The name Kerry Betros AM is well known in the Toowoomba landscape and synonymous with business, banking, and the community.
Now, he can add 2023 University of Southern Queensland Alumnus of the Year to his illustrious list of achievements.
Mr Betros has spent his career building the family business Betros Bros, contributing to the business community as chairman of Heritage Bank, and helping with numerous community initiatives.
“This really is a great privilege and an honour,” Mr Betros said.
“My connection with the University of Southern Queensland started in 1968, my first year out of school.
“I studied Accounting and Business, and it meant a lot to my family that I could study in Toowoomba, as my brothers did in later years.
“It meant the family could stay together, and we all got involved in the family business while studying.”
Mr Betros joined the Board of Heritage Bank in 1991 and became chairman in 2012, overseeing a strong period of growth and evolution for the customer-owned bank.
He is now Deputy Chairman of the merged Heritage and People’s Choice Limited, the tenth-largest domestic bank in Australia.
“From being asked to be the first new director to go on the board in 1991 to chairman of Heritage as it was known then, to see where it is now is exciting and has been a privilege to be a part of.”
It’s the growth of the family business that has reaped the sweet fruit of success for the businessman.
“Betros Bros has been part of the Toowoomba community for 85 years,” Mr Betros said.
“It is an important part, an integral part, and a well-recognised part of Toowoomba.
“Over those years, we have helped thousands of people with employment and contributed to the community in many ways.
“I think for a family business, in such a competitive industry, to have been able to do this over that length of time is a testament to my family, and I feel very proud to be linked to my brothers and father to be able to achieve that.”
Mr Betros’ contribution to the business community has been recognised with the Centenary of Federation Medal, an Honorary Award of Doctor of Business from the University of Southern Queensland and being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
But for Mr Betros, it is the ability to give back to the community which he marks as the true measure of success.
“Living in a regional area like Toowoomba all my life, you realise the importance of community,” Mr Betros said.
“I believe you should contribute in any way you can, and this is becoming more and more important.
“Where you can help people, you should help people – that is what I’ve tried to do.”
Ten University of Southern Queensland Alumni were honoured at the University of Southern Queensland event this week.
Chancellor John Dornbusch said the annual awards celebrated the outstanding achievements and impact of the University’s community.
“The inspirational award recipients demonstrate that a commitment to service and excellence is at the heart of being a University of Southern Queensland alumni,” Professor Dornbusch said.
The University of Southern Queensland has more than 115,000 alumni from 140 countries.
