There is less than a month to go until the state final of the REINSW Novice Auctioneers Competition, with the remaining finalists to be determined throughout May.

Held annually, the competition gives up and coming auctioneers an opportunity to hone their craft in front of a live audience while receiving feedback from a panel of judges.

The format comprises six heats held across NSW, four of which have already been completed. 

Qualifying events in the Inner West (May 23) and Tamworth (May 29) will precede the state final in Sydney on June 13.

At a glance:

• The 2019 REINSW Novice Auctioneers Competition is set to conclude in Sydney on June 13.
• There are two more qualifying events to held before the state final.
• To find out more, including information on how to register, click here.

Chief judge Clarence White knows the competition better than most.

A former competitor, he said the competition had evolved to reflect a higher standard auctioneering.

"When I competed in this event in 2012, the overall quality of the competitors was much more varied and less polished overall," he said.

"To win this event now, practice and mentoring from a professional auctioneer prior to competing has become essential as the overall quality is much higher and the skill required to win is significantly greater.

"Winners of this event are now typically at a level where they are ready for the first steps in a professional career.

"And that is as it should be."

The competition is known for helping some of the best auction talents in the state take the next step in their careers, with Damien Cooley of Cooley Auctions and  Jesse Davidson of AuctionWORKS among the previous winners.

For Mr Cooley, who also employed 2018 winner Oliver Burton, the competition is about much more than just a stepping stone in an auctioneer's career.

"The Novice Auctioneers competition affords the novice an opportunity to test their skills and see if this is a passion they would like to pursue," he said. 

"It is a program that enhances the public speaking skills of anyone wanting to improve the way they communicate or engage with people at a more personal level.

"Being a great auctioneer is not just learning a script or adding up numbers.

"It includes becoming someone that has the ability to be likeable and persuasive."

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By Sean Slatter

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