Meet MacKenzie Conaghty, Tropical Property

At Tropical Property in beautiful Mission Beach, Assistant Property Manager MacKenzie Conaghty is making waves and winning hearts.

Just 8 months into the industry, MacKenzie has already found her stride. After running her own cleaning business, she took a leap into real estate and has not looked back. Now, with her Real Estate Registration Certificate proudly in hand, she is officially ready for the next chapter.

“I love the freedom of real estate,” she says. “It suits my personality, active, people-focused, and always something new. I don’t like being stuck in one place all day. This job gives me purpose.”

MacKenzie completed her training through Elite Edge Real Estate Training, where the support was personal and sometimes furry.

Enter Parker and Gryffin: the golden retriever mascots of Elite Edge. Between assessment check-ins and phone calls with her trainer, MacKenzie says Parker and Gryffin always brought a smile whilst doing her training.

“I think having them as part of the journey just made it feel more human. You’re not just another student, you’re part of something.”

Now fully certified, MacKenzie is not only thriving in her role, she’s inspiring others to follow her lead.

“If you’re on the fence about real estate, just start. You’ve got support, flexibility, and even two golden retrievers cheering you on.”

From Mission Beach to the wider Queensland coast, one thing is clear: MacKenzie Conaghty is set to shine and Parker and Gryffin will be right with her.

Listen to MacKenzie talk about her training with Elite Edge Real Estate Training

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gXXrtq1vpro

From Family Life to Property Life – Lidia’s Real Estate Comeback

At Elite Edge Real Estate Training, we love celebrating our students’ success stories and Lidia Koppe’s journey is one that truly shines.

A proud Townsville local, Lidia first made her mark in the real estate world over 20 years ago, working for nearly eight years before stepping away to start a family. As a devoted mum of two, her days were soon filled with love, school runs, and life’s busy moments. In recent years, she’s been working in one of Townsville’s busiest restaurants, juggling the demands of hospitality.

But real estate never left her heart.

At a crossroads in her career, a familiar face appeared, Clint Wallis, from LJ Hooker, North Ward a former colleague from her early days in the industry. He encouraged Lidia to consider returning to real estate, and with his support, the spark was reignited.

Lidia wasted no time. She enrolled in our Queensland Real Estate Registration Course and, in just three weeks, she was done—passing with flying colours.

What made the difference? Flexibility and support.

Lidia thrived with our self-paced course model, often studying after family dinners, work shifts, and kids’ activities. She especially loved the AI-powered video lessons, calling them “excellent content and great to listen to.” And it meant the world to us to hear how much she valued the encouragement and support Cathy provided along the way: gentle reminders that she could do it, and that her strength was always there, even when the days felt long.

Lidia, your dedication, resilience, and warmth are truly inspiring. We know this next chapter is going to be a great one. You are already a natural at building relationships and connecting with people, and now you’re officially back where you belong.

We cannot wait to watch your real estate career blossom. The industry is lucky to have you back.

Welcome home, Lidia.

Queensland Tenancy Law Reforms: What Property Professional need to know

On 1 May 2025, significant reforms to Queensland’s tenancy laws came into effect—reforms that aim to reshape the rental landscape across the state. I recently attended the RTA workshop in Townsville, where these updates were unpacked in detail. It is clear these changes are not just procedural tweaks—they represent a meaningful shift toward greater clarity, transparency, and fairness in the rental sector.

KEY CHANGES PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS MUST KNOW

The new reforms introduced several important updates:

  • Standardised Form 22: A consistent rental application process across the industry.
  • 48-Hour Entry Notice: Entry notice periods for general tenancies have been extended from 24 to 48 hours.
  • Limits on Entry After Notice to Leave: Restrictions have been introduced around how often a property can be accessed once a Notice to Leave is issued.
  • Financial Disclosure Requirements: Agents and landlords must now disclose any financial benefits received from rent payment methods.
  • Requests for Fixtures or Modifications: New procedures clarify how tenants can request to install fixtures or make structural changes.
  • Stronger Privacy Protections: Updated rules on how personal information must be collected, stored, and destroyed.

