The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

Industry News

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James Packer’s Crown Resorts has paid $50 million for an interest in a development site opposite its Melbourne casino complex.
The joint ­venture will be with the Melbourne property developer Schiavello Group.
The site is four adjoining parcels of land in <a href="https://www.schiavello.com/news/schiavello-crown-resorts-join-forces/" target="_blank">Queensbridge Street, Southbank</a>.
Crown and the Schiavello Group are in the process of negotiating joint venture arrangements and finalising designs to develop and construct a new luxury five-star hotel and apartment complex.
It has been agreed in principle that Crown has the right to acquire and manage the hotel on completion and that the Schiavello Group has the right to acquire an office and showroom area within the complex.
The parties will share the 600 apartment development 50:50, Schiavello Group chairman Tony Schiavello said.
"This is an extremely exciting partnership and iconic Melbourne project which follows the soon to be completed Prima Tower and Abode Apartment projects," he said.
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Schiavello Group teams with Crown Resorts on Southbank site

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Leighton Holdings has announced the sale of its John Holland subsidiary to a Chinese state-owned construction firm for about $950 million.
The proposed takeover by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) will be subject to the federal government’s approval.
The company is listed on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges with shareholders including HSBC and Blackrock. 
CCCC plans to keep the John Holland brand and retain the senior management among its 4,000 plus staff.
“This is a momentous step for our company," CCCC president Lu Jianzhong said in a statement.
"We believe there are very significant growth opportunities in the Australian market, and clearly in the proposed acquisition of John Holland, we are recognising the strong leadership and strong performance of the business.”
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Leighton sells John Holland to Chinese construction giant

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The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has elected Victoria’s Neville Sanders as president and Western Australia’s Hayden Groves as deputy president after their Canberra-based Annual General Meeting yesterday.
Sanders is a third generation real estate agent with more than 48 years of industry experience and replaces outgoing president Peter Bushby, from Tasmania, who held the role for two years.
A member of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) since 1971 and a member of the REIV Board in 2006, Sanders is currently the general manager of Whittles Australia and an REIA fellow.
He is a qualified valuer, vice chairperson of the REIV Owners Corporation Chapter committee and an REIV accredited owners’ corporation manager.
“Peter has provided excellent stewardship of the organisation since 2012 and during that time he has achieved much in ensuring that our members have a strong national voice,” Sanders said. “On behalf of the board and staff, we extent our sincere thanks to Peter for his professionalism and commitment to the role during an important chapter in REIA’s history.”
He also welcomed Groves to the deputy president position.
Groves has owned Dethridge GROVES since 2004, previously working as a sales representative. He is the deputy president of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia and president of the Real Estate Employers’ Federation WA.
“Next year will be an equally important one for the sector with the release of the much anticipated Government white paper into taxation. I see it as an absolute priority that agents have a national voice at the table on tax reform in advocating for the abolition of stamp duty funded by an increase in GST and the retention of negative gearing,” Sanders said.
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REIA elects new president and deputy president

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The Urban Development Institute of Australia’s (UDIA) Victoria 2014 Awards have seen two Little Projects developments awarded.
Tip Top in Brunswick East secured the Urban Renewal Award, having won the Heritage Property Award earlier this year, and ILK in South Yarra given the High Density Development Award.
The UDIA awards event was held last week at the Crown Palladium. The Tip Top redevelopment, which is now a six building masterplanned precinct, was not only given a Victorian award but also nominated for the National UDIA Awards, which will be held next year.
<img src="/images/2014/12/12/Rye-Lofts_150_V4_1000x585-1000x585.jpg" alt="">
Above: Tip Top Brunswick East
Little Projects managing director Michael Fox said since they launched the $215 million project in 2009, they worked closely with RotheLowman to ensure heritage was maintained.
“We are honoured by this achievement as it recognises our efforts to rejuvenate one of Melbourne’s heritage icons for residents and the broader community to enjoy,” he said.
ILK in South Yarra at 227-229 Toorak Road, South Yarra, is a modern 24 storey multi-residential development (see main picture). Fox himself owns the penthouse at the top of the building, in which he hosted a gathering last year to share the views of Melbourne’s skyline and emphasize the artistry.
Sex and The City illustrator Megan Hess, a personal friend of Fox’s, was in attendance, as were those involved in the project such as key figures from architectural firm Cox Architecture, who designed the building.
The development <a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/vic/21314-wednesday-news-developer-offers-olive-branch-after-selling-out-south-yarra-development" target="_blank">sold out in March 2013</a>.
“We are immensely honoured to have both Tip Top Brunswick East and ILK South Yarra recognised for excellence in urban development at this year’s UDIA Awards,” said Fox.  
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Brunswick East’s Tip Top and South Yarra’s ILK take out industry awards

