Woodards South Yarra

Born in Singapore to Australian parents, Philippe returned to South Yarra in 1954 and has spent much of his life living in or around this area. His love of South Yarra has seen him build up an incredible knowledge of its local history over the years. Philippe spent three years living in London in his early 20s and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East, North America, Asia and North Africa. On returning to Melbourne age 23, a family friend recommended he try real estate as a career path. Philippe started Philippe Batters Real Estate in South Yarra in 1984 and has built his reputation as one of the best-known auctioneers in Australia. His previous experience was in advertising, which was extremely beneficial to his training for real estate marketing and has helped him win numerous industry-advertising awards. His specialization is in residential real estate, investment real estate and sales of blocks of flats. In 2004, Philippe Batters Real Estate merged with Williams & Co to form Williams Batters Pty Ltd. The successful merger saw Philippe take on the role of a director and has enabled him to focus entirely on his passion as an auctioneer and a sales agent. In recent times he has sold some of the largest properties in Toorak and South Yarra including multiple off market sales ranging from $2 million to $13 million. Philippe has 44 years in real estate and is a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV). He is also a past president and life member of the Mercantile Rowing Club and a keen fly fisherman in Tasmania.

Bill Cook started his real estate career in 1969 and is the Managing Director and senior partner of Williams Batters, continuing the tradition of the Williams family ownership of the firm since 1920. During his tenure the company has continued to ensure strong growth while maintaining its reputation for excellent service to its clients based on integrity and professionalism. Bill has been a Stonnington resident for over 50 years and during that period of time has developed an extensive network of contacts primarily in the residential development and project industries that appreciate his no nonsense and humble approach. Bill has vast experience in all areas of real estate, he is a fully licensed Estate Agent and REIV accredited Auctioneer. He is an associate of The Real Institute of Australia and a past president of both the Southern branch of the REIV and the South Yarra Chamber of Commerce. Bill is a former Chairman of the Property Profile Group which is the largest Collection of Melbourne's most successful independent real estate businesses.