These reforms reflect a growing emphasis on respectful and professional engagement with tenants, and reinforce the need for agents and property managers to stay up to date.

HOW WE HELP YOU STAY COMPLIANT

At Elite Edge Real Estate Training, we have already integrated these legislative updates into our 100% online Queensland Registration Course. The training includes all updated RTA forms and practical guidance on how to apply the changes in your day-to-day work.

Our training is designed with flexibility in mind. Learn through a mix of AI-powered videos and audio content that simplifies complex legislation into practical knowledge—delivered in a plain-speaking, easy-to-understand format.

Whether you are just starting out in real estate, looking to upskill, juggling family responsibilities, or transitioning from another trade or profession—our course is built to work around your schedule and goals.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

Understanding and applying the new tenancy reforms is not optional—it is essential. If you are ready to take the next step in your real estate career and build your confidence in Queensland’s updated tenancy laws, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Get the Edge. Define your future with industry-ready, compliant training at Elite Edge Real Estate Training.

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FROM LEARNER TO LEADER: Jake Burns takes the first step into REAL ESTATE WITH CONFIDENCE

When Jake Burns enrolled in the Real Estate Registration Certificate with Elite Edge Real Estate Training, he was brand new to the industry, but you would never know it now.

“I recently completed my Real Estate Registration Certificate with Elite Edge, and the course completely exceeded my expectations,” Jake shares. “The content was so well-structured and easy to follow, I genuinely enjoyed every part of the learning experience.”

What stood out most to Jake was how the course was designed for people who had never worked in real estate before. Everything was delivered in a way that just made sense. With each unit offering 2–3 video and audio resources, it felt like having a personal trainer walk him through every concept.

“The way the legal and ethical units were delivered, it all just made sense. And Cathy’s support was fantastic. I received a quick turnaround on my assessments, and the supportive texts and emails really kept me motivated. You are never left wondering if you are on the right track.”
Now, with a certificate in hand and a solid foundation under his feet, Jake is stepping into the real estate world with confidence and clarity.

“This course has given me the tools I need to start my new career. I feel ready—and more importantly, I feel excited.”

At Elite Edge Real Estate Training, we are proud to support students like Jake, driven, curious, and ready to get the edge and define their future.

Jesse Tupuola: Building Relationships, once home at a time

At Elite Edge Real Estate Training, we believe the heart of the real estate industry is people. As I go out and meet Townsville’s wonderful real estate agents, I love to share their local stories, spotlighting the journeys, challenges, and successes of those right here in our community. From students stepping back into the industry to agents making their mark, these stories celebrate resilience, growth, and the power of connection. We hope they inspire others to see what’s possible.

Meet Jess Tupuola, Belle Property

From youth outreach to real estate, Jesse Tupuola’s path to property sales is driven by one thing, people.

With a background in youth services that spanned communities from Ayr to Ingham, Jesse has always been drawn to roles where he can uplift, connect, and support others. Today, just over 12 months into his real estate journey with Belle Property, that same passion is what drives his success.

“I absolutely love it—it really is all about the people,” Jesse shares, with the kind of sincerity that instantly puts you at ease. “Being able to help someone through such an important step in their life, whether buying or selling, is a privilege.”

Now a valued sales associate with Belle Property Townsville, Jesse brings a fresh energy and client-first mindset to the role. He works closely with Kody Dart, soaking up insights and sharpening his skills in one of Townsville’s most competitive markets. “Kody is a great mentor. I am learning how to get the work done, stay focused, and really deliver results,” he says.

That blend of focus and approachability is Jesse’s signature. He is known for his strong organisational skills, innovative thinking, and a natural ability to connect. Whether he is assisting a first-home buyer or supporting a vendor through the sale process, he ensures every client feels informed and supported at every step.

