ESTABLISHED FAMILY AGENCY JOINS FIRST NATIONAL IN TOWNSVILLE

One of Townsville’s long-term independent real estate businesses has entered a new chapter, with Helen Munro Property becoming First National Townsville.

The locally owned agency, led by Director Tracy Crome, employs 24 people and provides residential sales and property management services throughout Townsville.

Founded by Tracy’s mother, Helen Munro, 30 years ago, the business has grown from a family enterprise into a substantial local agency. While its name is changing, Tracy says its ownership, team and commitment to Townsville remain firmly in place.

‘This is still the same local business, with the same people and the same commitment to our clients and community,’ Tracy said.

‘What changes is the level of support behind us. First National gives our team access to stronger marketing, training, compliance guidance, technology and a network of independent agencies that work together.

‘We are not trading our independence for a corporate franchise. We are joining a cooperative that respects local ownership and understands that every community is different.’

Tracy began her career in event management before moving into shopping centre marketing and management in Townsville and Hobart. She returned home 20 years ago when Helen asked her to join the family business.

‘Mum told me that one day I would need to take over the business, so we came home,’ Tracy said.

‘Her local knowledge and experience, combined with my background in management and marketing, gave the business a strong foundation. Although Mum officially retired seven years ago, she remains one of our greatest supporters and still sends prospective clients our way.’

Tracy began considering the agency’s longer-term direction as the demands facing independent real estate businesses continued to grow.

‘We have a responsibility to our clients and to the 24 people who work here, so I needed to make sure the business was positioned for the next decade,’ she said.

‘Real estate agencies now face considerable change across legislation, compliance, employment, marketing and technology. I wanted the strength and resources of a national network without losing our independence or being told how to run a local business.’

Her decision was influenced by two former First National Townsville principals, Wayne Nicholson and Terry Godde. Wayne operated under the First National name for more than 38 years, then Terry for six years before the sale of his business. Both had developed strong, respected names locally.

‘Helen and I have known Wayne for many years, and I have always respected his loyalty to First National,’ Tracy said.

‘I asked him directly why he had stayed with the network for so long. His respect for First National and the cooperative model said a great deal.

‘After meeting First National Chief Executive Officer David Edwards, I knew we had found the right fit. The people we have met genuinely care about our business, our team and our success.’

Mr Edwards said the return of First National Townsville restored a trusted network presence in one of regional Queensland’s most important centres.

‘Tracy leads a strong local business with deep community connections and a clear sense of responsibility towards its clients and employees,’ Mr Edwards said.

‘Her decision reflects what First National’s cooperative model is designed to provide – national resources and shared knowledge while keeping ownership and decision-making in local hands.

‘We are delighted to welcome Tracy and her team and to see the First National name continue its legacy in Townsville.’

First National Townsville’s property management service uses specialised departments rather than allocating every aspect of a rental property to one property manager. Tracy introduced the structure after Cyclone Yasi placed significant pressure on Townsville’s property management sector.

Each specialised area has two team members, overseen by an experienced department manager. The structure gives landlords access to people with expertise in particular aspects of property management and reduces delays when assistance is needed.

The sales team also continues a longstanding Wednesday stock run, during which every agent visits the agency’s current listings.

‘It means the listing agent is never the only person familiar with a property,’ Tracy said.

‘Our agents work collaboratively and can introduce buyers to suitable homes across the agency. Sellers benefit from having the whole team working towards the strongest possible result.’

The agency’s commitment to the Townsville community will remain a major focus as it enters its next chapter as First National Townsville.

First National Townsville has committed to sponsoring the Townsville Mendi Blackhawks for the 2027 season, continuing the agency’s support for local organisations and initiatives that bring the community together.

The agency will also continue its longstanding involvement as a Diamond Sponsor of Stable, Townsville’s free annual community Christmas event.

For Tracy and her team, Stable has become much more than a sponsorship. Each year, Tracy, Helen, family members and friends personally make more than 7,000 Melting Moment biscuits for families attending the event. The team also provides complimentary tea and coffee, Christmas cake and brownies, creating a welcoming place where people can stop and share in the Christmas spirit.

‘Stable is very close to our hearts because it gives us the opportunity to genuinely give back to the community that has supported our family and our business for 30 years,’ Tracy said.

‘It is a huge effort every year, but we absolutely love it. People come back asking for the Helen Munro Melting Moments, and that has become a lovely tradition for us. This Christmas, they will become the First National Townsville Melting Moments.

‘Our sponsorship of the Mendi Blackhawks for the 2027 season is another opportunity for us to support an organisation that is such an important part of the Townsville community.

‘Becoming First National Townsville gives us a bigger name and greater national reach, but it will never change who we are locally. We will continue supporting our community, our clients and our people in the same way we always have.’