24 Sep 2025
Words
Glenn Millar Informer
Vale, Gary Rice
I’m saddened to share the news that Gary Rice, a respected and prominent management rights operator, has passed away after a short illness.
A quiet achiever and man of few words, Gary was active in the management rights industry for over two decades, commencing with his off-the-plan purchase of the rights to Landmark Resort & Spa in Mooloolaba.
Management rights was a second career for Gary. Prior to entering our industry, Gary enjoyed a long and illustrious media career. He headed up three commercial television networks and a national radio network before relocating to the Sunshine coast in the late 1990s.
I first met Gary in 2005 having just commenced my career with ResortBrokers. I regard myself as incredibly fortunate to have worked with him on all his transactions — both sales and purchases — through to 2023, when he sold the rights to Breeze Mooloolaba after a solid stint having purchased those rights off the plan.
Always entrepreneurial in spirit, Gary was never shy of off-the-plan opportunities. Prior to Breeze Mooloolaba, he took on the rights of Oceans Mooloolaba, which he quickly established as one of the region’s finest five-star offerings. Again, I was delighted to be entrusted to sell those rights for him.
During this period, I sold Gary the rights to a prominent upscale Noosa resort. I remember calling in after a month of his tenure, at which time the state of the business had fully dawned upon him.
He advised me if he had a gun, he’d shoot me. Upon settlement, and after a substantial capital gain, we agreed it was good he didn’t. Needless to say that by the time he sold it, Gary had the business operating at the highest level.
Gary was then the successful purchaser of the management rights and real estate of a property, operating under the Peppers’ brand, that was in receivership. Rebranding it Ocean Resort & Spa Hervey Bay. Gary in true form turned this into one of the region’s top offerings. Again, I was honoured to handle his subsequent sale to Minor Hotels.
Gary was one of the best operators I’ve come across in my 20 years in the industry, and held to the notion of working on the business, not in it.
He was adept at employing talented managers and key staff to handle day-to-day operations. He was tough but fair, and could always tell you exactly where his business was financially, right up to date. That’s why he was so successful.
He also gave back to our industry, holding volunteer positions as president of the Mooloolaba Business & Tourism from 2008-2009, a member of the Advertising Standards Bureau since 2008 and as a judge in the Queensland Tourism Awards from 2006-2008.
Having known Gary for 18 of my 20 years at ResortBrokers, I can truly say it was an honour and a privilege to have met and worked with him. He was a man of few words, but a true gentleman and personifies the best in our industry. He will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace, Gary. END
