfall Gains Tax, Vacant Residential Land Tax, Land Tax Surcharges and Increased Land Tax rates, landlords will soon be required to meet new rental property standards, some of which will require substantial outlays.

Landlords and stakeholders are being asked to participate in the feedback process concerning these proposed changes.

If you your voice to be heard, complete this survey by 1 July 2024:

Don’t miss out on professional development performance gains

Solid attendance at our recent Brisbane James Tostevin training saw 65 plus sales agents drill down on productivity boosting tips in Brisbane. Melbourne sales agents don’t miss your chance to see James on 9 September at Crown Melbourne. Click here to register now.

Also in Brisbane, Stacey Holt training saw property managers up-skilling on Queensland’s Key Stage 2 Rental Reforms, while likely adding to their CPD tally (although we can’t confirm that just yet as the commencement date of the Property Law Act has yet to be confirmed).

In Hobart, Page Seager Lawyers delivered face-to-face training on residential tenancy agreements, lease terminations, case law, permissible inquiries for applicants and protocols for police checks.

Meanwhile, for SA/NT members, Tom Panos delivered a training webinar on the economic downturn, cost-of-living impacts, and agents overpricing property.

Coming up...

VIC/TAS

What: Sales Training with Jonathan Clover 

When: 18 June 10:00am to 3:00pm AEST 

Where: Crown Melbourne

Register: Click here

QLD

What: Digital Training with Stephen Toms 

When: 25 June 9:30 am to 2:00 pm AEST

Where: The Glen Hotel, Brisbane

Register: Click here 

SA/NT

What: Property Management Training - Brett Wheatland (Special Guest from SAPOL)

When: 21 June 10:00 am to 3:00 pm ACST

Where: Adelaide Oval

Register: Click here 

WA

What: Principals' Business Session 

When: 14 June 10:00 am to 4:00 pm AWST 

Where: Crown Perth

Register: Click here  

You said…

‘The outsourcing to industry professionals to deliver relevant information for our state ensures we have up to date and accurate training opportunities in our field.’ 

Cloe Smith 

FN Kingston (TAS)

‘We enjoyed the training yesterday and think it’s a fantastic start. As discussed with James, we look forward to more sessions like this in the future.’

Maddy McCall

FN Claridge (Deloraine, TAS)

‘As always Stacey’s session was enjoyable & very informative. Becky and I discussed the upcoming changes and how they affect our roles yesterday on the drive back and will also share our hand out and links with the team.’ 

Krista Paterson

FN Surat Basin Chinchilla

Stacey always delivers the information in a way that is easily understood. I do feel more prepared for what to expect for the legislative changes.

Jodie Ohl

FN Riverside 

‘First National provides excellent training opportunities to its staff making sure that we are all aware of the changes that effect our day-to-day business as property managers. We are therefore providing an excellent service to our clients with current knowledge and correct procedures.’ 

Samantha HuYon 

FN Bribie Island