A lifetime of loyalty: Vale Tom Nugent

It is with great sadness that the Real Estate Institute of Queensland acknowledges the passing of Tom Nugent, an REIQ Life Member and past President of both the REIQ and the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA). Tom passed away peacefully on 28 October 2026, aged 94.

Tom was a well-known figure in Queensland property, an REIQ member for almost 53 years and a Life Member for 30. He was known for his honesty, loyalty and integrity. Few people have given more to the Institute or felt more strongly about it.

In his early career Tom was known as “Mr Industrial”. He started LJ Hooker as director, then started his own agency, TB Nugent Real Estate, in the early 1980s. Soon afterwards he acquired Richardson & Wrench Queensland as franchisor.

Leading the Institute through change

Tom joined the REIQ on 20 November 1973 and was President from 1983 to 1985, at a time of rapid change in the profession.

He believed that keeping up with technology was vital for the industry. While he was President, the Institute set up Multinet, which gave agents across Queensland access to the Institute’s data, and formed a Computerisation Committee. In his 1985 report, he said: “Moving the industry in pace with technology is vital.”

Under Tom’s leadership, the REIQ kept up its campaign to change commission scales and hired Price Waterhouse to help prepare a submission to the Minister for Justice. He also saw that the Institute had outgrown its Brunswick Street premises and set up a Building Committee to find a new home. By the time he handed over the reins just in 1985, membership had reached 3,417.

Tom also helped shape the Institute’s leadership for years to come. In 1986 he chaired the board panel that appointed Don McKenzie who went on to lead the REIQ for 20 years as CEO and later as Managing Director. The two became good friends and enjoyed each other’s company as they travelled through Australia and overseas. In his final column in 2006, Don wrote: “Thank you, Tom, for having faith in me.” and noted his major influence on the Institute, his encouragement and counsel.

A national leader

Tom was President of the REIA from 1990 to 1992. He is one of only five Queenslanders to have held the position of national president, alongside James “Nim” Love, R. S. ‘Bob’ Melloy, Lloyd Olsen and Michael Davoren.

In recognition of his service, Tom was made an REIQ Life Member on 3 April 1996. He maintained a keen interest in Institute Affairs, and when he retired in 2006, the Institute thanked him for his “outstanding contributions to the Institute, the real estate industry generally and for his ongoing community support.”

Faith, family and Nudgee

Outside real estate, Tom was devoted to his Catholic faith and his family. He was a proud Nudgee College Old Boy and kept close ties with the College.

He was married to his late wife Patti for 70 years. He was a loving father to Mark, Maree, Anthony, Paul and Clare, and “Fafa” to his 13 grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

At his funeral, his family remembered him as “a man of honesty, loyalty, integrity and generosity, a man who loved and was devoted to his family.” They also spoke of his compassion, gentleness, kindness and sense of humour.

Farewelled with his REIQ pin and tie

Tom’s funeral Mass was held on Monday 9 November 2026 at Nudgee College Chapel.

REIQ Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO Kat Beavon and Customer Service Manager Ruth Isaac attended on behalf of the Institute. REIQ Life Members Ray Milton and Jon McVinnie also attended to pay their respects.

As a fitting tribute to what the Institute meant to him, Tom was farewelled with his REIQ pin and tie draped over his coffin.

On behalf of the REIQ and its members, we offer our deepest condolences to Tom’s family and friends. His contribution to the Institute and to Queensland real estate will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.