Sixty Years Of Strong Values & Community Heart

Nutrien Harcourts McCathies, Ayr

Six decades of rich foundational history, strong values, and success will see Nutrien Harcourts McCathies in Ayr celebrate a momentous, 60th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1965 by Jack and Milly McCathie, Nutrien Harcourts McCathies, formally McCathies Real Estate, has seen waves of change, innovation and modernisation, yet continues to operate with the same values set by the pair all those years ago. Jack and Milly were a busy entrepreneurial couple, establishing businesses across the district specialising in transportation, retail, and of course, real estate.

As the years progressed, the business moved premisses from 132 Queen Street to 131 Queen Street to where it stands today at 262 Queen Street in Ayr and was passed exclusively through the McCathie family for 49 years before Paula and John Mottin joined as partners in 2014. Jack and Milly’s daughter, Janice and her husband Garry, alongside her brother John and his wife Lyndy, operated the family business for many years, adapting to the ever-changing real estate market and landscape.

In 2014, McCathies Real Estate joined the Landmark franchise, inviting John and Paula into the business and renaming the establishment to what it’s known as today, Nutrien Harcourts McCathies.

Seeing the business evolve from the days of hand printed for sale signs, to what it has now become, Lyndy stayed as partners alongside John and Paula for many years up until Lyndy officially retired at the end of 2021.

“I think the best memories are all the people that we connected with during the time, whether they be salespeople or owners’ tenants,” Lyndy reminisced.

In recent years, Paula and John have helped grow the business exponentially, welcoming in the sale of rural properties, and building upon the business’s history with past clients – an aspect of the job Paula loves the most.

“The best thing about real estate in a small town is you actually get a history of people and property, and especially over 60 years, you get to know the whole generations, it’s lovely,” shared Paula.

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Rural Specialist, Auctioneer, and Clearing Sale Specialist John Mottin was born and raised in the Burdekin Shire, where he has spent his life deeply involved in the cane farming industry. Known for his strong work ethic, John prides himself on his honesty, transparency, and unwavering commitment to providing reliable, professional service. His dedication to his clients sets him apart in the competitive real estate market.

Originally from Mackay, Paula Mottin has called the Burdekin home since 1998, developing a deep connection with the town and its people. As a passionate real estate professional and co-owner of Nutrien Harcourts McCathies, Paula believes real estate is about more than just property - it’s about people. She is committed to delivering exceptional personal and professional service, grounded in honesty, open communication, and a genuine desire to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients.

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