<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has announced that its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lovedale-farm-1054-1184-wine-country-drive-lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale Farm</a> residential, resort and golf project has secured $24.6 million in sales in just three weeks since the opening of its display home, underscoring the appetite for premium lifestyle property in the Hunter Valley countryside.

The sales milestone has been driven by a diverse mix of buyers, including owner-occupiers and investors from Sydney, Newcastle and the local Hunter region, purchasing both land-only lots and house and land packages across the development.

<img alt="Lovedale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e173edc9-e60e-4f19-a060-9dc4421a3233" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/LovedaleFarm_20250215-1.jpg?VersionId=1LY6CvOaD.Dzrt8tWpWxXtPyfchixNIo" />

&nbsp;

The result builds on the momentum generated at the display home opening on 22 March, which attracted more than 460 attendees.

With house and land pricing from $1.14 million, Lovedale Farm continues to attract strong interest from buyers seeking a premium lifestyle offering at a compelling price point. The development’s vision, a championship golf course, future epicurean village and access to the Hunter Valley’s celebrated wine country, has resonated with a broad buyer profile, from first-time investors to those looking to make the move and call the Hunter Valley home.

<img alt="Lovedale Farm records $21.4 million in sales in three weeks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b358e789-e1eb-40ed-8105-ed5c8297136f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/20260321LovedaleFarmDisplayHomeOpening--6.jpg?VersionId=6GUO8TNnxuELONrsM6n9imDB6oc82Bor" />

Jim Hunter, Managing Director of Capital Corporation said the response since opening the display home has been encouraging.

"To reach $24.6 million in sales in just three weeks speaks to the genuine demand for a lifestyle community of this calibre in the Hunter Valley," Hunter says.

"We’re seeing buyers from across the region and beyond, including investors who recognise the long-term value, and owner-occupiers who simply want to live somewhere truly special.

“Lovedale Farm is two decades in the making, and the market’s response is everything we hoped for. We’re excited to see these first buyers become part of the Lovedale Farm story from the very beginning."

<img alt="Lovedale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54d985cf-2ac2-400b-ac02-4401f3421ac7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/20260321LovedaleFarmDisplayHomeOpening--5.jpg?VersionId=3866bPoqpLZsm.3ACg9EafAr1W3miC_f" />

&nbsp;

Spanning 240 hectares on Wine Country Drive in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale</a>, the $1 billion development is expected to deliver around 1,250 jobs during construction and inject more than $300 million into the local economy. The first 200 homes and championship 18-hole golf course are anticipated for completion in late 2027.

Capital Corporation has also lodged development plans for the Lovedale Farm clubhouse, set to become a vibrant hub for residents and the wider Hunter Valley community. Further releases are planned for later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14476]

Joel Robinson

Lovedale Farm display home opening triggers $24.6 million in sales in three weeks

Prominent Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a> has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">Aura</a>, the next stage of its $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct in Southbank, continuing its push into wellness-led, amenity-rich apartment living.

The $800 million tower, planned for 7 Hoff Boulevard, will rise 67 storeys and deliver 673 apartments, with COX Architecture drawing on both Japanese design principles and Australia’s natural landscape to shape the building’s identity. A rectangular grid aesthetic defines the building’s exterior, with COX drawing design cues from New York high-rises and Tokyo’s skyline.

Aura builds on a growing trend in high-density living, where wellness is no longer an add-on but central to the product. The development is structured around four key pillars, combining calm, minimalist residences with layered communal spaces, landscaped gardens, and a suite of wellness amenities designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367465]

At the core of the project is what OSK describes as a vertical wellness ecosystem, a multi-level approach to amenity that integrates health, lifestyle, and social spaces throughout the building rather than confining them to a single level.

The main resident hub, the Aura Club on level seven, will include a pool, cold plunge, spa, gym, Pilates and yoga studios, alongside more lifestyle-driven inclusions like a golf simulator, music rooms, library, and work-from-home spaces. Above, a series of higher-level amenity zones, including the Meridian Club and Cumulus Club, introduce more refined, social and retreat-style environments, with private dining, lounges, and premium wellness spaces positioned to take advantage of city views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367467]

The residences themselves will largely include balconies, a key design move in a market increasingly focused on natural light, airflow, and connection to the outdoors. Views will extend across the CBD, the Arts Precinct, Royal Botanic Gardens, and beyond.

