Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

Agent Profile

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Nic Krasnostein, one of the leading agents in Sydney’s east and inner-city precincts, has been recruited by Ray White Double Bay.
He had been at BresicWhitney since January 2007, so just short of 12 years.
His celebrity clients through the year have included the MasterChef semi-finalist Karlie Verkerk, the Rivkin family, marketing consultant Bruce Pollack, and the hairdresser Stefan Ackerie at the Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo.
Ray White has also signed on <a href="/news/ray-white-signs-on-matthew-carvalho-for-inner-west-expansion">Matthew Carvalho</a> as part of their inner west expansion.
It was last September when Elliott Placks took over the Double Bay agency from the founding directors, Craig Pontey and Michael Finger.
The property veterans stayed on at the estate agency as sales agents and mentors to the 30-strong sales force.
The Ray White Double Bay office sold more than $930 million in property last year, being the number one office in Ray White’s Australian network for the last seven years.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
Pontey said this was a very natural succession plan which the trio had all been working towards for some time.
Placks had been at Ray White Double Bay for 15 years and as a director for the prior seven years.
Rival Double Bay agencies also appear to be on a expansionary recruitment drive cherry picking select agents from other agencies.
Jane Schumann, who has worked in real estate since 1990, quit Di Jones for Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay late last year.
<div>
Schumann was part of the team at Di Jones Real Estate Eastern Suburbs for the previous 13 years.
She was credited as the firm’s number one agent in the east. 
</div>
<div>
The other big name joining Raine and Horne Double Bay is Peter Starr, an agent for more than 27 years, who moved from McGrath Edgecliff.
The recruitment coup was led by the company’s head of sales, Luke Hogan, who was McGrath eastern suburbs sales manager until earlier last year.
Both Schumann and Starr were reputedly offered sign on fees.
Directed by Ric Serrao and Martin Maskin, the Raine &amp; Horne office has been recognised for the past 14 consecutive years as Raine &amp; Horne’s best performing office in both number of sales and dollar value.
Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay has been the flagship office of the Raine &amp; Horne brand since it opened in 1968, the network’s first suburban office.
In 2012, Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay acquired Raine &amp; Horne Bondi Beach, which was established in 1979.
</div>
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Nic Krasnostein recruited by Ray White Double Bay from BresicWhitney

<html><body>
High-profile real estate agent John McGrath has reportedly scrapped plans to step up as executive chairman of his agency. 
Peter Lewis seems set to be announced instead as the new chairman of the agency John McGrath founded in 1988. 
Lewis is Kerry Stoke's former chief financial officer, Peter Lewis.
He left the Seven Network in 2013, then joined Southern Cross Media, but left the radio and metropolitan radio broadcaster.
McGrath is to remain as an executive director, but not its chief executive.
<div class="_1665V undefined" data-reactid="372">
Privatising the company ''is off the agenda,'' spokesman Tim Allerton said on the weekend.
McGrath Estate Agents currently has 95 offices located throughout the east coast of Australia.
McGrath listed on the ASX in December 2015 at $2.10 and closed last week at 41¢.
</div>
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

