Bronte Manuel has done it again, securing his third consecutive Golden Gavel title and reaffirming his place among Australia’s top auctioneers. But he’s not the only one making waves—TOOP+TOOP’s rising stars are proving their talent, and the legacy of excellence set by Anthony Toop continues to shape the future of auctioneering. Here’s how our team is setting the benchmark for success.

Three-Time Champion: Bronte Manuel Wins 2025 Golden Gavel for TOOP+TOOP

Some people talk about greatness. Others step up and prove it—again and again. Bronte Manuel, our Director and Owner, has just claimed his third consecutive Golden Gavel title as of Thursday afternoon. With victories in 2023, 2024, and now 2025, Bronte has cemented his place as South Australia's best and most awarded auctioneer. But for him, it's not about the trophies or the recognition, it's about the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Fresh off his 2024 REISA Australasian Auctioneering Championship win, Bronte will once again represent South Australia at the upcoming Australasian Championships this May. His ability to create energy, command the room, and extract every last bid is a skill honed over years of dedication, and it's exactly why our clients trust us to deliver outstanding results.

A Team That Keeps Raising The Bar

Bronte's not the only one making waves. This year's Golden Gavel competition showcased the depth of auctioneering talent at TOOP+TOOP. Our Sales Partner Stefan Krcmarov took out runner-up honours in the highly competitive Rising Star category, securing a well-earned spot at the Australasian Rising Star Competition. His recognition is a testament to his hard work, dedication and the bright future ahead of him in the industry. Meanwhile, Glenn McMillan, last year's Rising Star winner, has once again been recognised among South Australia's best by joining Bronte in the prestigious 'Gold Club,' which celebrates the state's top 15 auctioneers by volume. Being named in the Gold Club is a significant accomplishment, showcasing not just Glenn’s exceptional skill but also his relentless dedication to mastering his craft.

What makes these accomplishments even more special is the environment of collaboration and support we've cultivated at TOOP+TOOP. Each members brings their unique strengths to the table, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of auctioneering. We're proud to have such a talented group that not only sets the bar for others but continues to raise it higher each year.

What Make a Great Auctioneer?

An auctioneer's role goes beyond calling numbers. They are negotiators, performers and market experts all rolled into one. A great auctioneer understands the psychology of bidding, the importance of timing and the ability to generate competition in the room, even when buyers are hesitant.

Contrary to popular belief, a successful auction isn't just about fast talking or a booming voice. It's about understanding buyer sentiment responding in real time to shifting dynamics, and creating an environment where bidders feel both comfortable and compelled to compete. In an era where transparency and trust are key, an auctioneer also plays an essential role in ensuring that both buyers and sellers feel informed and confident in the process.

At TOOP+TOOP, our auctioneers work hand-in-hand with our Sales Partners, forming a team that understands the nuances of every campaign. This level of preparation and synergy ensures that when auction day arrives, every element has been meticulously planned to maximise results for the vendor. It's an approach that sets us apart from independent auctioneers who might step in at the last minute without that deeper connection to the property and its potential buyers.

Honouring a Legacy of Excellence

The Golden Gavel competition isn't just another industry event—it's the longest running Auctioneering Competition in the Southern Hemisphere. Established 33 years ago by TOOP+TOOP’s founder, Anthony Toop, during his presidency of the Society of Auctioneers & Appraisers, the competition was designed to elevate the craft and set new benchmarks for auctioneering in South Australia.

Every time one of our team steps onto the competition stage, they're carrying forward a legacy of innovation, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to results. And while trophies and titles are a great measure of success, what truly matters is the real-world impact: achieving outstanding outcomes for the buyers and sellers who place their trust in us.

Competitions sharpen skills, but the real test is out in the field—where every bid counts, and the best auctioneers prove their worth under pressure. At TOOP+TOOP, that's exactly where we thrive.

The achievements of Bronte, Stefan + Glenn are a testament to the culture of passion, collaboration and relentless pusuit of excellence that defines our team. These milestones are not just individual successes, they're a reflection of the strength we have when we work together towards a shared goal. Carrying forward the legacy of Anthony Toop, we're proud to continue setting the standard for what great auctioneering looks like, and we'll keep striving to deliver the best outcomes for our clients, today and into the future.