The Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) has awarded Life Membership to Conroy Removals Australian Director, Phil Gordon, recognising his outstanding contribution to the removals industry and decades of service to AFRA, its members, and the wider moving community.
Simone Hill, AFRA Executive Director, says it was a privilege to recognise Phil’s years of contribution by presenting him with AFRA Life Membership.
“Phil is a truly deserving recipient. He is the first person to put his hand up whenever AFRA or the wider industry needs help. Whether it’s organising to deliver our supplies for our annual conference, jumping on stage for AFRA’s Got Talent, serving as Chair of the AIMA board, or speaking up on committees and round tables, Phil is always there – reliable and generous with his time,” Simone says.
On receiving the Life Membership, Phil says it was humbling and a real honour.
“I never set out to do this for recognition but rather to give back to the industry that I have spent my life in,” Phil says.
“I have loved every minute of the time I have given to AFRA. It has provided me with a lot of learning and taken me to parliament a couple of times representing our industry and lobbying for changes that benefit our sector. I would like to think my involvement has helped in some small way to the continuous improvement at AFRA.
“I remember back when I first started Conroy in Australia, Colin Craig from Caloundra Removals said to us we should join AFRA. I never regret having listened to that advice. I love to welcome new members to this association and I would encourage any of them who are interested to join the council.”
Phil’s story in the removals industry began back in 1983 in Napier, New Zealand, when he was just 17. Fresh home from a student exchange in Alaska and looking for work, he got a call from David Conroy to help with a major office relocation for the Social Welfare Department.
“I thought it was just going to be a week’s work, but that job really got me hooked. Apart from a few years out doing other things, I’ve been in the removals industry ever since,” Phil says.
From his very first role as an offsider, Phil’s ambition and curiosity pushed him to learn every part of the business – from packing, loading, and driving trucks across New Zealand, to quoting jobs and working directly with customers.
“I was ambitious, and once I started I wanted to learn new things all the time. By 18 I was already driving articulated trucks all over New Zealand. It was a huge learning curve, but I loved it.”
After gaining experience in every hands-on role, Phil went on to manage Conroy’s Auckland branch during a period of rapid growth. That entrepreneurial drive eventually led him to partner with David Conroy in expanding the business into Australia. In 1999, they purchased Caboolture and Bribie Island Removals in Queensland.
“We were back to one branch again, and I was working across all the roles to get it off the ground. It was tough but exciting – that’s the nature of this business.”
Over the years, Phil has not only built businesses but also invested in people. He counts among his highlights watching team members learn, grow, and embrace the family culture he values so deeply.
“The numbers – like our first million-dollar year or million-dollar month – are things I’ll never forget. But the real highlights are seeing the effort our team puts in and watching them succeed. That’s what makes me proud.”
Of course, there have been challenges. Phil openly shares that the most difficult moment in his career was the tragic loss of a team member in a Melbourne accident.
“Because we are a family business, staff aren’t just numbers – they are mates. That loss was incredibly hard. It’s the toughest thing I’ve ever faced in my career.”
Phil’s passion for people extends beyond the business and into the industry as a whole. He has been a committed member of AFRA since 2010, serving as Treasurer, President, Past President, and long-term Councillor. He also made history as the first person to hold the roles of AFRA President, AIMA Chairman, and FIDI Australia President simultaneously.
“I believe it’s important to give back to the industry that has given me so much. AFRA has connected me with an amazing group of people. Despite being competitors, many have become some of my closest friends. That respect and camaraderie are something special.”
Reflecting on his four decades in removals, Phil says the industry has taken him all over the world,
“I began traveling all over New Zealand while I was driving, then into far-flung areas of Australia. As our international business expanded, I have also travelled all over the world to conferences and visiting agents. This industry is quite amazing when you consider where you can go.”
But what he values most is the human connection.
“Customers, colleagues, agents – everyone has a story, and if you’re open to it, you can learn something from all of them. It’s not an easy industry, but when a customer takes the time to say thank you, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
David Conroy, who first made the call that launched Phil’s career more than 40 years ago, says the recognition is well-deserved.
“Phil’s dedication, integrity, and tireless service to AFRA and the international moving community have been outstanding. I’m proud of everything he has achieved over the past four decades and delighted to see him honoured with AFRA Life Membership. It’s a fitting acknowledgment of his leadership, commitment, and contribution to both his business and the removals industry as a whole.”