Aura also introduces approximately 1,600 sqm of retail across the lower levels, further activating the Melbourne Square precinct, which already includes Kennedy Park, a Woolworths, childcare, and a growing mix of hospitality operators.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367474]

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>," says&nbsp;OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

“We have been very encouraged by the market’s response to the BLVD offering, and we know there is a strong demand for the level of amenity, service and design that the Melbourne Square precinct is known for.

“Complemented by work-from-home lounges for professionals, family friendly outdoor garden spaces, and state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, Aura will continue our focus on maximising physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing,” he said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367475]

The project follows the strong performance of BLVD, which is now around 80 per cent sold, and reinforces OSK Property’s long-term commitment to Melbourne Square as a fully integrated, mixed-use precinct.

Construction is expected to commence in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

OSK unveils AURA, the latest stage in Southbank's $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct

National developer Time &amp; Place appears to have settled on a design for its long-anticipated Potts Point project.

After several years of back and forth with local council and the NSW Government, the developer, which has spent seven years targeting the former The Chimes site on Macleay Street, has now progressed its plans.

Following a concept design submission last year by SJB, Time &amp; Place has lodged a full State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government, this time for a scheme designed by Kerry Hill Architects.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="504d2a27-d65f-4227-8189-1e35e3376e62" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.38.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_XqFKATYHF30KnVByPxhaI9UBzmkmfn7" />

The 16-storey proposal includes 44 apartments, 21 of which will be build-to-sell. These will comprise 19 three-bedroom apartments and two four-bedroom units.

More than 50 per cent of the development will be dedicated to affordable housing, with 23 studio apartments to be delivered in line with the NSW Government’s Housing SEPP.

Kerry Hill Architects said the proposal is driven by a strong response to place.

“Our proposal for a new residential building for Potts Point in Sydney is driven by a deep consideration of place,” the practice said in its submission.

“This operates on multiple levels, including a landscape approach that reinstates endemic flora of the Sydney peninsula and provides a ground-floor garden for residents, reconnecting the site to its pre-European history. A brick podium further strengthens this relationship to context, integrating planting and fine bronze detailing that references the predominant material language of Macleay Street.”

The three-level podium will be topped by a communal resident space, featuring a covered pool designed to receive direct afternoon sun in winter, a neighbouring reflection pool, dining and event areas oriented to maximise sunset views, and an outdoor exercise zone.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d3eedc1-babb-44a3-bd96-d8a42f3adf1f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.37.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Ii7.4dvqNatu5GQi6bhqNjAswrMB998." />

The design also incorporates highly crafted shopfronts and a clearly defined residential entry to activate the street. Juliette balconies to the podium residences will provide passive surveillance and a strong sense of habitation.

Above, the larger apartments are housed within a light-coloured masonry and bronze tower.

“The tower steps back in a series of gently curved volumes that reference the rich Art Deco context of Macleay Street,” the architects said. “Carefully calibrated vertical fins frame the views while providing privacy and a sense of refuge.”

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fab60f4-3140-4469-b47a-48c781e0a30b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-20%20at%209.28.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=e5XxrM3kzdASdKlcIACHAHbOSZhSKC9O" />

Time &amp; Place has been one of the most active developers nationally in the last 12 to 24 months. Late last year they completed&nbsp;The Queensbridge in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, a mixed-use tower with 353 apartments and a hotel. They are currently selling Park Modern, 246 apartments near the famous Botanic Gardens in South Melbourne.

The developer has approval for The Burke, a mixed-use project in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;being delivered in partnership with Woolworths. The 60 apartments, positioned above a new Woolworths supermarket, are expected to launch in the coming months. Time &amp; Place is also progressing plans for the redevelopment of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/northcote-vic-3070">Northcote</a>&nbsp;Plaza, and have recently submitted plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/time-place-unveils-plans-22-storey-south-melbourne-tower">22-storey tower</a>, another in South Melbourne.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a>, the developer has two projects in Manly: Two Tides, which is currently under construction, and an ultra high-end building on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/shoreline-manly-beach-89-90-north-steyne-manly">North Steyne</a>, fronting the beach. It is also continuing to work through the redevelopment of The Chimes building on Macleay Street in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a>, as well as Marlborough House, the redevelopment of the original David Jones warehouse building in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surry-hills-nsw-2010">Surry Hills</a>.

