LIAM Kirkwood learned from defeat a year ago to deliver North Queensland a repeat victory in the ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers competition at the Ekka on Friday.
Mr Kirkwood, a partner in Ray White Rural Townsville, turned the clock back to North Queensland's most recent win in the contest when named 2019 champion.
By his own admission, Mr Kirkwood felt stunned by his victory, which mirrors the 2018 win of Brent Williams, Elders Charters Towers, and the 2010 win of Brad Passfield, Queensland Rural, Mareeba.
"I could not believe it," Mr Kirkwood said.
"Really I am stunned by it. The competition was so fierce and anyone could have won. I think the judges would have had a tough job but I am so pleased to win.
"I have so many people to thank and this will be a wonderful boost for our business."
Mr Kirkwood said he learned considerably from his appearance in the 2018 ALPA competition won by Brent Williams, a close friend who offered advice before his successful quest.
"John Souter also helped me with my auctioneering and between those and a few others I must have learned something which won the day," Mr Kirkwood said.
"But I still have a long, long way to go."
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As part of his winning prize, Mr Kirkwood claimed the Queensland Country Life Shield and the Don Steele AM Cup. He also collected $1000 in prizemoney and products from the Tenterfield Saddler.
Importantly, he has also gained automatic qualification for the national final in Sydney in early 2020 and will advance alongside Jack Henshaw, Elders Goondiwindi, who was the runner-up in Brisbane.
Mr Henshaw, who also improved on his 2018 appearance in the ALPA state final, is looking forward to his opportunity in Sydney where he could do an "Anthony O'Dwyer".
"Anthony finished second in this last year then became the national champion and he is a star," Mr Henshaw said.
"I'm not him, but I will do my best and who knows what might happen in Sydney.
"I am so thrilled to have the chance and I am thankful to Elders and ALPA, the RNA and vendors who have given me this opportunity."
ALPA president Warren Johnston praised the 10 state finalists, saying each possessed special skills which would hold the industry in good stead.
Mr O'Dwyer, the reigning national young auctioneer champion, said the future would be exciting for Mr Kirkwood and Mr Henshaw.
"Regardless of whether they win the nationals or not, this competition is such a great way to learn and meet people and I have had a great time over the past few months because of the chances I was given," Mr O'Dwyer said.
"The same goes for these guys and I'm friends with them, so I wish them well."
The judges were Russell Jorgensen, GDL Rural Meandarra, Terry Ryan, Landmark Chinchilla, and Michael Smith, Elders Toowoomba.
Alan Welburn
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
