&nbsp;

A local Australian has spent a Lower North Shore record $15.1 million at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate Hume Place</a>, the new TOD above the recently opened Crows Nest Metro Station.

The buyer amalgamated a penthouse and sub-penthouse to create the triplex apartment that will have five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private rooftop pool, expansive terrace, and panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and skyline. The building is being created by burgeoning developer Third.i, alongside joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors.

The buyer was drawn to Elevate’s unrivalled connectivity, situated directly above the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> Metro Station, and the vibrant lifestyle precinct that surrounds it. The Metro connects to the CBD in just seven minutes, and Chatswood in four.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309367]

Designed by internationally acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, Elevate draws inspiration from the ancient blue gum forests native to the area. The building is a Net Zero development, created in consultation with Indigenous communities and exceeding sustainability benchmarks. Interiors feature chevron-engineered timber flooring, natural stone benchtops, and premium Sub-Zero Wolf appliances, delivering timeless elegance and next-level comfort.

The exchange of the $15.1 million apartment, follows a recent $5 million sale, and over $30 million currently in expressions of interests. Interest in Elevate’s penthouse stock has surged, reflecting a strong appetite for ultra-luxury residences that combine design excellence with unmatched connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309369]

“We’re seeing a significant uptick in interest from local and international buyers who are prioritising connectivity, sustainability, and lifestyle,” said Callum Billinghurst, Head of Sales at Third.i Group.&nbsp;

“These recent sales are a testament to the vision behind Elevate. It’s not just about luxury finishes or panoramic views, it’s about creating homes that are deeply connected to the city and the community. Buyers are responding to that. They want to live somewhere that offers more than just a postcode, they want culture, convenience, and long-term value. Elevate delivers all of that, and more.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=297878]

As part of the Hume Place precinct, Elevate is transforming Crows Nest into Sydney’s most dynamic urban village. Elevate’s unique position directly above the metro, combined with its curated amenity offering, has made it a magnet for buyers seeking a future-proof investment and a vibrant urban lifestyle.

The next release at Elevate is expected later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142550]

“We’re seeing a significant uptick in interest from local and international buyers who are prioritising connectivity, sustainability, and lifestyle,” said Callum Billinghurst, Head of Sales at Third.i Group


Joel Robinson

Third.i & PPI set Lower North Shore apartment record with $15.1m sale at Elevate Hume Place penthouse amalgamation

Sydney developer Deicorp is set to officially open its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Village</a> precinct in Castle Hill.

NSW Premier Chris Minns will attend the opening on Sunday August 31, alongside&nbsp;Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, The Hills Shire Council Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Landcom CEO Alex Wendler, and Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri.

Located just moments from Hills Showground Metro Station, the centre spans 9,500 sqm across four levels and features 26 specialty retailers as well as a 1,400 sqm public plaza, creating a new community meeting point for shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Showground Village forms part of the Hills Showground Station Precinct, an urban renewal initiative led by Landcom and Sydney Metro that will provide for around 2,300 new jobs over the next 20 years and around 9,000 new homes.&nbsp;

Deicorp was recently approved for another new development next door to Showground Village.

The new five residential buildings in the East Showgrounds Precinct, will see another 873 dwellings delivered, as well as&nbsp;3,500 sqm of open public space in the form of landscaped courtyards, a public park and communal outdoor recreational space including a playground, barbeque area, and outdoor seating.

“This approval will allow us to start construction on a range of beautifully designed, conveniently located apartments and create another vibrant, walkable and well-connected community,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp" target="">Deicorp</a>&nbsp;Founder Fouad Deiri.

“These new homes will provide their residents with a seamless connection to jobs and services along Metro North West, and the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill" target="">Hills Showground Village</a>&nbsp;retail precinct currently under construction."

