Meet Our Team

With over 80 years of combined industry experience, our dedicated team is passionate about delivering outstanding real estate services tailored to the Toowoomba community.

Simone Files

Co-Founder and Principal

Simone’s philosophy is that real estate is not about renting, selling or buying, but about helping people move, and moving is something Simone knows well.

The majority of people cringe at the thought of moving, but Simone truly loves it, buying her first house at the age of 21. Simone has owned investment properties in Toowoomba and also has rented on several occasions while building. This means she has experienced all sides of real estate having been a landlord, tenant, buyer and seller.

Simone has over 18 years experience in real estate sales and property management in Toowoomba and is a licenced Real Estate Agent. She has worked closely with Rebecca for most of her 18 years in real estate and together over their mutual love of coffee, the concept of Blackbird and Finch was born in 2016 and the concept was brought to life in 2017.

In her previous life, Simone spent ten years working in the IT industry in Brisbane. During that time she upheld various roles including Quality Officer, Production Manager, Project Manager and Consultant. She worked in private enterprise consulting to one of Australia’s largest law firms, the Queensland Government, and also lectured at Griffith University.

Simone prides herself on providing honest advice and professional service to achieve the desired result for her clients and is a licenced real estate agent.

Simone has 2 adult sons and a 9 year old daughter.

Rebecca Fogarty

Co-Founder and Director

One of the profession’s most outstanding performers, Rebecca has dedicated over 20 years to the property management industry. She has earned a reputation for out-of-the-box thinking and pure determination.

Rebecca’s expertise, reputation and systemised approach has captured intense customer loyalty over the years. Her wealth of industry knowledge, passion and experience is a key reason why she has managed a quality portfolio of properties here in Toowoomba.

Property management is people management – the house is easiest to manage!

Communication is the most effective form of management however managing tenancies can be difficult. Rebecca is willing to solve those delicate issues that can cause the most conflict during a tenancy, often being able to mediate and negotiate a successful outcome for all parties involved.

Trust in a property manager is key to the relationship; Rebecca offers transparent management with an individualised management plan catered to your needs.

Rebecca is a licensed Real Estate Agent, a member of the REIQ, a committee member for the REIQ Property Management Chapter, assists with Property Management Support Services for the REIQ and is also the REIQ trainer for the Toowoomba region.

Rebecca also owns residential investment properties, is married and has an adult son.

Peter Harvey

Licensed Real Estate Agent

Peter has lived most of his life in Toowoomba (44 years out of 53!), and married Toowoomba born Louise. With Louise, he’s raised two daughters to adulthood, and his main goal in real estate has always been to make his family proud of how he conducts business.

Peter was trained under the highly regarded Pittard real estate training system, which focuses on ethical conduct and client focused results. His many testimonials and repeat business attest to his skill and focus.

He has a love of the beautiful city of Toowoomba and plenty of knowledge on the city and surrounding areas. Peter has over 19 years of real estate selling experience and is a fully licenced agent.

Tracey Warby

Inspections agent

With over two decades of experience in property management, Tracey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Blackbird and Finch team. Having originally worked alongside our Co-Director, Rebecca, more than 20 years ago, Tracey rejoined our agency three years ago, reinforcing our commitment to exceptional property management services.

Tracey specialises in routine inspections and maintenance, ensuring properties are well cared for and compliant. From handling emergency repairs to recommending proactive maintenance solutions, she helps investors protect and enhance the value of their assets.

Her keen eye for detail and proactive approach provide peace of mind to property owners, ensuring their investments remain in top condition while maximizing returns.

Outside of work, Tracey enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. Her strong work ethic, industry knowledge, and passion for property management make her a valued member of the Blackbird and Finch team.

Jack Files

JACK-OF-ALL-THINGS

Jack is dedicated and hardworking and brings a wealth of diverse experience to the team. At just 21 years old, Jack’s journey began with a background in bond cleaning and a carpentry apprenticeship, where he honed valuable skills that have helped shape his hands-on, detail-oriented approach to real estate.

Raised in a family with a strong presence in the real estate industry, Jack was naturally drawn to the field. With his mother working in real estate, it wasn’t long before Jack realised that this dynamic industry was where his passion truly lies. Real estate is in his blood, and he brings that same drive and dedication to work each day.

Outside of work, Jack’s love for cars, bikes, and all things requiring craftsmanship reflects his appreciation for quality and precision – traits he applies to his professional life. At Blackbird and Finch, Jack is committed to offering a fresh, personalised approach, ensuring that each client’s needs are met with integrity, professionalism, and care.

