Property Industry

Queer visibility in the workplace remains just as necessary as it was ten years ago to normalise LGBTQI+ leaders as corporate role models that young people can look up to.&nbsp;

Only 21 per cent of LGBTQI+ leaders are &lsquo;out&rsquo; to the whole of their organisation, according to global data from <a href="https://www.accenture.com/us-en/blogs/accenture-research/the-surprising-reasons-most-lgbt-people-are-not-out-at-work" target="_blank">Accenture Research</a>.

But visible &lsquo;out and proud&rsquo; leaders provide a path for others to follow, with over 70 per cent of queer professionals claiming that these role models help&nbsp;them to thrive.&nbsp;

Broader conversations about equality and representation have been a catalyst for more inclusive practices in the workplace. However, the property industry is indeed lagging behind.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Unless LGBTQI+ people see people like them having successful careers in property and construction they&rsquo;ll look elsewhere,&rdquo; said Lendlease special projects executive Aaron Spicer.

Urban sits down with four change-makers transforming the face of the property industry to discuss the importance of queer visibility, the targets currently in place and what&rsquo;s next for the property industry. 
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<h2>Who are they?</h2>

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<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/untitled_design.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />
<figcaption>Michael Vavakis</figcaption>
</figure>

Michael Vavakis, Chief Operating Officer &ndash; Europe, Lendlease: Michael has worked in Human Resources roles for over 25 years at Hewlett-Packard and Lendlease. Formerly the Lendlease Australia CPO, Michael played pivotal roles in implementing initiatives to build a true culture of inclusiveness, where diverse employees are not only represented but truly engaged and integrated into their workplace. These include the Property Male Champions of Change collaboration.

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<figure class="align-left "><img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />
<figcaption>Meg Patten</figcaption>
</figure>

Meg Patten, Marketing Manager, Riverlee | Co-Founder, Queers in Property: Current Chairperson and Co-Founder of Queers in Property, an independent network connecting LGBTIQ+ people in the property industry, Meg has sought to foster safe spaces and empower the community. They also sit on the Property Council of Australia&rsquo;s diversity and inclusion committee.&nbsp;

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<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />
<figcaption>Aaron Spicer</figcaption>
</figure>

Aaron Spicer, Special Projects Executive, Lendlease: Aaron has been very involved in progressing LGBTQ+ inclusion at Lendlease and more broadly in the property sector over the last few years. Aaron is the present Chair of the Lendlease Pride Network, where he has driven numerous strategies that helped the company to be recognised in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Awards. Lendlease was named a Platinum Employer at the 2020 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards.

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<figure class="align-left "><img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=970&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1_copy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=1218&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />
<figcaption>Marcus Skeggs</figcaption>
</figure>

Marcus Skeggs, Account Manager, DisplaySweet | Board Member, Queers in Property: Marcus is a committee member on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW, and is the Chair of their subcommittee for diversity, inclusion, and leadership. Marcus also sits on the Queers in Property board, alongside Meg.

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<h2>Why visibility makes all the difference</h2>

Young queer people want to know they can be themselves at work and that being LGBTQI+ will not hold back their careers.

According to a <a href="https://offers.indeed.com/AU_en_081820_DIReport_CON-EBOOK_CM" target="_blank">2020 report by Indeed</a>, 61 per cent of LGBTQI+ Australian workers say they either some or all of the time feel the need to hide their sexual orientation at work.

For over half of all LGBTQI+ employees to hide this part of their identity points to an underlying fear of stigmatisation &ndash; that perhaps there is a price to pay for being openly queer. Many workers hold a&nbsp;<a href="https://everfi.com/blog/workplace-training/lgbt-workplace-issues-hide-their-identity/" target="_blank">persistent feeling of being unwelcome</a>, while others remain &#39;closeted&#39; due to&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/coming-out-at-work-is-not-a-one-off-event-101118" target="_blank">legitimate career risks</a>, including fewer job opportunities and fears of discrimination.