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A number of Loan Market brokers in New South Wales are giving back this Christmas, with 135 gifts collected for underprivileged children.
These gifts are part of Ray White’s ‘Little Ray of Giving’ charity program and the initiative has run across Australia and New Zealand since 2012. Last year almost 3,000 gifts were donated across Australia.
Loan Market brokers were given suggestions of gifts and then brought them to a Christmas party last week.
Gifts included stuffed animals, clothes and toys, and were collected by the local Rotary for distribution to the children.
Loan Market NSW state manager Michael Karpathaks said that they were thrilled to be helping business partners Ray White with their program.
“It is a meaningful way we can give back to the community and hopefully put some smiles on the faces of those who are doing it tough this Christmas.” Karpathakis said.
“Of the 105 brokers that attended the NSW party last week, each brought at least one gift and there was even gifts from brokers who were not able to attend the party. I am very proud to see my team supporting this initiative so strongly,” he said.
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Loan Market brokers collect 135 gifts for underprivileged children

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Harry Triguboff’s longtime right-hand man, Peter Spira, is retiring having joined the firm as an architect in 1978.
His last day as as the general manager of the east coast developer, Meriton is Friday, 11 December. He has been the general manager since the 1980s.
"Peter has been with me for more than 35 years and has been involved in every development," Triguboff said.
"We hope that Peter will succeed in whatever he wants to do, and enjoy some well-earned rest," he added.
Spira joined Meriton in 1978 as the company’s first in-house architect, leading the architecture department before being appointed general manager, and finally a director, of Meriton Group. Alway's the low key lieutenant.
“I’ve been privileged to work with Harry Triguboff and Meriton for 36 years,” Spira said in a media statement. 
“I believe the company has an enormous future. 
"We have excellent staff who, led by Harry, will help take the company forward. 
"Given Harry’s determination, tenacity and love for the company, I always expected it would last forever - in many ways, we were always the largest builder in our field but as others have grown, we’ve grown more. 
"I’m proud to have been a part of the Meriton family, which has produced about 50,000 apartments in my time with the company.” 
Chris Johnson, head of Urban Taskforce Australia, sums it up saying over many years, Peter had quietly driven the projects, negotiated with councils and ensured that Meriton's targets were met. 
"He will be very hard to replace," Johnson advised.
<a class="TwitterPhoto-link media-thumbnail twitter-timeline-link" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/MeritonGroup/status/440360794304151552/photo/1" style="line-height: 1.3em;" data-url="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bhx5zyPCcAAlLVm.jpg:large" data-resolved-url-large="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bhx5zyPCcAAlLVm.jpg:large"> <img class="TwitterPhoto-mediaSource" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bhx5zyPCcAAlLVm.jpg:large" alt="Embedded image permalink"></a>
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There is not replacement yet to be announced by the company that is effectively up for sale after offers from Chinese property development giants.
Meriton has come a long way since founder Harry Triguboff built <a href="/news/nsw/the-tempe-apartment-block-that-got-australias-biggest-builder-harry-triguboff-started-in-1963">his first block of flats in Tempe in 1963</a>. 
"We were recently awarded the title of Australia’s Top Home Builder, with more than 7,000 homes commenced last year," Triguboff said this week.
"We have evolved, building some of Australia’s tallest residential buildings in spectacular locations.
"The quality of our finishes is impeccable.
"And we lead the way in creating dynamic communities," he said.
To reflect this evolution, Meriton unveiled a new look and feel.
"Our brand has changed to better reflect our strength and quality." 
<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4UAdZhCMAAD8cL.jpg" alt="Embedded image permalink" width="1024" height="230">
The changing Meriton logo over time from 1963. Source: Supplied.
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Peter Spira departs Meriton after 36 years

