Hands up for Property Council committees
With nominations for Property Council committees opening on 3 October, fresh perspectives and diverse thinking are more in demand than ever.
Member engagement is at the heart of the Property Council’s work – and 1,380 people actively contribute on committees around the country.
Every second year, all Property Council committees are spilled and new nominations called for.
Property Council chief operating officer Kathy Mac Dermott says in this spill a target of 40 per cent women, 40 per cent men, and 20 per cent discretionary has been set to drive diversity and renewal throughout our committees
“For the first time, we’re enabling our member companies to nominate their people in one hit via an online portal. This will give companies better visibility of nominations across their organisations, and provide a streamline way for companies to actively contribute to our 40:40:20 target,” Mac Dermott says.
Christine O’Hara is general manager of Investa Office’s Brisbane CBD portfolio. She says being a member of the Commercial and Corporate Real Estate Committee in Queensland for the past four years has furthered her professional development, expanded her network and helped her to step out of her comfort zone.
“The committee is made up of a dynamic mix of people, bringing together different facets of the commercial property sector and making for some lively discussion in our monthly roundtable forums,” O’Hara says.
“These discussions have given me greater insight into our industry and caused me to look beyond my day-to-day activities.”
Andrew Robertson, a senior consultant with recruitment specialist Hays, is an active participant who sits on the Mainstreets Advocacy Committee in South Australia, and is a strong advocate of high street shopping strips as a vehicle for local jobs and growth.
“I’ve been involved with many committees over the years with other organisations, but I’ve been impressed by how professional and proactive this Property Council committee is. Every meeting moves our agenda forward – and I feel like I’m contributing to an issue that I feel passionate about.
“I find participating also helps me build trust and rapport with people throughout the industry – something that is important when you are in recruitment. I’ve developed valuable networks and gained insights into the needs of my clients,” Robertson says.
Committee nominations will be accepted from companies from 3 October, and from individuals after 17 October. The nomination period runs until 28 October and nominations can be made online.