Top Gympie real estate stalwarts revealed
From Cooroy to Tiaro, Rainbow Beach to Goomeri, these are the 20 real estate stalwarts who’ve made their mark on the region’s housing market for decades. FULL LIST.
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Whether selling a quaint family home or a sprawling rural property, these Gympie real estate agents have done it all.
The real estate market can be a tough nut to crack, but these experienced “legends” have ridden the highs and survived the lows – and they are still here, and loving it.
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With millions of dollars worth of sales and centuries of experience between them, The Gympie Times has compiled a list of the real estate stalwarts from across the region.
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This list is in no particular order, and entrants were nominated by their peers.
Tom Grady
Agency: Tom Grady Real Estate
Mr Grady has been an integral part of the Gympie real estate industry for decades.
Starting his rural sales career in Texas near the New South Wales border, he returned home to the Gympie region in the mid 1980s, where he has been ever since.
As principal of Tom Grady Real Estate, Mr Grady has become one of the most respected agents in the region and is a proud supporter of the community.
Lex Townsend
Agency: Professionals Gympie
Lex Townsend entered the Gympie real estate industry back in 2007, following a major boom between 2004 and 2006.
Since then, despite evolving technology and an ever-changing market, he has never looked back.
“The industry is always changing, and you certainly need to keep up with current regulations and changes in real estate and rural industries,” Mr Townsend said.
Mr Townsend was also instrumental in helping drive the Mary Valley’s resurrection following the Queensland Government’s failed Traveston Dam project.
Ashley Coleman
Agency: Professionals Gympie
An ex-councillor and cattle station owner from North Queensland, Ashley Coleman happened upon the real estate industry by chance.
When moving down to the Mary Valley area, Mr Coleman said their real estate agent, who previously owned the Professionals, mentioned wanting to sell the business.
After hearing that, Mr Coleman and his wife Carol decided to give it a shot – and the rest is history.
“Real estate’s not rocket science – it’s just being honest and giving people what they want,” Mr Coleman said.
“I never envisaged that I’d be here for 23 and a half years – but here we are.”
Billy Mitchell
Agency: Century 21 Platinum Agents
Mr Mitchell began his real estate career in 2011 as a salesperson.
From there, he quickly climbed the ranks and transferred into business ownership in 2015.
He was voted among the best deal-makers in the country by Real Estate Business in 2019, which he credits to his love of customer service.
“I love being able to help people through their real estate journey,” Mr Mitchell said.
Janelle Walker
Agency: Century 21 Platinum Agents
Janelle Walker was the owner of the Kandanga Snack Bar before she decided to make a much-needed career change.
It was when she sold the snack bar in 1991 that she was inspired to pursue a career in real estate.
As of November 1, 2022 Ms Walker has held her licence for 31 years, and she is one of the most recognisable names and faces in the industry.
“To this day, people say ‘After 31 years, aren’t you over it?’ and I say ‘no’,” she said.
“There’s always something new happening.”
Shellie Bennett
Agency: Elders Real Estate Gympie
Shellie Bennett has been a local of Cooloola Cove since 2007, when she brought her real estate expertise to the region. Before that, she worked in the Redlands area.
Ms Bennett prides herself on strong communication, honesty and integrity.
When she isn’t selling properties, you can find her camping, fishing or restoring vehicles.
Marg Cochrane
Agency: Marg Cochrane Real Estate
A veteran of the Gympie real estate industry, Marg Cochrane owned and operated Gympie Regional Realty for nearly 10 years before launching Marg Cochrane Real Estate.
The business was highly successful, even selling 55 per cent of the region’s vacant property in 2019.
Marg Cochrane Real Estate is a smaller boutique agency.
Ms Cochrane said the two most important things to be successful in real estate were professionalism and good character.
John Bambling
Agency: Bambling Property
With more than 30 years experience in real estate, John Bambling is a true stalwart of the industry.
He is also a fourth generation cattle farmer.
As such, he has an impressive knowledge of the rural farm sales of the Gympie region.
Paul Downman
Agency: Century 21 Platinum Agents
With a sales career spanning more than 25 years, Paul Downman is a specialist when it comes to selling properties in Tin Can Bay.
Mr Downman was born and bred in the area, and works for Century 21.
He is well versed in residential, commercial and rural properties.
Rob Nimmo
Agency: Laguna Real Estate
A lifelong local, Rob Nimmo of Laguna Real Estate lives and breathes all things Gympie.