McGrath looks to Peter Lewis to lead agency board

<html><body>
Ray White Double Bay director Elliot Placks has claimed John McGrath wouldn't see his then junior staffer so he left for Ray White.
Placks said McGrath believed he was too young as Placks sought to move into sales.
He had created a business plan for McGrath to look at.
“I was getting 10 appraisals each week and I was only 20. I was good at it,” Placks said.
“I knew my target area and my commission based on the leads and appraisals I had created over the last two years," Placks recently said in a self promotional press release.
"But (then McGrath CEO) John McGrath wouldn’t see me.
"I was too young - told to stay as an assistant for a few more years."
After McGrath's snub, Placks joined Ray White Double Bay in 2003 and was made a director in 2011.
“I knew in my heart that I was ready and if he didn’t see the vision, I told him I’m going out to see who else sees it.
“I just wanted to become a sales agent, so I marched down to Ray White Double Bay and spoke to (former director) Trevor Leach, Craig Pontey and Mike Finger.
“Within the first half hour Mike told me I had a job, and that he’s never done that with anyone before.”
In his first year of selling real estate in 2003, Placks was named the number three top selling agent for Ray White in NSW and since then he’s consistently been a top 10 sales performer within the group.
Placks began his real estate career at McGrath while also working a boutique restaurant at Rose Bay and in fact he was "working in real estate to save enough money to buy the restaurant”.
Faced with the decision between buying the restaurant, he shifted to real estate full-time.
“The great thing about the restaurant in Rose Bay was I talked to a lot of people about their property and I got a lot of leads,” he said.
“That’s the unique part of real estate, sometimes you can sit at a coffee shop and chat to people and get leads.”
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

John McGrath's snub of a young Elliot Placks was a 'sliding doors' moment

<html><body>
NAME: Shaun Hendy<img src="/images/2015/04/01/Shaun-Hendy.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Director - valuation, rural &amp; agribusiness
COMPANY: Colliers International
OFFICE LOCATION: Toowoomba/Brisbane
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?  </li>
</ul>
I have been in the valuation industry for over 25 years starting as an assistant valuer in Toowoomba with Stanton Hillier Parker.  I cover an area from the Northern Territory to the Riverina in NSW specialising in broad hectare irrigated and dry land cropping and grazing properties.  I grew up with my family breeding stud cattle in Central Queensland and this love of the bush directed my career path.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
I specialise in agribusiness and presently we are seeing a lot of interest in Australia as a place to invest in agribusiness and we consider that this is likely to increase over the next few years as a result of recent Free Trade Agreements and the growing demand for soft commodities.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on.</li>
</ul>
I do not get involved with commercial property in CBD areas, however the most interesting property I have valued would be Cubbie Station at Dirranbandi.  It is the largest irrigation property in Australia and during its history received a lot of bad press due to water reform process during the 1990s and 2000s.  I believe a lot of the opinion was misguided with a lack of understanding of how the property operated and the rules of operation that dictate how it accesses water.  It has over 20,000 hectares of developed irrigation land, over 440,000 megalitres of on farm storage and a total of approximately 80,000 hectares of land.  It is developed to a very high standard and the size, efficiency and scale of the development can only be appreciated by being on site and seeing it for oneself.  There are other properties that in terms of quality are as good or better, however it size is what makes it the most interesting property I have been involved with.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?  </li>
</ul>
Being focused on understanding client needs/requirements.  Being able to communicate and speak to them about the process of valuation as it affects them.  Being honest, accessible and willing to answer the hard questions.  Looking for opportunities to add value to our service.  I have found that this has helped me build a loyal client base even when the client and I do not always see eye to eye.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? </li>
</ul>
 Doing property inspections and meeting people in their own environment.  Some of the places I have seen are icons of the Australian bush that tourists would pay to go and see while I get paid to inspect them.  I also enjoy the riding in helicopters to do many of the larger inspections as some of the larger properties are larger than some European countries.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?  </li>
</ul>
Buying and trading young cattle.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
Queensland Reds
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
Solitaire and maps
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?  </li>
</ul>
Facebook to stalk my children (two girls 17 and 14 years) and Linkedin to connect with professionals with similar interests.
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

In profile: Colliers International's director - valuation, rural & agribusiness, Shaun Hendry