This is why visibility plays such an important role in breaking down these fears and stigmas, allowing employees to feel more comfortable to bring their whole self to their workplace.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="3648" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_1177679803.jpg" width="5472" />

As for Riverlee&rsquo;s marketing manager Meg Patten, seeing others gave them the courage to be an &ldquo;out and proud, non-binary lesbian in the workplace.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Visibility has the power to inspire and cultivate change within the property industry which is known to be male-dominated and heteronormative&rdquo;, they said.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
&ldquo;There is nothing more empowering than seeing another LGBTQI+ person letting their individuality shine.&rdquo;
</blockquote>

DisplaySweet&rsquo;s Marcus Skeggs echoed this sentiment, &ldquo;Visibility equals empowerment,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;

Feeling hopeful that the industry has moved beyond &ldquo;having a conversation&rdquo;, Skeggs has started to see real change and action, including support for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras from development groups by gong rainbow for the festival,&nbsp;and diversity and inclusion training for workplaces.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I would like to see this happen more often and workplaces start to celebrate significant days for the LGBTQIA+ community, like Wear it Purple Day for example where we celebrate our rainbow youth.&rdquo;&nbsp;

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s important we keep the momentum going&rdquo;, he concluded.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

With industry initiatives like Pride in Diversity, <a href="http://www.interbuild.online" target="_blank">InterBuild</a> and <a href="https://queersinproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">Queers in Property</a>, it is likely we will continue seeing this push for action.

Executives who embrace these initiatives can become more successful leaders and boost the empathy, efficiency, and productivity of their organisations. 
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<h2>The blue-collar identity gap</h2>

While &ldquo;good progress&rdquo; is being made in corporate office roles, more work needs to be done on site-based roles, Spicer said.

Within the construction industry, homophobia was more present than on average, reported <a href="https://www.pwc.com.au/publications/pdf/pwc-workplace-inclusion-report-sep17.pdf" target="_blank">PwC&rsquo;s GLEE team</a>.

<blockquote>
75 per cent of respondents indicated&nbsp;they had observed homophobia, compared to 56 per cent in other sectors.&nbsp;
</blockquote>

&ldquo;The initial focus has been on corporate [and] white-collar environments and much more needs to be done here, but we also need to consider regional, site and blue-collar workforces.&rdquo;&nbsp;

&ldquo;Given the subcontract nature of those environments we can only create truly inclusive workplaces if the industry works together to achieve a base level of expectations and behaviours&rdquo;, he added.

However, Patten, despite co-founding Queers in Property, still feels like they are always learning about how to tackle this issue. It&rsquo;s all a learning curve.&nbsp;

&ldquo;People don&rsquo;t generally understand what they can&rsquo;t see which reinforces how important visibility is&rdquo;, they noted.&nbsp;

Executives and diversity and inclusion teams can follow Patten&rsquo;s lead in adapting initiatives to be &ldquo;as inclusive as possible.&rdquo;

The young change-maker immerses themselves in the community and listens to stories to help drive the change the industry needs.

Chief operating officer at Lendlease, Michael Vavakis adds: &ldquo;Conversation, role models, product design, calling out positive and negative behaviours [&hellip;] is really what creates an inclusive environment and each of these things needs to be relentlessly pursued.&rdquo;

Lendlease is similarly working to increase its focus on inclusion, partnering with UNSW to research the barriers to LGBTQI+ inclusion on construction sites.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We look forward to sharing the results of that research and recommendations for the industry to address later in the year&rdquo;, Spicer said.&nbsp; 
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<h2>Building inclusivity into communities&nbsp;</h2>

According to Vavakis, it is not only employees that developers and industry associations should be helping, but homeowners too.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Outside of all the activities we are doing to create inclusive workplaces, I believe that this point about designing and creating and building with inclusivity in mind is a unique proposition that has only begun to be explored in the property industry.&rdquo;

<blockquote>
&ldquo;[This] is something unique that the property industry can contribute. That is how do we design, create and build places that reflect the importance of inclusiveness and the sometimes uniqueness of the LGBTQI+ community&rdquo;, he said.&nbsp;
</blockquote>

Patten echoed: &ldquo;We have so much influence on the built environment, we need to understand how we can create LGBTQI+ friendly spaces for people as well.&rdquo;

Although it&rsquo;s unlikely we&rsquo;ll be seeing queer design hitting residential projects in the mainstream anytime soon, dialogue about inclusiveness and community-making should continue across the property industry.&nbsp;

&quot;Diversity is more than a box ticking exercise, it&#39;s about creating meaningful change to ensure the homes that we&#39;re building meet the needs of the communities we serve&quot;, said Urban.com.au CEO Mike Bird.

