Network & Industry News

RURAL: Top Rural Agents Share Expertise in Cromwell

First National’s Rural & Regional Muster delegates returned from our Cromwell event refreshed, re-invigorated, and brimming with new skills and knowledge. We extend our thanks to Rural Chapter Chairman, Robert Stephens (FN Collie & Tierney, Mildura), his committee members, and local member Graham Maxwell (FN Gore, NZ)  for organising such an informative and engaging agenda.

The highly successful event included excellent speakers from specialist fields who shared their expertise on rural industries from cherries to vineyards, wine and land developments, packing houses and more. 

Delegates also enjoyed enriching sessions on client satisfaction amongst Otago’s breathtaking landscapes. The schedule incorporated visits to Dicey Vineyard & Winery, Shannon Farm Cherry Orchard & Pack-house, a sheep station in Bannockburn and even a worm farm in Cromwell.

The pink themed charity auction raised $14,830 for First National Foundation and we thank everybody for their generous bidding and donations of auction items. 

Also, a giant shout out to our expert auctioneers; Matt Harvey (Head of Growth, AU/NZ), Mark Carter (FN Mark A Carter, Ardrossan, SA), Graham Maxwell (FN Gore, NZ), Mitch Halpin (FN Broken Hill, NSW), James Bateman (BGM), Michael Walter (FN Pymble, NSW), Rob Stephens (FN Collie & Tierney, Mildura) and Ben Ridley (FN Collie & Tierney, Mildura).

‘You did a fantastic job organising the Rural & Regional Muster with your committee. Thanks Robert Stephens. Looking forward to Mildura in 2024 already.’

Tony Stockdale

FN Bonnici & Associates (Beechworth, Vic)

‘Another great Muster, from great guest speakers on day one to a well-organised tour on day two. We had the opportunity of visiting the Dicey Vineyard, Shannon Farm Cherry Orchard and all of the backend operations there, then to the Andersons sheep station in Bannockburn (set on a small parcel of approx. 24,000 acres), then off to a worm farm, and then finishing at the Stoaker Room for an amazing feed! All in all, it was great meeting some new faces and catching up with some old ones, and learnt a lot over the past 3 days.’

Jason Brown

FN Finning (Cranbourne, Vic)

‘It was a great destination, excellent venue and function centre. The right amount of time from start to finish and the accommodation was lovely. All in all, an excellent event and organisation to you all at head office and beyond.’

David Doherty

FN Tamworth (NSW)

‘Overall, a great event and opportunity to meet and talk with other Agents on the West Island. Having the speakers in on the first day was really good. The on-site day was also very interesting (even for a local).’

Carl McNulty

FN Central (Cromwell, NZ)

‘Thank you for organising such a fantastic event. We thought the program was great and with just the right mix of quality speakers, excursions and fun. Looking forward to the next one!’

Andrew Blackman

FN Mudgee (NSW)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Where’s the Next Rural & Regional Muster?

If you want to improve your skills as a Rural Specialist or Lifestyle Specialist within our Rural Chapter, don’t miss next year’s Rural & Regional Muster. The connections you’ll make will transform your skills.

HR: Prioritising Workplace Wellbeing with the Real Care App

Before COVID, First National prioritised wellness education opportunities. During COVID we excelled and, post COVID, our commitment to mental wellness across the network continues to be enhanced.

In addition to our programme with EQ Minds, First National enthusiastically endorses Real Care, the FREE and multiple award-winning mental health and wellness app specially designed by the real estate industry. 

It recognises the specific stresses and issues faced by sales agents and property managers, and gives you the tools to manage anxiety, anger, your physical health and even your finances. There's also an Employee Assistant feature providing confidential phone counselling sessions.

Real Care, a major initiative of real estate charity The Rise Initiative, was developed specifically for real estate people by a dedicated group of real estate professionals, led by Chris Hanley (OAM), principal of First National Byron Bay.

Check your email for the additional resources we've sent and download Real Care by scanning this QR Code.

At our recent property management training in Balina, Fiona Blayney demonstrated the Real Care App to our attendees, where it received a great reception.

‘Thoroughly enjoyed today’s session and got heaps out of it.  Fiona is a great presenter, making everything interesting and very real with practical advice, and she was able to hold our attention with ease.  I probably enjoyed today session better than any other training day I’ve attended and I’ve attended quite a few over the years.’

Sue Mitchell

FN Wal Murray & Co (Ballina & Lismore, NSW)

VALE: Ian Charlton

Friends and colleagues of Ben and Paul Charlton (FN Pottsville, FN Banora Point & FN Tweed Heads South, Qld) were deeply saddened by news of the passing of Ian Charlton on Saturday 5 July. The network extends its condolences to the Charlton family, their staff, and Ian’s many friends throughout the network. 

Ian joined First National Real Estate in 1993, servicing the areas of Cabarita, Pottsville Beach and Hastings Point. Twenty-three years later in 2016 he took the decision to retire, with sons Ben and Paul continuing the family’s legacy through their directorships of the region’s three prominent agencies.

Ian's funeral service will take place tomorrow, Wednesday 9 August. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the service at the Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens and Crematorium - 176 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads, commencing at 10: 00 am.

INVESTOR RELATIONS: Property Management Champions Honoured

This year on National Property Manager’s Day, the appreciation for our property management teams flooded social media for an entire week! 

Property managers are the mainstay of every great agency and at First National, we honour the incredible work they continue to do post-COVID, despite incredibly challenging conditions.

Thank you for your commitment, your diligence and your dedication to looking after our renters and rental providers’ investment properties nationwide. 

POLICY: Calling All Landlords for National Rental Inquiry

Two weeks ago, the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) called upon First National Real Estate to contribute expertise to its communications campaign asking the nation’s landlords to voice their experience to the National Rental Inquiry.

The REIA’s urgent campaign asked all estate agencies, through state and territory Institutes, to email landlords collateral informing them about their opportunity to balance the views likely to be coming from tenant submissions. 

This was in response to the Greens political party calling upon tenants nationwide, asking them to share their experience of 'unfair rent increases' and 'shocking treatment'.

The REIA’s concern was if landlords/rental providers didn’t share their views by last Friday, there was/is potential for rent caps or a rent freeze to be the outcome. This would likely reduce the number of available rental properties, further exacerbating the rental crisis and only making life harder for Australians renting homes.