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NAME:  Rod Chadwick<img src="/images/2015/02/18/chadwick-feb-18-one.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;"> 
POSITION:  State general manager, Queensland
COMPANY:  AVJennings
OFFICE LOCATION: Milton, Brisbane
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
15 years. I joined AVJennings in 2004 as NSW business development manager before relocating to Auckland, New Zealand in April 2008 to take up the role of project director with AVJennings’ Hobsonville Point Development. In July 2014, I relocated to Brisbane to join the Queensland team as AVJennings Queensland general manager.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
Affordability continues to be a significant factor that consumers consider when purchasing a new or existing property. Interest rates are at a record low and as such we are seeing increased activity in the first home buyer market across our Queensland portfolio.
To ensure our products represent good value, AVJennings is continuously looking to innovate, whether this is in the urban design of new communities, the architectural design of new homes or in the materials and construction techniques we use when building new homes.
Our ability to provide innovative and consumer focussed products ensure that our products appeal to a broad range of customers from first and second home buyers and young families through to empty nesters looking to settle into a low maintenance home in established communities.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting property you have worked on? </li>
</ul>
Creekwood at Meridan Plains on the Sunshine Coast because of the diverse range of properties offered to the community. The entire Creekwood community spans 50 hectares and on completion will feature a total of 370 townhomes, terrace and loft homes and 470 homesites.
There is so much activity in the area, with the new Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital  at the Kawana Health Precinct set to employ 3,500 people - it's an exciting project in a beautiful part of Queensland.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? </li>
</ul>
Being consumer orientated is key.  Strong communication skills, unwavering commitment and patience are just as important as being inquisitive, numerate and strategic.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? </li>
</ul>
Creating communities and homes that people love to live in. At AVJennings, we are committed to our philosophy of creating fresh residential addresses that meet the individual needs of local communities and modern lifestyles.
Choosing a place to live is part of the great Australian dream. Our investment in innovative design, excellent land management practices, delivering outstanding community facilities and great living environments are our way of staying true to our goal of creating high-quality communities. It is great to be part of a dedicated team with values that align with the AVJennings brand.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
AVJennings’ Elysium Noosa community at Noosa Heads, Queensland.  The Noosa Heads property market is in the recovery cycle with sales prices and volume increasing. There are opportunities to purchase land and new homes in the Noosa Market for a fraction of the prices of being paid prior to the GFC. This represents the opportunity for capital gain as the market continues to improve and more buyers return to enjoy the lifestyle benefits of the Noosa region.
Elysium Noosa is one of the limited addresses where you can buy new land and homes with a Noosa Heads address. Elysium appeals to owner occupiers and investors alike as residents have access to their very own Rec Club with pool, tennis courts and residents lounge, plus its only 10mins to the restaurants of Hastings Street and Noosaville.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
Wallabies.  Queensland Reds, Socceroos, Central Coast Mariners.
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? </li>
</ul>
iPhone.  Now extension of the arm. Nearmap software allows me to access aerial images changing over time.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media? </li>
</ul>
Limited to be honest. I am on LinkedIn but I rely on my social media savvy team in the social media arena.
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In profile: AVJennings' state general manager, Queensland, Rod Chadwick

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NAME: Matthew Barr<img src="/images/2015/02/11/barr-feb-11-profiel.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: General manager - Queensland
COMPANY: Oliver Hume
OFFICE LOCATION: Brisbane
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
Coming up to 20 years in Victoria and Queensland.
<ul>
<li>What's happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
We're currently seeing an increase in the supply of land that's resulting in stronger enquiries and sales rates. We're also seeing some price growth as a result of that.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
I've worked across a number of large masterplanned communities in Queensland and Victoria. Probably the most interesting is Providence, South Ripley, which I'm working on now. Once it's complete, it'll be about 7,000 homes for a population of about 20,000 residents.
It's a true masterplanned community. Open park space for sports and recreation, health and wellbeing; barbecues, al fresco dining and community; education, with two planned primary schools and two secondary centre. It'll have a main street with supermarkets, commercial spaces, retailers and the like. A lot of projects call themselves master-planned, but this is a true masterplanned community.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
I think developing long-term relationships in both good and bad markets is the key. Obviously, honesty and integrity go a long way.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
I enjoy the variety of projects and obviously the challenges that come from that. Of course, the diversified group of clients we work with makes it a very enjoyable job.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
I think I'd be looking at a residential property within a 5 kilometre radius of Brisbane CBD, with access to plenty of amenities and infrastructure. I think that's a pretty good bet at the moment.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
Given the fact I'm ex-Victorian, Collingwood.
<ul>
<li>What's your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
It'd be Card Munch, which allows me to enter business cards straight into my contacts by taking a picture.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
I guess LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are the main ones I use, mostly to keep on top of what's going on and maintain a professional profile.
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In profile: Oliver Hume Queensland's general manager, Matthew Barr

