The Real Estate Institute of Queensland inducted two new Life Members at its Annual General Meeting today, Peter Brewer and Doug Disher, in what the Institute describes as the highest honour it can bestow on members.
Life Members are confirmed by the REIQ Board of Directors after nominations are sought, and welcomed formally at the Institute’s AGM.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the pair’s contribution extended well beyond their own businesses.
“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,” Antonia 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 began his real estate career in 1981 as an island salesperson with Ray White before returning to the mainland to join his parents’ family business in Manly, which he purchased with his then-partner in 1991. He went on to chair The Professionals Real Estate Group board for a decade, was elected to the REIQ Board in 2014 and served as REIQ Chairman from April 2018 until his retirement in October 2025.
Antonia said Peter had never been afraid to challenge the Institute’s thinking.
“While serving as our Chairman, he was never afraid to challenge conventional thinking, always pushing us to consider what was next for the profession,” she said.
“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.”
Peter said he had sought to reinforce one message throughout his time as Chairman.
“It’s YOUR REIQ, not THE REIQ,” Peter 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.”
Accepting his certificate at REIQ headquarters, Peter reflected on his parents, Don and Iris, who helped shape his approach to the business.
“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,” he said.
Doug Disher began his real estate career in 1985 and joined the REIQ in January 1990. He established Doug Disher Real Estate in Toowong in 1995, where the independent agency has now operated for more than 30 years, and was awarded REIQ Fellowship in 2015 after serving on the Institute’s Western Suburbs Branch and Chapter committees, judging its Auctioneer of the Year award and working as an REIQ mediator.
Antonia said Doug’s philosophy summed up his career.
“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,” she said.
Doug said he could not imagine running his business without the Institute’s support.
“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,” Doug said.
“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!”