Fresh off completing Pienza Neutral Bay, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-element">Central Element</a> is preparing its next move in the coveted Lower North Shore suburb.&nbsp;

Central Element (CE) has lodged plans for an eight-storey apartment building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/54-64-barry-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2089">54–64 Barry Street</a>, a 1,659 sqm site just south of Military Road and the Neutral Bay town centre.

The $52 million development will involve the demolition of four detached homes across four lots to deliver 45 apartments, including eight affordable housing units to be managed by Bridge Housing. The mix will comprise six one-bedroom apartments, 24 two-beds, and 15 three-beds. The apartments will sit above three basement levels with 62 car parking spaces and 50 bicycle spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHN Design Union</a> (MHNDU) has returned as architect following its work on Pienza, again shaping a mid-rise form with a clear street presence. The design features a lower four-storey podium element that responds to surrounding context, with upper levels recessed to reduce perceived bulk. Communal open space is proposed both at ground level and on the rooftop, the latter including an outdoor kitchen and swimming pool.

“The building has been designed with a lower four-storey element and with building materials commensurate with the character of the area,” Beam Planning noted in its submission to the North Sydney Council.

<img alt="Barry Street, Neutral Bay Nsw 2089" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a28ab3a-b8ba-4476-81cd-e4a8bb84f3a7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Barry-Street-Neutral-Bay-1327x742.png?VersionId=hlgvxszAWXIHgHtdR5HiwIKiSli2lLZV" />

Bridge Housing will manage the affordable units for a period of 15 years, as required under the Housing SEPP’s incentive provisions.

MHNDU’s design report further highlights the site's strategic location just 250 metres from key bus stops and 1.3 kilometres from North Sydney CBD, positioning it for transit-accessible housing supply. In their planning justification, the design team emphasised the site’s compatibility with emerging local character and scale.

Central Element has a solid apartment pipeline spread all over Sydney. They recently completed&nbsp;Pienza, 37 apartments just 500 metres away from the new project, and are currently building Ethos Chatswood, Ballamac House in Coogee, and Bianca on the harbour in Drummoyne.

They have plans for future projects in Mosman, Bondi Beach, Greenwich, Lavender Bay, along with a tower on the edge of Hyde Park.

Joel Robinson

First look: Central Element unveils second Neutral Bay apartment project

Real estate investment fund Wentworth Wentworth Equities is soon to launch a "Los Angeles-inspired" residential, leisure and lifestyle precinct in Brisbane’s Hamilton riverside ahead of the predicted Olympic-led population explosion for the city.

Drawing its style inspiration and name from Los Angeles’ renowned The Grove, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hamilton-grove-19-hercules-street-hamilton-qld-4007">Hamilton Grove</a> will feature three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings.

The first of the three towers, to launch in March 2026, will comprise 61 apartments, in the same building as a premium hotel.<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d227fe61-8392-45b7-b386-9133f29a249f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=HTCV35HZ4h84jQCmHwhsdIPN0ctO5d7Z" />

Wentworth Equities Executive Chairman Sameh Ibrahim said the precinct will be unique in its appeal to both residents and the wider community.

“Hamilton is already one of Brisbane’s most sought-after riverside suburbs and for good reason,” Ibrahim said.

“Where else in the world can you walk out of your front door and have everything you could possibly need at your fingertips? The city is just around the corner, the airport is only ten minutes away, you have the river and green spaces right there and premium retail and dining on your doorstep."

Wentworth Equities acquired the 7637 sqm Hercules St site in 2014, when Ibrahim said he had a "very clear vision" for the precinct, but ultimately it wasn't the right time to develop. He said Hamilton was still very much an "emerging precinct."

“Since then, Hamilton and surrounding suburbs like Ascot and Albion have significantly grown and matured into a precinct that aligns with our vision for Hamilton Grove. Brisbane as a whole has so much to offer in the way of lifestyle appeal, but as it stands it is so widespread – you go to Howard Smith Wharves for fine dining, you go to James Street for shopping, you go to West End to walk along the river – but what if you could go to Hamilton Grove for everything?

