Emerging talent took centre stage as Marshall White hosted its annual Novice Auctioneer Competition, giving agents the chance to showcase their auctioneering skills in a high-energy, supportive environment.

The competition reaffirmed Marshall White’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in real estate by offering emerging professionals a valuable opportunity to step into the spotlight and refine their craft.

Monique Mullaly, Learning and Development Manager at Marshall White, shared, “It was incredibly rewarding to witness the growth and confidence of each finalist on stage at our annual Marshall White Novice Auctioneer event. The energy in the room, the camaraderie among participants, and their commitment to developing their craft made it a true highlight of our Learning and Development calendar."

This year’s event featured nine participants, with standout moments including a supportive atmosphere that encouraged individuals to step outside their comfort zones. Notably, two finalists conducted their auctions with English as their second language – demonstrating remarkable confidence and resilience.

Rhys Karabasis, Sales Executive and winner of the competition, reflected, “Being part of the Novice Auctioneer competition was an unforgettable experience. The energy on the night, the support from other contestants and my team was amazing, and it was a great chance to grow both personally and professionally. Winning was the cherry on top – so proud of everyone who got up there and honoured to represent such a great company.”

Fellow participant Ella Atkins, Sales Executive, added, “The program was something I had been wanting to do since I joined the company but was very out of my comfort zone. It was hands down one of the most rewarding experiences. The personal growth, competitive spirit, friendships, and support from both within our group of nine and the wider Marshall White team, would have to be my highlights. I would do it all over again tomorrow if I could!”

John Bongiorno, Group Sales Director, commented - "At Marshall White we are deeply committed to providing our team with access to ongoing training and career development opportunities. Our Novice Auctioneers Program is just one many programs we offer to help team members develop and hone their real estate skills."

The Novice Auctioneer Competition is rooted in the legacy of the company’s namesake, Marshall White, who was widely regarded as one of Melbourne’s leading auctioneers in the 1970s and 1980s. Fittingly, he served as a judge when the program launched in 2006 – reflecting his passion for auctioneering and the company’s long-standing commitment to nurturing talent.