MMJ Real Estate’s Wollongong office has claimed the title of Commercial Agency of the Year at the National Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) Awards for Excellence — the nation’s most prestigious event celebrating best-in-class real estate practice.
The victory marks a monumental achievement for the regional-based firm, who outshone a field of high-profile nominees, including some of the most dominant and well-resourced commercial agencies in the country. In an industry where capital city brands often dominate the spotlight, MMJ’s win sends a powerful message: regional excellence not only competes on the national stage — it leads.
“This is a huge moment for a regional agency like ours,” said Travis Machan, Director at MMJ Wollongong. “To outperform Australia’s biggest corporate brands in a national awards program is incredibly humbling. It's a testament to the amazing team of people we have.”
Held annually, the REIA Awards bring together the top real estate professionals from across the country, recognising excellence in service, innovation, and performance across multiple categories. With over 1,000 agencies vying for honours in 2025, competition was fierce — but MMJ Wollongong’s entry stood out for its outstanding track record in sales and leasing, exceptional client satisfaction, and enduring impact within the community.
MMJ Real Estate has deep roots in the Illawarra region, tracing its origins back to 1960. Over the past six decades, the company has grown into a respected national network — yet its heart and heritage remain in Wollongong, where the commercial property division first took shape. Today, that same division continues to serve as a cornerstone of the business, driving strategy, innovation and value for clients across the retail, industrial, office and development sectors.
The commercial team at Wollongong is a powerhouse of seasoned professionals who bring unmatched experience and dedication to their roles. Their personalised approach, combined with a deep understanding of the local market, has helped MMJ deliver consistently strong results for clients, year after year. The team’s ability to tackle complex transactions with insight, rigour and agility impressed the REIA judging panel and ultimately set them apart from some of the country’s largest franchises.
“The level of trust our clients place in us is what drives our team forward,” added Machan. “This win is as much theirs as it is ours. We’ve built our reputation on delivering results, not promises — and we’re proud to be recognised for doing just that.”
The win also highlights the strength of the MMJ brand, which has quietly built a reputation as one of Australia’s most capable and client-focused real estate networks. Unlike many national brands that operate on a one-size-fits-all model, MMJ’s approach has always prioritised local autonomy, enabling each office — including Wollongong — to tailor services and strategies based on real market needs.
“Our team isn’t just experienced — they’re embedded in the fabric of the community,” said Tracy Preston, Head of Wollongong's Asset Management team. “That genuine connection to people, places and local industry gives us a level of insight and care that sets us apart from our competitors. This award is proof that those connections matter.”
The recognition couldn’t come at a more pivotal time. As commercial real estate continues to navigate a shifting economic landscape, with changing tenant expectations and evolving investment trends, the importance of adaptable, localised expertise has never been more critical. MMJ Wollongong’s success signals the growing value placed on regionally based agencies that can offer both market intelligence and personalised service.
While the win is a major milestone for MMJ Real Estate, the team sees it as a springboard rather than a finish line.
“There’s still so much we want to achieve,” said Machan. “This award motivates us to keep pushing forward, continue leading in the commercial space, and find new ways to create value for our clients and community. We’re just getting started.”
With the REIA trophy now proudly on display in their new Belmore Street office, the MMJ Wollongong team is celebrating — not just the win, but what it represents: a victory for local expertise, strong relationships, and the power of backing yourself against the odds.