Three experienced local real estate experts have taken the reins of the Ray White office in the historic city of Ararat in south-west Victoria.
Adam Walker, Fiona McDonald and Ashleigh Marx are familiar faces to the community, having serviced the residential and commercial real estate industry in Ararat and across Victoria for a combined 30 years.
Ashleigh Marx has a special family tie to the business, with her great grandfather Eric Spalding starting the agency 99 years ago in 1922, originally known as Best & Spalding, Stock, Station & Commission Agents. 
Charlie Best and Eric Spalding opened the business in 1922
“This business was originally started by my great grandfather, and handed onto my grandfather; so it is very special to be back here continuing my family legacy,” Ms Marx said.
The first sale on the books for Eric Spalding and co-founder Charles F Best was for ‘six porkers’ in August 1922.
Ms Marx’s Grandfather Kingsley Spalding then joined his father in the business, with two further name changes over the years to Spalding & Plant, and then Spalding McCutcheon Pty Ltd. 
Ashleigh Marx’s Grandfather, Kingsley Spalding in 1957
The new trio are thrilled to now be heading up the existing team of nine across property management and sales in the region.
“We are thrilled to be heading up Ray White Ararat, with the three of us now working together in a real team effort to build our business into the best it can be,” Mr Walker said.
“The corporate support and training from Ray White Victoria has always been phenomenal, and the brand of Ray White has always been a drawcard in attracting excellent clients and staff,” he said.
Fiona McDonald has extensive experience in the retail and commercial leasing space, as well as in property management.
“We are excited to bring a full spectrum of skills from our leadership team, and look forward to bringing this broad coverage to our entire team,” she said.
Ms McDonald said that the team would cover all suburbs of Ararat, as well as the surrounding towns, where the medium house price is around $265,000.
“We are two hours from Melbourne and enjoy a great rural lifestyle out here, with strong industry and farming as well,” she said.
Mr Walker said there has been an increase in demand for property in Ararat since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Lifestyle properties are being sought after by those in metropolitan areas, wanting to escape to a regional lifestyle,” he said.
The team will endeavour to become the go-to real estate agency in the area, for all sales and property management requirements.
“We have a lot of potential to further expand our reach into places like Stawell, as well as perfecting our offering in Ararat,” Ms Marx said.
Ray White Victoria | Tasmania CEO Stephen Dullens was thrilled to welcome the trio into the next step of business ownership.
“I am excited that Adam, Fiona and Ashleigh have taken over the leadership in such an important regional location for our group,” Mr Dullens said.
“I have no doubt they will continue the success of Ray White in Ararat and will represent their clients and our brand with the utmost grace and efficiency,”
“It is a particularly special tie for Ashleigh, whose family originally started this landmark agency in town,” Mr Dullens said.
Media Contacts:
Nina Clarke
Ray White Media
nclarke@raywhite.com
0448 841 606
Ray White Ararat:
Adam Walker
adam_walker@raywhite.com
0417 105 012
Fiona McDonald
Fiona_mcdonald@raywhite.com
0419 118 282
Ashleigh Marx
ashleigh.marx@raywhite.com
0410 276 624 | 
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