For Spicer, this might include discussions on&nbsp;the &ldquo;bigger picture,&rdquo; such as &ldquo;are the placemaking needs of our community different and how are they likely to evolve.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Inclusiveness does need more of a conversation across the property industry and [I] think it is starting to happen.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

Urban sits down with four change-makers transforming the face of the property industry to discuss the importance of queer visibility

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LGBTQI+ Leader Series: Four change-makers transforming the face of property

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The REIV is embarking on a comprehensive consultation process with members in a bid to address underquoting.
The Institute will gain valuable input from members on a suitable outcome which will drive industry-wide change and best serve the interests of consumers.
Industry input would be received via a member-wide, online survey and through forums in key regional centres in the next fortnight. 
We are committed to ensuring this issue, which is clearly impacting on members of the public, is addressed in a timely and effective manner.
Poor price quoting is a symptom of a broader, more important issue – the educational qualifications required to practice as an agent in Victoria.
We currently have a situation in this state where a Certificate III is all that is required to sell or manage real estate.
This is the same level as that required to work in hospitality – as a waiter or barista.
There are also some registered training organisations (RTO’s) which are offering a full licensed course (Certificate IV) in just five days.
These fast-tracked courses are clearly impacting on the industry, and creating poorly trained, inadequately qualified real estate agents.
The agents receiving this training are a significant threat to consumers.
The Institute would continue to press for the introduction of higher educational qualifications.
‎Enzo Raimondo is chief executive officer of <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank">The Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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Price quoting issue needs to be addressed: Enzo Raimondo

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Global recruitment firm Robert Walters has released its salary expectations for Australian professionals in 2020, with roles in certain sectors set to experience wage growth.
The Robert Walters Salary Survey for 2020 predicts NSW as the state to see the greatest salary increases with property, infrastructure, and the energy sectors dominating the wage growth leaderboard.
“With Australia committed to long-term nation-building programs throughout 2020, it is not surprising that wages will continue to fluctuate and stimulate demand for specialist roles in the property, infrastructure and energy sectors,” said James Nicholson, Robert Walters Managing Director ANZ.
The top five wage growth roles are a mix of permanent and contract roles in NSW within the property, infrastructure and energy sectors.”
The renewables sector will witness strong wage growth, albeit from a small labour pool. There are currently 103 projects that are in construction (or due to start) in Australia, which are expected to deliver over $27 billion in investment and create over 16,000 jobs.
However, “While the emerging renewables sector is showing signs of promise, and the creation of some new jobs, uncertainty may linger until the Australian government articulates a more comprehensive energy policy,” said Mr Nicholson.
Technology and transformation continues to dominate the larger Australian wage narrative with roles such as Business Analyst positions in Victoria and Developer roles in South Australia to see 18-20% annual growth respectively, while broader sector conditions will see some roles in oversupply, confirming a two-speed market environment.
“Technology transformations are continuing unabated across every industry in Australia. As a result, 2020 will see employers vying for professionals with expertise in development, UX, data management and cyber security. Concerns about widespread unemployment due to automation and artificial intelligence have, so far, proved unfounded.” Mr Nicholson said.
Rounding out the top three industries for wage growth nationally is the financial services sector, which remains under enormous pressure from regulators, legislators, government, media and their customers.
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Property industry predicted to lead 2020 in wage growth 

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Young smart workers in Building, Design and Construction, Finance, Corporate and IT have been offered the biggest remuneration rises to September 2019, according to the latest Avdiev Remuneration Report.
Although stable business conditions continue for 63% of subscribers surveyed, 27%, mainly in the Consultants sector, report being worse off than last year, but 10% are doing better.
Business conditions vary from state to state, and are market sector and government stimulus related – infrastructure projects are attracting top talent with top pay.
“The Australian property industry is remaining stable and positive, but in an environment of mixed signals Avdiev Report subscribers are watching and waiting” said Rita Avdiev, managing director of The Avdiev Group, who are remuneration consultants.
“With the May 2019 Federal elections out of the way there is political stability but uncertainty about the global economy and its impact on Australia’s future. The mood is mixed," she added.
Property industry remuneration reflects the fluctuating business conditions in the sectors.
The median increases across all sectors continue at 2.5% for senior and mid-level staff and 3% for the juniors.
However pay rise ranges have increased, with salary rises in several strong market sectors ranging from 2.5% to 15% and 1.9% to 2.9% in sectors where activity has been more subdued. But top performers in those sectors continue to be well paid.
Employers know to ”keep the best people for the worst times” in case of a downturn in business. 75% of companies plan to pay the usual increase or a catch up component, 25% intend minimal or no increases.
These pay rises are in most cases still above the general workforce increases with the Wage Price Index and Consumer Price Index both increasing for the year to June 2019 at 2.3% and 1.6% respectively.
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The biggest pay rises are amongst workers in building, design and construction: Avdiev

