REINSW President John Cunningham said the event is getting bigger and more competitive each year.
“This year’s competition saw 66 competitors take part in ten heats right across NSW,” Mr Cunningham said.
“Michael Garofolo, who has worked in hospitality his whole life before adventuring into auctioneering took out the title against 10 other finalists.
“It’s a great way for the industry to give back to the community while uncovering new talent for this exciting part of the profession.
Commenting on the winner of the Novice Auctioneers final Mr Cunningham said Michael filled the room when he came in.
“He was so confident and reassuring and had a great presence, he had every element of the auction covered and was dynamic and engaging. He balanced his humour really well and connected with the audience,” Mr Cunningham said.
The Novice Auctioneers Competition is an annual event for REINSW and is open to entrants over 16 who live in NSW who have not completed more than six auctions in the past 12 months or more than eight in their career.
They must also have no more than six months experience as a livestock or chattel auctioneer. Proceeds from the heats and final have been donated to the McGrath Foundation and the i98FM Illawarra Convoy.
The 2017 REINSW Novice Auctioneers Competition final was held on 10 August 2017 at the Police and Justice Museum, Sydney.