"You too can achieve so much having the grounding of this industry".
That was the message delivered to the 26 national and NSW Young Auctioneers Competition finalists during a celebratory dinner in Sydney on Wednesday night.
For some competitors it has been a two year wait for their time on the Sydney Royal Show rostrum but many in the industry are expecting the competition to be fierce.
ALPA legend and renowned politician Thomas George delivered an inspiring speech to those in attendance at the dinner, encouraging the agents to always be confident, truthful and respectful.
"Always find a positive in what your trying to sell," he told the crowd.
"Keep learning and attend any opportunity to further your career. Never underestimate or undersell yourself.
"Enjoy this high tide now it has appeared but put things away and be prepared for the low tide."
Having donated some $61,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service from various auctions in 2019, this year ALPA nominated Aaron's Wish as its 2021 charity.
Some 11 charity items were put under the hammer by 1995 NSW winner and Purtle Plevey agent Patrick Purtle to raise $58,400 in total.
AuctionsPlus later donated an additional $5000.
Nutrien Ag Solutions at Roma in Queensland paid the high price of $11,500 for a lunch for three at Parliament House.
Underbidder Charlie Hart of Hart Rural Agencies then threw another $10,000 for a replica lot donated by Thomas George.
Selling will get underway at 11am AEDT on Thursday with the competition to be livestreamed on theland.com.au.