Property Congress 2017
– Lauren Evans, Senior Lawyer at Clayton Utz and Chair of the Darwin Future Directions Committee
It was 1:30am when I checked into my hotel in Cairns, the sole staff member at the front desk asking where I had flown in from so late. On replying “Darwin” he exclaimed “Oh, that explains the cardigan!”
Despite the observations about the humidity from the Southerners, the setting of the 2017 Property Congress was perfect dry season weather, albeit with near constant rain, and some rather impressive thunder.
The Congress kicked off for me with a meeting of the National Future Directions Committee, with each jurisdiction sharing their biggest wins for the year. As the Darwin chapter is in its infancy, I picked up some excellent ideas for 2018 to attract young people (35 and under) in property to Darwin’s Property Council of Australia (PCA) events and to encourage involvement. In return, I shared our work to date on various papers (including comments on the Darwin City Deal paper on Innovation and Digital Opportunities) and inspired our Southern counterparts to explore how they can help shape their jurisdictions.
After the meeting, we made our way to the Welcome Aboard Party (presented by the PCA’s principal sponsor Yardi) which was held at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal to celebrate the Property Congress’ 40th anniversary. It’s fair to say that the PCA and Yardi pulled out all the stops in putting together this bash with a touching welcome to country from the traditional owners, a huge seafood bar, grazing tables, an ice cream stand and fireworks!
The first day of the Property Congress featured an impressive line-up of speakers. My personal favourite was Jessica Christiansen-Franks, Co-Founder and CEO of Neighbourlytics, who shared how our digital footprint can help shape public spaces and help create neighbourhoods that thrive. As the Future Directions chair for Darwin, I was inspired to hear how we can use technology to improve and inform.
After a full day, we jumped on the bus (complete with ponchos and umbrellas) to head to Rainforestation Nature Park for the Into the Wild Networking Party (presented by the PCA’s leading sponsor WSP Group) in Cairn’s mountainous rainforests. Although some of us were somewhat concerned about staying dry, the trip was absolutely worth it with an evening rainforest tour in an amphibious vehicle and photo opportunities with koalas, wallabies, snakes and a croc that would make even Brutus from Adelaide River think twice. While others went on their tours, we were entertained with live music, food truck offerings and a photo booth which provided endless entertainment!
Expecting a dusty crowd the next morning, the PCA put on an impressive array of hangover cures in its Recovery Station – Berocca, a juice bar and egg and bacon rolls doing the trick for many. Those of us who rolled out of bed were rewarded for our diligence by an engaging and entertaining session by Todd Samson of “Redesign My Brain” fame. Todd inspired me so much I purchased and downloaded both seasons of his series for the plane trip back home.
After hearing about some of the impressive new projects on the horizon, we were treated to an inspiring session with Sir Bob Geldof. He reminded us about the social responsibilities in the business of property and to “tread softly property dudes – you are making homes, not houses.”
As the Property Congress 2017 came to a close, we were treated to the exciting news that the 2018 Property Congress will be held in Darwin! I highly encourage everyone to attend, but in particular the young people in property – this is an opportunity to make your mark on the industry and learn from those who have gone before us.