Deicorp has several thousand apartments in planning and under construction across Sydney, from Zetland and Five Dock to Crows Nest and Macquarie Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133881]

Deicorp, NSW Premier officially open Showground Village, new retail and hospitality hub in Castle Hill

ASX-listed developer Cedar Woods is progressing its plans for its Southbank arts precinct site.&nbsp;

The developer has filed plans, which are now with the&nbsp;Department of Transport and Planning, for a new 20-level tower at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/141-151-sturt-street-southbank-vic-3006">141–151 Sturt Street</a>, a 2,718 sqm block opposite the Habitat Filter sculpture.

The proposal seeks to demolish the two-level&nbsp;commercial building, including a small supermarket and medical tenancies, and create a new building with 180 apartments and a focus on an&nbsp;active public realm and arts integration.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Southbank site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a72db6-91ef-43ae-827d-a9cfa72893d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Site.png?VersionId=DZgtB4K6BswVh0QtCs3iLjXaLp0CbcEb" />

&nbsp;

There will be a full mix of apartment configurations, including 28 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units.

Retail, creative arts, and residential amenity functions are integrated across the lower levels. A food and drink tenancy is planned to front Dodds Street, while a retail tenancy fronting Sturt Street will be accessed via an elevated walkway. The first floor includes a substantial 734 sqm creative arts space, envisioned to support Melbourne’s growing cultural and digital industries.

Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has put together the plans. In their&nbsp;Urban Design Report they highlighted the project’s ambition to embed itself within Southbank’s evolving cultural fabric.

A central feature of the design is a through-block link connecting Sturt and Dodds Streets, landscaped with native plantings and embedded with universal access ramps.

“The ramp has been thoughtfully integrated as the primary access point, ensuring universal accessibility for all users,” the report noted, with the link offering “a direct response to the urban planning scheme of creating more green spaces within our communities”.

<img alt="Southbank podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d24b1b2-d69c-4a11-a11d-ec6df432221c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium.png?VersionId=geWoJyZDmPSLODZ_.PNJ0LvpOmyyCdpo" />

The building’s podium form responds to the mandatory height limits along Dodds Street and maintains a fine-grain interface to adjoining developments. Above the podium, the tower is articulated with recessed balconies and a focus on views toward the CBD and surrounding arts institutions. A communal rooftop recreation deck and indoor lounge are positioned on level four, adjoining seven apartments and providing over 900 sqm of resident amenity space.

Vehicle access and loading will be provided via Dodds Street, with 155 resident car spaces located across two basement levels and the first three above-ground floors. Bicycle storage is more generous, with 226 spaces distributed across resident, staff and visitor needs.

Rothelowman describes the architecture as “humanist,” with ground-level interfaces designed to encourage social interaction and provide a dignified entry for both residents and passers-by. “All street interfaces are crafted to invite and nurture human connections,” the design report states. “The façade transitions to a human scale, providing an approachable and engaging streetscape”.

Cedar Woods, while well-known for its large communities it develops outside of Australia's capital cities, they have recently developed in Melbourne's inner-ring before. They are approaching completion at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/88-leveson-north-melbourne-88-leveson-street-north-melbourne-vic-3051">88 Leveson</a>, just 15 townhouses in the heart of North Melbourne.

Cedar Woods progresses with new apartment plans in Southbank arts precinct

Brisbane developers Core Property Partners and Vector Property Australia has teamed up for Brisbane's newest apartment development.

The duo identified <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as their preferred suburb, on the fringe of the Gabba Precinct, where they've just revealed BANKSII, 72 apartments opposite Raymond Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5481]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will sit in a glass-wrapped building that will also feature a rooftop with an&nbsp;infinity-edge pool, a BBQ area and alfresco dining spaces, sun lounges, and a sauna, as well as a resident-only gym and a ground-floor cafe.

Rhett Williams, Director of Vector Property Australia, said the project will lift the quality of the East Brisbane community and set a new benchmark.

