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- Nick Dowling named Chairman at FOUNDIT, Christian Hamilton and Mitch Peereboom acquire Ray White Main Beach, The Agency expands in Melbourne’s Bayside
Nick Dowling named Chairman at FOUNDIT, Christian Hamilton and Mitch Peereboom acquire Ray White Main Beach, The Agency expands in Melbourne’s Bayside
Also... Daniel Ferris has launched RE/MAX Heartland in Dalby, Liam Kirkwood has taken on Ray White’s national livestock role, and OBrien Real Estate has opened in Doreen
Elite Agent Editor
April 12th, 2026
Anna Varrica, Bert Geraerts, Claire Yan Liu, Liam Kirkwood
It’s been a couple of short weeks alongside school holidays, but there have still been a number of key appointments and new offices taking shape.
We have all the updates in this edition of Movers + Shakers!
Nick Dowling has taken on the role of Chairman at FOUNDIT, bringing board-level experience from Jellis Craig and REA Group to guide the platform’s national expansion.
Christian Hamilton and Mitch Peereboom have acquired Ray White Main Beach, adding a third office to their Queensland portfolio as former owner Michael Willems returns to a full-time sales role.
The Agency has expanded its Melbourne footprint with a new Bayside office, led by veteran agent Bert Geraerts, who brings more than 30 years of local experience to the role.
All that and more in this week’s edition of Movers + Shakers!
This week’s big moves
Nick Dowling appointed Chairman of FOUNDIT. Photo: Supplied
“There is clear momentum in the buyer-focused segment of the market. FOUNDIT is approaching that opportunity with professionalism and intent.”
Nick Dowling takes board role at FOUNDIT
The new national platform lets property managers build equity in their rent rolls without upfront capital as they hit growth milestones. More here.
Together with realestate.com.au
Alex Ouwens and Nathan Casserly. Image supplied
No Magic Dust Just Steady Evolution
OC Real Estate’s focus on mastering the basics - open homes, follow-ups, and negotiation - earned them major awards at the 2025 REA Excellence Awards. Executive director Nathan Casserly credits disciplined improvement, not dramatic change: “We’re still doing what I started 20 years ago, just much, much better.”
What sets OC apart is their interconnected office model. Since 2014, they’ve expanded to eight South Australian offices that collaborate to match buyers and tenants as people’s needs change, rather than operating in silos.
Their award-winning property management team reflects a long-term commitment to a sector critical to the housing system.
What you’ll learn in the full profile:
How their offices collaborate instead of compete
The power of continuous improvement
Why visible leadership matters
How technology supports (not replaces) agents
A decade of disciplined evolution - no secret formula needed.
New offices, leadership leaps and ownership changes
This week, we put the spotlight on some exciting new office openings across Queensland and Melbourne, key leadership appointments at the top, and ownership transitions that mark fresh chapters. We've rounded them up for you here…
Christian Hamilton, Michael Willems, Mitch Peereboom. Photo Supplied
Christian Hamilton and Mitch Peereboom acquire Ray White Main Beach
The non-selling principals add a third office to their Queensland portfolio, while former owner Michael Willems returns to sales. More here.
Daniel Ferris and Daniel Roberts. Photo Supplied
Daniel Ferris launches RE/MAX Heartland Real Estate
The former property manager has opened RE/MAX's first office in Queensland's Western Downs region in Dalby, partnering with local agent Donna Cook. More here.
Liam Kirkwood. Photo Supplied
Liam Kirkwood appointed Ray White Rural National Livestock Manager
The 2021 national young auctioneers champion and Townsville principal takes the network's top livestock role after a rapid rise through the ranks. More here.
Bert Geraerts. Photo: Supplied
Bert Geraerts launches The Agency Bayside
The veteran agent brings over 30 years of local experience to the new Melbourne office covering Beaumaris, Black Rock and Sandringham. More here.
O’Brien Real Estate's Doreen Team. Photo: Supplied
O’Brien Real Estate opens in Doreen
Anna Varrica and George Stathakis will lead the new office, marking the group's third location in Melbourne's northern corridor. More here.
Monique Treder. Image supplied
Monique Treder carves unique niche at Goldman Bros
The Northern Beaches buyer's agent takes just three to four clients at a time, focusing on quality service for families and downsizers. More here.
Ray White Brisbane City. Photo: Supplied
Ray White Inner Brisbane Apartments rebrands to Ray White Brisbane City
Principals Colin and Kirsten Walsh say the change reflects their established position in the CBD after 17 years and signals expansion into Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills. More here.
Trina Henry. Photo: Supplied
Trina Henry: Building a family legacy in Gold Coast real estate
The 25-year veteran and top 150 Queensland agent is building a family-led business on the Gold Coast, specialising in luxury real estate across residential, commercial and industrial. More here.
Nicholas and Shona Armstrong-Smith. Photo: Supplied
Nicholas Armstrong-Smith ranks in the top 2% of 47,000 Century 21 agents worldwide six times over
The Century 21 principal operates the agency with wife Shona, and has been named in the top 2% of salespeople worldwide for the sixth time across 47,000 agents. More here.
Also… |
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Claire Yan Liu returns to Century 21 She's been appointed Head of Asset Management Services Victoria after nearly a decade away from the firm. More here. |
Jeremy Grobben appointed to lead Apollo Auctions ACT The four-time REIACT Championships competitor brings over a decade of real estate experience to head the auction group's Canberra expansion. More here. |
Clem Stack joins Knight Frank's Healthcare division He's been appointed Sales Executive in Queensland and is currently advising on more than $35 million in healthcare property deals. More here. |
And finally…
Do you know of any upcoming moves we should know about? Tip us off by emailing [email protected].
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