At Upstate, we know that success doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built by people, the dedicated, passionate, and talented individuals who bring energy, creativity, and heart to everything they do.
Our team is the reason we are one of the most dynamic agencies in the market. From the first hello at an open home, to the late nights negotiating, to the countless moments of support behind the scenes, it’s the people of Upstate who shape our story every day.
The EOFY Dinner is our chance to pause and say thank you. To celebrate the drive, resilience, and collaboration that define our culture. To recognise individuals and teams who not only deliver results but also live and breathe the Upstate values – enabling others to be better, embracing curiosity, collaborating to excel, and always speaking from the heart.
This year’s dinner at WatersEdge, The Rocks was a true celebration of people, their achievements, their contribution, and the way they make Upstate more than just a workplace, but a community.
Honouring Our Award Winners
Each of our awards highlights a different kind of excellence, from outstanding client service to sales results, referrals, and the qualities that make someone a true Upstate ambassador.
Excellence in Service & Support – Sarah Cavalieri
This award recognises the backbone of our business, those who keep the wheels turning behind the scenes. Sarah’s reliability, dedication, and unwavering support allow the team to excel on the front line. She exemplifies what it means to make seamless service feel effortless.
Top Referrer Finance – Paul Cunningham
This award celebrates the individuals who help clients go further by connecting them with our finance partners, Catalyst. Paul’s commitment to seeing clients achieve their property dreams, combined with his trust in collaboration, made him an outstanding contributor this year.
Top Referrer Managements – Phil Feseha
Property management referrals are essential to our continued growth. Phil has played a vital role in connecting clients with our management team, ensuring landlords receive the care and expertise they deserve. His client-first mindset embodies Upstate’s collaborative spirit.
Leasing Consultant of the Year – Eve Connelly
Matching people with their perfect property is no small task, but Eve approaches it with passion and energy. Her ability to connect, understand, and deliver makes her a standout and a true reflection of Upstate’s enthusiasm and dedication.
Property Manager of the Year – Keeley Prior
Great property managers balance relationships, detail, and outcomes with finesse. Keeley has consistently provided exceptional service to both landlords and tenants, building trust and delivering peace of mind. Her professionalism and care are second to none.
Sales Team of the Year ($ Value – Commercial) – Team West
When it comes to commercial property, scale and strategy matter. Team West delivered remarkable results this year, leading the way in total value achieved. Their expertise and collaborative approach continue to set the benchmark for commercial success.
Sales Agent of the Year (# Transactions – Commercial) – Team Cunningham
Volume speaks to consistency, hard work, and the ability to deliver results time and again. Team Cunningham achieved the highest number of transactions in commercial sales, proving that focus and persistence drive outstanding outcomes.
Sales Agent of the Year (Projects) – Derek Lye
Project sales demand foresight, creativity, and precision. Derek has excelled in this arena, turning opportunities into results while maintaining the highest level of client service. His work in projects highlights Upstate’s pioneering approach to real estate.
Sales Agent of the Year (Residential) – David Bain
Residential sales are the heart of what we do and David delivered. His commitment to clients, ability to negotiate, and unwavering drive positioned him as a leader in the residential market this year.
Brand Ambassador – James Stone
The Brand Ambassador Award is our most prestigious honour, representing not just results but values. It celebrates the individual who lives and breathes Upstate every day, enabling others, embracing curiosity, leading with passion, and collaborating with heart.
This year, James Stone was recognised as the embodiment of what it means to be Upstate. He inspires those around him, builds people up, and reflects our purpose: Find yourself in a better place. James doesn’t just represent our brand, he sets the standard for it.
A heartfelt thank you to our award sponsors, whose support made this celebration possible: Josh Phegan, Inspection Express, Real Plus, Cotality, Direct Connect, Domain, and Catalyst.
Your partnership helps us recognise and reward the incredible people who make Upstate thrive.
While the awards shine a spotlight on individual achievements, the evening was about more than trophies. It was about recognising that every win at Upstate is a shared win. It’s about the culture we’ve built, one that rewards ambition, celebrates collaboration, and inspires people to grow both professionally and personally.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this year’s winners, we’re also looking to the future. At Upstate, we remain committed to creating an environment where people can thrive, where careers flourish, and where hard work is recognised and celebrated.
If you’re ambitious, driven, and ready to grow, there’s never been a better time to join us. At Upstate, we don’t just offer jobs — we offer careers, opportunities, and a place where people can truly find themselves in a better place.
