Australian auctioneer wins Australasian title for record third time

AUSTRALIAN auctioneer Justin Nickerson has won the prestigious Australasian Auctioneering Championship for a record third time and is the first time an Australian has won the event three times.

The Queenslander competed in the event in Melbourne recently, which saw the top auctioneers from across Australia and New Zealand vying to be named the best.

It was the third time in four years that Mr Nickerson, who is director of Apollo Auctions which calls auctions across Australia and New Zealand, has won the championship.

“Over the past decade of my career, I have never stopped improving my skills and auction competitions are one of the best ways to do that,” he said.

“Whether it’s the state-based competitions – or the big kahuna of the Australasian champs –these events ensure that you’re constantly at the top of your game, which is vital in our industry.

“I am beyond thrilled to have won this for a third time and am so grateful to everyone who has helped me during my career, as well as all of our real estate clients who give us the privilege of representing their agencies every auction day.”

The final of the Australasian championship saw Mr Nickerson compete against auctioneers from New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT.

The competition involves auctioning a hypothetical property and tests the auctioneer’s mathematical skills as well as creativity, flair and understanding of the relevant legislation.

“Auction competitions are the hardest auction you will ever call, but there is no doubt they really hone your skills,” Mr Nickerson said.

“I often say that the next real auction you call after a competition will be your best one because of the experience.”

Mr Nickerson is also the record-holder for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Auctioneer of the Year, having won the title four times.