There may not be much cause for celebration in the current climate, but the recognition of those who have made substantial contributions remains important. 

It is within this context that Allard Shelton Director Joseph Walton was awarded the President's Award from the Real Estate Insitute of Australia's 2020 Awards for Excellence.

The former Real Estate Institute of Victoria President was notified of his win by REIA President Adrian Kelly personally, due to the cancellation of the scheduled awards ceremony in Darwin as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Walton said while it was difficult to fully enjoy the accolade against the backdrop of increasing societal challenges, it was still an "enormous honour" to be recognised by his peers.

"It is hard to sit back and appreciate (the award) in amongst everything else that is going on at the moment, which is of greater concern to our industry," he said.

"I'm sure that in the fullness to time when I have the opportunity to take a breath I'll be able to take it all in."

Having commenced at Allard Shelton as a sales executive in 2003, Mr Walton was appointed as a Director of the business in 2008.

Throughout the past decade, he has maintained a keen interest in professional development and ongoing improvement of professional standards as part of Real Estate Institute of Victoria, where held the position of President for almost two years across 2016 and 2017.

Joseph Walton (centre) with the Allard Shelton team. Source: REIV

Mr Walton's tenure coincided with a period of great change for the REIV, which had been operating under the leadership of a long-standing management team.

As President, he was responsible for overseeing the executive search for current CEO Gil King, a process he described as one of the most challenging and rewarding moments from his time at the helm.

 "The recruitment of a new CEO is one of the hardest tasks a board is required to do, no matter what the organisation," he said.

"Gil King was the right choice and that has proved to be a decision that continues to deliver positive outcomes for the REIV"

Mr Walton's other roles of significance in the industry, include REIV Senior Vice President (2015-2016), REIV Director (2014-2017) and REIA Director (2015- 2017).

He said he had enjoyed working with government bodies to ensure the industry's interests were protected.

"Throughout my time at the REIV, there was a time when we were dealing with significant legislative change that required a strong advocacy role to be played with the government in order for the right outcome to be achieved," he said.

"Looking back, those are the moments that stand out as being really meaningful."

More recently, Mr Walton's professional highlights have come from the world of commercial property in his role as Allard Shelton Director.

In 2018, he oversaw the successful divestment of 12 Godfreys retail sites for around $55 million.

Allard Shelton Director Joseph Walton. Source: Allard Shelton.

The transactions would go on to be recognised by the REIV at its annual awards last year, with the Allard Shelton team taking out Best Campaign.

While the industry is in the midst of a much tougher climate at present, Mr Walton said a collaborative approach would help agencies find some stability.

"I think everyone needs to work together, which we are already seeing at the moment," he said.

"The government support packages at state and federal level are appropriate and will likely hit the right chord. 

"As a commercial agent, small business packages are really important to the livelihood of my tenants, but beyond that, it is also important for tenants to engage with landlords and look for solutions.

"My observations from the front line is that a lot of landlords have really shown leadership on that front and engaged appropriately with their tenants."

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