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Developer Ecove and builder Parkview are seeking funds for medical research into the disease called homocystinuria (HCU).
The disease affects the body's ability to break down protein properly. 
Their charity effort is taking part in the Dick Smith Foundation '$1 million to charity' promotion.
 This involves buying a Dick Smith product from a Coles or Woolworths supermarket and photographing it with up to 10 people. 
By emailing the photo to <a href="mailto:charity@dicksmith%20foods.com.au" target="_blank">charity@dicksmith foods.com.au</a> and adding HCU in the subject line, points will be awarded to the charity.
If HCU is in the top 10 charities at the end of December it will receive a donation from the Dick Smith Foundation.
Australia Towers developer Ecove jumped at the chance to help sick kids within their community.
“We build communities for families and when we heard about HCU and what families are going through it really touched our hearts,” said Michael Azar, project director from Ecove. 
Following Ecove’s involvement, the builder company, Parkview alerted their 400 workers on the Australia Towers site and photos are now flooding in before the 31 December deadline when the Dick Smith Foundation will award winners their share of the $1 million.
HCU is a genetic disease where the body lacks the enzyme used to process an essential amino acid from food containing protein. 
When left untreated, toxic levels of homocysteine and, in some cases, methionine build up in the body and cause serious health problems. 
This progressive disease leads to permanent intellectual disability, developmental delay, premature stroke and heart attack, psychiatric disturbances, seizures, lens dislocation of the eye, and skeletal abnormalities.
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Ecove and Parkview construction workers raising funds for HCU charity

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If the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) can't achieve their goals by lobbying political parties, they have an alternative strategy in place: become one.
According to REINSW president Malcolm Gunning, the group is considering the formation of a political party to change legislation regarding the real estate industry.
It is now too late for the industry group to form a political party to run in the March 2015 New South Wales election. However, Gunning tells Property Observer the REINSW has already made connections with the head of one party, which he declines to name.
"We've been approached now by another industry based single party to support them, which we'll consider," Gunning says.
"If we get co-operation by state government, we'll review it. But if we don't, if again we're pushed off, there's the framework in place."
He likens the potential real estate focused party to the Shooters and Fishers party, which holds two seats in the New South Wales Upper House. As a result of their government deals, hunters are now allowed onto public land in New South Wales.
"It's really about putting pressure on both sides of government to make sure property practice and agency practice is in line with public expectations."
The REINSW's potential political ambitions come after their sister organisation, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, was <a href="/expert-insights/investing/tweet-of-the-day-reivs-anti-liberal-campaign-reckless">criticised by some</a> for running an <a href="/news/vic/reiv-locked-in-dispute-with-small-business-body-over-victorian-election-advertising">anti-Liberals campaign</a> ahead of last week's Victorian state election. 
Gunning claims any REINSW affiliated political party won't be campaigning on behalf of any major party.
"We're apolitical, we're policy driven," Gunning says.
"From an REINSW point of view, we prefer to argue policies in both sides of government, and not necessarily back any particular party."
Their main concern, he explains, is the <a href="/news/real-estate-agent-education-in-a-dire-state-reinsw">standard of real estate professionals</a> in the state.
"We've been lobbying state government and various ministers, and the Office of Fair Trading, for some time about improving the educational standards for entry into our industry," he says.
"And it's been really falling on deaf ears."
Gunning says despite the existence many qualified and long-practicing real estate agents in New South Wales, lax educational standards have allowed unqualified or unprofessional agents to practice, particularly in migrant populations.
"Through our international chapter, they're saying there's a sub-market taking place within Melbourne and Sydney's immigrant groups, and it's slipping under the radar of Fair Trading.
"A lot of the immigrants won't report real estate agents, and don't understand the legislation," claims Gunning.
He says the state's poor agent standards extend beyond selling agents, to property managers.
"A profile of a current property manager is a 26 year old female, maybe with a week of training," he explains.
"If that's the case, that young woman, or that person, has got to be mindful of swimming pool legislation in New South Wales, fire place safety, or people hanging themselves with blind cords.
"So you've got people who are assumed to be taking on responsibilities which they aren't equipped for."
He claims the increasing educational requirements for new agents will not negatively impact competition in the industry, with agents previously required to train for 12 months and then have two years of probation.
"So when it came to opening their own business, they were pretty well prepared," says Gunning.
Land tax and stamp duties would be another area a REINSW party would hope to reform after addressing their industry standard concerns.
"There are about 70% of Australians who have some interest in property.
"If you own a bit of real estate, you hope to have a voice in government," says Gunning.
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Will the REINSW make the leap from lobby group to political party?

