By Vinnie Todd
Manilla’s Michael Purtle has wanted to be a stock and station agent/auctioneer since he was six. Now 14 years down the track, the 20-year-old has achieved that, and more – last week being named NSW 2023 Young Auctioneer at Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Michael’s first attempt at the crown was last year when “I did no good”, but he bounced back to wheel his rivals last week and prove he was the best young auctioneer in the state. And as expected, Michael was pretty chuffed with his victory but said the win wasn’t really about winning, but more about exposure.
“It’s very exciting for not only myself, but my family and the family business (PurtlePlevey Agencies Pty Ltd, Manilla),” he said.
To gain the title, Michael and the nine other finalists had to sell three individual steers that were led through the selling ring at Sydney Royal Easter Show, and be judged by three individual judges. Besides being given the crown as Young Auctioneer, Michael received $1000 in cash along with a classy pair of RM Williams boots.
As the old adage goes ‘practice makes perfect’ and to gain the required practice, Michael would sell anything – real estate, stock, even posts on the side of the road whilebehind the wheel.
“I’d practice while driving – perhaps 100 guide posts along the way, at home in the shower, just about anywhere I got five minutes to myself,” he joked.
“Last week was it for this year, but this time next year, because of my win, I’ll be competing for the national auctioneer’s title. If ‘m lucky enough to win that, I’d get a trip to Calgary to compete for the world auction’s title.”
Though while Michael feels at home with the gavel in his hand, he’s just as comfortable tossing around the rugby ball as a member of Tamworth Pirates Rugby Club, and now looking forward to a productive 2023 season.
“We’ve commenced training and have our first game next week. The recent seasons have been all over the shop because of Covid, but we’ve got a pretty good side this year and I think we’ll be red hot contenders.”