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The property industry, united through the Property Industry Foundation have rallied together to complete a $9 million redevelopment of Melbourne City Mission’s Frontyard Youth Refuge at 19 King St.
In excess of $1.5 million in services have been donated pro-bono to the redevelopment by a large consortium of top-tier consultants. 
The pro-bono consultant team include Ashurst, Case Meallin, Slattery, Fender Katsalidis, Norman Disney Young, Built, Hendry Group, Equitable Access Solutions, Irwinconsult, Wood and Grieve Engineers and Urbis.
Frontyard, Victoria’s largest youth homelessness service provider, has been transformed into a four-storey building with two floors of new crisis accommodation and connected services.
Chairman of Property Industry Foundation Victoria, Peter Inge says, “We’re proud that our industry has come together to partner with Melbourne City Mission and successfully design and deliver the redeveloped Frontyard facility, which will service the most severely marginalised and disadvantaged youth in our city."
"Our committed team of pro-bono consultants from some of the largest players in the industry, have worked tirelessly to deliver this project on time and on budget.”
“It’s encouraging to see the property industry donate their time and expertise to a physical facility that will assist at- risk and homeless young people,” he added.
The redeveloped Frontyard is the first in the country to combine crisis accommodation with multiple support services 24/7, 7 days a week.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/5/30/180924%20L1%20Lounge.jpg" alt="">
“Only a fully-integrated service will effectively meet the needs of our most marginalised young people with complex needs who are currently falling through the cracks of siloed service systems,” says Vicki Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne City Mission.
“Without appropriate interventions, young people can become further entrenched in long-term homelessness and disadvantage. The pioneering Frontyard model aims to break this cycle by supporting young people to create a future where they can experience all the benefits of life we often take for granted.” Ms Sutton said.
City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Council has been supporting Frontyard Youth Services since 1990.
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“Homelessness is one of the biggest issues facing our city right now. That’s why we’re providing support for young people experiencing homelessness by investing $480,000 in Melbourne City Mission and their new Frontyard Youth Service,” the Lord Mayor said.
A large consortium of consultants and suppliers in the property industry, have donated their services and resources to the Frontyard redevelopment. 
Alongside the pro-bono consultant team, suppliers who have generously donated materials to this project include Harvey Norman, Highbury Plumbing, Haydens Ceiling and Partitions, Signorino Tiles, Taubmans Paint, Apec, AMP and AGL Energy.
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Property industry completes $9 million youth homeless refuge pro-bono

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Australian Unity has appointed Brad Watson to the new role of Head of Equity Origination – Property.
Reporting to Executive General Manager – Property, Mark Pratt.
Mr Watson will be responsible for "the development and execution of product and sales strategies across all equity channels for Australian Unity’s $3.2 billion property business."
Before joining Australian Unity, Mr Watson (pictured below) was Head of Distribution for Centuria Capital Group’s unlisted property funds division for four years, with the distribution team raising more than $500 million of equity during his tenure.
Mark Pratt said “attracting someone of Brad’s calibre to the Australian Unity property business will help to drive our continued growth – particularly in the mortgages area as well as our expanding presence in the healthcare and social infrastructure sectors.”
Mr Watson has more than 16 years’ of real estate experience, and has held funds management roles at Macquarie Group, Citigroup and AXA, as well as business development roles at 360 Capital Property Group and SCA Property Group.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/11/Brad%20Watson.JPG" alt="">
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Australian Unity appoints Brad Watson to Head of Equity Origination 

