Rural milestones

The transition of ownership from Margaret Black AM to her daughter Diane Brennan and son-in-law Morgan Brennan is a story woven with threads of dedication, family bonds and a deep-rooted connection to Atherton's community.

From humble beginnings with a small team, Margaret's leadership and structured approach saw the business flourish, expanding to employ eight dedicated individuals.

Beyond her business success, Margaret's heart lies in community service. Her three decades of voluntary work, including advocacy for children's education, culminated in her becoming a member of the Order of Australia - a testament to her unwavering dedication beyond the realm of real estate.

“I am passionate about kids getting a good education, and I have employed several year 12 students to give them some work experience,” she said.

Diane's journey into the family business began in 2008. Previously in the culinary field abroad, Diane found herself drawn into the world of real estate, navigating the complexities of property management and administration. Juggling these roles alongside raising four young children, Diane's resilience and capability shone through.

Morgan Brennan, Diane's husband, brought his own dynamic to the team in 2016, excelling as a sales agent known for his commitment and community involvement. His efforts extended beyond transactions, often assisting with local events and even cattle movements - embodying the spirit of holistic service that defined their approach.

As Margaret transitions into retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of integrity and growth. The reins of the business now firmly in Diane and Morgan's hands, they embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm and respect for the traditions Margaret instilled.

In the heart of Queensland’s Darling Downs, amid acres of rural farming land and tight-knit communities, James and Sally Croft have etched out a remarkable story of growth and country spirit.

Celebrating their 10-year anniversary as business owners with Ray White Rural, the Crofts have expanded their footprint with the opening of Ray White Rural Dalby, joining their successful existing offices, Ray White Rural Pittsworth and Warwick.

James Croft’s career spans 27 years; 17 in livestock agency and stud stock auctioneering, where he honed his expertise in rural industries before moving into rural real estate. Sally, with 25 years experience in banking, joined the team in 2015 to create a true family business.

“When we moved into real estate, we were driven by a shared vision to provide exceptional service grounded in honesty and integrity,” James said.

“We took the leap of faith when we acquired Ray White Rural Pittsworth in 2014 and over the years strategically expanded, opening Ray White Rural Warwick in 2019 with just one team member, gradually growing to a team of 22 in total.”

James and Sally are graziers themselves, giving an added layer of depth and insight when dealing with clients.

“Ray White is a family business and that is how we see our own business as well. We understand the juggles of family life and really want to provide our team with a happy, safe place to work,” Sally said.

For the Crofts, each office opening and their anniversary milestone is not just a marker of business success, but a testament to their dedication in serving southern Queensland’s rural communities.

Tracie Robertson has built a legacy of resilience, growth, and mentorship. As she celebrates a quarter century with Ray White, her journey from a pioneering young woman in a male-dominated industry to a respected leader and mentor reflects not just her personal achievements, but also the evolving dynamics of rural real estate.

Tracie has been part of the Ray White Rural business since 1999 and has grown the business to now have four agencies encompassing Ray White Central West Group, over 30 staff and almost 1,000 properties under management.

Tracie Robertson’s foray into real estate began with humble beginnings.

“When I started, there were essentially no women in real estate sales in our area,” Tracie recalled.

Studying real estate at TAFE by night, she was given an opportunity to help at the local Ray White agency in Parkes. “I filled in when a salesman went overseas, and I ended up selling 16 houses in my first month. It was a whirlwind start,” she said.

In 2006, Tracie took a bold step by purchasing Ray White Parkes. The road ahead was fraught with challenges.

“After the GFC hit, I was juggling seven credit cards to pay my staff’s wages. I was very close to selling our family home and moving into a flat above our office,” she said.

But Tracie's grit and determination paid off. She expanded the business by venturing into rural markets and embracing a broader scope beyond residential sales in Parkes.

Her career highlights are many, but having her children work alongside her remains particularly special.

“Seeing my son and daughter working here together was a highlight. They learned from the ground up and certainly got no special treatment. It was a joy to watch them grow within a team, on their own accord,” she said.

The Central West region will always be home for Tracie, an area which is fueled by agricultural industries and mining.

“People in the country value friendship and integrity above all else. Our behaviour when listing and selling property is so important; we don’t just hand over the keys and never see these people again. Our clients,

their family and friends are all integrated in our community, and ‘paying it forward” is the motto of regional Australia,” she said.