First look: Time & Place settles on design for The Chimes, Potts Point redevelopment

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/develotek">Develotek</a> is joining the likes of TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital, betting on a boom in Five Dock ahead of the 2032 mooted opening of the Five Dock Metro Station.

Develotek, which is currently developing Bianca on the Drummoyne waterfront and has plans approved for a tower in Chatswood, has filed a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">two-building project in the evolving Kings Bay precinct</a>.

The buildings, one more boutique just five storeys and the other 26 storeys, will rise from an 3,158 sqm site across&nbsp;79–81 Queens Road and 2–8 Spencer Street, will home 134 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, above ground-floor retail and five basement levels of parking.

A key component of the proposal is the inclusion of 15 per cent of residential floor space as in-fill affordable housing, unlocking additional height and density under the Housing SEPP.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ee31bf7-75ba-4bc5-b190-49885193219f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_2.png?VersionId=730UbrduuwK3C1sO28RHjiLPUPqXqjkh" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a podium-and-tower configuration, with a five-storey street wall along Queens Road transitioning to a 26-storey tower set deeper into the site. The ground plane prioritises activation and permeability, with retail frontages and a new through-site link connecting Queens Road to Spencer Street.

At the upper levels, the tower façade has been conceived using a modular system to support prefabrication and reduce construction waste, while improving build efficiency. The splayed form draws on the geometry of surrounding industrial rooftops, reinterpreting the area’s heritage in a contemporary expression while also helping to reduce solar heat gain to east and west-facing apartments.

“This project aspires to transform a former industrial site into a connected, resilient and people-focused urban community, grounded in Country, shaped by history, and designed to enrich everyday life within the evolving Kings Bay Precinct,” said John Walsh, Principal at Plus Studio.

The proposal reflects the broader transformation of the Kings Bay Precinct under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, marking a shift from its industrial past to a higher-density, mixed-use urban neighbourhood.

<img alt="First Look: Develotek lodges State Significant shop top housing project in Five Dock precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abde734c-1e31-4a97-a1d2-fa9bcf31c380" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/building%20podium.png?VersionId=fNUupP6u146yEytQT31kKVRxwtACgPpP" />

Develotek is emerging as an active participant in the state’s affordable housing-led uplift pathway. The developer recently secured approval for a 34-storey mixed-use tower in Chatswood, where it similarly leveraged the in-fill affordable housing provisions to increase scale and deliver a 101-unit scheme with dedicated affordable apartments.

Their entry into Five Dock places them alongside a growing list of developers targeting the suburb ahead of its anticipated transport uplift, with Sydney Metro set to extend into the area. Major players including TOGA, Deicorp, and One Global Capital are all progressing large-scale precinct-style developments nearby, collectively reshaping the low-rise industrial fabric into a higher-density mixed-use corridor.

The Five Dock site sits within the Kings Bay Precinct, a key renewal area under the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, where planning controls support significant uplift tied to affordable housing delivery. The consolidated 3,158 sqm site is currently occupied by low-rise industrial uses, including warehouses and vehicle workshops, earmarked for transition.

First Look: Develotek joins in Five Dock apartment boom

Ascot’s Racecourse Road continues to be a hive of activity for Brisbane developers.

Following Fortis and GRAYA, which are both preparing new projects along the key strip connecting Kingsford Smith Drive and Eagle Farm Racecourse, local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skyhold">Skyhold</a> is the latest to lodge plans for its own development.

The group is proposing One One Two Residences, a boutique project comprising just seven apartments, named after its address at 112 Racecourse Road.

The proposal outlines a five-storey building on an 810 sqm site. The built form slightly exceeds the four-storey expectation under the neighbourhood plan, aligning instead with the emerging character of the strip. As the planning report notes, “the locality is characterised by a transition toward medium-rise residential development, with a number of recent developments… above the stipulated height limits.”

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec577631-8c51-4163-960e-e7b3a77d655b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot.png?VersionId=iAzQ46D4Uu1UqiS0mVnlcy9jeFKBpJIj" />

Designed by 111 with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/paul-bangay-garden-design">Paul Bangay Studio</a>, the scheme adopts a layered architectural approach with strong articulation and a subtropical response. Deep balconies, integrated planters, and a mix of masonry and textured finishes define the façade, while upper-level setbacks reduce perceived bulk. The architectural statement describes “a series of horizontally expressed layers, defined by deep balconies and a consistent robust material palette,” aimed at delivering a refined streetscape presence.

