25 YEARS OF A RURAL MAVEN
Tracie Robertson has built a legacy of resilience , growth , and mentorship . As she celebrates a quarter century with Ray White , her journey from a pioneering young woman in a male-dominated industry to a respected leader and mentor reflects not just her personal achievements , but also the evolving dynamics of rural real estate .
Tracie has been part of the Ray White Rural business since 1999 and has grown the business to now have four agencies encompassing Ray White Central West Group , over 30 staff and almost 1,000 properties under management .
Tracie Robertson ’ s foray into real estate began with humble beginnings .
“ When I started , there were essentially no women in real estate sales in our area ,” Tracie recalled .
Studying real estate at TAFE by night , she was given an opportunity to help at the local Ray White agency in Parkes . “ I filled in when a salesman went overseas , and I ended up selling 16 houses in my first month . It was a whirlwind start ,” she said .
In 2006 , Tracie took a bold step by purchasing Ray White Parkes . The road ahead was fraught with challenges .
“ After the GFC hit , I was juggling seven credit cards to pay my staff ’ s wages . I was very close to selling our family home and moving into a flat above our office ,” she said .
But Tracie ' s grit and determination paid off . She expanded the business by venturing into rural
markets and embracing a broader scope beyond residential sales in Parkes .
Her career highlights are many , but having her children work alongside her remains particularly special .
“ Seeing my son and daughter working here together was a highlight . They learned from the ground up and certainly got no special treatment . It was a joy to watch them grow within a team , on their own accord ,” she said .
The Central West region will always be home for Tracie , an area which is fueled by agricultural industries and mining .
“ People in the country value friendship and integrity above all else . Our behaviour when listing and selling property is so important ; we don ’ t just hand over the keys and never see these people again . Our clients , their family and friends are all integrated in our community , and ‘ paying it forward ” is the motto of regional Australia ,” she said .
JUSTIN GAY RETURNS HOME TO CROOKWELL
Returning to his roots in Crookwell , where he was born and raised , Justin Gay brings over two decades of experience in the industry and a deep-seated commitment to his community .
" I did work experience at Ray White Goulburn in 1999 when I was 14 ," Justin recalled fondly .
" Despite pursuing other paths briefly , real estate has always been in my heart . It feels like coming full circle to establish our presence here ."
Justin came from humble beginnings , raised by his grandparents in Crookwell and mowing lawns for neighbours to earn some pocket money .
“ I never lost my connection to Crookwell , and my heart and soul will always be with this town and the people in it . We recently bought a farm in Crookwell which was always a dream of mine ,” he said .
His journey in real estate began early , working weekends while still in school and eventually acquiring Ray White Goulburn in 2015 .
" It ' s been almost 10 years of hard work and dedication ," he said .
" I always dreamt of returning to Crookwell . Now , with the support of Ray White Rural and the local community , that dream has become a reality ."
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