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The REB Awards, now in its 13th year, is Australia’s most respected benchmark for excellence in real estate, celebrating professionals and businesses that redefine industry standards. With over 950 submissions in 2025—the highest in a decade—the program’s prestige lies in its rigorous judging process, where finalists are selected from a pool of exceptional candidates and evaluated by industry leaders. Among them, Sharmaine Abduramanoski stood out as the Office Administrator of the Year, a win that underscores her transformative impact at Property Assist.

Sharmaine’s story is one of quiet determination and transformative leadership. As Office Manager at Property Assist, she has spent over three years shaping the backbone of the company, earning recognition not just for her role but for the ripple effect of her dedication. While her recent REB Award win highlights her professional excellence, her journey reveals a deeper commitment to teamwork, growth, and the unglamorous yet vital work of keeping operations seamless.

We sat down with Sharmaine to discuss her experience, from the initial nomination to her triumphant win.

Q: What was your first reaction when Shannon Welch, Founder of Property Assist, told you she was nominating you for the REB Award?

When Shannon first told me she was nominating me for the REB award, I was completely shocked! I honestly couldn’t believe it. It was such a humbling moment to know that my boss saw something in me that was worthy of this kind of recognition. I’ve always just put my head down and focused on doing my job to the best of my ability, so the idea of applying for an award like this felt surreal. At the time, my biggest hope was simply to become a finalist, that alone felt like a huge accomplishment. I truly had no expectations beyond that.

Q: How did you feel when you found out you were a finalist?

When I found out I was a finalist, I felt so incredibly honored! It was one of those moments where I had to stop and let it sink in—I genuinely didn’t expect to make it that far. It was a huge personal achievement, but more than that, it was a reminder of how far both myself and Property Assist have come in the last year. When you’re caught up in the day-to-day grind, constantly juggling a million things, it’s easy to forget to step back and appreciate the progress you’ve made. This recognition forced me to pause and really take it all in—it was such an eye-opener and a moment of real pride.

Q: How did it feel when you heard your name called as the winner?

The moment my name was called as the winner was unreal! My heart was in my throat, but in the absolute best way possible. I was completely overwhelmed with excitement, shock, and pure joy all at once. I never imagined that little old me would not only be a finalist for such a prestigious award but actually take home the trophy! In that instant, every long day, every challenge, every moment of hard work felt completely worth it. It was a surreal moment that reminded me why I love what I do—and to have that recognition on such a big stage was something I’ll never forget.

Q: Looking back on the entire REB Awards experience, what’s the most significant lessons you’ll carry forward in your career?

The REB Awards experience was nothing short of incredible, and it left me with some powerful takeaways that I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

Recognition matters more than you realise. I’ve always taken pride in my work, but being nominated and ultimately winning this award made me truly appreciate how important it is to recognise and celebrate the efforts we put in every day. Sometimes we get so caught up in the grind that we forget to acknowledge our own progress.

Stepping outside your comfort zone leads to growth.  If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be standing on a stage accepting an award, I probably would have laughed. This experience reminded me that pushing myself beyond what feels comfortable often leads to the most rewarding moments.

Success is never a solo journey. While the award had my name on it, I know I wouldn’t be here without the incredible support of my team, my boss Shannon, and everyone at Property Assist. Success is always a team effort, and this experience reinforced how lucky I am to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people.

The industry is filled with incredible talent. Being part of the awards process allowed me to see just how many passionate, hardworking professionals are making a difference in our industry. It was inspiring to be in a room filled with people who are just as dedicated to real estate as I am.

Never downplay your achievements. I went into this process just hoping to be a finalist, never expecting to win. But this experience taught me that we should never underestimate ourselves. Hard work does get noticed, and we should embrace and celebrate our achievements when they come.

Overall, the REB Awards have been an unforgettable experience—one that has motivated me to keep pushing forward, keep learning, and keep striving to be the best version of myself.

Sharmaine’s influence extends beyond Property Assist. Her commitment to mentorship and innovation sets a precedent for aspiring professionals, showing that leadership isn’t about grand gestures but consistent, purpose-driven action. As she continues to evolve in her role, her story serves as a blueprint for anyone seeking to make a lasting difference—whether in real estate or beyond.