Apartments are configured as large-format residences, including multiple three-bedroom layouts and a full-floor penthouse, supported by ground-level parking. A rooftop terrace will provide communal amenities including a pool and landscaped recreation areas. The design prioritises privacy, natural ventilation, and greenery, with planting integrated across all levels to soften the building form and contribute to the public realm.

<img alt="First Look: Skyhold lodges plans for boutique Ascot apartments as Racecourse Road revival gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e1219bd-b45a-4d7f-bbc7-7207d7b2fc94" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ascot%20entry.png?VersionId=JIoUOLMgQ5xWpEF0etEI3ffIoIVjD7gO" />

The proposal sits within the Racecourse Road precinct, a key mixed-use spine in Ascot that continues to attract renewed development interest.

Later this year national developer Fortis will launch its own boutique development, which, pending council approvals, will be 16 apartments designed by Koichi Takada Architects, just down the street.

“Racecourse Road is going through a massive revitalisation and we’re proud to be a part of that transformation,” said Fortis's QLD General Manager, Dan Boman.

Nearby, GRAYA is advancing its larger-scale The Gallery, a mixed-use shop-top housing project designed to act as a “catalytic project for Racecourse Road.”

First Look: Racecourse Road, Hamilton revitalization to continue as Skyhold joins the party

Donation

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EXPERT OBSERVER
As Sydneysiders start to feel the effects of the bushfires ravaging the state, blame is being thrown at their government for their past inaction. 
Ex-NSW Fire Commissioner, Phil Koperberg has the view that adding more resources to try and put the fires out is no longer enough and fears that we will end up in a situation similar to California, with wildfires burning the entire year.
Technically, the NSW fire season has not started, but we have already lost 1.5 million hectares of land, over 600 homes and tragically six lives.  Politicians don’t seem to be talking about the causes of the fires, or what measures they plan on taking to stop history repeating itself. 
The fires have been attributed to the amount of combustible fuel.  How we fix this is something that the government needs to start talking about and seeking help from farmers, scientists and land managers for solutions. 
Scott Morrison needs to stop ignoring climate change or risk a storm of activism that will make the Extinction rebellion look like a storm in a teacup.
The business community need to start factoring climate change into their planning, investment and statements. 
As a community, businesses need to let our leaders know that their lack of action is not okay.  All NSW and national businesses need to start thinking about what practical assistance they can offer to our community. 
Let’s follow the examples of what the locals are doing.  Small businesses, like the Hotel Motel 5 in South Grafton, are opening their doors to firefighters, evacuees and the general community with food and accommodation (even if its just some space to pitch your swag). 
The Turramurra Sikh Temple opened their doors and fed firefighters after they brought an emergency level fire back under control and locals in Nana Glen, NSW have opened their homes to help with food and a place to rest. 
Its great to see local support, but as the fires come closer to the capital, Sydney based businesses need to take a stand and start to see where they can help.  Its amazing what we can be achieved if everybody pitches in and provides support where they can straight away.   
