The REIWA Council has elected Rob Mandanici as the Institute’s new President.
The election followed the completion of Suzanne Brown’s two-year term as President on Wednesday 7 October 2026. Ms Brown will remain on the REIWA Council as a Councillor for another year.
Peta McKenzie was elected Deputy President. She continues as REIWA’s Regional Spokesperson.
REIWA CEO Blaine Slater congratulated Mr Mandanici on his appointment.
“Rob is extremely passionate about our industry. He is deeply committed to REIWA and is a strong voice for our members,” he said.
“Rob brings a strong economic and political understanding to the role as President, which complement his knowledge of the issues facing the industry and how they affect the broader community.
“His background includes residential sales, and residential and retail property management. In addition, his experience of the real estate industry in Victoria and the impact of legislative change there is of great benefit in understanding the potential effect of similar regulatory reform in WA.
“I, and the team at REIWA, look forward to working closely with Rob over the next two years as we continue to address key issues facing the market including housing supply, affordability and regulatory change, particularly rental reform.”
Mr Slater also thanked Ms Brown for her outstanding leadership during her tenure as President.
“I have incredible admiration for Suzanne,” he said.
“She has helped guide the Institute through a period of significant change, including finding a new CEO, the introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing legislation, the next review of the Residential Tenancies Act, and, after several years of very strong price growth, a rapid shift in market conditions.
“Suzanne has represented our industry with strength and grace. Her experience in the property management field has been invaluable when it comes to sharing our concerns about the impact of residential tenancy reform and changes to taxation policy on tenants. Her openness to hearing from people with differing views to REIWA has also helped us improve our positions and perspectives on various issues.
“I am very grateful we will have the benefit of her insights as a Council member for another year.”
Mr Mandanici said it was an enormous privilege to be elected President.
“I’m incredibly proud of REIWA and our profession, and I’m grateful to my fellow Councillors for the trust and confidence they’ve placed in me,” he said.
“REIWA has a proud history of representing and advocating for our members and the wider Western Australian community, and I’m looking forward to building on that work.
“There will be plenty to navigate over the next two years, from housing supply and affordability to changing market, economic and legislative conditions. Through all of that, our members, their businesses, and the housing needs of the WA community will remain at the centre of what we do.
“I also want to acknowledge Suzanne for the extraordinary contribution she has made as President. I’ve had the privilege of serving as her Deputy for the past two years, and REIWA is unquestionably stronger for her leadership, dedication and service.”
The REIWA Council also elected the following new office bearers:
- Chris Tana – Chair, Finance and Risk Management Committee
- Clare Christiansen – Council nominee to the Finance and Risk Management Committee.
