Calling all fresh faces! Property Council committees want you

Nominations for industry committees open on 3 September, as the Property Council looks for fresh perspectives, diverse skill sets and passionate professionals from across the nation.

The Property Council’s committees are at the heart of the association’s work, and currently attract more than 1,600 active contributors.

The committees shape the industry’s future, offer invaluable insights into the trends and issues affecting the operating environment, and provide a platform for members to engage with policy, advocacy, research, events and professional development.

In exchange, being part of a committee can help people build professional networks and knowledge and make a meaningful contribution to the property industry.

Every second year, all committees spill and new nominations are requested. In 2016, the Property Council launched its first 40:40:20 campaign, with a participation target of 40 per cent women, 40 per cent men, and 20 per cent discretionary. Across the 1,600 committee roles, the Property Council exceeded the target with 43 per cent female representation.

This year, the Property Council relaunches the 40:40:20 campaign and calls on fresh faces to put their hands up and get involved.

Debbie Gelling was one of those fresh faces in 2016. The regional manager for Lancini Property & Development based in Townsville, Gelling says she got involved because she could see “the Property Council’s Townsville Chapter Committee plays a really important role in regional Queensland, local business and shaping the community”.

Gelling says the scope to contribute to the industry is considerable. This year, as part of her role with the Townsville Chapter Committee, she has championed the 0 Women in Property program, “because it’s a great platform to increase Property Council membership and involvement at a local level”.

Hilary Marshall is a director of Ratio Consultants and a member of the Industrial Infrastructure and Logistics Committee in Victoria.

She says the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of highly-experienced industry leaders has been career-shaping.

“The committees provide a forum to discuss, dissect and review the latest trends and policy developments within the property industry,” Marshall says, adding that she’s found the committees “well-organised, well-directed and filled with motivated individuals who work as a team for the benefit of our industry”.

Ben Fahey works alongside Marshall on the Industrial Infrastructure and Logistics Committee.

As Frasers Property Australia’s industrial manager, Fahey says it’s important for his company to be represented on committees “to be a voice and to drive change within the property industry”.

“We are positioned at the coalface to guide key decisions that impact the fraternity,” Fahey adds, pointing to work his committee is doing to influence legislative changes affecting industrial precincts across the state.

Being part of a committee isn’t just good for companies, Fahey adds. “The opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with our peers is invaluable and enhances personal growth.”

David Rokesky, Turner & Townsend’s director of human resources agrees.

“Having been a member of the Queensland Diversity Committee since 2016, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to contribute,” Rokesky explains.

“I encourage anyone considering nominating for a committee to do so. There’s no better way to give back to the industry by contributing to thought leadership, sharing experiences and networking with like-minded people.”

Nominations for 2019 committees open on 3 September and close on 1 October. Learn more about the Property Council’s 2018 committee spill. Nominations for places on committees are highly sought after and unfortunately, we will not be able to place every nomination request.

More information is available from Our Committees 2019/20