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NAME: Tim Holtsbaum <img src="/images/2015/02/02/Tim-Holtsbaum-profiel.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Director - residential site sales, NSW
COMPANY: Knight Frank Australia
OFFICE LOCATION: Sydney, NSW
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
Over 10 years now.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
Big things!  It's no secret that the residential markets across Australia and especially in Sydney have enjoyed substantial growth in both supply and demand economics.  Sydney experienced a relative under supply for several years’ post the GFC which when combined with a low interest rate environment has now led to aggressive price growth in the medium to high density residential market. 
This growth has been amplified by the influx of off-shore investors and developers, especially from within the Asian markets such as China and Malaysia.  Additional planning reforms along major infrastructure corridors with the aim of densifying key areas across metropolitan Sydney provide additional opportunities for both domestic and off-shore developers. 
With Sydney having experienced an approximate 35-40% growth in the median value on an apartment in the past five years, further growth is forecast for the coming 2-3 years as supply attempts to match ongoing demand for residential housing in Sydney.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
Perhaps due to their locations, it would be a tie between a 14 acre land acquisition for a new baby diaper manufacturing facility in Lagos, Nigeria and a commercial office acquisition in Islamabad, Pakistan.  Both presented unique challenges such as negotiating with local tribes in Nigeria through our Portuguese lawyers and having to discuss Ricky Ponting and the Australian cricket team for an hour before every meeting with a Pakistani Landlord.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
First and foremost, an infatuation with all things real estate.  If you find yourself sending your friends and family off to sleep with details of housing price movements in your suburb, growth in achievable gross realisations for high rise residential apartments and tightening cap rates due to an increased weight of capital in the market, you have found your niche.
In addition to general interest, I would also attribute my broad skill set having worked in multiple business lines across Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).  Based on my experiences, I am a strong advocate for working cross-border in markets with contrasting cultures and individuals.  Globalisation may be the norm but understanding how various cultures conduct business can be pivotal in executing a successful transaction.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Two things:
<ol>
<li>Working with first class clients and focusing 100% of my energy on the residential development market and</li>
<li>The transaction. </li>
</ol>
My recent move to Knight Frank as the Director of Residential Site Sales, NSW helps me combine to two and build a team that will contribute to the growth of our Residential business as a whole.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
Invest in promising young businesses with substantial growth potential.  I think Australian business will enjoy massive growth potential as our population increases year-on-year.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
For my sins I am a Dragons fan in the NRL and a diehard Liverpool FC supporter in the EPL.  I grew up playing rugby here in Sydney at school and Eastern Suburbs RC so supporting the Beasties and Tahs goes without saying.
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
I would have to say my new phone.  I am not a mobile phone wizard by any stretch of the imagination but I have recently switched to the Sony Xperia Z3 and haven't looked back.  Of course, I have been given major amounts of grief for getting a Sony which just make me enjoy it more.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
Sparingly. I have the usual Facebook and Instagram accounts but my user levels are definitely on the low end of the scale. Can't say I am a huge fan of endless microblogging, hence no Twitter account for me.
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In profile: Knight Frank's director - residential site sales, NSW, Tim Holtsbaum