As a father of three young children, Jesse is especially grateful for the flexibility his real estate career affords. “I get to enjoy the work-life balance—being there for sports days, and everything in between,” he says.

And while real estate can be known for its highs and lows, Jesse remains unwaveringly positive. “There are no real lows for me,” he says. “The harder I work for my clients, the more I grow. It is rewarding on so many levels.”

With uncapped earning potential and a team culture that fuels ambition and support in equal measure, Jesse is excited about what lies ahead. His deep understanding of the Townsville property market, especially in Burdell, is matched by a strong desire to keep delivering value to his community.

In Jesse, Belle Property Townsville has found not just a driven sales associate, but someone who genuinely cares about helping others grow, just as he has.

From Muay Thai to Million-Dollar Goals. Meet the LJ Hooker Sales Associate carving his path in Townsville Real Estate

In the heart of North Ward, behind the polished branding of LJ Hooker, there’s a quiet but confident force building momentum, Jackson Page. At just 24 years old, Jackson is proving that success in real estate isn’t about age, it is about attitude, persistence, and purpose.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jackson today, and it quickly became clear that he is not only passionate about sales, but also genuinely passionate about people. “You have got to love people to really succeed in this industry,” he told me, and his journey so far proves just that.

Originally from Sydney, Jackson made the move to Townsville after a chance connection online through the popular game Fortnite. What started as a virtual friendship turned into a real-world relocation, and, ultimately, a thriving career. “Townsville’s pace of life is what drew me in,” he said. “It’s a place where you can really make things happen.”

Jackson began his real estate career at the grassroots level with LJ Hooker North Ward—spending his first year prospecting, followed by a full year in property management. He says that hands-on experience gave him the strongest foundation possible before moving into sales. Now, three years on, he works as a Sales Associate alongside seasoned agent Clint Wallis.

Before real estate, Jackson cut his teeth in the most challenging form of sales, door-to-door fundraising. And not just any campaign, he helped raise over $1.8 million for causes like cancer research, The Smith Family, and the RSL. What did he take away from that experience? “Rejection. You face it every day. But learning to face it head-on and keep going, that’s what builds resilience.”

That resilience, paired with his strong personal philosophy, is what drives him. Jackson lives by a commitment to taking care of the mind, body, and health, both his own and his clients’. He is a dedicated Muay Thai boxer, training for his first fight in August, and he credits that discipline with keeping him focused and grounded in a fast-paced industry.

Jackson’s long-term vision is crystal clear. He aims to sell 100 properties annually and build a strong personal investment portfolio. “I want to live what I sell,” he says. “Real estate is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle.”

While Jackson admits that his age has sometimes felt like a challenge in a field dominated by experience, he sees it as a motivator rather than a roadblock. “We were all new once,” he said with a smile. “I’m learning from the best, and I am setting myself up for the long game.” And he is doing just that soon, Jackson will be completing his full real estate licence (7 units) with Elite Edge Real Estate training, with future ambitions of opening his own LJ Hooker office when the time is right.

Jackson Page is one to watch. With grit, humility, and a genuine love for what he does, he’s not just building a career—he’s laying the foundation for a legacy.

May 2025

From Overwhelmed to Empowered – Do not choose anyone else for your Training

I was amazed by how incredible this training was. It was so easy to follow, and the layout was perfect. The colours, videos, and audio were all on point. I could even listen to the material while working out on my treadmill, which made it incredibly convenient and fitted into my routine.

As a busy, time-poor working mum, I was thrilled to complete this training so quickly. It was straightforward, and I learned so much. The most valuable takeaway for me was truly understanding the laws and legislation. Cathy’s approach to presenting this information was brilliant – clear, practical, and easy to grasp, and it stayed with me. My boss is really happy about this too.

