Jake adds a modern approach to family business
As a young boy, Jake Jenkins always looked up to his dad Andrew, a name synonymous with the real estate industry in Cobram district for more than 35 years and it appeared completely natural that he would follow the same career path.
After completing his VCE at Goulburn Valley Grammar School and discussing his career options with his parents, Jake was encouraged by Carolyn and Andrew to attend university.
Jake was accepted at Deakin University to undertake a three-year Property and Real Estate degree.
“I always wanted to work with dad in the family business, yet understood I needed to get my degree first and obtain a few years industry experience working in Melbourne before returning home to work in the family business,” he said.
“After graduating, my first job was as a property valuer with WestLink Consulting, it really wasn’t much fun but I learnt a lot and was kept busy preparing property valuations for Monash Council.”
Qualified in commercial and residential sales and leasing and property management, the following three years saw Jake work with Cobram-born Jonathan West, a widely respected auctioneer within the Nelson Alexander group.
Then in December 2023, it became time to head home.
Jake readily admits to being a true county boy at heart, he loves the lifestyle, the outdoors, the river and country people.
After several valuable years in Melbourne Jake brings innovative ideas and sound experience to every aspect of the business of real estate, including his Victorian real estate full licence.
He is one of a new generation of salespeople in the industry who embrace a more modern approach, particularly with the introduction of the latest technology, broader access to social media and expertise in the use of drones for wide ranging photography, a huge asset when marketing farming and lifestyle properties.
“Being younger and having a strong understanding of technology helps make the processes easier,” said Jake.
“I am quite excited too about the new commercial development in the town, it should boost shopping and attract lots more people from around the local region.”
“Cobram has changed a lot with new estates and many new homes and it’s still continuing to grow,” Jake said.
“I absolutely love real estate, it’s about providing people with quality service on the sale of what is generally their biggest asset, their home! It’s also about finding the best outcome for both seller and buyer.”
Jake, 26, joins dad Andrew, business partner Amanda Ramsay and Brendan Mustica in the sales team at Andrew Jenkins Real Estate.
He brings to the sales role, fresh ideas and a new perspective, together with considerable knowledge of zoning laws, property values and experience as a skilled negotiator to ensure his sellers achieve the best possible price.
Jake is ready to make his presence felt in the real estate business in Cobram, Barooga, Tocumwal, Berrigan and Finley and all the areas in between and more than happy to discuss new ideas with anyone considering a move in the future.
However, returning to Cobram is not just about work, for Jake is stoked to be back playing footy in the Reserves at Cobram Tigers as a mid-fielder.
Playing alongside old mates and young men of a similar age and increasing his fitness levels week by week, he is relishing his return to life in the country.
Cobram Garden Club celebrates 30th birthday
Cobram and District Garden Club will celebrate its 30th birthday Thursday, May 16, amid the stunning backdrop of Cactus Country in Strathmerton.
Cactus Country is an amazing Mexican inspired tourist attraction developed over the years by the Hall family and tribute to their hard work and determination to take it to the next level.
This unique creation is believed to be Australia’s largest cactus garden.
Cobram Garden Club members are passionate about gardens, not only their own but those they have an opportunity to visit. They share ideas, learn about new variety’s of plants and just generally enjoy time with like minded people.
The club held its first meeting in 1994, with the following office bearers elected: President Rob Dulfer, Secretary Lorna Dulfer and Secretary Jill Crowe.
Others to attend the early meetings were: Lyn Smith, Andrew Smith, Gaye Henderson, Ron Ritchie, John Mentha, Phyllis Escott, Bev Inglis, Carmel Shields. Auditor Trevor Noonan, followed by John Hogarth.
Meetings were held on the first Tuesday in the month at night in the shire meeting room. The following year, this was altered to the third Tuesday in the month during the day.
Daytime meetings are held on the third Thursday in each month at Killara House.
Approximately 40 enthusiastic members became affiliated with The Garden Clubs of Australia in the Hume Zone.
In 1995, members were urged to help with entries for the Agricultural Flower Show and also kept busy judging the best gardens and submitting entries for the Flower Show.
At a later stage the Garden Club took over the Flower Show run in conjunction with the Agricultural Show and continue to do so today.
Over the years members have enthusiastically given their time and energy to making the township of Cobram more attractive, with blue and yellow gardens developed at the town approaches, a carefully tended garden bed near the walking path and Maternal Health Centre garden project.
Names of past and present members involved include-Ruth Ritchie, John and Daphne Cassidy, Mary Gemmill, Rose Goodwin, Rosemary Collie, Barb McGee, Sass Pullar and Brian Sharples.
The club donated money to Victorian Food Relief and in September 2009 sent plants to Steel Creek after the devastation of local bushfires.
It also held a Devonshire tea in Barooga at the home of Chris Baklis and John Goode raising a total of $508 towards palliative care at the hospital.
A number of cub members assisted in the establishment of the Community Garden, while Fred and Kath Gregory and Jan Howard have helped Community House to teach secondary college students about gardening, preparing food and the role of volunteers.
Long-term office bearers of more recent times include Mary Kennedy, (four terms as president), Kath and Fred Gregory, (secretary and treasurer) Jan Howard (president and vice president), Anne Walshe (secretary)
Membership over the years has been solid and it would appear that once you join Cobram and District Garden Club you are in for the long haul.
It’s undoubtedly therapeutic, you’re with friends who are happy to share their innovative ideas and out and about with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. What more could you ask for.
Happy birthday Cobram and District Garden Club members.
Footnote: Executive 2024: President Keeley Howard, secretary Glenda Kauta, treasurer Maree Brown.