Top five finalists announced for Australasian Auctioneering Championships 2024

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) have announced the top five finalists for the prestigious Australasian Auctioneering Championships (AUSTROS) 2024, following a fierce battle between 13 elite auctioneers during the first round of heats.

The five finalists, who will compete for the title of Australasian Auction Champion 2024, are:

2.05 pm Alec Brown
2.30 pm Bronte Manuel
2.55 pm Clarence White
3.20 pm Paul Hancock
3.45 pm Luke Banitsiotis

REIA President Leanne Pilkington praised the 14 contestants for their exceptional performances, stating, “The fourteen contestants really showed their auctioneering excellence to the judges and gave it their all. The judges had a tough time choosing the finalists, but in the end the decision has to be made and their choices have been locked in.”

She congratulated the finalists and wished them the best for the final event, which will take place at 2pm this afternoon.

AUSTROS, jointly conducted by REIA and REINZ, has become the most prestigious event on the Australasian auctioneering calendar. Each Australian state and territory, along with New Zealand, holds their own competition to find their best 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.

The full AUSTROS program is available online, and photos of the competitors can be accessed through the provided link.

The Australasian Auctioneering Championships showcase the incredible talent and skill of auctioneers from across Australia and New Zealand, with the finalists representing the cream of the crop in their field. The final event promises to be a thrilling display of auctioneering prowess as the top five contenders vie for the coveted title of Australasian Auction Champion 2024.