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NAME: Dean Landy<img src="/images/2015/01/21/dean-landy-jan-21-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Partner in Melbourne architecture firm <a href="https://www.chc.com.au" target="_blank">ClarkeHopkinsClarke </a>(CHC) and founder and director of the <a href="https://www.oneheartchallenge.org" target="_blank">One Heart Foundation</a>, a not for profit organisation working to alleviate poverty in Africa.
COMPANY: Melbourne firm CHC has more than 50 plus years’ experience in creating vibrant communities across the design of entire urban communities as well as education, multi-residential, mixed-use, commercial, health and aged care projects.
OFFICE LOCATION: 115 Sackville Street, Collingwood.
One Heart Challenge operates out of an office in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
I have been a registered architect for 13 years. I’m predominantly involved in the planning and design of retail and mixed use projects, multi-residential, commercial and community infrastructure projects.
My work stitches good architectural outcomes such as a strong design aesthetic, good buildabilty, integrated environmentally sustainable design principles and human-centred design solutions together with a strategic approach that creates a strong local social and economic environment as well as excellent developer returns. In other words, I aim to create vibrant communities.
I began work at CHC in 1998, when it was a practice of only 12 people. Today there are 65 people and the practice has been established for nearly 55 years.
In 2009 I received the ARBV Award for Architectural Services, a client nominated Award based on excellence in the design process. As a result, in 2011 I became an examiner for the ARBV Registration Board, assessing prospective architect’s registration applications for practice in Victoria.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
'<a href="https://%20www.creatingvibrantcommunities.com" target="_blank">Creating vibrant communities</a>' is how we describe CHC’s overarching approach to urban design. It’s a guiding philosophy that motivates us to carefully consider how the process of creating new places and communities should work to ensure new greenfield, brownfield and urban consolidation projects become more financially, environmentally and socially sustainable places to live.
CHC is currently undertaking research to rethink the way new places evolve. We are designing new processes that can be replicated to ensure a more creative and holistic view is taken when designing new places. From the initial idea, or the visualisation stage, through to the realisation of built infrastructure and beyond to activation by new residents and business and retail tenants. We call this the ‘place evolution process’.
This idea has gone beyond just research. We are currently developing a strong resource base and are looking to broaden the discussion in the design community to help contribute to our overall understanding for different stakeholders needs.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
St Germain is a new greenfield community by visionary developer Gordon Gill. It is being developed within the City of Casey, a fast developing growth area of the south eastern urban corridor of Melbourne. The development has recently been approved by the former Planning Minister Matthew Guy, and is also a demonstration project for the Metropolitan Planning Authority. We are well into the overall planning but it is still in the visualisation phase.
St Germain has been masterplanned with a strong focus on providing a vibrant and sustainable mixed use community – including a strong commercial aspect. The project features a unique planning initiative that is driven by the early delivery of key infrastructure projects around a village square such as a large medical centre and shopping centre to start contributing to the overall target of 3,500 jobs, and enabling more people to live and work in the same community. Community facilities, retirement living and diverse housing options will soon follow once construction starts in 2015.
The new village square and park will create a distinct sense of place, quality urban infrastructure and amenities, and start to build on the desired sense of community.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
The key ingredient is to form strong relationships with the broad range stakeholders we work with on our projects. This can often go beyond an architect’s traditional role.
By connecting with stakeholders who are most knowledgeable regarding the planning opportunities during visualisation as well as with potential residents and business groups who will be affected during activation, we can much better understand the potential of a site and can act as a type of community advocate earlier on.
By behaving as a catalyst and facilitator of relationships between commercial, government and community stakeholders, greater value can be created for all parties throughout these stages, with the end result being a better place for people to live.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Combining my expertise as an urban planner and architect, with the community infrastructure projects we run at One Heart, means I can enjoy making a positive difference in the world in the profession I love to work in.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
I would encourage any individual or company to invest in their people by supporting them to take part in the life changing leadership event that Run From Poverty will provide.
Since founding a charity to help abandoned and orphaned children I strongly advocate for wealthy western professionals to support those in poverty – so I would “invest” in making a future for some of the 22,000 children who die each day due to poverty. That's over 8 million children needlessly dying each year.
For me, rather than be overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem, I am inspired by the fact that I can help change the world for hundreds of children through the work that One Heart Foundation is doing in Kenya. And I believe this is just the beginning.
As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, CHC are sponsoring two staff members to take part in <a href="https://www.oneheartchallenge.org/run-from-poverty/" target="_blank">Run from Poverty</a>, as we know it will be an invaluable leadership development experience for them.
As a practice with a strong focus on the design of education facilities in Australia, it was an obvious connection for us to fundraise to construct more classrooms in Kenya through One Heart Foundation, as we know that education is the key to breaking the poverty cycle.
I would encourage other companies to consider supporting One Heart Foundation and Run from Poverty in the same way.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
St Kilda.
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
Evernote on my tablet.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
I have to admit to being a bit of a social media novice!
At this stage the use of social media has been very useful for updating sponsors on the work of One Heart in Kenya and to connect with potential sponsors for Run from Poverty. However, I’m keen to learn how I can use it more to connect with others involved in urban development and to share and exchange ideas. 
CHC is a supporter of Dean’s charity, which is holding its inaugural fundraising event, <a href="https://www.oneheartchallenge.org/run-from-poverty/" target="_blank">Run from Poverty</a>, in Kenya between 19 and 28 July, 2015.
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In profile: ClarkeHopkinsClarke's partner, Dean Landy

