Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER

Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER
HomeBusinessFrom Soldier to CEO: An interview with Blake Repine

From Soldier to CEO: An interview with Blake Repine

The former Associate Vice Chancellor of CQUniversity (CQU)has supported numerous organisations to better our Emerald community andsurrounds.
“I’m originally from the US, and my wife was born inChilders, but we met in Iraq,” Mr Repine said.
“It was a series of unfortunate events that lead us to findeach other.
“In 2013/2014 at the height of the mining boom, I wasworking for local companies and working with mines on contracts around Emerald,which was the first time we came to the area.
“Then I became the Practice Manager of an accounting firm,and in 2017 we moved to Emerald permanently for the first time.
“I was the Associate Vice Chancellor for CQUniversity untilthe end of 2018.
“My contract with CQU ended and I went to Darwin for ninemonths with the Menzies School of Health Research.
“Then we went to Jundah, Western Queensland for 14 monthsand I became the Deputy CEO of the Barcoo Shire Council.
“In June of this year, as we approached school holidays, mywife and I were talking about coming to Emerald for a long weekend and spendingsome time here.
“I just said, ‘why don’t we move back to Emerald?’ and thedecision was made. Two weeks later we were here.
“We’ve always enjoyed living in Emerald.
“It’s a great community, it’s a great region and you haveeverything you need, so we decided this is where we needed to be.”

To read the full interview, check out this week’s edition of The Highlands Leader.

Digital Edition
Subscribe

Get an all ACCESS PASS to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription

Bryen’s second coming

When hoop Chris Bryen made his comeback to race riding on Monday at Longreach, he had all those that supported him behind the scenes...

News in Brief

More News

Archives: What was in the news 73 years ago

ON THIS DAY 17 April 1953 The prospect of establishing a permanent High School Top at Longreach State School once hinged on strong support from local...

Memorial meeting a success

The Longreach Jockey Club’s inaugural Kate Deane Memorial Race Day delivered a strong afternoon of racing on Monday, with competitive fields and fitting tributes...

News in Brief

Barcy groups receive funds Eight groups in the Barcaldine Regional Council area have made successful applications to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund Queensland. Groups who will...

Johnstone wins in Ilfracombe

Peter Johnstone enjoyed a welcome return to form on Saturday at Ilfracombe Golf Club, claiming the win with a solid round of 33 Stableford...

Maroons clinic heads West

Barcaldine is set to host one of Queensland Rugby League’s newest grassroots initiatives, with the town confirmed as a stop on the inaugural Mini...

Tigers bite in round one win

The Longreach/Ilfracombe Tigers kicked off their 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion last Saturday, overpowering the Blackall Magpies to lay down an early marker for...

Busy time at Longreach Bowls Club

Another busy weekend of Championship games, with several competitions now at semi-final or final stage. On Saturday, there were two Men’s A Grade Singles matches. The...

Stepping up for Autism awareness

Longreach mum Karissa Gesler will walk 7000 steps a day next month as part of Walk for Autism. Walk for Autism is a national campaign...

Sandgoannas set for season opener

The Barcaldine Sandgoannas will finally get their 2026 Central West Rugby League campaign underway this Saturday night, travelling to Alpha to face the Brumbies...

Community Events

WEEKLY Social Tennis Grab your racquet (or borrow one) and join the Longreach Tennis Club for a hit every Tuesday. Come down for some...