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.
Barbara Thompson
Office Manager
Barbara is part of the Blackbird and Finch team as our Office Manager. She first joined the real estate industry in November 2022 as a Property Manager, bringing with her strong organisational and people skills developed through years of experience as an Assistant Manager in retail.
In March 2024, Barbara joined Blackbird and Finch as our receptionist, supporting the team with day-to-day administration and client service. She has since progressed into her current role as Office Manager, where she plays an integral part in keeping the office running smoothly and supporting the team across all areas of the business.
Her experience across property management, administration and client service has given her a well-rounded understanding of the industry, along with a strong eye for organisation and a genuine commitment to creating a positive experience for both clients and colleagues.
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.
Tracey Warby
Property Manager – Property Care Team
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.
Bel Harman
Property Manager – Vacating Team
Bel is part of the Blackbird and Finch team as a Property Manager specialising in vacate inspections. She brings strong organisational skills and excellent communication, developed over years of working in retail and various management roles.
In September 2025, Bel joined us here at Blackbird and Finch as our receptionist, supporting the team administratively. She is now excited to apply her skills in her new role in property management.
Bel spends her downtime shopping, binge-watching, and spending time with friends and family. At Blackbird and Finch, Bel is committed to offering a fresh, personalised approach, ensuring that each client’s needs are met with integrity, professionalism, and care.
Dilovan (Dil) Ilyas
Property Manager – Property Care Team
Dilovan, known as Dil, is a 21-year-old member of the Blackbird and Finch team. He brings a positive attitude, strong enthusiasm, and a friendly approach to everything he does.
Dil is committed to developing his knowledge of the real estate industry and is continually improving his skills as he works towards becoming a successful salesperson. He is eager to learn from the experienced professionals around him, build strong relationships with clients, and gain a thorough understanding of the sales process.
With his motivation, dedication, and willingness to take on new challenges, Dil is excited to grow professionally and make a valuable contribution to the Blackbird and Finch team.
Outside of work, Dil enjoys cars and sport and spending quality time with family and friends.
Jasper Baldwin
Property Manager – Vacating Team
Jasper joined Blackbird & Finch in August 2025, bringing along one and a half years in real estate and five years in hospitality. He’s a people-person through and through, and his warm, easygoing vibe helps make the whole renting and owning process feel a lot less stressful.
He loves getting to know the people he works with and being someone clients can count on along the way.
When he’s off the clock, you’ll usually find Jasper out on the golf course or catching up with friends.
Jenni Pemberton
Property Manager – Property Care Team
With over 15 years of experience in the property management industry, Jenni brings a steady, solutions-focused approach to supporting both property owners and tenants. She has built a reputation for clear communication, reliability, and a genuine commitment to achieving positive outcomes. Jenni understands that property is more than an asset — it is an investment, a home, and often a significant part of someone’s future plans.
Jenni is known for being approachable, fair, and proactive. Whether guiding owners through important decisions or ensuring tenants feel supported and heard, her focus is always on building respectful, long-term relationships. Consistency, transparency, and attention to detail are at the heart of how she works.
Outside of property management, Jenni is also a qualified herbalist with a strong interest in holistic health and wellbeing. Supporting people through life changes, particularly those connected to health and lifestyle, is something she is deeply passionate about. Both of her professional paths share a common thread: helping people navigate important transitions with confidence, clarity, and care.
Jess Seidel
Receptionist
Jess is our welcoming Receptionist at Blackbird and Finch.
Jess is young but has strong organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a dedication to creating great experiences for our clients.
Jess is new to the real estate industry but is very excited to be joining our team. She is keen to learn about real estate and is excited about what this new adventure will bring for her. She is ready to grow in our team and has a commitment to provide the best client experiences possible.
Jess 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 to read, watch movies / series and spending time with her family, friends & dogs.
Ray Hunt
Licensed Real Estate Agent
Ray began his real estate career in 2004 in Toowoomba, starting with a company that could provide the best training he could find — but most importantly, ethics — a vital requirement in any business.
His previous sales background includes 11 years in the insurance industry and approximately 20 years in hospitality, both of which provided a wide range of experience working with people. Ray believes that authentic selling is about understanding people and creating relationships rather than focusing on a specific product.
Ray was the Principal of his own agency based in the Highfields area for over 8 years before joining the team in 2026 at Blackbird and Finch, and has worked closely with Peter, Simone and Rebecca for many years.
Joe Berardi
Leasing Manager – Leasing Team
As a new real estate professional specialising in leasing, Joe is passionate about helping people find a place they’re proud to call home. He believes that renting or leasing a property should be an exciting experience, and he’s committed to making the process as smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable as possible through honest communication, reliability, and exceptional service.
Originally born and raised in the United States, Joe has been fortunate to live in Canada, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for different cultures, lifestyles, and the importance of finding a place where you truly feel at home and allow him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and understand that everyone’s journey is unique.
When Joe’s not helping clients, you’ll usually find him planning his next travel adventure, watching a great movie, camping, or relaxing around a firepit with friends and family over a few drinks. Joe values meaningful connections, and he brings that same genuine, approachable attitude to every client relationship.
Whether you’re searching for your next rental home or looking for someone you can trust to guide you through the leasing process, Joe’s here to provide friendly support every step of the way. He looks forward to helping you find the right place and making your real estate experience a positive one.
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 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
Hear what our clients have to say about us
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Phone
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Office
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6 Union Street, Toowoomba QLD
