AWN With a foundation of long-term client loyalty, diverse agri-services offerings, and a shared passion for the land, the AWN Langlands Hanlon (Parkes) branch is entering a pivotal new phase, with Cooper Byrnes stepping up into the role of Branch Manager, and Greg Miller expanding into a dedicated role as a Rural Real Estate Representative.
These key role developments are aligned with the Parkes team’s commitment to providing specialised rural services ranging from Livestock and Clearing Sales to Rural Property.
The expertise of the entire team, including Clint Hooper, Livestock Specialist; and Sally (Sal) Hoy, Livestock & Real Estate Administrator, ensures clients will continue to receive high-quality and expanded services.
As Greg puts it, clients don’t just get an individual, they get a “team of experienced people who are there for the long haul.”
Read on to find out more about Cooper and Greg’s new roles, their vision for Parkes’ future, and how the entire team works together to provide a superior service.
Cooper Byrnes’ Progression to Branch Manager
A true story of self-made success, Cooper Byrnes, 27, is a deserving Branch Manager, and one of the business’s top talents.
Cooper’s promotion is a huge milestone achievement, marking over a decade of hard work and loyalty to the agricultural industry, and the Parkes branch. Cooper’s achievement is a testament to his innate talent and a passion for the ag industry.
Born in Port Macquarie, Cooper’s family relocated to Parkes, where he grew up and developed a love for the land. His interest in agriculture began after he joined a school cattle team at Red Bend in Forbes, and completed work experience as a Stock & Station Agent in Year 10.
Cooper feels it is a “privilege” to have risen to the position of Branch Manager, and he’s quick to acknowledge his team for helping him along the way. In particular, Cooper credits the mentorship and guidance of Greg Miller.
Greg, in turn, praises Cooper, saying: “Cooper’s the face of the business now… it’s about time he was given the opportunity.”
As a fully licensed Real Estate and Stock & Station Agent, and an award-winning Auctioneer, Cooper is also a respected AuctionsPlus Assessor for both cattle and sheep. He calls his accreditations “crucial” for success in the modern day, but says it is his personal connection with people that truly matters.
Cooper loves that Parkes is a small community where he can get out and “support the locals who support AWN,” and he considers many of his clients as “mates.” For Cooper, this face-to-face connection is what sets the team apart from “computer-generated agents.”
Greg Miller’s Focus on Expanding Real Estate
Leveraging two decades of extensive experience in agriculture and a successful tenure as Parkes’s well-respected Branch Manager, Greg Miller is pleased to assume a dedicated role in rural real estate.
He is now focused on what he calls the “exciting culmination of a lifelong passion,” a move made possible after building a strong and thriving team.
Following in the footsteps of his father, a Stock & Station Agent whose career spanned 45 years, Greg was inspired to enter the industry from a young age. Growing up in the Southern Tablelands of Goulburn, NSW, he entered the family business and began a career that saw him travel to several branches.
What started as a planned but brief stopover in Parkes more than 20 years ago soon became a permanent move. Greg was won over by the friendly community, where he met his wonderful wife, a local teacher’s aide who also grew up on the farm, both choosing to settle in Parkes to raise their three children.
“Our family enjoys the farm life,” Greg says, explaining that their shared dream rural lifestyle with motorbikes and horses is “just in all of us.”
As a fully qualified Real Estate and Stock & Station Agent, with a degree in Agricultural Science from Charles Sturt University, Greg’s deep knowledge and hands-on experience have been instrumental in leading the Parkes branch to success.
The gratitude of the Parkes team towards Greg is evident, with Cooper openly crediting Greg’s mentorship and guidance as crucial to his own growth.
As Cooper Byrnes asserted: “Without Greg, I’m sure I wouldn’t be anywhere near going into the Branch Manager position as I am today.”
Greg, in turn, is quick to praise his colleagues, saying the team is “terrific” and that they “work with you, not for you.”
Greg’s move is a proactive step to capitalise on a growing passion he has cultivated over his career. He has already utilised his skills to “significantly increase property sales over the last 18 months.” Now, he will be able to fully dedicate himself to pursuing new real estate opportunities.
For Greg, this new role is a “win-win” that allows Cooper to step up while Greg expands the brand’s presence and offers clients his in-depth property expertise.
Greg’s commitment to the team is unwavering, as he puts it, “I’ll be standing at the same office with him [Cooper] side by side… to back him up.”
Acknowledging the Wider Team
The success of the AWN Parkes branch is a collective effort, proudly supported by a passionate and dedicated team. Both Cooper and Greg agree that Clint and Sal are integral to the business.
Cooper calls Clint and Sal the “right and left-hand people,” who “pick up where I fall over and do a bloody great job of it.”
The team would be “lost without Sally,” who Greg calls their “backstop” and a “mother figure” to the younger members.
Greg also commends Clint, who has come along “in leaps and bounds,” for running online clearing sales as his “own baby” and doing a “terrific job.” This dedication has resulted in the branch being “noted as being one of the better ones in the area for performing those online sales.”
AWN Parkes: Your Local Experts
For almost 80 years, AWN Langlands Hanlon has played an extensive role in the vibrant history of Parkes.
As a 100% Australian-owned company, their commitment to the local community remains at the heart of everything they do.
Parkes’ young and energetic team is dedicated to delivering the highest quality assistance and advice.
They provide the region with a wide range of services, including livestock offerings such as weekly sheep and cattle sales, AuctionsPlus, over-the-hook, and private paddock trading, as well as expert guidance in rural real estate.
Contact the Parkes Team Today
Cooper Byrnes
Branch Manager
cbyrnes@awn.net
0427 417 480
Greg Miller
Rural Real Estate Representative
gmiller@awn.net
0448 433 317
Clint Hooper
Livestock Specialist
chooper@awn.net
0456 797 307
Sally Hoy
Livestock & Real Estate Administrator
parkes@awn.net
(02) 6862 2362
Parkes Office
Drop in and see us at 242 Clarinda Street, Parkes, or call us on (02) 6862 2362.
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