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NAME: Tom Jordan<img src="/images/2014/12/10/jordan-dec-10-porfile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Managing director
COMPANY: Hayball (architecture, interior design, urban design)
 OFFICE LOCATION: Melbourne, Sydney
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
30 years.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
As a design director I’m involved in the multi-residential sector, with projects in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. There’s a significant re-emergence here of owner/occupier demand for larger apartments, primarily local buyers but also offshore.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
Trillium Residents Club, which is more than just a building. With leisure facilities for residents in a new suburb north of Melbourne, the club is contributing to a new community as it takes shape. The design program was diverse, and as a project it has a very strong yet elegant architectural response that we held a strong vision for, and we survived a demanding process to see it get through.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
Having the best people possible you can get around you.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
The combination of projects being realised, and seeing the practice flourish.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
I’d be looking at commercial and residential property.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
Geelong
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
At work, I’m never far from Nearmap [geospatial map technology]. Away from the practice, it’s Navionics, for electronic nautical charting.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
I am increasingly using LinkedIn to stay in touch with business associates. As a company, Hayball maintains a presence on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/hayball" target="_blank">LinkedIn </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/HayballArch" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. We’re also gaining a strong following on <a href="https://instagram.com/hayball_arch" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, which is a platform I’m really enjoying. 
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In profile: Hayball's managing director, Tom Jordan

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NAME: Robert da Silva<img src="/images/2014/12/03/Robert-da-Silva-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Head of research, fixed income and alternatives
COMPANY: SQM Research
OFFICE LOCATION: Level 1, 9 Castlereagh Street Sydney
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
I have been in the funds management industry since 1984, so 30 years.
<ul>
<li>What's happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
Fixed income is my current focus - the challenge in that area for funds is how to protect the downside from interest rate rises (when they eventually come) and maintaining income distributions at reasonable levels in a low interest rate environment.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
I haven't had a direct involvement in commercial property.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
Extensive knowledge of the markets, keeping up to date on economic and market developments, attention to detail, an ability to communicate well and interact with clients/ fund managers.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Meeting and interacting with the best fund managers in the business, across a wide range of markets, asset classes and investment styles.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
Mainly in defensive assets, cash, absolute return fixed income, defensive alternatives that have some downside mitigation and a smattering of the riskier elements small cap stocks and emerging markets equities. Would keep an eye on commodities as well.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
South Sydney Rabbitohs
<ul>
<li>What's your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
The usual suspects from Apple - iPhone, iPad, iPod.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/rob-da-silva/21/598/149" target="_blank">LinkedIn </a>for professional reasons, outside of that not really much of a user (yet).
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