Zaki Ameer, owner of <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=5eYQ-2B9hvLjY4F2EakWBi1VNQAeGJ2PBZe-2BSGHchxLQ2rGhxzMnPlmtHbjinSnApa_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK89Ft-2FrJ7bdbO2T8ZTPY-2FjolESiy57gJaWcb5ECD6SvoWz027JgszSfH-2F6pGb8GpFM2-2B-2Bf7-2FnaVRi7KRpIMIU3pCq63M7rdehit5MQx8Agxrwbwu8Is9AKnsvFO-2BIJkoz-2BNJwRxYyCultKFMFBTdX21zVR0qH2-2FIRsqBXS9-2BA4uCSoFOckyXA-2Bo2f6fc1VgbhQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">Dream Design Property</a> (DDP), has pledged to donate $30 000 to help one of the bushfire victims rebuild their property.  
“Its about giving something back and showing our support.  Every little bit helps, which is why we are donating one of our $30 000 commissions to help a bushfire victim start rebuilding,” said Ameer.
While not every business has the same resources to donate as <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=5eYQ-2B9hvLjY4F2EakWBi1VNQAeGJ2PBZe-2BSGHchxLQ2rGhxzMnPlmtHbjinSnApa_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aKze7HSOc9njxTMmtLNSmzrGR3GfM0U7E4xH59OOxv4nU2ztlsEKWQhzv8yp-2ByeDyzIf-2Fwl5HMeEeDaWv7hXpgYqbWZIOi2hBn4k9qD-2FvsHVzgsWJk7Mg3QSGFG-2BLj0yrsYLr-2Fr0ZQ8rLUJVOlSFKtxYziYfpQoFfmRmeWsltu-2BZmrBWCcawUK3Pa5BYnau81Pg-3D-3D" target="_blank">DDP</a>, there are plenty of organisations that you can donate to, including the <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=SfOYCTaG4gCrrf4kRWMgg-2Bc7h68PB00UxEzrRaBw8IQxP-2Bo1X1iuk7jvmKFGAVX5_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK3Dg8d8uCSSrzSEvm8GD-2F3RsVkXB-2FzeArzTRS4uxL1mmUNm1P7LEOFnIlwe8aVO4zTEYBidLREhHTCr56KuIU2-2FO0BZaiap24B5ip60w2zLwO-2FuqbniUjmTL5YFwqZovEIR0ab8-2Bur5xifx1hv3lPKPdgrZJOFD3kvd9wR2CNt3Iwu-2BRBowUXtxb0XwPqyg0ew-3D-3D" target="_blank">Rotary Club Appeal</a>, <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=wZZnWHZWsJqffe5F-2BDsjCmB-2F0nd2Qc0O-2B64sYh1LUenxTasYx25y3X678tmdEygpY2L3hrbkq8z0oEL-2BvrfdS5hfUhu21V-2F70jhPCWsXXy-2FoIuxYR7SVQKUxMVQwNdNmtbyTeNPDEOWUUEg8XcHRS2lRAACo2ZY-2F2csvD5ck9JrBEjB4q5BEgt89IgY2JOmSrKLxyXJAFBQAcNupPDakQA-3D-3D_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aKwvxt4o6Es615vGa21MCDxb7-2BrSl-2FIdxBVxO79ByW5u1FDXV2OPeIVkLohS1NIlFSTGC1DC-2BdtsBLFKU6cF-2BxYQ35pudWq-2FWadrrvjwloQ05rIRBArNk7VwdSNqxDi5-2ByDZb-2Bb1jp3tjl9U2Xt65Ctw-2FNYMQUjRJd8CI1-2FvunWzxfMB-2BfL6fKVn-2F5Eb9a5BsDw-3D-3D" target="_blank">NSW Rural Fire Service</a>, <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=5eYQ-2B9hvLjY4F2EakWBi1Ts8w99odRI7RxHuHgJlWYL7Hw3O-2BPkir2VytdUKYF9YcRV9yX2ntFmv7KCcmWfheJx9-2FOpus5kozYYgeQ8WGzvXN8PsHMRlIqneM2wrWkyW_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK3vAYZsymacJkfwlEBZxd-2FOKBvefytZXoOfme8IazC8uAN1AnwohMx3WVHmGXLm1BnwWCabIxh4HSizSryLXQ27xsm7Zpt967UNG7rFPofTZpEF9vHlBdZeymyU2J0YqXAsszvJqr-2BRMURV2FfLkb2VVfjn43QPYALkERuLVI-2FzmI19vgSRdrBlurV41vLztLQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">Australian Red Cross</a>, <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=5eYQ-2B9hvLjY4F2EakWBi1TwIjUc7xFT2F024JCxIHKBDyE3G7KEkY8X1tayx9thvkrLT0LXh9gz-2BDkr0nFADB3RRs8lVPM0CQgl3exTVGViNq2iimcd73HYmRf68htLLcqJCI5cOYXkunmyyskK6Cw-3D-3D_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK1qAQm3NQ8NaEsQM8-2BFbld28QzGSaHVjH6gKO43meGMVr-2FAfLTztKqHRTxri2YrN6cQFi-2FjR0PA7y0ju82PaDvXK5TB7je3twLRlz7N2t04dVEsSW1t6rYreHEI8vFda1uq9nKLcT638z-2BqfqywHrFXQE8-2FRSY-2BvlGld4wnYlRXK99c7Y4EqvcOUzodLp31Q3A-3D-3D" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a> and <a href="http://links.erelease.com.au/wf/click?upn=EV-2FGMCC2NwdodbE9J-2BZQJWxu6DUWP8BvbRRT6i69hLU-3D_8oxW4HKyAHmpsFLR5-2FCi0zLZoqi6m6swTYqWA9E8RqQzCkV5PsZ2l-2FGgLay-2FSXrmuYDN6mqfcTeSxB3SVH6aK0PCTzllnHWMp6StbTXMw71-2BYcbSy-2FgQaLi1ca1B7ETm70Jsfe3DzUmsvZCo-2F1jbgq1um-2B67wSDIQW0kJYQSBmH-2BJrJOrfavF-2FfvIa8mFwQ-2FG8u1W9w04zv7UTGKjrrTyfmdc1xUR-2B50ob0VKHQ3-2BoWxyqibN4xaMQ5E4RWC-2BMoW0EcudLnVIbtBIYSW64NC2A-3D-3D" target="_blank">St Vincent De Paul</a>. 
Zaki Ameer is the owner of DDP and <a href="https://www.ddpproperty.com.au/zaki-ameer" target="_blank">can be contacted here</a>.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