“Our vision is a precinct that brings together the best of Brisbane into one central space abundant with culture, class and culinary experience – a place that a lucky few will get to call home, but the rest of Brisbane still get to explore and experience at their leisure.”

<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46550990-8aeb-44d4-bb47-150cdca96529" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bmCkApPKY_Bj3z02Q8vI7Kyo_caJXOnv" />

Experienced civil engineering contractor Mainland Civil has been appointed to commence early works for the project, adding Hamilton Grove to their extensive portfolio where it will join other iconic Brisbane developments including Queens Wharf, 300 George Street, Infinity Tower and 1 William Street.

Construction on Tower One is scheduled to commence in early 2026 with completion expected in late 2028.

Fast Facts 
 
• Three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings. 
• Construction on Tower One is expected to commence in Quarter One 2026, with completion expected in late 2028. 
• 7,637 square metre site at 19 Hercules St, Hamilton (part of Economic Development Queensland’s 304 hectare Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area). 
• 61 waterfront residences and skyhomes in the first tower, ranging from two to five bedrooms. 
• Hamiton Grove will be officially launched in March 2026.

"LA-inspired" Hamilton Grove to launch on Brisbane riverside

There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

<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/59D7VxzltmM?si=1iCzRD7FRneKryfv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355289]

That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=358855]

Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357493]

The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Board Members

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Wayne Lasky, Co-Founder and Managing Director of MaxCap Group has announced the appointment of high profile non-executive director Christian Christian AO to the MaxCap Board.
In welcoming Ms Christian to the Board, Mr Lasky said Ms Christian has an extensive 30-year track record together with outstanding experience in financial services.
“Christine is recognised in the marketplace as a leading Australian company director and chairperson, investor and entrepreneur. Her sector experience in financial services, private equity, investment and credit risk management in particular perfectly complements the strength of our existing team,“ said Mr Lasky.
 Ms Christian is currently serving on a number of other high profile boards in both Australia and the United States.
In taking up the position as a MaxCap Group director, Ms Christian said: “It is an absolute honour to join the Board of MaxCap Group. The company has a market leading reputation for creating lasting value for its clients."
"I am pleased to be involved with MaxCap, their culture is innovative, relationship focused and the business is on an exciting growth trajectory.”
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Christine Christian AO joins MaxCap's Board

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Knight Frank Australia has appointed Linda Rudd, its national head of asset management services, to join the board of directors.
 Linda will start her board responsibilities in September 2019. 
Linda has been with Knight Frank Australia for over seven years in the Asset Management Services (AMS) line of business.
She has over 15 years experience in the property industry. 
As part of a broader restructure, following the appointment of Rod Leaver as Chief Executive officer of Knight Frank Australia, it was recognised there was an opportunity to add different experience, and ways of thinking, to the Knight Frank board. 
“We are focused on building a customer centric and diverse business which takes a long-term growth view," Leaver said.
"This focus, paired with people who lead with a strong set of values, passion, mature thinking and diverse skill sets, really defines how we plan to move our business forward. Linda fits this profile and I have complete confidence she will add significant value to the board discussions. 
Linda Rudd, Partner noted Knight Frank encourages a sense of entrepreneurship amongst its employees.
"This environment, in addition to a great set of colleagues and clients, is why I am looking forward to working with the board, and making strategic, long term decisions for Knight Frank.”
Ms Rudd is a committee member for the Property Council of Australia and a Director of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales. She joins the following Knight Frank Australia board members:
Board of Directors
Kevin Coppel                          Chair
Naseema Sparks                    Independent Director
Rod Leaver                             CEO 
Aaron McGhee                       COO/CFO 
Craig Dawson                         Head of Western Australia  Linda Rudd                             National Head of AMS
James Templeton                   Head of Victoria
 
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Knight Frank Australia appoints Linda Rudd to board

