Expansion, rebrands and leadership appointments are continuing to drive momentum across the industry this week, with networks doubling down as the budget fallout continues.

We have all the updates in this edition of Movers + Shakers!

Avi Khan’s Ray White AKG has expanded into Holland Park, bringing the long-standing Brisbane office into its growing South East Queensland network under joint principals Piers Crawford and Darren Bonehill.

Kate Peereboom has joined REMAX The Limitless Group as Head of Sales, leading strategy and agent development across the group’s five-office Brisbane network.

It’s been a busy week for First National Real Estate unveiling a major rebrand at its Vietnam national convention, while also recognising its top-performing offices and agents across Australia and New Zealand.

All that and more in this week’s edition of Movers + Shakers!

This week’s big moves

Ray White AKG expands into Holland Park

Piers Crawford and Darren Bonehill will lead as joint principals, bringing the 35-year-old office into the AKG network across South East Queensland. More here.

REIA announces 2026 National Awards winners

Tristan Rowland of Bright Real Estate took Residential Salesperson of the Year, while TOOP+TOOP won Large Residential Agency of the Year. More here.

Together with realestate.com.au

From Coffee Chat to Rising Star in 15 Month

Belinda Kolstad walked into a Darwin real estate office for what she thought would be a 15-minute chat. She had no appointment, no resume – just curiosity about studying property later in life. Three hours later, she walked out with a job. Now, just 15 months into her career, she's been named Rising Star of the Year for the 2025 REA Excellence Awards.

Before real estate, Belinda built a successful career in the hairdressing industry, eventually owning a warehouse supplying professional products across the Northern Territory and northern WA. But it was a significant health battle and an unexpected detour into local politics that set her on a completely new path.

Belinda sold her first million-dollar property within 12 months. Yet she insists the real reward has nothing to do with sales numbers. Her approach is shaped by decades as a volunteer firefighter – and it's changing how she thinks about Darwin's uniquely remote market.

What you'll learn in the full article:

• The three-hour conversation: What actually happened when Belinda walked into that office – and why she didn't leave for hours

• The health battle that changed everything: How a breast cancer diagnosis led to a complete career pivot

• Her firefighting legacy: Why she believes volunteer work "complements and supports everything else we do in life" – and how she's mentoring the next generation of women

• What's next: The certification she's pursuing that few women in the NT have achieved 

Her story proves that timing, community focus, and genuine connection can accelerate a career faster than anyone expects. Read the full article.

New ownership, fresh leadership and record fundraising

This week we put the spotlight on some exciting ownership changes across the country, key leadership appointments stepping up, major business expansions and some impressive charitable giving. We've rounded them up for you here…

Tristian Kennedy and Jason Spagnoulo acquire Ray White Port Adelaide

The duo are expanding their western suburbs footprint by taking over from founders Nick and Loraine Psarros after 15 years, with Nick staying on as Founding Director to mentor the team. More here.

REMAX The Limitless Group appoints Kate Peereboom as Head of Sales

The former multi-office principal joins the Brisbane-based five-office group to lead sales strategy and agent development across its REMAX network. More here.

Magain Real Estate launches commercial division

Alex Radda leads the new Hyde Park-based office as Head of Commercial, supported by property manager Nichola Purcell. More here.

Belle Property launches commercial arm on Sydney's Upper North Shore

Residential principals Michael Doran and Daniel Dennis are expanding beyond their four-office Upper North Shore network to lead the new division, as local landlords increasingly explore commercial alternatives to rising holding costs. More here.

Craig and Sonya Taylor take ownership of Ray White Rural Murwillumbah

After eight years at the office, Craig and his wife are stepping into full ownership of the Tweed River business. More here.

First National Real Estate unveils brand reinvention

Australia's largest independent agency network is modernising its visual identity while retaining its signature blue, following extensive member consultation. More here.

Harcourts Tasmania smashes fundraising record

The network raised $30,000 at its annual awards dinner, the highest single-event result for the region. Two offices battled in a live auction for a day with Martin Cooper, who leads the number one Harcourts franchise globally. More here.

Darren Piper hits a decade at Universal Buyer's Agents

His Brisbane-based team of 14 is about to crack 1,000 purchases and $1 billion in total transactions across Southeast Queensland. More here.

First National announces 2025 award winners

First National Cleveland took Sales Office of the Year while First National Hedland claimed Property Management Office of the Year at the network's national convention in Vietnam. More here.

And finally…

Do you know of any upcoming moves we should know about? Tip us off by emailing [email protected].