Our team was honoured with six wins at the 2026 REIT Awards for Excellence, alongside a number of finalist places. It was a night none of us will forget, and one we're still taking in.

The morning after, our director Terry Robinson wrote a short note to the team. Most of it will stay between us, but one part is worth sharing:

"It has been a huge year, with a lot of extra work put in by each and every one of you… my sincere thanks for all the extra miles gracefully given to make it happen."

That's really what these awards are about. We're incredibly proud of our people, and deeply grateful to the clients and community who trust us with their homes and investments. None of this would be possible without you.

In this article, we'd like to share a little more about the awards, the people behind them, and what this recognition means for the clients we're lucky enough to serve.

About the REIT Awards for Excellence

The REIT Awards for Excellence are presented each year by the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania to recognise excellence, best practice and customer service across the state's real estate industry. Entries are assessed by independent judging panels, which is part of what makes the recognition so meaningful to us.

This year's awards were presented at a gala dinner at the Paranaple Convention Centre in Devonport on Saturday, 19 September 2026, bringing together agencies and professionals from across Tasmania.

Our 2026 REIT Award Wins

#1 Residential Sales Team of the Year

Selling a home is often one of the biggest decisions a person will make, and it usually comes alongside a major life change. Our sales team feels truly privileged to guide people through those moments, and they approach every client with honesty, care and patience.

During the awards period, our sales team was made up of three sales consultants: Larrisa Brickhill, Rianna Wood and Beck Routley. They have since been joined by Ebony Campbell and Dipesh, and the team is supported by Natalie Hingston, Megan Jacobs, Karen Lane and our wider administration team, led by director Terry Robinson.

Together, they help clients right across Northern Tasmania, including Greater Launceston, the West Tamar, East Tamar, George Town, the Northern Midlands, Meander Valley and Break O'Day.

What makes this award especially meaningful is that it was achieved by a smaller team, who continued to improve their results throughout the year. Over the past twelve months, they helped an average of 16 clients a month sell their homes, while increasing the proportion of listings that went on to sell.

Those results come from a lot of hard work and a genuine commitment to learning. The team invests in ongoing training and coaching, and they work closely together, sharing ideas, knowledge and buyers so every client benefits from the whole team, not just one person.

Thank you to every seller and buyer who trusted us this year, and to our sales team for the care and effort you bring to every home.

If you're thinking about selling, you can learn more about selling with Peter Lees Real Estate.

#1 Residential Property Management Team of the Year

Property management is built on relationships that often last for many years. Every property our team looks after is an important investment for its owner, and a home for the people who live there. Our property managers work hard to care for both, supporting owners and tenants right across Northern Tasmania.

Over the past year, the team has focused on making our service even stronger and more reliable, so owners and tenants receive the same consistent care no matter how busy things get. That has meant continually improving the way we work, and making sure every stage of a tenancy, from the first inspection to the day the keys are returned, is handled with clear communication and genuine care.

The team is also committed to learning and growing, keeping up to date with changing legislation and always looking for better ways to support the people we work with.

This award is a reflection of a team that has grown stronger, more capable and more connected, all with the goal of providing caring, dependable service to every owner and tenant.

Thank you to our property management team for everything you do, and to our owners and tenants for trusting us with their homes. You can find out more about our property management services.

Business Development Manager of the Year: Leanne Howell

For many of our clients, Leanne is the very first person they meet at Peter Lees Real Estate. She takes the time to listen, understand each person's situation and help them feel comfortable from the very first conversation.

Leanne believes the best relationships are built by putting people first. Whether she's helping a landlord through a difficult personal time, giving honest advice about what a property needs before it's ready to lease, or supporting an interstate investor as their eyes on the ground, she always puts her clients' long-term interests ahead of a quick outcome.

That care is why so many of the landlords she works with come to us through referrals, and why many continue to grow their portfolios with us over time.

This year, Leanne also stepped in to support our property management team during a period of leave, caring for additional landlords while continuing her own role. It's a wonderful example of the kind of team player she is.

Leanne was also named a finalist for Residential Property Manager of the Year, which says a great deal about the depth of her knowledge and care. Congratulations, Leanne. This recognition is so well deserved. You can find out more about Leanne on her website HERE

Sustainability Leadership Award

We believe everyone has a part to play in caring for the community and environment we share, and we're truly humbled to be recognised with the Sustainability Leadership Award.

For us, sustainability isn't a single project or a box to tick. It's a way of thinking that runs through our whole business, guiding how we work, how we make decisions and how we look after the people who rely on us. Over the past year, we've continued to look for thoughtful ways to reduce our impact, work more efficiently and support a more sustainable future for Northern Tasmania.

We also believe sustainability is about more than the environment. It's about building a business that lasts: one that invests in its people, supports its community and gives clients the confidence that the team looking after them will be here for the long term.

