Rod Forrester was Managing Director of FKP Limited, a company formed in 1998, but with a longer history of predecessor companies.
From an initial firm established on the Sunshine Coast in the 1980s, under Rod’s leadership, that firm in its modern form is now one of the largest building/development companies of its kind in Queensland and one of the largest in Australia in its owner-operation of retirement villages.
Although the company is now headquartered in Brisbane, Rod and his family continue to live on the Sunshine Coast, where he still has a heavy community involvement and high public profile.
Apart from his community involvements with groups like the Helicopter Rescue Service and Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club, he was founding Chairman of Matthew Flinders College until 1995, and also became Deputy Chancellor of the University. He has had a major influence in the development of Matthew Flinders, the University, and the Innovation Centre.
In particular, his commitment to the Coast and its University has been outstanding and yet his contributions are characterised by a quiet, selfless modesty which often disguises his enormous capacity to get things done.