Paton Fitzsimons and Andrew Turner are Ray White Livestock Blackall. “It’s quite simple – we own and operate a tremendous livestock agency in the greatest town in Australia,” Mr Fitzsimons said. The Ray White name is synonymous with rural property nation-wide and now the livestock wing is fast becoming the talk of the livestock industry.

The system is unbeatable, offering “national recognition coupled with private ownership.” Ray White Rural Blackall was first established 10 years ago, with the livestock side of the business being purchased by Mr Fitzsimons and Mr Turner.

Paton was born and raised in Bathurst, NSW and 14 years ago he started work with Dalgetys in Coonamble. He has called Queensland home for 8 years and dropped anchor in Blackall seven years ago. Business partner Andrew Turner is a newcomer to the industry, spending the previous 18 years working and managing beef cattle properties in Wandoan.

“Both Andrew and myself are extremely fortunate to have such a strong and loyal client base throughout Western Queensland. Big hours, big kilometres and unrivalled market knowledge is the backbone of our expanding business.” The business also employs a part time administration officer, Helen Aspinall who recently purchased the Ray White Real Estate franchise in Blackall. Trainee Brooke De Hennin is on deck two days a week.

“It is great to assist the youth of a small community such as Blackall with training and employment,” both agreed. “Brooke has a passion for the livestock industry and is becoming as performance driven as the proprietors of the business.”

Ray White Livestock Blackall offers a real point of difference, according to Mr Fitzsimons. “We are the only private agency selling on a weekly basis in the powerhouse Blackall saleyards.”

Blackall has developed a reputation as the strongest market for store cattle in Queensland, with the fat market consistently among the best in the state. However Auctionsplus, direct to works and feedlot services are all marketing options that the business uses on a regular basis. When consigning cattle through the Blackall saleyards Paton and Andrew personally control the whole process, from marketing to drafting and auctioneering.

“We’re two local Blackall blokes who are here for the long haul. The big hours we put in are rewarding to us and our clients, however our wives and partners still provide the reality check when required.”

Andrew Turner

Director