REIV elects new president

Melbourne real estate agent Adam Docking has been elected as the new president of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria for 2021-22.

Mr Docking, who has served two terms as senior vice-president and vice-president for one, replaces Leah Calnan, who will remain on the board.

A second-generation real estate agent, Mr Docking is director of MJ Docking & Associates, a Vermont-based residential, commercial and property management firm founded by Max Docking in 1983.

Upon his election, Mr Docking said he was humbled and excited by the opportunity to support REIV members through their emergence from COVID-19 lockdowns as the sector looks towards the future.

“If there was ever any doubt about the strength and resilience of the real estate sector, or the talent and leadership capability of the people in it, then the pandemic has disproved it,” he said.

“As we look to 2022, I’m determined to continue building REIV’s position as the voice of the real estate sector at every level of government and across the business community so that the sector is recognised as the significant economic contributor that it is.

“I will also focus on support and advocacy for our members – existing and new – as they adjust to the dynamic market under COVID-normal conditions and make a greater connection to the communities they operate in.”

Mr Docking will be deputised by Richard Simpson as senior vice-president and Andrew Meehan in the role of vice-president.

Out-going president Leah Calnan reflected on an extraordinary two years for the sector.

“Putting the pandemic aside, the past 24 months have seen some major issues and opportunities for real estate in Victoria,” Ms Calnan said.

“Some sector-impacting legislative changes and new regulations, such as the introduction of the updated Rental Tenancies Act, have required significant focus – the need to educate and train members on the RTA was and continues to be a major undertaking.

“The extraordinary rise of regional Victorian property values, as metro-based residents and businesses considered a tree-change, was an interesting and important trend.

“I’m looking forward to remaining on the REIV board to support Adam, my fellow directors and all of the hard-working employees of the REIV and broader sector. Real estate is a fulfilling career path with plenty to offer the tens of thousands of Victorians employed in it.

On 1 October, two REIV members began their first terms as directors of the REIV board: Megan Mander (Metropolitan Zone) and Renee Reynolds (Regional Zone). Ms Mander and Ms Reynolds’ election takes female representation on the REIV board to 50 per cent.

Following the resignation of Gil King in August, the REIV is searching for a new CEO, with an appointment expected towards the end of 2021, or early 2022. The CEO will lead the execution of the REIV’s 2021-23 strategy, which is organised by three strategic pillars focused on uniting the sector, providing a ‘voice’, and delivering valuable content.