Mark ‘Mouse’ Newnham: Elders agent retires after 30 years

ELDER’S Mark Newnham was never one to embrace the limelight, but in the true sense of a successful agent he had the respect of his peers and clients.

Sale has them jumping: Mark Newnham and son Toby auctioneering at the Hay store sale. Picture: Jenny Kelly

ELDERS’ Mark Newnham was never one to embrace the limelight, but in the true sense of a successful agent he had the respect of his peers and clients.

After nearly 30 years at Elders Hay in the Riverina, including as branch manager and livestock manager, he bowed out of the agency game in quiet style at last week’s October sheep sale.

There was no words from Mark, or “Mouse’’, just a brief nod to his career by fellow NSW agent Steve Grantham.

“You’ve shown plenty of passion (referring to working in the yards preparing pressure sales such as the big Merino store sales) and at the end of the day you were only ever interested in looking after your clients,’’ Mr Grantham said.

“You’ve done that very well over a long period of time — it’s been an outstanding career.’’

The Newnham name will carry on in the agency ranks with Mark’s son Toby, who sells for Elders at Swan Hill each week.

In a memorable moment for the family, Mark and Toby sold side-by-side at the last two special store sheep sales at Hay.

Toby recently won the Victorian Young Auctioneer title and will represent the state in the national competition next year.