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Conditions in businesses within the property industry remain benign with a focus on strategies for future success, according to findings in the latest Avdiev Property Industry Remuneration Report.
The report found that companies with foreign clients, parent companies or branch offices are most affected and falling residential prices have dampened sentiment with a flow on effect for developers, builders and consultants working in related market sectors.
"After 28 years of continuous economic prosperity a reminder of the cyclic nature of property was well overdue," said Rita Avdiev, Managing Director of the Avdiev Group, remuneration consultants.
"Our subscribers have reported a good volume of business activity to date and for most, only a modest impact on their plans to date." 
The authors note that media focus on falling residential property prices has sent a message to the community about the cyclic nature of property assets, but is overshadowing good news from healthy commercial and industrial market sectors.
With the moderation of activity, property remuneration has also moderated. This time last year, it reported an overall increase in the property markets of 3% compared with the latest finding of 2.5%.
The latest ABS figures as at December 2018 showed the Wage Price Index rose 2.3% through the year and the Consumer Price Index 1.8%.
The report found that "the young continue to outpace their senior colleagues".
"Median pay rises were 2.5% overall, with spikes in sectors where shortages of competent people exist," it said.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/12/Avdiev%20graph.JPG" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/12/Avdiev%20graph.JPG" alt="">
According to Avdiev findings, millennials are invading traditional hierarchies.
Following an influx of young professionals, encouraged by a Property Council campaign, there has been generational change in the property industry.
Corporate restructuring in the last few years has encouraged millennials to rise up the ranks.
"Millennials are young, ambitious, with fresh attitudes to speed, change and results,” says Rita Avdiev.
"With the property industry and global and local economies in a state of flux, their ways of dealing with what comes next will be interesting to watch."
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Property industry business conditions remain benign: Avdiev

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The Australian Institute of Architects has announced the appointment of Julia Cambage to the position of chief executive officer for the architecture profession’s peak body.
Cambage (pictured below) joins the Institute, which represents more than 11,000 members in Australia and overseas, with over 20 years of CEO experience.
She was most recently CEO for TRY Australia – a youth charity and mentoring organisation employing over 400 staff and 200 volunteers across Australia with a $30 million turnover.
National President, Clare Cousins said the Institute is firmly in an "era of transformation".
"Ms Cambage’s entrepreneurial nature coupled with extensive experience and commercial acumen provide the perfect fit for the organisation and the profession as we continue on this exciting trajectory," said Cousins.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/1/Strip%20ad%20keep%20up%20in%202019.jpg" alt=""></a>
Cambage has previously held top level positions at national not-for-profits Procurement Australia and Family Business Australia, developing and implementing sustainable programs to achieve strategic growth.
During her six-year tenure as CEO at TRY Australia, Cambage was instrumental in the development and implementation of a range of sustainable enterprises including TRY Uncontained, a progressive social business converting shipping containers into affordable, small footprint housing.
The program was supported by property maintenance, furniture production and labour hire, providing training and employment.
That initiative specifically was recently recognised at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh as a true game changer.
Cambage commences on next Monday.
She will be based at the Institute’s Melbourne offices at 41 Exhibition Street.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/17/Cambage.JPG" alt="">
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Australian Institute of Architects welcomes new CEO, Julia Cambage