For our clients, that means working with an agency that thinks carefully about the future, whether that's the future of your property, your investment or the community you call home.

There is always more to learn, and we're grateful for the opportunity to keep growing, improving and doing our part for the place our clients, our team and our community.

Operational Support Person of the Year: Natalie Hingston

Natalie has been part of Peter Lees Real Estate for more than 30 years, and in that time she has worked across many areas of our business. Today, as our Sales Secretary, she plays a vital role behind the scenes, making sure every sale runs smoothly from listing through to settlement.

Much of Natalie's work happens away from the spotlight, but our clients feel it in every transaction. Her accuracy, care and attention to detail give our sales team the confidence to focus on their clients, knowing every contract, document and settlement is in safe hands.

This year, Natalie also showed remarkable initiative when new anti-money laundering laws were introduced for the real estate industry. Without being asked, she took on the responsibility of preparing our agency, ensuring we were ready well ahead of time and that our clients could continue to enjoy the same smooth, professional service.

Natalie is also a wonderful mentor, generously sharing her knowledge with new team members and helping them grow in confidence. As one of our sales consultants put it:

"Natalie is the silent hero in our sales department. Her client-first focus, care and integrity guide everything she does, and there isn't a problem she won't help solve."

Our whole team is so thankful for Natalie, and we're thrilled to see her recognised. Congratulations, Natalie.

Achievement Award: Taia Munro

Anyone who has worked with Taia knows how much she puts into everything she does. She's an incredibly hard worker who shows up every day with energy, determination and a genuine willingness to help, whether that's supporting a client, lending a hand to a colleague or taking on something new.

This year, Taia truly showed what she's made of. When our property management team faced an unexpected period of leave, she stepped up to care for a large portfolio of properties while continuing her own role. It was a big increase in responsibility at a challenging time, and she took it on with calm, commitment and care, making sure our landlords and tenants continued to receive the consistent service they rely on.

It's the kind of moment that says so much about a person. Taia didn't hesitate. She simply rolled up her sleeves, supported her team and put our clients first.

Congratulations, Taia. This recognition is so well deserved, and we're so grateful to have you on our team.

Our 2026 REIT Awards Finalists

Being named a finalist is an achievement in its own right, and we're so proud of everyone recognised this year:

• Large Residential Agency of the Year
• Marketing and Communications Award
• Wellbeing Award
• Residential Property Manager of the Year: Leanne Howell
• Residential Salesperson of the Year: Larrisa Brickhill
• Marketer of the Year: Larrisa Brickhill (Douglas Street, Newstead campaign)
• Operational Leadership Award: Renee Maynard
• Sustainability Leadership Award: Renee Maynard

A special thank you to Renee, who kept us all on track throughout the year. Her two finalist nominations are so well deserved. Thank you to each of our finalists for the care and commitment you bring to our clients and our team.

We'd also like to congratulate every winner and finalist across Tasmania, and thank the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania, the judges and sponsors for recognising the work of our industry.

What This Recognition Means for Our Clients

These awards span sales, property management, business development, operations and sustainability. To us, that's the most meaningful part: it reflects the care of our whole team, not just one person or one department.

For our clients, it means that whether you're selling, buying, investing or looking for someone to care for your property, you'll be supported by people who have been independently recognised for the standard of service they provide.

A Thank You From Our Team

Awards are a lovely moment to pause and reflect, but they've never been why we do what we do. What matters most are the relationships we build and the trust people place in us every day.

In his note to the team, Terry thanked everyone for the support and friendship they had shown one another throughout the year, signing off as "a very lucky and grateful boss." It's a feeling our whole team shares.

To our clients and community, thank you for choosing us and for your ongoing support. We'll keep learning, keep growing and keep doing our very best for the people we serve.

Article by Rosella Pike, Marketing Co-ordinator, Peter Lees Real Estate

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the REIT Awards for Excellence?
The REIT Awards for Excellence are the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania's annual industry awards, recognising excellence, best practice and customer service among Tasmanian real estate agencies and professionals.

What awards did Peter Lees Real Estate win in 2026?
Peter Lees Real Estate won six awards: Residential Sales Team of the Year, Residential Property Management Team of the Year, Business Development Manager of the Year (Leanne Howell), the Sustainability Leadership Award, Operational Support Person of the Year (Natalie Hingston) and the Achievement Award (Taia Munro).

When and where were the 2026 REIT Awards held?
The 2026 REIT Awards for Excellence were presented at the Paranaple Convention Centre in Devonport on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

How can I contact Peter Lees Real Estate?
You can reach our team on 03 6331 5544, by email at service@peterlees.com.au, or by visiting us at 154 Brisbane Street, Launceston 7250. We'd love to hear from you.

Thinking About Your Next Move?

Whether you're considering selling, buying, investing or finding a property manager you can rely on, our team would be glad to help.