The assessments were incredibly relevant to my job, featuring actual RTA forms and real-life situations commonly encountered in real estate. This practical approach made everything click and felt directly tied to my daily work.

Do not go anywhere else, I honestly cannot recommend Elite Edge Real Estate Training enough. I had originally enrolled with another provider, but after two months, I had only completed two units.  There was an overwhelming amount of reading, I would spend hours on it, a confusing layout, and I just dreaded it.

What Cathy has created is truly exceptional. The thought, care, and expertise that have gone into every detail of the training platform is so clear. It is not just about learning, it’s about being part of an experience that truly empowers students to succeed. I felt supported throughout the entire journey, and the platform made it so easy to engage.

Making the switch to Elite Edge Real Estate Training was the best decision I have made. The difference was incredible. I am now able to truly support the principal licensee by assisting in managing property sales, handling documentation, and contributing more effectively to everyday key tasks.

Monica Glasser
Benchmark Real Estate Cairns

Purpose, Property and Power Moves

From the Defence Force to Department Manager, Natasha Elford is redefining Real Estate in Queensland

One of the first incredible women I met when I arrived in Townsville was Natasha Elford, a powerhouse in the property space and someone with a genuine heart for service, a dynamic force in the property industry with a deep-rooted sense of purpose. We connected through the Accelerating NQ Female Founders Program, and even then, it was clear: Natasha wasn’t just in real estate—she was here to make a difference.

Her journey into property is anything but conventional. A proud Army veteran, Natasha brings with her the discipline, resilience, and leadership honed through years of military service, including a deployment to the Middle East. In high-pressure environments, she developed the operational skills that now underpin her success in the fast-paced world of real estate.

After transitioning from Defence, Natasha threw herself into the industry, starting at the ground level right here in Townsville. Beginning as a Leasing Agent, she quickly progressed to Business Development Manager, building her reputation for strong client relationships, strategic thinking, and leadership. Her time in these early roles laid a rock-solid foundation in property management and deepened her understanding of the local market.

But Natasha’s ambitions stretched further. With a clear sense of mission and a drive to serve, she launched her own business—Investor Support—focusing on buyer advocacy and property management. For Natasha, this wasn’t just about property, it was about people, especially those who’ve served.

“My clients’ goals become my mission,” Natasha says. “Whether I am helping someone secure their first investment or supporting a veteran into stable housing, I bring transparency, loyalty, and purpose to every step.”

Through her initiative, Veteran Homecoming – Rental Advocate, Natasha worked tirelessly to support ex-service members as they navigated life after the military. For many, her guidance meant not just finding a rental, but reclaiming a sense of stability and home.

As a Buyer’s Agent, she offered strategic, personalised support, helping clients navigate the noise of the property market with clarity and confidence. Now, her career has taken its next powerful step forward.

Today, Natasha leads as Department Manager at Performance Property, a respected firm with national reach. In this role, she brings her sharp insight, operational excellence, and unwavering values to a broader audience—while remaining deeply connected to her original mission: helping others build wealth through property.

From military deployments to executive meetings, from grassroots growth to senior leadership, Natasha Elford is forging a new model for what real estate professionals can be—purpose-driven, people-focused, and unapologetically bold.

She is not just helping clients buy property, she is building legacies, shaping lives, and proving that service never really ends… it just evolves.

Contact Natasha at https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-elford-9a530716b/

Email: Natasha@performanceproperty.com.au
Mobile: 0407 201 134

Setting the standard: Louka from Hartley Partners completes his training.

Elite Edge’s first student shares his experience on the Road to Real Estate Success

Every journey has a first step and for Elite Edge Real Estate Training, that first step began with Louka Mathie from Hartley Partners in Townsville. As our very first student to enrol, Louka has now officially completed his Real Estate Registration training, and it’s been an absolute pleasure to watch his growth from day one.

