Mat Steinwede and Jaimie Woodcock celebrate a milestone as McGrath’s 1st franchisees - extending their reach to Newcastle and Lower Hunter

10th June 2025 - McGrath Estate Agents today announced that long-standing Principals Mat Steinwede and Jaimie Woodcock, who joined as the company’s first franchise partners in 2005 starting McGrath Terrigal, would open their 10th office, McGrath Newcastle; also marking the McGrath network’s 150th office across the East Coast.

John McGrath, CEO of McGrath said, “It’s an amazing full circle to have Mat and Jaimie, having been our first ever franchisee, now also being our 150th. Mat and Jaimie are amongst the greatest real estate principals I’ve seen in my 40 year career and both have become dear friends over many years. And now with their incredible success on the Central Coast they’re perfectly positioned to take their success formula to the booming Newcastle and Lower Hunter areas.”

Jaimie Woodcock, Managing Principal of McGrath Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and Newcastle largely attributes group’s success to their strong connection with McGrath himself.

“We were drawn to John’s professional beliefs in what the industry should be about. His professionalism and focus on making customers for life very much resonated with Mat and myself. When you get that alignment and have the desire to build a great business, that definitely propelled us to greater heights. Equally Mat and I are very much in sync in all our decisions – we talk at least three times a day.

“John has been a huge inspiration not only with his time, but the legacy he has created is extraordinary. McGrath is an organization of like-minded people. They have a commitment to be the best and genuinely put their clients first. John is unwavering in that focus, and the support given to us is like no other.

“Critical to our expansion has been acknowledgement and belief in the McGrath network’s expansion plans which we have regarded as exciting and has no doubt encouraged our success. It’s always a better environment to be part of a growth journey that is carefully mapped out. There is a real synergy with Mat and I, with the company always encouraging us to reach our full potential.

Mat Steinwede adds, “John McGrath no doubt changed my life. McGrath has been a strategic partner for us, attracting owners that are serious about selling. It has enabled us to have a Sydney-centric approach with its broad database and network. That strong link to the Sydney has given us an invaluable reach that is unparalleled, and now with the new partnership with Knight Frank and Bayleys, we are globally connected and our vendors are very much aware of that.”

Chris Mourd, Head of Franchise for McGrath, said “It is fitting that we acknowledge and celebrate their success. Jaimie and Mat are not only exceptional agents but as business owners, they have strategically expanded their operation and their footprint from one small office to cover a large regional area of the Central Coast and beyond to the Hunter Valley, assembling a cohesive group of people who are an integral part of their team.

Newcastle expansion:

Jaimie and Mat are both excited by the Newcastle market.

Jaimie says, “The office is in a prime location, where we can build a world-class facility in a fast-growing metropolis. There is extraordinary potential with the gentrification of the Newcastle CBD and the infrastructure improvements that will enhance connectivity, liveability and economic opportunity for the region.”

He points to the revitalisation of the waterfront and the development of the Honeysuckle precinct, that are transforming the area with cafes, restaurants, hotels, boardwalks and a marina. Also key is the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, due for completion at the end of 2025.

“There is such a diversity of property that offers a lifestyle and affordability. That in itself is a huge attraction, offering exceptionally good value for families, first home buyers and the investor market. The lifestyle aspects in Newcastle are compelling, and in many ways undiscovered with world-class beaches such as Merewether, Bar Beach and Nobby’s Beach within minutes from Newcastle CBD,” Jaimie concludes.

Sales for the Group hit an impressive $1.5 billion in the last 12 months, encompassing residential sales, project sales and a property management rent-roll of 2,000 PUM.

Chief Operating Officer Gillian Frost, has been with Mat and Jaimie for 23 years, and oversees 150 staff, including a sales team of 65.

Their offices are: McGrath Ettalong, Gosford, Avoca, Terrigal, Long Jetty, Toukley, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland and Newcastle.

Examples of recent key sales are:

$8,500,000 115/156A Terrigal Drive, Terrigal

$5,000,000 83 Wagstaffe Avenue, Wagstaffe

$9,600,000 13 Ficus Avenue, Avoca Beach

$5,900,000 37 Vicary Road, Terrigal

$4,850,0009 Boyd Close, St Huberts Island

$6,000,000360 Booker Bay Road, Booker Bay

$3,185,000152 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach

$3,900,000 2/150 Booker Bay Road, Booker Bay