Quee’s birthday honours: cars, footy and her proud dad inspire a business dynamo

Rebecca Frizelle has been awarded an OAM for her standout work with rugby league and the automotive industry.

Rebecca Frizelle has been made an OAM in the Queen’s birthday honours list. Picture: AAP

When Rebecca Frizelle was notified that she was about to receive an OAM, she made a beeline for her computer.

“Probably the regret I have is that my dad is not with us,” she said.

“When I got the notice, the first thing I did was Google my dad again and re-read the article (about when he received an AM for service to the military).”

Her father, Hedley Thomas Snr, joined the RAAF in 1958 and served with distinction as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1978, instructed hundreds of pilots around the globe and was a decorated commanding officer of a UN force in the Middle East in the late 1970s.

“He passed away three years ago. He was always a pretty tough taskmaster, but a wonderful man. I always think I wish he could be here,” Ms Frizelle said. “He was pretty sparing with his compliments. You know there is always that person you want to please or make proud? That was him.”

Mission accomplished, one would suspect. Ms Frizelle has been awarded her OAM for services to the automotive industry and rugby league.

She joined Frizelle Automotive Group after leaving high school, looking to earn some cash to help pay for her law degree. “I celebrated 30 years in the industry this year,” she said. “I started in the business thinking I would pay the bills while I studied law. It gets in your blood. I have been fortunate to have those opportunities.”

She met her husband Brett through the business and the pair now have four children: Georgia, Ally, Anna and James.

“He is so supportive and driven,” she said of Brett. “He is so lovely. He is a good man. Very lucky, very lucky. I know that sounds corny, but it is the truth.”

Ms Frizelle has won acclaim for her work in rugby league, having helped rescue the Gold Coast Titans from the financial abyss.

Having joined the club as a sponsor in 2006, she became independent chair in 2013 before becoming a part owner of the club.

“It is about people. Everything is about people. I love working with people. I get energised by people. I get challenged by people. You meet so many fantastic people in the world of rugby league.”