Statewide representation matters: REIQ appoints 2026-27 Zone Chairs

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is today announcing the appointment of 16 Zone Chairs who will lend their voice, expertise and local insight to represent Queensland’s major real estate markets for the 2026–27 term.

Zone Chairs play a vital role for the REIQ, representing the organisation at a local level and ensuring Queensland’s peak body maintains a strong connection with the state’s diverse and decentralised real estate markets.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella congratulated the incoming Zone Chairs, who commence their two-year appointments in January 2026.

“Queensland is home to an extraordinary breadth of real estate markets, each shaped by its own economic conditions, demographic trends and local challenges,” Ms Mercorella said.

“Our Zone Chairs ensure that the realities facing the real estate profession – right from Cairns to our capital city and through to Coolangatta - is heard at the highest level of the REIQ.

“They are our local ambassadors and trusted advisors, providing first-hand insights that help give context to our data, guide our advocacy, and support our members.

“As our ‘boots on the ground’ throughout the state, Zone Chairs engage with local media, support REIQ events, strengthen industry collaboration, and relay valuable feedback from their regions.

“We are delighted to welcome our incoming Zone Chairs for 2026–27, including six new representatives who bring rich experience, deep community connection and a demonstrated passion for advancing our profession.”

REIQ Zone Chairs 2026-27:

• Brisbane Northern Suburbs: Tristan Rowland (first term)
• Brisbane Southern Suburbs/Logan: Christie Smith
• Brisbane Eastern Suburbs: Julie Harris
• Brisbane Western Suburbs: Martin Hood (first term)
• Bundaberg: Kirralea Whittle
• Cairns: Tom Quaid
• Fraser Coast: Kim Carter
• Gladstone: Celina Solis
• Gold Coast: Robyn Wigmore (first term)
• Ipswich: Andrew Kenman
• Mackay: Allison Cunningham
• Moreton Bay (formerly called Redcliffe/Caboolture): James Chippendale (first term)
• Rockhampton: Noel Livingston
• Sunshine Coast: Mark McGill (first term)
• Toowoomba/Darling Downs: Jacob Carlile (first term)
• Townsville: Benjamin Kingsberry

Acknowledging our outgoing Zone Chairs:

Ms Mercorella said the REIQ extends its sincere thanks the following outgoing Zone Chairs for their dedication and valuable contributions during their respective tenures:

• Samantha Ellis (Brisbane Northern Suburbs)
• Peter May (Brisbane Western Suburbs)
• Andrew Henderson (Gold Coast) – spanning four terms (since 2018)
• Scott Lachmund (Moreton Bay)
• Matt Diesel (Sunshine Coast) – spanning three-plus terms (since 2019)
• Daniel Burrett (Toowoomba/Darling Downs): Late 2021 – late October 2024
• Katie Knight (Toowoomba/Darling Downs): Late October 2024 – December 2025

“Our outgoing Zone Chairs have laid important groundwork in building relationships, trust and communication between the REIQ, Zone members, and the broader community,” Ms Mercorella said.

“We sincerely thank you for the time, expertise and energy you have contributed for the benefit of the entire profession. Your efforts in uniting local industry, supporting member engagement, and informing the community on local market conditions have made a lasting impact.

“A special thank you also to our Zone Chairs who have served us proudly over multiple terms – Andrew Henderson on the Gold Coast, and Matt Diesel on the Sunshine Coast.”

Introducing our new Zone Chairs joining the 2026–27 cohort:

• Tristan Rowland (Brisbane Northern Suburbs) – A two-time REIQ Residential Salesperson of the Year (2024 & 2025) with 20 years’ experience, Tristan joins as an independent representative committed to being a conduit for feedback, innovation and engagement across the profession.
• Martin Hood (Brisbane Western Suburbs) – With 32 years of REIQ membership and nearly three decades as a principal, Martin brings deep industry experience and a long-standing commitment to professional excellence and leadership.
• Robyn Wigmore (Gold Coast) – Since training with the REIQ in 2007, Robyn has built a career grounded in integrity, service, and community engagement. With a passion to drive professional participation and connection in the region, she recently acted as the REIQ Gold Coast team leader for the Live Like Her Challenge.
• James Chippendale (Moreton Bay) – With real estate being a family affair, now for three generations in the Chippendale family, James brings extensive experience, strong local networks and community connections and is proud to represent one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.
• Mark McGill (Sunshine Coast) – A two-time REIQ Salesperson of the Year (2014 & 2016), multiple-time finalist, former Sales Chapter Committee member and REIQ mentor program participant, Mark brings extensive leadership experience as an independent operator, with a drive to lift professional standards and local engagement opportunities with the REIQ.
• Jacob Carlile (Toowoomba/Darling Downs) – A passionate advocate for elevating professionalism in his region, Jacob follows in the footsteps of his father, Leon Carlile (Zone Chair until 2013). He was awarded REIQ Rising Star Property Manager of the Year in 2019, and is committed to strengthening the local industry’s professional development and pride.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Claire Ryan, REIQ Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager, M: 0417 623 723 E: media@reiq.com.au

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