There were plenty of eager faces at the annual ALPA training school in Rockhampton recently, as the top 10 young auctioneers for the QLD state finals were announced.
Representing Elders for the first time was Billy Hall from Elders Roma as well as Creeden Weir from Elders Emerald and Wyatt Wrigley of Eastern Rural Dalby who both return as a finalist for another year following their nomination in 2022.
For first-time finalist Billy, the decision to join the training school came after strong encouragement from his branch manager Keith Crouch, who says both education and industry competition is an important part of the journey for all young agents.
“This was Billy’s third time attending the ALPA training school and over the past few years I have enjoyed seeing Billy improve his auctioneering skills both from skills he has learnt at the school, practicing each week at the Roma sale and with his own training,” Keith said.
“Given the time he puts in, both at the weekly sales here in Roma and also for his clients every day of the week; it was no surprise to us that he has made it through as a finalist.
“Billy is an excellent part of our team and a great asset to the Elders Roma livestock team. We wish him all the best for the finals in August.”
Agents from across Queensland attended the two-day training school at CQLX Rockhampton. Photo courtesy of the Queensland Country Life.
At just 24 years of age, Billy has been with Elders for four years now as a Territory Sales Manager and during that time has developed a strong passion for auctioneering.
“I absolutely love auctioneering and working for Elders,” Billy said.
“Pulling the pink shirt on everyday makes me feel like a part of a team and know that I work for a company whose one goal is to achieve better results for their clients each day.
“Getting positive results for clients and putting a smile on their face – you can’t beat it.”
Billy’s talents are on show each week at the Roma Saleyards, where he auctioneers on behalf of Elders and his clients.
“Being the biggest selling centre in Australia, it can be quite daunting,” he said.
“But I get a bit of a thrill out of it, standing up there in front of a crowd you tend to get a bit of nervous energy. I thoroughly enjoy it, especially the feeling after you have finished a long run and you can say oh wow, that really felt good.”
All finalists selected at the training school will now go on to compete at the state finals of the ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers’ Competition, to be held at the Ekka on the 9 August.
Meet the team
Meet the team
