Media Release
For immediate release – 21 May 2026
REIA ANNOUNCES 2026 NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS
The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has revealed the winners of the 2026 National Awards for Excellence (NAFE), recognising the highest-performing individuals and agencies across the country.
Hosted in Melbourne by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), this prestigious annual event highlights leadership, innovation and professionalism in the Australian real estate sector. Finalists were drawn from each state and territory, showcasing the depth of talent across the industry.
REIA President Jacob Caine congratulated all participants and acknowledged the significance of the event in celebrating the outstanding achievements shaping the future of Australian real estate.
“These awards celebrate the very best in our profession, those setting the benchmark nationally. The calibre of finalists and winners this year reflects the resilience and professionalism that continues to strengthen the real estate industry across Australia,” Mr Caine said.
The winners were unveiled at a gala dinner held in Melbourne, where industry leaders from across the country gathered to celebrate excellence in Australian real estate.
2026 NAFE WINNERS LIST
| STATE | CATEGORY | WINNER | AGENCY |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | Achievement Award | Gypsea Youngsmith | Kollosche Pty Ltd |
| ACT | Agency Sustainability Leadership Award | Community Housing Canberra Ltd | - |
| QLD | Business Broker of the Year | Dustin Slypen | LINK Business Brisbane |
| ACT | Business Development Manager of the Year | Kimberly Castle | AM Property Agency |
| NSW | Buyers' Agent of the Year | Amanda Gould | High Spec |
| SA | Commercial Agency of the Year | LJ Hooker Commercial Adelaide | - |
| WA | Commercial Property Manager of the Year | Vaughan Copping | Perth Property Management |
| ACT | Commercial Salesperson of the Year | Michael Ceacis | Select Property Group |
| NT | Community Service Award | Shyam Thapa | Wealthmax Real Estate |
| SA | Individual Sustainability Leadership Award | John Taarnby | TAARNBY Real Estate |
| TAS | Innovation Award | 4one4 Property Co. | - |
| SA | Large Residential Agency of the Year | TOOP+TOOP | TOOP+TOOP |
| WA | Marketer of the Year Award | Hayley Patrick | Jones Realty & Projects |
| SA | Marketing and Communications Award | Harris Real Estate | Harris Real Estate |
| ACT | Medium Residential Agency of the Year | Blackshaw Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra | - |
| WA | Operational Leadership Award | Ashleigh Goodchild | SOCO Realty |
| QLD | Operational Support Award | Tamika Kent | McGrath Aspley |
| ACT | Residential Property Management Team of the Year | Little Bird Properties | - |
| QLD | Residential Property Manager of the Year | Samantha Ellis | Property Zest |
| WA | Residential Sales Team of the Year | Jones Realty & Projects | Jones Realty & Projects |
| QLD | Residential Salesperson of the Year | Tristan Rowland | Bright Estate Agents |
| SA | Small Residential Agency of the Year | TAARNBY Real Estate | - |
| NSW | REIA President's Award | Leanne Pilkington | laing+simmons |
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Jessica Schulz, REIA Media and Communications Coordinator
0433 849 396
