Celebrating Success at Barrow
LJ Hooker Nerang's 2025/26 Awards Breakfast
Against the beautiful backdrop of Mt Nathan's much-loved café, Barrow, the LJ Hooker Nerang team recently came together to celebrate another outstanding year at our annual breakfast awards presentation. More than just an awards ceremony, it was an opportunity to reflect on the achievements, milestones, challenges and people that have shaped our business throughout the 2025/26 financial year.
The year delivered some remarkable accomplishments for our office. We were recognised nationally through the REB Awards, earning finalist positions for Regional Sales Office of the Year, Operations Manager of the Year (Emily-Jane Megraw), and Regional Salesperson of the Year (Michael Folkard). We were also proud winners for Property Management Technology Excellence Office of the Year. Adding to these achievements, LJ Hooker Nerang was named a finalist for REIQ Large Agency of the Year, while Rebecca Barrington received national recognition as Homely Property Manager of the Year.
Growth remained a key theme throughout the year, with Shannon, JJ (Ayeza) and Bri joining the team, with two more new team members preparing to join us soon. New people bring fresh energy, new ideas and future success stories, helping ensure our business continues to evolve and thrive.
The morning also included recognition of significant personal milestones. We celebrated exciting family news for Stephanie and Jess as they prepare to welcome new additions. Long-term service was acknowledged with gratitude, particularly for our team members who have contributed more than a decade to the business, and special recognition was given to Chris and Jane for over 21 years of service.
There were also moments of reflection. We remembered our much-loved colleague Julie Rowe, whose contribution to the LJ Hooker Nerang family will never be forgotten.
The awards themselves highlighted exceptional performance across the business. Michael Folkard continued his remarkable run, winning the award for Highest Number of Sales, Listings and Vendor Marketing. He also claimed the Highest Referrer to Property Investment Management award for the third consecutive year.
The prestigious Salesperson of the Year award once again went to Jane Doogan and Dean McMurtrie, securing the honour for an incredible thirteenth consecutive year.
In Property Management, Cathy Page was unanimously voted Property Manager of the Year, a reflection of the respect she has earned from both her peers and leadership team.
The morning concluded with the presentation of our highest honour, Employee of the Year [Hooker of the Year]. In a unanimous vote, Rebecca Barnes was recognised not only as the 2026 winner but also became just the third team member in our 23-year history to achieve Life Hooker of the Year status with her third career win in her 11 years of service to the office.
As we look ahead, we're excited about the opportunities the new year will bring. Success is never achieved alone. It comes from the energy, commitment and support that every team member contributes each day. Together, we're building not just a stronger business, but an even stronger team. Here's to another year of growth, achievement and shared success.