Barbara Thompson

Inspections agent

Barbara is part of the Blackbird and Finch team as a Property Manager – Inspections Agent. She first joined the real estate industry in November 2022 as a Property Manager, bringing with her strong organisational skills from years as an Assistant Manager in retail.

In March 2024, Barbara joined us here at Blackbird and Finch as our receptionist, supporting the team administratively. She has now returned to property management with a focus on inspections.

Her experience across both roles has given her a well-rounded understanding of property management and client service.

Outside of work, Barbara enjoys a good cup of coffee or a fantastic Uber Eats order. You’ll often find her in her veggie and flower garden or spending quality time with family and friends.

Michelle Taylor

receptionist

Michelle is our welcoming Receptionist at Blackbird and Finch.

Michelle’s background has given her strong organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a dedication to creating great experiences for clients.

After a few years away, she’s excited to be returning to the real estate industry. Michelle brings excellent organisational skills, a sharp eye for detail, and a passion for creating positive client experiences.

Michelle enjoys connecting with clients over the phone, supporting the team with administrative tasks, and keeping the office running smoothly behind the scenes.

Outside of work, she loves good food, photography, walking and discovering new places.

Leading the Toowoomba real estate market
with exceptional achievements and success rates.

As a proudly locally owned and operated agency, Blackbird and Finch has become a trusted leader in the Toowoomba and surrounding real estate markets. With over 80 years of combined experience, we bring unparalleled knowledge and a deep connection to the community we serve.

From the vibrant heart of Toowoomba to its picturesque rural surrounds, we’ve built a reputation for delivering exceptional results. Our personalized service, commitment to excellence, and local expertise ensure that every client—whether buying, selling, renting, or leasing—achieves their property goals with confidence.

We take pride in helping individuals and families find their perfect home or investment while also connecting landlords with reliable, quality tenants. At Blackbird and Finch, we’re more than a real estate agency—we’re invested in the growth and success of our community.

Award-Winning
Real Estate Services

Experience the difference with Blackbird and Finch, a team recognised for excellence in real estate. Our award-winning approach is built on expertise, innovation, and a commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients. Discover why we’re trusted by property owners, tenants, and investors across the region.

Individual Awards

Simone Files

Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Business Manager of the Year

Rebecca Fogarty

Winner Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Residential Property Manager of the Year

Agency Awards

Blackbird and Finch

  • Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Regional Residential Agency of the Year
  • Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Small Residential Agency of the Year

Individual Awards

Rebecca Fogarty

Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Residential Property Manager of the Year

Simone Files

Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Business Manager of the Year

Agency Awards

Blackbird and Finch

  • Winner Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Regional Residential Agency of the Year
  • Winner Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Small Residential Agency of the Year

Individual Awards

Rebecca Fogarty

Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Property Manager of the Year

Individual Awards

Rebecca Fogarty

Winner Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Property Manager of the Year

Susan Deeth

Winner Leading Property Managers Association (LPMA) Award for Excellence in Administration

Agency Awards

Blackbird and Finch

  • Winner Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Regional Residential Agency of the Year
  • Winner Leading Property Managers Association (LPMA) Award for Excellence in KPI Performance
  • Winner Leading Property Managers Association (LPMA) Award for Excellence in Service
  • Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Small Residential Agency of the Year

Individual Awards

Rebecca Fogarty

Winner Leading Property Managers Association (LPMA) Industry Educator Award – Rebecca Fogarty

Agency Awards

Blackbird and Finch

  • Finalist REIQ Regional Residential Agency of the Year
  • Finalist REIQ Small Residential Agency of the Year
  • Finalist Ausmumpreneur Awards – Service

Individual Awards

Rebecca Fogarty

Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Property Manager of the Year

Agency Awards

Blackbird and Finch

  • Finalist AREA Excellence Award – Customer Service
  • Finalist Queensland Community Achievement Award – Customer Service
  • Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Small Residential Agency of the Year

Individual Awards

Rebecca Fogarty

  • Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Property Manager of the Year
  • Finalist Downs Women in Business Awards

Simone Files

Finalist Downs Women in Business Awards

Agency Awards

Blackbird and Finch

  • Highly Commended Your Investment Property, Property Investor Awards - Property Management
  • Finalist Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) Small Residential Agency of the Year
  • Finalist Heritage Bank Business Excellence Awards

Happy Clients

Hear what our clients have to say about us

Get In Touch

Contact us for any inquiries or assistance.

Email

Send us an email and we’ll get back to you.

[email protected]

Phone

Give us a call during business hours.

07 4642 0007

Office

Visit our office for a face-to-face meeting.

6 Union Street, Toowoomba QLD