Before starting his real estate career 12 years ago, Mr Nimmo worked in the butchering industry for 20 years.
Mr Nimmo said his background in that industry has shaped him into a better real estate agent, by teaching him strong customer service ideals.
Ian Partington
Agency: Elders Real Estate Gympie
As principal of the Gympie office of Elders Real Estate, Ian Partington is a popular face among Gympie real estate.
Mr Partington has won several awards and been recognised for his record-breaking sales around the region.
He prides himself on his transparency, integrity and honesty.
Warren Steele
Agency: Tom Grady Real Estate
Coming up on 20 years in the real estate industry, Warren Steele is a master salesman of residential properties in the region.
A self-proclaimed “old-school” man, Mr Steele said his success was owed to his courtesy and respect, which he said “never go out of style”.
When he is not selling properties, you can find Mr Steele with his best friend – his small fluffy white dog Ozzie (with a heart above the ‘i’).
Wayne Fewtrell
Agency: @Realty
Wayne Fewtrell was working as a farmer and construction worker when he was in a serious motor accident 18 years ago.
After the accident, he was forced to make a career change to something that would be easier on the body.
At a friend’s recommendation, he started real estate, which he said was the most rewarding career he has ever had.
Now Mr Fewtrell is a well-respected rural property specialist, but does dabble in some commercial and residential sales as well.
Donna Reardon
Agency: Dr Real Estate Queensland
A born saleswoman, Donna Reardon is one of the first real estate agents in the country to offer fully online auctions through her agency.
Ms Reardon said she comes from a family of entrepreneurs, with a car salesman for a father and a real estate agent mother.
She has also run for Gympie Regional Council four times and as an independent for state government twice.
She said her success in the industry had come from her no-nonsense attitude and genuine love of people.
“I’ll tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!” she joked.
Karen Corbett
Agency:Elders Real Estate Gympie
With more than a decade’s experience in real estate, Karen Corbett prides herself on her professionalism, enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge of the market.
She has an extensive background in customer service, having worked in the banking and insurance industries.
Ms Corbett said she was a people person at heart, which has kept her in the industry for so long.
“I enjoy meeting people and helping them find their next dream home,” Ms Corbett said.
Tina Tillinger
Agency: Anchor Realty
A two-time finalist for Regional Agency of the Year, Anchor Realty’s Tina Tillinger is held in high esteem by the Gympie community.
Now in a new location on Mary Street, Ms Tillinger has more than 20 years experience in the industry.
She started in property management, before transferring to sales.
Dee White
Agency: Cooloola Coast Realty
A mainstay in the Cooloola Coast region’s real estate market, Dee White is the owner of Cooloola Coast Realty.
She began her real estate career in 2007.
Prior to working in real estate, Ms White worked as a military officer. She also holds a Masters degree.
Ron Jeffery
Agency: RJR Realty
With more than 30 years in the game, Ron Jeffery is one of the Mary Valley’s premier real estate agents.
He has been working in the region since 2012, and opened RJR Realty’s Imbil office in 2016.
Before that, Mr Jeffery worked on the outskirts of the Australian Capital Territory in rural land properties.
He said he was passionate about rural lifestyles.
“I wouldn’t be a real estate agent if I was in the suburbs,” Mr Jeffery said.
Helene Haack
Agency: Elders Real Estate Gympie
Helene Haack has a wealth of industry experience, having worked for nearly eight years as a property manager under her aunt’s real estate business.
From there, she branched into sales and has been working in sales ever since.
Ms Haack said she prides herself on being results-driven and believes that is how she has built her profile.
“I’ll be in real estate until I retire,” Ms Haack joked.
Clancy Adams
Agency: Ray White Gympie
The youngest face to grace the list, Clancy Adams has had a deceptively long career in real estate already.
Despite recently making the 30 under 30 list, Mr Adams has had more than a decade of experience in the industry.
He started at just 17 years old, and now is the principal of Ray White Gympie.
Mr Adams is a well known name in the local community and sponsors many events and clubs.
Graham Engeman
Agency: Engeman @ Realty
Having lived in the Mary Valley area for more than 40 years, Graham Engeman is a well respected agent in Gympie.
He has recently started a new agency with his son Daniel.
Mr Engeman has worked in real estate for more than 20 years, and a passionate community advocate.
He has maintained roles on many community groups, including Rotary, Pony Club, Show Society and the Rural Fire Brigade.
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