Community & Business
6 March, 2026
Hayden steps up at MH Thomas and Gilgandra Real Estate
New leadership at MH Thomas and Gilgandra Real Estate as Hayden Whiteman steps up and trainee Sadie Inder welcomed to the business
A new chapter has begun for one of Gilgandra’s established real estate agencies. Hayden Whiteman has officially stepped into the role of ‘Licensee in Charge’ at MH Thomas and Gilgandra Real Estate, following a strategic promotion aimed at future-proofing the local business. With the transition Hayden accepted an opportunity to take a share in the business and oversee its daily operations.
Hayden joined the business in 2018 as a trainee assistant agent. His promotion, which took effect in January, follows significant professional milestones, including completing his real estate diploma in October 2025 and finalising his Stock and Station Agent licence in January 2026.
Hayden is also using his new platform to advocate for local housing solutions. The agency has contacted the Housing Minister and local Members of Parliament regarding 11 unoccupied social housing properties in Gilgandra that remain boarded up despite a long waiting list.
“With 11 houses in a small place like this, it’s just madness,” Hayden said, arguing that social housing should be better managed to help relieve pressure on the private rental market.
Hayden reassured the community that the core team remains in place, with long-time staff members Cheryl Batten and Allison Thomas continuing with the agency, ensuring all existing services remain available to clients. The office has also welcomed a new team member, trainee assistant agent Sadie Inder, originally from Dunedoo.
“We had a good number of applicants for the trainee position,” Hayden said, noting the strong interest in working in the local industry. “Sadie has been with us for two weeks and has already hit the ground running, despite learning a new system and commencing her real estate course.”
Stepping into the licensee role, Hayden faces a historically tight property market. He described the current rental situation as the most challenging the agency has seen in years.
Usually, January attracts an influx of vacancies, but this year was different; properties filled the moment they became vacant. Hayden stated that the sales market is equally aggressive. Some properties are being sold within 24 hours of being listed.
Hayden also remarked that Gilgandra is experiencing growth with the Gilgandra Shire Council’s development of the Aero Park Estate. "There are boots on the ground now [referring to the beginnings of a house development in Hercules Place]...people can finally see what it's going to look like."
Based on what the agency has seen over the past few months, the team is looking forward to a positive and busy 2026, with continued momentum across both sales and property management.
