A word from Brent, our Managing Director and CEO

Written by Brent Reeman, Managing Director and CEO

A word from Brent, our Managing Director and CEO

2022 has taken off like a massive display of fireworks and despite the challenges of working around the latest Covid concerns, this is certainly not a time to switch off. Our team is incredibly busy providing much needed support across the state. Amazingly, since the start of the year, and by the 5th of March, we will have submitted more than 50 grant applications supporting Queensland councils in the current state and federal funding rounds. The team is working around the clock to meet the increased demand and I look forward to seeing the result of this hard work. Recently, I have received feedback from one of the organisations we work with stating,

“. . . it feels like the grants team are part of our team. They care so much and have been incredible in what they have achieved for our community”.

They really deserve a big pat on the back!  

But this goes out to all our team, they truly are the best. I am extremely lucky to lead such a remarkable, passionate, and dedicated group of people. This was recently acknowledged in a letter I received from Michael Kerr, Mayor Douglas Shire Council, following the appointment of CEO Rachel Brophy (nee Cooper)…

"the communication, assistance and advice that was delivered by Rona on behalf of Peak Services was exceptional, and at all times I felt extremely confident and comfortable with the process that was delivered.”

This sums it up well and to Rachel – congratulations on your appointment. Not only a magic part of Queensland but what a great council to take the reins at and Queensland benefits by keeping a fantastic CEO.   

I am pleased to announce that once again we are the Platinum Sponsor for the upcoming Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) annual assembly being held in Charleville 9-11 March 2022. The 2022 assembly will focus on the opportunities for Western Queensland ahead of the Federal Election, addressing regional priority issues of Housing, Digital Connectivity, Infrastructure Investment and Sustainability and provide a platform to hear from many of our Federal and State representatives, along with the opportunity to network and build relationships to promote and represent Western Queensland. I look forward to catching up with all the attendees “out west, where the stars are brightest” and supporting the agenda for this year’s assembly.   

Community is everything

From a Community Support perspective, we do have some good initiatives underway. The first Legends of League game for the year was held in Mackay and a couple of our team members went along to support this entertaining community event.  The next Legends of League game is happening in May in Biloela (my hometown) supporting the communities of Banana Shire and Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire. It is great to see these councils come together and get involved in these types of community initiatives. Not only are the social outcomes important, equally is the economic boost for the community. The game held last year in Blackwater provided hundreds of thousands in economic stimulus and that can only be a good thing.   

I am also excited to tell you we have announced the dates for this year’s Long Drive for Drought and the route has been planned. It is going to be a significant event this year and I can share that we are increasing the target to raise $100k for our Queensland farming communities through our charity partner, Drought Angels. This year, we will keep moving north kicking off in the Gladstone region and taking the opportunity to showcase our incredible outback, travelling as far west as the Min Min Lights at Boulia, before heading back via Winton to spend the final night in Longreach. Outback Queensland Tourism Association has once again promised their support along with many of our sponsors from last year – we are so very grateful for this because without our generous sponsors, the event couldn't go ahead. We will share more on this as it unfolds throughout the year.   

2022 is going to be a great year and the team and I are looking forward to sharing it with you.   

See you out there  

Brent