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Kay &amp; Burton has announced seven new equity partners into its new corporate structure.
Founded in 1938, Kay &amp; Burton is Melbourne based specialising in prestige property, what they suggest is "an increasingly dynamic market." 
In recent times the business has seen major investments including the development of Kay &amp; Burton Projects as a player in high end off-the-plan new developments. 
Property management businesses have been launched in Armadale and Brighton to meet the needs of an expanding client base.
The firm also implemented “cloud based” technology throughout the organisation to enhance the customer experience, plus a host of cutting-edge digital marketing products that more effectively and efficiently promote properties to active and passive buyers. 
“To maximise the impact of these investments, a corporate structure with a unique equity offering for partners to buy into the entire Kay &amp; Burton Group as opposed to a piece of only one office or division," Kay &amp; Burton's non-executive chairman Rob Edgley said. 
In contrast to a franchise model, Kay &amp; Burton operates as one firm working.  
“We are very excited to announce this diverse group of talented and high-performing business professionals as our new equity partners. 
"We are certain that they will be instrumental in taking Kay &amp; Burton to even greater heights,” Kay &amp; Burton's non-executive chairman Rob Edgley said.
Managing director Michael Gibson <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/95111-kay-burton-managing-director-michael-gibson-sells-down-shares" target="_blank">sold down his shares</a> for there to be new equity partners.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/1/Strip%20ad%20keep%20up%20in%202019.jpg" alt=""></a>
Kay and Burton’s new equity partners comprise:  
Gary Ormrod
Gary joined Kay &amp; Burton as a property manager in late 1997 and moved into the sales division in 2001. Gary’s client service skills were initially developed in senior positions at National Australia Bank and Crown Casino.  Over the last twenty years, he has honed these skills to be one of Kay &amp; Burton’s most consistent performers, winning the award for 2018 Top Salesperson by transaction volume.
Tom Staughton
Tom has enjoyed a long career at Kay &amp; Burton since graduating from Swinburne University.  Starting in property management, then moving into sales where he has spent the past fifteen years. Through a combination of hard work, attention to detail and a dynamic approach to marketing properties in his care, Tom was recognised by Kay &amp; Burton as a Rising Star in 2013.
Andrew Sahhar
Andrew has experienced success in selling property in Melbourne's most prestigious suburbs, since joining Kay and Burton South Yarra in 2007. He previously graduated with Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) gaining skills in negotiating, project and risk management as a team member working in international construction companies. 
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca has been a member of the Hawthorn office since September 2011 and has built an reputation during her 12 years in the real estate industry.  As a lifelong Kew resident, she has an understanding of the market place and demographics across the Boroondara and Yarra environs.  Rebecca was recognised by Kay &amp; Burton as a Rising Star in 2016 and won the 2016 and 2017 Top Salesperson by transaction volume award.  
Grant Samuel
Grant joined Kay &amp; Burton’s South Yarra office in July 2014 and has extensive experience at a director’s level in sales and corporate marketing roles. Grant was awarded the company’s Rising Star Award in 2016 followed by the 2018 Top Salesperson of the Year.
Lou Opie
Currently the COO, Lou joined Kay &amp; Burton in February 2016 with a wealth of experience gained from her 23 years as a chartered accountant in the financial services sector in Australia, London and the Middle East.  Lou’s skills and experience in investment banking and funds management span across finance, operations, risk &amp; compliance, IT, marketing and HR.
Carolyn Purnell-Webb
Carolyn joined Kay &amp; Burton in September 2016 to lead the property management division after running her own property management consultancy and training business for 16 years.  Under her guidance, the property management division has become one of the fastest growing divisions at Kay &amp; Burton.  Carolyn has been recognised by the company and received the Outstanding Leadership award in both 2017 and 2018.  She has an MBA from Griffith University and will complete a law degree in 2019.
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Kay & Burton announces seven new equity partners in its new corporate structure

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Ray White's November sales results saw a 16 percent drop on its November 2017 record, according to their latest advisory.
Dan White advised in The White Paper update the group sold $3.87 billion in unconditional sales last month.
The November drop was bigger than the October drop when the trading sales value for Australia and NZ came in just over $3.66 billion, eight per cent less than October 2017.
September saw almost $3.4 billion traded for the month, which was 10 percent lower than September 2017.  
Australiasia's housing market correction was evident in August as the group recorded $3.49 billion in unconditional sales, which was 13 percent lower than August 2017.
The NSW network recorded a 26 percent fall in sales in August to $938 million and there was a 28 per cent drop in total sales in Victoria to $465 million.
Dan White noted Ray White's market share has been growing across these markets in the last 12 months but the overall market was shrinking.
"While there’s no doubt that the core east coast markets have eased, Ray White Double Bay had their best November ever," he added.
Ray White Double Bay recorded November sales of $151 million with the 25 person sales team converting 38 sales with an average sale price of $3.96 million.
The Double Bay agents Craig Pontey and Elliott Placks secured Ray White's highest sale of the month – a Vaucluse trophy home – for around $30 million.
Mr White noted that despite some bright pockets that transactions were down broadly and with less market activity, advertised listings have surged higher.
"Buyers now have ample choice and time on their hands to negotiate on price and there is certainly not the same urgency in the market, plus finance is hard to access."
The tally is across Australia and its international offices.
Their New Zealand network had their best month of sales for 2018 in November which was up by 28 per cent on the same month last year and up 15 per cent on October. 
 
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