Canberran real estate talents did the national capital proud at the REIA National Awards for Excellence 2025, winning four awards. Photo: REIA.
Canberra’s real estate professionals have left a strong impression on the national stage, with local talent recognised across commercial, residential, operational and sustainability categories in the industry’s premier awards.
In a proud moment for the nation’s capital, Canberrans took out four awards at the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) 2025 National Awards for Excellence held in Adelaide.
The REIA National Awards for Excellence is a prestigious annual event highlighting leadership, innovation and professionalism in the Australian real estate sector.
Marking 20 years of celebrating achievement in the sector, the awards highlighted standout performers from every state and territory — and showcased the strength and diversity of the ACT’s growing property sector.
Among the highest-performing individuals and agencies across the country was Medium Residential Agency of the Year Blackshaw Queanbeyan & Jerrabomberra and Commercial Salesperson of the Year Michael Ceacis of Canberra Commercial, while the Operational Support Award went to Sarah King of Capital Buyers Agency and Sasha Trpkovski of Archer Canberra claimed the coveted Sustainability Leadership Award — Individual.
While Blackshaw Queanbeyan & Jerrabomberra is no stranger to national awards, Principal Alex Ah Key said the agency was honoured to win in such good company.
“You put your best foot forward and you hope it’s enough, but it’s always a pleasant surprise on the night,” she said.
“You never know what new and amazing things agencies across the country are doing. It’s important to never get complacent and to keep evolving.”
Ms Ah Key attributed the win to consistent performance and good growth in a challenging market, which she said reflected on the team culture.
“My accountant might feel differently, but after 20 years of running a business, I find that prioritising people over profit is key to success,” she said.
“As Richard Branson says, ‘if you take care of your employees, they will, in turn, take care of your customers’. It works, in my experience. We have a phenomenal, loyal team, and we don’t have high staff turnover. That consistency and a methodical approach have always been a winning combo for us.”
Blackshaw Queanbeyan & Jerrabomberra was named REIA Medium Residential Agency of the Year: Left to right, Leasing Consultant Kayleigh Hadlow, Head of Property Management Emily Hyslop, Principal Alex AhKey, Senior Property Manager Carolina Amador Vasquez, Property Manager Shara Chapman. Photo: REIA.
In the spirit of representation — and true Canberra style — ACT businesses and individuals all got behind each other on the night.
“I was really proud to see the camaraderie of the Canberra agents on show,” Ms Ah Key said.
“At home in the local awards, we might be competitors, but on the national stage, we rally and support each other.
“It felt so nice to be a part of that bigger team, and it warmed my heart to take the win on this occasion and see that support. We don’t take it for granted.”
Mr Trpkovski said winning the Sustainability Leadership Award — Individual opened up further opportunities for Archer Canberra to achieve its goal to create beautiful, sustainable homes that nurture wellbeing.
“Implementing ‘best practice’ systems in ACT new housing and knowledge-sharing helps our industry stay informed about the latest trends, technologies and best practices in the Australian real estate market,” he said.
“For the ACT to be recognised as a national leader provides a positive impact on Canberrans.”
Providing human-centred designs with an informed environmental approach, Archer Canberra’s team of architects and engineers targets 7+ star EER ratings.
Sasha Trpkovski of Archer Canberra took out the Sustainability Leadership Award. Photo: REIA.
“New homes account for 35 per cent of green emissions; it’s our generation that needs to implement green smart investments on all new projects,” Mr Trpkovski said.
“Sustainability is at the core ethos of our new home projects, embodied between natural materials, high performance design and strong biophilic connection … Our award-winning project’s achievements show just how creative thinking and commitment to sustainability can make spaces great.
“Archer is very proud to have received a national award for excellence as recognition that this can be a sustainable model for the future.”
REIA President Leanne Pilkington congratulated all participants and acknowledged the significance of the event.
“These awards celebrate the very best in our profession – those setting the benchmark nationally. It’s a testament to the strength and diversity of the real estate industry across Australia,” she said.