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Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, chief executive and managing director of ASX listed developer Mirvac, took out the Private &amp; Corporate Award at the Telstra Australian Business Women's Awards.
But she wasn't the only housing sector boss to win at the awards. The other was Andrea Galloway, the chief executive of Evolve Housing, a community housing provider which has provided accommodation for 9,500 people who have experienced homelessness or housing stress.
Galloway received a joint award for Business Innovation. The award recognized Evolve Housing's "Journey Home" program, which supports the progression from social housing to supported home ownership via affordable housing and private rentals.
The program aims to help provide stability for communities, improving health and employment outcomes through the provision of secure housing.
"In leading a community housing provider and operating within a sector of uncertainty, one of my key roles is to constantly seek to elevate the needs and issues around homelessness and housing stress and the obstacles faced by not-for-profits in addressing these needs," said Galloway.
In her acceptance speech, she noted that over 105,000 Australians, including 16,000 children do not have a home.
"I passionately believe that everyone has a right to a home," she said.
She told the audience at the awards she had left home at the age of 16 due to personal circumstances and raised the systemic failures contributing to homelessness.
"The current system does not do enough to change the lives of people it does serve. We need an innovative system that provides people with a safety net when they need it.
"We need to give them a pathway to independence in cases where that is a realistic goal.
"This cannot be delivered by government alone, and requires strong partnerships to deliver outcomes around housing affordability, across the entire spectrum, whether it's relating to disability, social, affordable, or even shared equity arrangements."
Lloyd-Hurwitz has been the chief executive of Mirvac, where she is spearheading a growth strategy, since 2012. This year, Mirvac expects to release 2,700 apartments onto the market.
In her acceptance speech, Lloyd-Hurwitz likened careers to spiders' webs, rather than ladders: "Everybody here's got a different journey. You can go up it, round it, through it – down and up again. And there's plenty of room from others on the spider web, as opposed to the ladder."
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Two very different housing chiefs win at 2014 Telstra Australian Business Women's Awards

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A new online partnership has formed between reiwa.com and houseandland.com.
Reiwa.com unveiled the ‘House &amp; Land’ section last month following the announcement of the joint venture.
The new addition to the re-launched website will assist investors looking online for new-build packages.
Chief executive officer at REIWA Neville Pozzi says: “This new initiative helps us deliver on our promise to be the number one destination for everything WA real estate, providing buyers who are looking to build with a one-stop solution.”
The House &amp; Land feature gives access to the top land estates, building designs and vacant land. It also has a patented ‘matching’ technology for buyers who are looking to build. The application will find what block will match their house.
Director of houseandland.com.au Mark Shearer said: “It helps bridge the disconnect for consumers between house and land by simplifying the overall difficulty in creating a package.”
“Users can now view a comprehensive list of building designs from over 30 builder brands in WA removing the need to spend weekends driving all  over the state looking for the perfect fit.”
The website is set for more features in the years to come.
“We are really excited to be partnering with houseland.com.au. This is a space in real estate we haven’t traditionally had much involvement in, so it’s opening doors for us to engage with new segments of the market and get them on board,” said executive manager of reiwa.com Lisa Ravlich.
  
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