Luke Banitsiotis crowned Australasia’s top auctioneer at AUSTROS 2024

Luke Banitsiotis from Woodards in Victoria has emerged victorious at the AUSTROS 2024 championships, claiming the title of Australasia’s top auctioneer. The event, held in Hobart and hosted by the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT), saw Banitsiotis compete against four other finalists: Alec Brown, Bronte Manuel, Clarence White, and Paul Hancock.

The AUSTROS championships, convened by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), is one of the most prestigious events on the Australasian auctioneering calendar, recognising and celebrating the best auctioneers across the region.

REIA President Leanne Pilkington congratulated Banitsiotis on his win, emphasising the significance of the AUSTROS championships in the real estate industry. “The event attracted Australia and New Zealand’s top auctioneers and brought together high-profile names to compete for one of the industry’s most coveted awards,” Ms Pilkington said.

REINZ CEO Jen Baird praised the exceptional talent showcased during the event, stating, “The AUSTROS showcased the world-class talent of the auctioneers that support the real estate profession in New Zealand and Australia. The competition was fierce and Luke thoroughly deserved this win.”

REIT CEO Michelle Tynan commended the outstanding set of auctions called over the two-day event in Hobart, noting that the auctioneers had collectively called around 32,000 auctions with a total sales value of $21 billion. “Thank you to the AUSTROS 2024 judges panel, the Chief Judge, bidders, competitors, finalists and congratulations to Luke,” Ms Tynan said.

Banitsiotis, a four-time REIV award-winning auctioneer and one of only 18 REIV Master Auctioneers in Victoria, demonstrated exceptional skill and client service throughout the competition.

The AUSTROS is an annual event that brings together the best auctioneers from Australia and New Zealand. REINZ and the Real Estate Institutes for each Australian state and territory hold their own competitions to select their top two auctioneers, who then compete in the AUSTROS. The hosting of the competition rotates among the different Australian states and territories, with New Zealand hosting the event once every four years.