This week we’ve got huge international news, new celebrity agents and plenty of industry changes in this edition of Movers + Shakers!

REMAX has struck a global merger deal with Real Brokerage valued at $880 million, bringing AI-driven technology into the network while maintaining its brand across markets, including Australia.

In a career shift, Harrison Reid has moved from Bondi Rescue to real estate, joining Harcourts Gold in New Zealand, while former Wallaby Matt Gibbon has also transitioned into property, joining Harcourts Northern Rivers.

Luxury specialist Tim Fraser has joined Ray White Upper North Shore, bringing a $1.8 billion track record and deep experience in Sydney’s prestige segment.

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

This week’s big moves

REMAX and Real strike $880M merger deal

The global tie-up brings AI-powered reZEN technology to REMAX Australia's network while preserving the iconic brand. Managing Director Joel Davoren says it's business as usual for local franchisees as the deal moves toward completion in late 2026. More here.

Together with realestate.com.au

The Profit Model That Doubles Community Impact

Founded in 2018 by Marilla Akkermans, Equality Media + Marketing integrates community impact into its core. Now a 30-person agency serving high-end property developments along Australia's eastern coast, it recently won the 2025 REA Excellence Award for Contribution to Local Community.

The agency donates at least 10% of profits annually to Women's Property Initiative, supporting women and children at risk of homelessness. Beyond finances, Marilla emphasises deeper help through pro bono work and strategic timing.

Working with affluent buyers has highlighted housing inequality, where thousands experience homelessness nightly. Marilla advocates for long-term partnerships, believing sustained support creates greater impact and meaningful change.

What you’ll learn in the full article:

• The 10% profit model: How Equality Media + Marketing structures giving into their business DNA

• Strategic timing: How they're potentially doubling impact by aligning donations with matched giving campaigns

• The long-term relationship approach: Why continuous support of one organisation creates more meaningful change

• The employer of choice connection: How community contribution links to business growth and team culture

Read the full story to discover why Marilla calls this the most meaningful award she's ever won.

Career changes, office openings and network growth

This week, we put the spotlight on some TV stars and athletes swapping careers for real estate, exciting new office openings across the country, and networks celebrating their top performers. We've rounded them up for you here…

Harrison Reid swaps Bondi Rescue for real estate

The longtime TV lifeguard has joined New Zealand's top Harcourts franchise after 12 years on the show. More here.

Tim Fraser joins Ray White Upper North Shore

The luxury specialist brings a $1.8 billion track record and has been involved in 60 per cent of all $10 million-plus sales between Wahroonga and Turramurra. More here.

Matt Gibbon trades rugby for real estate

The former Wallaby has joined Harcourts Northern Rivers in Ballina after a knee injury ended his professional career in 2023. His building background and rural upbringing are proving valuable in the regional market. More here.

McGrath embraces 120-year-old Cootamundra agency

The Pellow family's McGrath Riverina adds its sixth office, bringing Ron Loiterton Real Estate's 380-plus property management listings into the network. More here.

REMAX hosts Diamond Event in Brisbane

More than 40 of the network's million-dollar-plus performers gathered at The Calile Hotel for exclusive professional development sessions featuring Cayle Blaxland, Natalie Waters plus our own Samantha McLean. More here.

Josh Froud and Ricky Cavarra launch Belle Property Blue Bay

The local agents bring 17 years of combined experience to the new Central Coast office, targeting buyers relocating for the area's coastal lifestyle. More here.

Ray White Ballarat opens satellite office in Lucas

The agency has partnered with land developer Integra Group to service the master-planned community seven kilometres west of the CBD. More here.

Mark Amos joins FOUNDIT as second Eastern Suburbs Partner

The seasoned buyer's agent brings over 20 years of property acquisition and development experience to the platform alongside founding partner Sabeen Akbani. More here.

Shayne Mele completes 50+ transactions in first year at Moove

The finance and property investment expert has transformed his decades of experience into a thriving buyer's agency practice focused on investor clients. More here.

OBrien Real Estate pledges $35,000 to Good Friday Appeal:

The network-wide donation to the Royal Children's Hospital demonstrates the collective strength of their Victorian offices coming together for community fundraising. More here.

Harcourts Property Centre expands across Brisbane

The agency is acquiring two Redlands businesses and opening a New Farm office on May 1 as part of its push to cover South East Queensland from Noosa to the northern Gold Coast. More here.

Robert Tulp joins Ray White A T Realty

The back-to-back REINZ National Auctioneering Champion will become Head of Auctions and Campaign Performance from May 2026. More here.

And finally…

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