REIQ honours two new lifers

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is proudly inducting two new Life Members at its Annual General Meeting today – Peter Brewer and Doug Disher - deserving recipients of the highest honour the REIQ can bestow on members.

Former REIQ Chairman Peter Brewer, who spent more than a decade helping lead and shape the Institute, and long-standing REIQ Fellow and respected Brisbane real estate professional Doug Disher, have each been recognised for long outstanding and meritorious service.

After nominations are sought and consideration is given by the REIQ Board of Directors, Life Members are confirmed and welcomed at the REIQ’s Annual General Meeting.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said she was proud to formally honour and recognise the contribution the new ‘lifers’ have made, and continue to make, to Queensland real estate.

“With more than 80 years in real estate between them, Peter and Doug have each made an extraordinary contribution to our profession and to the REIQ over many decades, and their induction as Life Members is fitting recognition of that service,” Ms Mercorella said.

“Both have generously given their time, energy, knowledge and experience well beyond the bounds of their own businesses, and our profession is richer for their lifelong efforts.”

Peter Brewer: ‘It’s YOUR REIQ, not THE REIQ’

Ms Mercorella praised Mr Brewer’s dedication, conviction and vision, noting his contribution to the REIQ had been immense.

“Peter has given an extraordinary amount of himself to the REIQ and the real estate profession, and throughout that time his passion for the people we represent has been unmistakable,” she said.

“While serving as our Chairman, he was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking, always pushing us to consider what was next for the profession.

“But for Peter, it always came back to the members. He genuinely never lost sight of the people at the heart of our profession and the Institute, and that member-first mindset is an important part of his leadership legacy.”

Reflecting on his time as Chairman, Mr Brewer said there was one message he had sought to reinforce at every opportunity.

“It’s YOUR REIQ, not THE REIQ,” Mr Brewer said.

“Whether you’re a real estate agent in Cairns, a property manager in Biloela, a commercial agent on the Gold Coast or an office administrator in Brisbane, I wanted you to feel that this organisation belonged to you.

“That you had a voice. That somebody was listening. And that somebody was fighting to make our profession better for you, every single day.”

Accepting his Life Membership certificate at REIQ HQ, Mr Brewer said the recognition was particularly meaningful given the REIQ had been part of his life for almost four decades.

“I’m enormously grateful for this honour. The REIQ has been part of my life for almost four decades, and to be recognised by an organisation I’ve respected and loved for so long is something very special,” he said.

“Real estate has been part of my family’s story for generations. My parents, Don and Iris, who I wish were here to share this moment, helped shape my values long before I ever sold my first house.

“They taught me that success isn’t measured by the number of properties you sell or the titles you collect. It’s measured by the difference you make in people’s lives.

“If my contribution has encouraged a few people, helped make our profession a little stronger and reminded others that leadership is about service rather than status, then I’ll be a very happy bloke.”

Doug Disher: proud to do ‘property properly’

Ms Mercorella said Doug Disher had demonstrated an enduring commitment to professionalism and service throughout more than four decades in real estate.

“Doug has been part of the REIQ family since 1990, and over that time he has given back generously to the Institute, his fellow practitioners and his community,” she said.

“Whether serving through our Western Suburbs Branch and Chapter committees, judging the REIQ Auctioneer of the Year Award or lending his experience as an REIQ mediator, Doug has consistently been willing to step forward and contribute.

“His philosophy of ‘property properly’ sums up his career beautifully: a steadfast belief in conducting real estate professionally, ethically and with respect for everyone involved.”

Mr Disher said receiving Life Membership after more than 36 years as an REIQ member was a tremendous honour.

“I’ve always believed the Institute brings our profession together and makes it stronger, championing ethics, honesty and the public’s trust, so to receive this recognition from an organisation I value so highly means a great deal to me,” Mr Disher said.

“I can’t imagine running a real estate business without the support and leadership of the REIQ. Throughout my membership, the Institute has been a strong voice for our profession, working with governments and helping us navigate the many challenges we’ve faced.

“I think this award is as much a tribute to the REIQ as it is to me – after all, they’ve kept me happily paying my membership fees since 1990!”

ENDS

Media enquiries:

Claire Ryan, Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager, The Real Estate Institute of Queensland

M: 0417 623 723 E: media@reiq.com.au

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