Actor Oliver Burton takes out 2018 REINSW Novice Auctioneers Competition

An actor hoping to break into auctioneering won the final of the 2018 REINSW Novice Auctioneers Competition last night.

REINSW President Leanne Pilkington said the Novice Auctioneers Competition raised more than $25,000 for suicide prevention awareness charity, R U OK.

“The 2018 Novice Auctioneers competition was a great success with more than 30 auctioneers battling it out over the course of the event,” Ms Pilkington said. 

“Winner, Oliver Burton, of Kensington, who took out the Inner West heat to gain entry into the final was polished, professional and well prepared,” Ms Pilkington said.  

Mr Burton, who graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2015 said he loves being in front of a crowd, keeping people’s attention and putting on a great show.

“Being a freelance performer is a difficult gig and I was looking for a profession that makes use of my skills and training. I am thrilled by how welcoming the industry has been and am grateful for the advice that I have received during the competition.

“I am looking forward to beginning my auctioning career and am thankful for REINSW for creating an opportunity to introduce me to the industry,” he said. 

The Novice Auctioneers Competition is an annual event for REINSW and is open to entrants over 16 who live in NSW who have not completed more than six auctions in the past 12 months or more than eight in their career.

They must also have no more than six months experience as a livestock or chattel auctioneer.