"In Brisbane’s current property landscape, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksii-east-brisbane-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a> stands out through its emphasis on lifestyle-oriented living, connectivity and sophisticated design," Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5479]

The 10-level building has been designed by MAS Architecture. Their designs were inspired by the native Banksia flower, with the architecture and interiors reflecting the organic symmetry of its namesake flora. MAS has interpreted this throughout the building’s curved form, façade detailing and interior palette.&nbsp;

The building’s flowing geometry and natural tones are complemented by large balconies and floor-to-ceiling glazing, maximising cross-breezes, daylight and views over the city, parklands and river.

“Having a strong narrative for a building helps us architecturally,” MAS noted. "We can choose colours that come off that species of flowers. The trunk and the trees and the flower elements all are now visible in our joinery on the inside and in our architectural finishes on the outside."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5485]

Apartments will feature timber floors, soft porcelain tiles, brushed bronze fittings, and stone benchtops with warm veining.&nbsp;

Kitchens feature premium SMEG appliances and generous storage, while bathrooms have been designed as calming retreats with curved cabinetry and twin sinks in the master ensuites.

The building will feature a suite of rooftop and wellness amenities. Residents will have access to an infinity-edge pool, BBQ and alfresco dining areas, sun lounges and a rooftop sauna.&nbsp;

A residents-only gym will be located on the podium level, while a ground-floor café and landscaped laneway will further activate the site and improve neighbourhood connectivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136432 project_image_fid=5488]

BANKSII will rise from a prime Wellington Road site, with the building oriented to overlook the adjacent Raymond Park and take in extensive city views. It is also on the doorstep of key&nbsp;lifestyle infrastructure, including the future Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, The Gabba stadium, and the planned Brisbane Live arena.&nbsp;

Public transport options, including ferry, bus and rail - including the future Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station - are all nearby, supporting a car-optional lifestyle just minutes from the CBD.

Williams said the team spent over a year searching for the ideal site before securing this location.

"We were attracted to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/east-brisbane-qld-4169">East Brisbane</a> as it is a vibrant and growing community that offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty with the parklands and river on our doorstep.”

The project is part of the broader Woolloongabba Games precinct, which is undergoing significant investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This urban renewal, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance long-term liveability and capital growth in the area.

Given the wide max of configurations, BANKSII is expected to suit everyone from first home buyers and investors to families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136432]

BANKSII sales launch in booming East Brisbane apartment market

The Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydney’s first new heavy rail station in more than a decade – enabling up to 10,000 new homes by rezoning land around Woollahra and Edgecliff stations, right next to the CBD, to tackle the housing crisis and rebalance growth across the city.

Recent reports by the NSW Productivity Commission have warned that Sydney is losing twice as many young people as it is gaining, while also finding that Woollahra is the most feasible Local Government Area (LGA) in New South Wales to build new housing.

Despite this, housing approvals in Woollahra consistently lag well behind other LGAs, and the population has declined by 11 per cent over the past 50 years while Greater Sydney as a whole has grown by 74 per cent.

The new station that will be an eight-minute trip from Sydney CBD, will be located on the Eastern Suburbs train line in Woollahra, where a station build was started in the 1970s but never completed.

To enable the delivery of new homes the NSW Government will lead a rezoning of Woollahra and Edgecliff stations similar to other state led rezonings to allow additional homes to be built around the stations.

Affordable housing will also make up a proportion of development on the site with the final amount of affordable housing required, to be determined as part of the rezoning process.

The area surrounding the new station is within walking distance of major green and recreational space including Cooper, Trumper, Rushcutters Bay and Centennial Parks.

The Eastern Suburbs train line between Bondi Junction and Sydney CBD also has the lowest passenger usage rates during the AM peak of any line on the Sydney network, with only 43 per cent of operating capacity during the AM peak currently being utilised by passengers.

Sydney Water and Infrastructure NSW have confirmed there is capacity in the water and wastewater systems to accommodate the proposed 10,000 dwellings without major upgrades.

The rezoning is expected to take around two years and will further support the Government’s housing targets that rebalance the delivery of new homes around existing infrastructure.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Next stop Woollahra train station - delivering up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Sydney

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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<div id="story-description">
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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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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