Community & Business
6 March, 2026
Ray White Rural celebrates growth, people and possibilities
The Ray White Rural teams from Pittsworth, Warwick, Dalby and Chinchilla came together last week for “2026 The Big Day Out” to celebrate people, growth and achievements.
Principals James and Sally Croft officially marked the start of their next chapter, emphasising that the journey has always been about people - a reflection of the culture they’ve built and the future they’re continuing to shape.
“This day is about you, not us,” Mr Croft said.
The team paused to acknowledge achievements and recognition across 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, while also warmly welcoming new team members Guy, Julie, Catherine, Jana, Helena and Sophie.
With the recent opening of an office in Chinchilla the group is strengthening its footprint across the Darling Downs, Western Downs and Southern Downs, reinforcing its commitment to serving local communities while setting a clear vision for growth.
“We are here to set benchmarks, and kick goals,” Mr Croft said.
“To drive growth, to create opportunities for our people, and to achieve premium results. We have the size, the scale and the team to be one of the very best groups in the Ray White Rural network.”
Mrs Croft reflected on the strength of the property management business, highlighting Pittsworth’s exceptionally tight vacancy rates and strong management fundamentals, while noting evolving conditions across Warwick and significant growth under Rachael Dunn’s leadership in Dalby and Chinchilla.
Stanthorpe, as a newer market, has already established a strong foundation with 250 managements, a powerful indicator of future potential.
“We’re growing not just in numbers, but in capability,” Mrs Croft said.
“Our team is kicking goals, and that gives us enormous confidence in the future.”
An inspiring moment on the day came from special guest Shane Webcke, who shared a personal and powerful reflection on resilience, discipline and perspective.
Shaped by early adversity and loss, Mr Webcke spoke about the values that carried him forward, the work ethic instilled by his family, the grounding influence of his mother, and the lessons learned through rugby league, including his time being recognised as one of the players to watch for the Brisbane Broncos.
“The most valuable thing I own is my work ethic,” Mr Webcke said.
“Nothing changes if nothing changes. It’s mental fitness, you have to strengthen your mind just as much as your body.”
The day also highlighted the evolving role of connection in modern business.
Amber Ross’ social media update revealed significant growth throughout 2025, with Facebook continuing as the strongest platform, and a clear focus for 2026 on authentic, human engagement, particularly through video.
Ray White Rural and Livestock CEO Matt White reinforced the importance of returning to fundamentals while continuing to evolve.
“Real estate is about the inches, the conversations, the consistency, the communication,” he said.
“December 2025 was our strongest month since 2021, and that momentum comes from leadership, clarity and connection.”
The importance of discipline, perspective and sustaining long-term success was echoed by leadership expert Brett Graham.
“Handling the things you don’t enjoy is often what gives you longevity. Trust will always trump research, and focus will always outperform noise,” he said.
The Pittsworth, Warwick, Dalby and Chinchilla group continues to expand with the opening of an office in Stanthorpe.
Looking to the future, the direction of Ray White Rural is clear: five offices, one team focused on growth, continued investment in people and development of a business grounded in culture, opportunity and belief.