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Heritage Bank has appointed Wendy Machin to join its Board of Directors.
Chairman Mr Kerry Betros said he was thrilled that Heritage had been able to add a person of Ms Machin’s calibre to the Board.
Ms Machin (pictured bottom) has spent the last four years as Chair of the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA).
 She is currently Chair of the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) and Reflections Holiday Parks, as well as being a Director of the NSW Forestry Corporation.
She has previously been the President and a Director of the NRMA; a Director of Destinations NSW, the Australian Automobile Association and the National Occupation Licensing Authority; as well as spending 11 years as a Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, including a period as Minister for Consumer Affairs.
Ms Machin said, “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Heritage Bank, particularly in this post Royal Commission period."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/15/Wendy%20Machin.JPG" alt="">
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Heritage Bank appoints Wendy Machin to its board

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Jennifer Cunich has departed the role of CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects.
The institute's board terminated Ms Cunich's appointment last Friday, The Australian Financial Review reported.
Neither side commented publicly on the reason for the departure.
Cunich took up the role two years ago.
"Change is a very difficult thing to embrace for organisations," Ms Cunich (pictured below) told the paper.
<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/2018/8/8/jennifer%20cunich.jpg" alt="">
"I am very proud of what I did. I've secured the finances.
"We have surpluses, I have implemented a massive digital transformation program worth about $1.4 million."
The institute confirmed her departure in a statement.
"The Institute thanks Jennifer for her contribution during her two years of service and wishes her well for the future," it said.
Ms Cunich took up the role when the 150-year-old institute was suffering financial problems, in part related to the development of its own Melbourne CBD building.
At the time of her appointment, Ms Cunich said one of her first tasks at the peak body for architects was to restore its relevance in the eyes of the whole profession including the needs of firms at the bigger end of the design and construction industries.
The institute has total membership across all categories at more than 11,000 members.
Cunich was a former Victorian executive director at the Property Council of Australia where she held the position for nine years having been previously been the executive director for the Property Council in the Australian Capital Territory for six years.
Clare Cousins, who established her Melbourne practice, Clare Cousins Architects, in 2005, has been appointed acting CEO.
 
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Jennifer Cunich departs The Australian Institute of Architects

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McGrath Limited has announced the appointment of two new, non‐executive and independent directors, Andrew Robinson and Peter Lewis.
Lewis has taken on the role of non‐executive chairman. He is currently Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and an advisory board member of Anacacia Capital and Gravity Media Group Ltd. 
He previously worked as Chief Financial Officer for the Seven Group of companies. 
Andrew Robinson (below) established his legal practice in 1982 with specialisations in tax disputes, corporate re‐constructions and commercial negotiation. 
<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/2018/2/20/lewis.jpg" alt="">
His best known client was Paul Hogan. Robinson has been involved in the property sector over many years as either a manager or investor.  
Andrew has been a long term supporter of various not for profit and charity groups, including Tour de Cure and The Mater/St Vincent’s Hospitals.
Lewis said he was very excited to join the leadership team "as we stabilise the group after a challenging period for both it and the industry”. 
Mr McGrath and the new board are now developing a new corporate plan for the group, including the senior management structure, and an announcement to the market will be made in due course.  
It needs to appoint a chief executive.
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Lawyer Andrew Robinson joins McGrath board

