At Herron Todd White, we love seeing our people step up, stretch themselves, and shine, and that’s exactly what Chelsea White, Assistant Valuer in our Agribusiness team, did recently at Kiparra Day.
Kiparra Day is all about big conversations on the future of the valuation industry, and this year’s panel, “The Valuer’s Journey – From Foundations to Future Readiness”, didn’t disappoint. It covered everything from managing risk to the rise of Climate Services, to how technology and AI will transform the way valuers work.
Among the impressive panellists were two of our own, Chelsea White and Hannah Stevens. It was a milestone moment for Chelsea: her first-ever panel appearance.
Chelsea was invited to join the panel through the Australian Property Institute (API). Back in her Bachelor of Property Economics days (2022–2024), she was awarded the Rural and Regional APREF Scholarship, a connection that has since opened doors and opportunities, like the one at Kiparra Day.
The API wanted a fresh perspective from someone at the beginning of their valuation journey, and Chelsea was the perfect fit. On stage, she spoke candidly about:
- The expectations versus reality of starting in the profession
- Her experience as an APREF Scholar
- The importance of being future-ready as a young valuer
Of course, stepping up to a microphone in front of a room full of seasoned professionals is no small thing. Chelsea admits she was initially nervous, but the experience was made easier by the warmth and support of her fellow panellists, especially HTW colleague, Hannah Stevens.
By the end of the session, the nerves had given way to pride. Chelsea walked away with positive feedback, new industry connections, and the satisfaction of having stretched outside her comfort zone.
Chelsea’s story began in Narromine, NSW, where her passion for rural communities sparked an interest in agribusiness. She started with HTW’s NSW Agribusiness team while studying, and today she’s on placement in Mildura.
Her role sees her diving into research, sales analysis, inspections, and report preparation, all while exploring the incredibly diverse property landscape of the region. From vineyards and orchards to sprawling stations, Chelsea is building a foundation of experience that will serve her well in the years ahead.
Asked what advice she’d give to those considering a career in valuation, Chelsea doesn’t hesitate…
“Be curious, ask questions, and grab every opportunity you can. The more you see, the more confident and capable you become.”
So, what did Chelsea take from her Kiparra Day debut? The valuation industry is changing fast, and embracing technology will be crucial. But some fundamentals will never change: great valuers will always be those who can communicate, build relationships, and commit to continuous learning.
We couldn’t be prouder of Chelsea for sharing her voice on such a critical stage, and we’re excited to see where her journey takes her next.