DDP Property owner Zaki Ameer donates $30,000 to help a bushfire victim rebuild their home

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Local community groups have teamed up with corporate partners to build a house in just 21 days – with all profits to go to charity.
The fourth instalment of Build for a Cure helps mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
All materials, labour and furnishings, as well as the land itself, have been donated to the cause.
The Children’s Cancer Institute, McDonald Jones Homes, McCloy Group, and Austral Bricks are among the entities that have joined forces to help out on the home build in The Bower estate in Medowie in the Hunter region.
Others include Freedom, Fisher &amp; Paykel, Winning, PRDNationwide, the Kurri Rotary Club and the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
The home, which is being constructed between August 27 and September 16, is set to go to auction on October 21.
The home and its contents will be auctioned off with all proceeds going towards funding further research at the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Build for a Cure has raised more than $2 million so far, said the Executive Director of the Children’s Cancer Institute, Michelle Haber.
"Children's Cancer Institute exists purely to put an end to childhood cancer,” Haber said.
“950 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer every year with 50 of those children hailing from the Hunter Region in spite of significant advances in survival rates still three children are dying from cancer each week in Australia, we won’t stop until this number is zero.
“Our goal is to save the lives of all children with cancer and improve their long-term health through research.”
Build for a Cure Ambassador, Scott Cam, is excited for this year’s build to commence.
“It’s not every day you see an entire house built in just 21 days. It’s remarkable to see the hundreds of volunteer that work together to make this happen. On day one of the build we start with just a slab and by sunset all of the framework is up and roof truss on,” Cam said.
“The Build for a Cure home is the ultimate package. It’s a masterfully-built home, finished with professional interior design, immaculate landscaping and high-quality appliances all set in the beautiful Hunter region suburb of Medowie.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Build for a Cure fights cancer with 21-day entire home build

