Real estate brokers get a nod after raising nearly $190k from the community

A group of real estate agents in the Northern Rivers region of NSW have been recognized for raising and donating nearly $190,000 in the past year to local causes, including women’s safety and child health.

In the past 12 months, the Witheriff Group has donated more than $50,000 to the group Shift Byron, which supports women coming out of homelessness, often as a result of domestic violence.

The group also raised $70,000 for pediatric cancer charity Hundred 4 Harper through a summer auction event last year.

The group was inspired by the story of three-year-old Harper, the daughter of a local factory worker, who passed away from a rare brain tumor.

This is why the Witheriff Group has been shortlisted for the Contribution to Local Community Award at this year’s REA Excellence Awards.

Nick Witheriff, estate agent, director and head of the Witheriff Group, said the group was proud to be recognised.

“We are a small part of all the good things that are happening out there,” he said.

“Serving the community is our leading behavior.

“When we established the Witheriff Group Community Fund, it was our goal to be able to contribute to the community locally and at a wider level, and we have been able to see the funds we have been able to donate make a difference.”

In addition to their contributions to Shift Byron and Hundred 4 Harper, the group donated $35,000 to youth and sports development in their area.

They support Undisputed Boxing and Fitness to ensure continued access to local youth, as well as Kingscliff and Cabarita Surf Clubs, Kingscliff Board Riders, Casuarina Rugby Union, Story Dogs, and Kingscliff Primary School.

The group also supported a Christmas toy drive for the Special Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Tweed Valley Hospital, providing premature babies with singlets, onesies, swaddling clothes and comforters.

The Witheriff Group operates throughout the Casuarina, Kingscliff and surrounding areas of the Northern Rivers region. Image: Provided

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Mr Witheriff said his team was inspired by the many stories – good, bad and otherwise – in their community, which drove them to give back.

“I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of people on my real estate journey,” she said.

“You are invited into people’s homes and into their lives to help them sell their home, which is one of the biggest financial decisions they can make in their lives.

“You get to know people who have been affected by things like illness, death and other situations, which makes you always aware that our work is more than selling houses, serving people.”

He said the group’s aim in 2026 is to continue making an impact on those who need it most.

The winners of this year’s REA Excellence Awards will be announced on 11 February 2026.