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The former prime minister Julia Gillard has joined the board of Liberman family-backed CVS Lane.
It is a Melbourne-based property finance and investment company established in 2011.
Since inception it has raised over $600 million across 75 transactions with an end value of over $4 billion.
Earlier this year former Prime Minister Paul Keating took a similar board role with MaxCap, a rival property finance house, also based in Melbourne.
<div>
Both finance companies are looking for growth beyond being backed by a local wealthy investors in the expanding opportunity of residential development debt which has emerged as the banks curb their exposure under pressure from the regulators.
"I'm intrigued by the work that it does, property financing," the Adelaide-based Ms Gillard told the AFR.
"That is a microcosm of understanding what's happening with the Australian economy and what's happening with global trends.
"I thought I could value-add, not by being a property finance expert – I'm never going to match it with these guys on that depth of knowledge – but by bringing to the table that broader perspective and broader expertise."
Gillard has been on the board for five months having already completed an Asia roadshow.
The former prime minister is the first independent director on the board alongside its founders including Joshua Liberman.
Gillard is also on the board of a New York based educational software group and an adviser to a US venture capital outfit, alongside her philanthropic activity including chair of mental health charity beyondblue. "I'm leading this portfolio life now, which is quite different to my old life of the one big job," she said.
The Collins Street, Melbourne-based investment house manages a range of investments, including a property partnership with Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties Group.
Last week CVS Lane Capital Partners and Consolidated Properties Group confirmed settlement of the sale of Casuarina Village Shopping Centre to the Sydney based investor, Whistle Funds Management for $27.4 million which represented a yield of 5.90%.
CVS has provided a first mortgage facility to assist in the acquisition of the Coburg Quarter property.
It also provided a first mortgage facility for <a href="http://www.pamada.com/oslo" target="_blank">Pamada</a> on the Oslo Apartments site, located 5km northeast of the Brisbane CBD, which will comprise 160 apartments and a retail premises upon completion.
Lee Centra is its managing director with Jason Henry, the chief financial officer. Andrew Vasarelli is the head of credit and asset management.
Its directors include Michael Goldman, Nick Pettigrew and Ari Bergman.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Julia Gillard joins CVS Lane property financing board

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Leading Queensland property developer Sunland Group has appointed Rebecca Frizelle to its board of directors, effective from January 2018. 
The board selected Frizelle for the role of non-executive director, citing her extensive business experience. 
Soheil Abedian, Sunland Group executive chairman, said Frizelle is eminently qualified for the role and extended his warmest congratulations on behalf of the Board. 
“Rebecca is one of the most talented and respected business people on the Gold Coast and brings to the role more than 25 years’ experience in business strategy and workforce development,” Mr Abedian said. 
“We are thrilled to welcome her to Sunland.” 
Upon commencing in the role, Frizelle will also become a member of Sunland’s Audit and Risk Committee. 
Abedian said the board’s skills and composition are closely aligned with Sunland’s strategic direction, as the group maintains its conservative approach to the delivery and replenishment of its $4.7 billion development portfolio. 
The portfolio comprises 6,284 residential homes, urban land lots and multi-storey apartments along Australia’s eastern seaboard, and Sunland’s emerging retail portfolio.
Frizelle is chief operating officer of Frizelle Prestige and a key shareholder at Frizelle Sunshine Automotive and PWA, one of Australia’s leading private automotive groups, representing over 30 global automotive brands and generating more than $1.5 billion in annual revenues.
In 2015, she was appointed to the board of the Gold Coast Titans and became the first female chair in the NRL code. She stepped down from the role in September to pursue a personal stake in the club.
Frizelle is a director of the Griffith University Advisory Board, Audi Australia Foundation Board, and St Hilda’s School Foundation, and a Member of the AICD.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Developer Sunland Group appoint Rebecca Frizelle to board of directors

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Lendlease has appointed high-profile former public servant and finance executive Elizabeth Proust to its board.
The announcement of her becoming an independent non-executive director from next February came ahead of its annual general meeting on Friday.
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Ms Proust, one of the country’s top business figures and networkers, will join the David Crawford-led board which includes Nicola Wakefield Evans and Jane Hemstritch.
She was recently listed on the list of 15 of Australia’s super networkers by the Institute of Managers and Leaders.
The new Lendlease director spent eight years at ANZ Group, including four years as managing director of Esanda.
Before joining ANZ, Ms Proust ran Victoria’s Department of Premier and Cabinet and had been chief executive of the City of Melbourne.
Ms Proust is also chairman of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and of Nestle’s Australian arm, as well as heading the Bank of Melbourne’s advisory board.
Ms Proust is also deputy chairman of the Catholic Church’s Truth, Justice and Healing Council.
Mr Crawford said that Ms Proust was highly regarded in both the public and private sectors and her appointment would enhance the board’s mix of skills, diversity and experience.
An Australian Council of Superannuation Investors report in 2015 showed that women accounted for almost 40 per cent of the directors who were appointed by S&amp;P/ASX 100 companies in the previous 12 months, adding about 50 per cent them already held directorships at other companies. 
After the report's release Australian Institute of Company Directors chair Elizabeth Proust rejected suggestions of a "girls club" at ASX 100 companies.
She also advised women against stepping down from executive roles in order to become non-executive directors.
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Elizabeth Proust joins Lend Lease board 

