Property Council Queensland Executive Director Jess Caire said the award recognised Renee's resilience, professionalism, and a natural ability to lead.
These awards are about recognising the people behind the projects-and Renee's story is one of true impact," Ms Caire said.
"Beginning her career as a floor security guard, Renee rose through the ranks to become Security Manager and now Assistant Operations Manager, and has made a lasting impact on her team, her centre, and the broader community.
"Renee exemplifies the spirit of the Emerging Retail Property Professional Award, with her compassion and unwavering commitment to safety and community wellbeing reflect the very best of our industry."
In announcing Renee as recipient of this year's awards, the judges pointed to several examples where she went above and beyond.
In one unforgettable incident, Renee performed CPR for 26 minutes on a female customer, saving her life through sheer persistence.
In another, she responded after hours when a deceased woman was found in the centre, supporting paramedics and police with professionalism and compassion. And when a masked, armed offender violently threatened one of her guards, Renee was there, shielding her team, coordinating with police, and managing the aftermath with calm authority.
She has also become a driving force behind the centre's YOUth Matters program. Working closely with Queensland Police, retailers, and contractors, Renee helped guide 28 young people back into education, employment, or toward obtaining their driver's licence. Twenty-three of those youths are now employed-thanks to her mentorship, patience, and belief in their potential.
Her partnership with Queensland Police has become a model for proactive crime prevention. Renee facilitates regular disruption operations, ensuring that safety is not just reactive but strategic. Her ability to coordinate complex logistics and maintain calm under pressure has earned praise from her peers in unform.
