Malcolm French joins REIWA Rural Hall of Fame

Malcolm French from Elders Real Estate Geraldton has been inducted to the REIWA Rural Hall of Fame.

The award was presented at REIWA’s Rural Seminar and Awards Sundowner on 26 July, along with two new awards: Rural Agent of the Year and Rural Agency of the Year.

The Rural Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to rural real estate in WA. 

REIWA President Joe White said Mr French will join an esteemed group of professionals to be officially honored by the Institute. 

“Malcolm is the second inductee to the REIWA Rural Hall of Fame, following Rob McMillan’s induction at last year's Awards,” he said. 

“He has a long history in the industry, with a career spanning over five decades, 24 years of which were in WA,” he said. 

“He is an inspiration for the next generation of successful agents and is always willing to share his wealth of knowledge in rural transactions, making him a deserving winner.”

Mr. French said he was pleased to see the strength of the rural sector in today’s market and reflected on the pivotal role REIWA’s original Rural Chapter played in the development of the industry.

“The Rural Chapter was established in the late 1990s and I had the privilege to be Chair during its early period,” he said.

“The Chapter brought rural practitioners together regularly for professional development and vital industry updates from REIWA and rural experts. This has evolved into the Rural Committee and annual Rural Seminar we know today. It’s pleasing to see REIWA and the Rural Committee continue to provide strong support to the rural sector.”

Mr French is a strong advocate for the auction process, conducting over 3,000 auctions during his career.

“I’ve always believed in the power of auctions. They unlock the full price potential of any property. It’s a practice that I championed throughout my career, and I hope to see it used more in the WA market moving forward,” he said.

This year's event also saw the introduction of two new award categories, which recognise individual and agency excellence in rural real estate practice.

Mr White said the new Rural Agent of the Year and Rural Agency of the Year awards showcased the dedication and expertise of rural real estate agents and agencies.

“These awards highlight the incredible work and specialised knowledge required in rural transactions,” he said.

“They don’t just require knowledge of the property and the market, but also include aspects such as agricultural practices, water and land rights, soil health, pest management, and sustainable farming techniques.”

The inaugural Rural Agent of the Year Award was presented to Courtney Keeffe of Elders Real Estate Geraldton for his resilient and innovative approach to rural real estate transactions.

Mr Keeffe said he was flattered to be nominated and appreciated the recognition that the award gave to the rural real estate community. 

The Rural Agency of the Year Award was presented to Blackwood Valley Real Estate for their approach to client engagement and communication, and commitment to professional development. 

Licensee Zara Hart said as an independent agency, Blackwood Valley were humbled to receive the award.

“Sales manager John Pitman and I have worked over the past four years to build our business in all areas and it is an honour to receive recognition for our work in the rural sector,” she said.

“Thank you to REIWA and sponsor Cloudstaff for this year’s Rural Agency of the Year Award.”

Pictured above: Rural Committee Chair Mark Murray, Rural Agent of the Year winner Courtney Keeffe, Peter Sippe and Simon Cheetham (collecting on behalf of Malcolm French), Rural Agency of the Year representative Zara Hart, and REIWA President Joe White.