Forty real estate professionals elevated to REIQ Fellowship
By
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella
Forty Queensland real estate professionals have been appointed as Fellows of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), receiving one of the highest honours the peak body bestows on its members.
Awarded by the REIQ Board, the Fellowship title is reserved for practising members who have completed a minimum of 15 years’ membership and demonstrated exceptional commitment to the real estate profession, professional conduct, and the values upheld by the Institute. Fellows are entitled to use the post-nominal FREIQ and receive a formal certificate commemorating the achievement.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the honour recognises professionals whose careers have endured well beyond longevity alone.
“Fifteen years is a significant milestone in any real estate career,” Ms Mercorella said. “Over that time, these professionals will have navigated changing market conditions, economic cycles, legislative reform and extraordinary events that have shaped our industry.
“It is that breadth of experience that helps shape seasoned professionals, but it’s their enduring commitment to professional excellence, continuous learning and the highest standards of conduct that defines their character.”
This year’s cohort spans all corners of Queensland, from metropolitan Brisbane to regional centres and coastal communities. The 40 appointees represent zones including Greater Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns — reflecting the geographic diversity of Queensland’s real estate profession.
Ms Mercorella said the common thread running through each appointment was a commitment to lifting industry standards.
“Fellows exemplify the values our profession strives for. They have demonstrated not only longevity, but loyalty to their professional peak body, dedication to ongoing improvement, and a genuine commitment to serving their clients, communities and the broader industry.
“This year’s Fellows come from all corners of Queensland, representing metropolitan, regional and coastal communities alike. While their individual careers and achievements may differ, they share a common commitment to lifting standards and strengthening the profession.”
The REIQ also flagged the broader significance of the Fellowship program beyond individual recognition, noting that experienced practitioners play a critical role in shaping the next generation of real estate professionals.
“Fellowship not only recognises past achievement, it also acknowledges the important role experienced professionals play in shaping the future of our industry,” Ms Mercorella said. “We hope this recognition inspires the next generation of practitioners to pursue excellence throughout their own careers and continue advancing our profession.”
Ms Mercorella described the post-nominal as a meaningful public signal of standing within the profession.
“Being recognised as an REIQ Fellow is a mark of distinction and reflects the trust, respect and standing these members have earned over many years of service. We are proud to welcome them into the Fellowship ranks and thank them for their continued contribution to Queensland’s real estate profession.”
The full list of FY25–26 Fellows spans Greater Brisbane’s northern, southern, eastern and western suburbs, as well as Ipswich and the Moreton Bay–Redcliffe/Caboolture area. Appointees from the Greater Brisbane zones include Dean Yesberg, Theresa Fitzgerald, Alice Hagen, Peter Crowther, Wendy Thomas, Scott Anderson, Travis Gill, Janet Bennett, Hans Lesquillier, Patricia Holliday, Jack Dixon, Karen Bagenal, Gweneth Toholka and Sean McCreanor.
On the Gold Coast — the largest single zone represented in this year’s cohort — 13 professionals received the honour: Ailsa Gould, Dane Atherton, Robert Schinasi, Michael Mahon, Kellie Cross, Wayne Singleton, Garth Weatherall, Philip Game, Michele Linington, Lenny McLennan, Mofid Bebawy, Peter Gibson and Amy Stamp.
The Sunshine Coast zone contributed five Fellows: Billie LeKich, Mike Hay, Gary De Paoli, Mal Cayley and Valerie Guilfoyle. The Toowoomba zone was represented by John Bleakley and Peter Lane.
Regional Queensland was also well represented, with Deardrie Keleher appointed from the Gladstone zone, Jason Campbell from Rockhampton, Todd Pearce, Kym Patterson and Shelly Lynham from Townsville, and Steve Cordenos from Cairns.