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australians should be able to see who donates to political parties, but our political donations laws fall far short of this ideal. Recent reforms in New South Wales and Victoria mean that voters will have much better information about who is donating. But when it comes to donations at the federal level, voters remain largely in the dark.
Money in politics is regulated to reduce the risk of interest groups “buying” influence. Explicit quid pro quo is probably rare: as the saying goes, “you never bribe someone when you need them”. But the risk is in more subtle influence: that donors get more access to policymakers, or their views are given more weight.
Publishing information about larger donors creates a public check on this behaviour. Voters are able to see who political parties rely on for funding, and MPs are more accountable for their subsequent decisions.
States are improving transparency
The trend in the states is promising. Victoria and NSW both increased the transparency of political donations last month.
In Victoria, donations of $1,000 or more will have to be disclosed to the Victorian Electoral Commission within 21 days. Anonymous donations of $1,000 or more are banned. Victoria even capped donations at $4,000 and increased public funding for election campaigns, which might help reduce the reliance of parties on larger contributions (but also comes with other risks).
NSW’s already extensive donations regime was tightened from July 1 this year. NSW political parties are now required to disclose donations of $1,000 or more within 21 days during election campaigns (as in Victoria), and within six months otherwise.
When it comes to transparency, Queensland does one better: the 2017 state election was Australia’s first with “real time” disclosure. Donations of $1,000 or more are lodged through an online portal and are made public within seven working days. The Queensland Electoral Commission even provides interactive maps of donations by electorate.
Most other states also have decent disclosure requirements. In South Australia, parties are required to disclose donations of $5,310 or more every seven days during an election period (and every six months otherwise). The disclosure threshold in Western Australia is $2,300.
Tasmania is the only state with disclosure laws as weak as the Commonwealth’s.
These laws mean voters can know, before they go to the ballot box, who is funding parties’ election campaigns.
The Commonwealth has a long way to go
The states are taking political donations reform seriously – and that’s a good thing. But state reforms are limited by state boundaries. Until the Commonwealth catches up, we won’t be able to “follow the money” across all jurisdictions.
Under Commonwealth regulations, it can take up to 19 months for donations to be made public. That’s why Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s $1.75 million donation to the Liberal Party in the lead-up to the 2016 election was not officially made public until the start of this year.
Only donations of more than $13,800 are required to be disclosed. And there is no requirement to aggregate donations, which means an individual donor can make a series of donations below $13,800 without disclosure.
The result is a huge amount of money in the federal system that we know nothing about. Parties received more than $100 million from undisclosed sources in the two financial years spanning the 2016 federal election. Without this information, it is difficult for public scrutiny to provide a “check” on the possibility of donor influence.
Some of this money no doubt came from “mum and dad” donors contributing $100 to their preferred party. But some is probably the result of “donations splitting”, where people or organisations make multiple donations below the threshold. Some might also be income from fundraising dinners and business forums, for which attendees pay thousands for an opportunity to “bend the ear” of elected representatives.
Donations can also be filtered through associated entities of the parties. This makes money (and influence) even more difficult to track. These entities – unions, investment funds, or fundraising organisations – occasionally frustrate donations restrictions by taking money on behalf of “their” party.
In a particularly egregious case, investigations uncovered that hundreds of thousands of dollars in unlawful donations had filtered into NSW Liberal Party accounts through a federal associated entity.
Let the sun shine in
Growing public cynicism about special interest influence is partly born of secrecy. Simple changes could vastly improve what we know about money flowing to Commonwealth political parties.
The disclosure threshold should be lowered as the states have done. The current threshold of $13,800 is well above the amount that a regular voter could afford to contribute to a political cause. A lower threshold of around $5,000 would still protect the privacy of small donors while improving transparency and accountability.
Disclosure of donations should be much quicker. Queensland and South Australia now have “real time” disclosure during elections; the Commonwealth can clearly do better than a 19-month turn-around. Disclosure within three weeks – as in NSW and Victoria – would be far superior to the current system.

The states’ political donations laws aren’t perfect, but they are heading in the right direction. It’s time for Canberra to catch up.
Carmela Chivers, Associate, Grattan Institute
Danielle Wood, Program Director, Budget Policy and Institutions, Grattan Institute
Kate Griffiths, Senior Associate, Grattan Institute
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/time-for-the-federal-government-to-catch-up-on-political-donations-reform-100822" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Time for the federal government to catch up on political donations reform: Grattan Institute

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RE/MAX Australia franchise development manager Jeff Williams and chief executive officer of Australian Property Finance Nathan Swain have signed up for ‘Wax for a Wish’ with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Australia. 
The first waxing will be held in the RE/MAX Australia training room at the Milton, Brisbane head office and broadcast live via Facebook.
Aimee Doherty, RE/MAX Australia marketing manager said she will be be asking Nathan and Jeff to each nominate two RE/MAX members to ‘Wax for a Wish’. 
“We think a few moments of wax-induced pain to help make wishes come true for children and teenagers battling life-threatening medical conditions is a very worthy cause,” she said.
“Two Queensland offices, RE/MAX Advantage and RE/MAX Regency, have immediately come on board and by Christmas I expect there will have been widespread involvement across the network.”
Donations are welcome via the Everyday Hero page here: <a href="https://mail-track.everydayhero.com/track/click/30190481/waxforawish2016.everydayhero.com?p=eyJzIjoiTXZHUW54VHV2MERoWjNQaGxQYmNhOFJ0cld3IiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDE5MDQ4MSxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwczpcXFwvXFxcL3dheGZvcmF3aXNoMjAxNi5ldmVyeWRheWhlcm8uY29tXFxcL2F1XFxcL3JlLW1heC1hdXN0cmFsaWFcIixcImlkXCI6XCJmNDIwNmEyNWFmMzU0NTA0ODYxOTBiNGIzZmNiNzE5OFwiLFwidXJsX2lkc1wiOltcImRjNjM5ZDcxODc5MzkwNmNjZTQ1ODgyMzNjNGJkODJlMDYzNmM0NjRcIl19In0" target="_blank">https://waxforawish2016.everydayhero.com/au/re-max-australia</a>
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