With a sharp eye for detail, a great attitude, and a genuine interest in the industry, Louka has embraced the course with professionalism beyond his years. Throughout his training, he demonstrated a willingness to learn, ask great questions, and apply every concept to real-world practice, just the kind of learner every trainer hopes for.

“I really enjoyed the course,” Louka said. “It was clear, practical, and gave me everything I needed to feel confident stepping into the industry. Cathy was supportive throughout, and the flexibility of the learning style worked really well for me.”

Backed by the outstanding team at Hartley Partners, Louka is in good hands as he begins his real estate career. With a strong foundation of training and on-the-ground mentoring, he’s well on his way to becoming a standout agent in Townsville’s competitive market.

As the founder of Elite Edge, I couldn’t be prouder to have Louka as our very first graduate. He has truly set the tone for the kind of high-calibre professionals we aim to support, motivated, grounded, and ready to make an impact.

Congratulations, Louka, we can’t wait to see what’s next for you.

From Real Estate to Education: The Journey Behind Elite Edge Real Estate Training

For many, a career in real estate is about sales and marketing, transactions, and market trends. But for me, it has been much more. It’s been a lifelong passion that has evolved into a mission to educate and empower the next generation of property professionals.

This journey, which began in my early 20’s, has led to the creation of Elite Edge Real Estate Training, a project that took 18 months of dedication and became a reality in December 2024 when I was awarded my RTO accreditation by ASQA, an achievement that required navigating a complex and rigorous approval process.

My Journey: From Real Estate to Education

I entered the real estate industry at the age of 22, starting my career with LJ Hooker before moving on to Jones Lang LaSalle and other boutique real estate agencies. Over the years, I gained experience in various aspects of the property industry, from marketing, sales and leasing to property management and client relations.

While I loved working in the property industry, I found myself drawn to something even more fulfilling—helping others develop the skills and confidence to succeed in business. This realisation led me to take a step into education with TAFE in WA.  I further honed my expertise by working with several private RTOs, including REIWA, gaining valuable experience in real estate education and professional development.

Bridging My Two Passions: Real Estate & Education

I knew I wanted to combine my love for real estate and education, but creating a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) from scratch was no small feat. The process involved developing structured training programs, ensuring compliance with ASQA standards, and refining every detail to provide high-quality, industry-aligned education.

After months of planning, designing, and refining the courses, Elite Edge Real Estate Training was officially approved as an RTO—a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for me, but for future real estate professionals looking to build their careers with practical, job-ready training.

The Vision of Elite Edge Real Estate Training

At Elite Edge, our goal is simple: to bridge the gap between education and real-world real estate practice. We don’t just want students to complete a course, we want them to walk away with the confidence, skills, and industry knowledge to thrive in the field.

Our programs focus on:
– Real-World Applications – Practical skills that prepare students for success in the industry.
– Expert-Led Training – Learning from seasoned professionals with firsthand industry experience.
– Flexible Learning Options – Designed to fit around work and family commitments.
– Career Progression – From entry-level Sales Registration to full real estate licensing for those looking to open their own agency.

Initially, our focus is on the Townsville and Far North Queensland (FNQ) market (where I live in this beautiful part of the world) ensuring we meet the needs of local professionals. Once established, we plan to expand across Queensland, helping more students access high-quality real estate education.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Real Estate Training

Building Elite Edge Real Estate Training has been an incredible journey—one that blends decades of industry experience with a deep commitment to education. As real estate continues to evolve, quality training will be the key to producing skilled, ethical, and knowledgeable professionals who can adapt and thrive in this fast-paced industry.

For those looking to start or advance their careers in real estate, I invite you to explore our training programs, connect with us, and take the first step toward a rewarding future in real estate.

Cathy Dalton | Chief Executive Officer
GradCertBus., DipAgMgt., CertIVRE., CertIVTAE., AssocDegAdvVocEd.

Are you ready to start your real estate journey?

Visit Elite Edge Real Estate Training to learn more about our courses and career pathways.

Let’s build the future of real estate—together.