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LJ Hooker’s former CEO, Grant Harrod, has joined the Board of comparison website LocalAgentFinder as a non-executive director to help drive the company’s real estate network.
LocalAgentFinder provides property owners tools to compare local real estate agents or property managers for the sale or leasing of their properties. 
The business, led by Matt McCann, the former CEO of iSelect, is continuing to explore its strategic options including an Initial Public Offering (IPO) as part of its growth strategy.
Harrod is the CEO of Pro-Pac Group (ASX: PPG) and from 2008-2013 built Salmat (ASX: SLT) into a leading multi-channel communication services company, the Elite Agent reported.
He quit LJ Hooker in January this year after the board of the real estate agency ditched plans for its $400 million float on the ASX.
LocalAgentFinder’s chairman, Pat O’Sullivan, said Harrod’s joining its Board was a “vote of confidence into the LocalAgentFinder business model”.
“While LocalAgentFinder continues to experience strong growth in terms of agent registrations and visitors using the platform, Grant will be able to provide invaluable insights into both these audiences that will inform the business’ thinking and targeting strategies moving forward.”
Pat O’Sullivan was appointed chairman of LocalAgentFinder in May and is also a director of CarSales (ASX: CAR), iSentia (ASX: ISD) and APN Outdoor (ASX: APN).
Harrod said LocalAgentFinder has the potential to further cement itself as the first port of call for Australians looking to compare real estate agents before listing a property.
“What drew me to the LocalAgentFinder business was its simple value proposition for agents and vendors of real estate,” he said.
“Agents can be objectively compared against their peers while benefiting off these comparisons through leads that required no prospecting on their behalf.
“On the flip side, vendors have access to insights on an agent such as performance data, independent homeowner reviews and fees and commissions to help them make informed decisions about who is the right agent for them to list with.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Ex-CEO of LJ Hooker Grant Harrod joins LocalAgentFinder board

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GUEST OBSERVER
The solution to low representation of women on boards across the country is not to introduce quotas.
Creating quotas means that women instantly lose their credibility because they are seen as being required to be there.
Government should support and educate women on how they can achieve board representation.
While one should still earn the right to be appointed to a board, it’s the selection process that needs to be fairer.
In November last year the Victorian government introduced a program to help more women and girls earn sports leadership roles. A target of 40 percent of women in board positions in three years’ time was introduced.
The Change our Game campaign came after an enquiry into how to help women get the opportunities they deserve in what can be male-dominated environments.
The program includes recruitment guidelines to help attract more women and girls to sports leadership roles. This level of support needs to be rolled out across the country and through a wide range of industries.
The structure of how boards are elected should also be reviewed.
The internal nominations structure many organisations have could be replaced with a more transparent process that sees the best possible candidates for a role sought out through a variety of different means, including advertising and social media.
Board representation needs to be looked at as part of an overall strategic plan. Questions need to be asked, such as: Would an organisation benefit from having more men or women? What is their strategy and desired outcome?
Then a campaign can be created to look at the audience and the objectives for the board member they’re after.
This would see the right candidate for the role appointed and more women in turn would be given the opportunity to achieve board positions.
Mentoring of women to ensure that they are board ready is also an important step forward.
Organisations like Women on Boards, that help to provide information to women about how to achieve board positions, are essential to the process of ensuring more women are represented.
Kylie Walsh is a General Manager of Di Jones Real Estate and can be contacted <a href="https://www.dijones.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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