The Real Estate Institute of Victoria has announced that Harry Li is the 2016 Victorian Senior Auctioneer of the Year. The announcement was made at a gala event in Melbourne.

Mr Li, from iSell Group in Springvale, beat a field of 19 competitors to be declared the winner for the second time – having also taken the title home in 2014.

REIV CEO Geoff White praised the high standard of competitors at this year’s event.

“Victoria’s auctioneers are setting new benchmarks in best practice auctioneering techniques and it’s encouraging to see such a high level of professionalism,” said Mr White.

Auctioneers were tested on their knowledge of best practice and legislation as well as their performance in a simulated auction situation, complete with complex bidding sequences and challenging questions.

“Harry continues to impress local and international judges with his professionalism, style and capability,” said White.

Runner-up, and last year’s Victorian winner, was Tom Roberts from Nelson Alexander in Carlton North.

Li and Roberts will now compete at the Australasian Auctioneering Championships in Alice Springs in early September, where Li will attempt to defend his Australasian Auctioneer of the Year title.

Last year, Li became the first Victorian in a decade to win the trans-Tasman competition, which had been won by New Zealand contestants seven times in the past eight years.

For more information about the Australasian Auctioneering Championships, including how to attend and see the auctioneers in action, is available at auctionchampionships.com.au.

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