Australia Awards 2026

Dr David Parker FRICS

Acting Commissioner, Land & Environment Court of NSW

Dr David Parker is an internationally recognised property industry expert and highly regarded property academic with forty years’ experience in property including being Valuer General of NSW, Professor of Property at the University of South Australia, an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court and a Sessional Senior Member of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Dr Parker is a Visiting Professor of Property at the Henley Business School, University of Reading and has published several books and numerous academic papers, regularly acting as a mediator in property disputes and as an expert witness on property funds management and property valuation matters in the Federal Court and the Supreme Courts. Further information concerning Dr Parker may be found at:

Andrea Brown FRICS

Director, Tregantle Consulting

A passion for existing buildings particularly industrial assets and the stories they tell has taken Andrea from Cornwall, UK where she started her career to Sydney. Starting her career as a capital works manager for a hospital trust this led to senior roles within national and global real estate firms encompassing building consultancy, project management and client management. This background has enabled Andrea to develop a unique yet transferable skill set that combines leadership roles with precise project management, the full range of technical skills as a building consultant and a deep understanding of legal frameworks. Andrea is currently a Director of Tregantle Consulting which was created to bring commercial outcome certainty and strategic influence to building owners and occupiers. The focus of Tregantle being a down-to-earth approach and a commitment to simplifying the complexities of the industry whilst at all times remaining flexible and genuine, with an absolute focus on client service.

Brigitte Meszaros MRICS

A Chartered Surveyor since 1994 with an extensive background in Project and Program Management Brigitte originally qualified as a Chartered Building Surveyor. Over the decades Brigitte has used her technical background and leadership skills to work across industry in a variety of roles. This has included leading large multidisciplinary programs and teams delivering $billion+ programs for Government and private industry. In the last 10 years she has had a strong focus in Energy, Defence and Transportation leading large teams within a large international infrastructure company. She has developed strong Project and Program Management skills over the years and delivered projects from Strategic Planning through to delivery and beyond.

Gemma Grant MRICS

National Manager – Project Leasing, Group Property & Security, Westpac

With over 20 years’ experience in the commercial property industry, a Chartered Surveyor with a broad background spanning agency, asset management, property management and leasing. For the past 15 years, I have worked in-house, specialising in project leasing, partnering with business to develop and deliver property strategies that support their operational and commercial objectives.

John Goddard FRICS

Director, J Goddard & Co - Building Consultancy, Sustainability Advice and Project Management

Independent building consultant, project manager and sustainability advisor in commercial property. Sole trader since 2007, before which he established and ran Building Consultancy Australia developing technical due diligence in Australia and project managing commercial building refurbishment. John is a strong advocate for high standards of sustainability in existing commercial property - the other 98%. He worked closely with the GBCA on their Green Star Performance tool. John is currently the Chair of the RICS NSW Member Engagement Group and has previously chaired the RICS Sustainability Group Oceania promoting sustainability and producing guides including: Green Roof Guide Greening Make Good Valuer’s Guide: Sustainability & Valuation of Commercial Property Choosing & managing energy efficient space

Maneesh Chugh MRICS

Workplace Operations Manager – ANZ & South East Asia, Ericsson Australia Pty Ltd

An astute CRE Professional with an MBA and BSB41415 Level IV Certificate in Work Health & Safety. Rich and diversified work experience across a wide gamut of Corporate Real Estate including Portfolio Management and new office Builds, Workplace Services, WH&S & Facility Management functions including FM (Outsourced Model), Project Management, Infrastructure Management, Physical Security, Business Continuity, Hard & Soft Services etc. in a 24/7 environment. Able to build and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with outside real estate partners, landlords, and vendors. Exceptional project management skills including the ability to handle multiple projects meeting aggressive deadlines. Cross-boundary working with proven ability to manage and balance the requirements of multiple stakeholders. Proficient in IFM budgeting & planning the funds for procurement & sourcing of services, contracts etc. High level of professionalism, confident and resilient personality with ability to work in a high pressured, busy role with confidence to just get the stuff done.

Mark Upton FRICS

Mark commenced his career in valuations holding positions with Chesterton International and Richard Ellis (now CBRE) before working in the City of London during the late 1990s. Returning from the UK, Mark next undertook primarily residential development projects of varying scale and complexity, mainly in Melbourne’s inner and south-eastern suburbs. An opportunity then arose to join McDonald’s Australia where his role was site acquisition and securing of town planning consent across three states. A similar role with Coles Group Property Developments Limited followed. Currently a consultant providing property advice to a broad client base, Mark is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Michael Taranto FRICS, FAIQS, CQS

National Estimating and Cost Planning Manager, Versatile Group

An experienced Construction and Development executive with over 30 years of experience working in the residential build to sell and build to rent, commercial, industrial and mixed-use asset classes across key markets in Australia and internationally. With a track record in working in the Tier 1 & 2 property market Michael has developed high performing cost planning and pre-construction teams across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Michael is a traditionally trained Quantity Surveyor and is passionate about construction, business and digital innovation and led national estimating and cost planning teams and a national pre-construction team.

Mike Hunter MRICS

Director, Archi-QS Pty Ltd

Construction and Development Finance professional with a 28-year career in Australia, having relocated to support preparations for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. I began my career with five years in private Quantity Surveying practices, developing expertise in cost management, project controls, procurement, and financial reporting. I then spent 20 years with National Australia Bank (NAB) specialising in Construction Risk, overseeing due diligence, feasibility assessments, builder and contractor evaluation, project monitoring, funding oversight, and governance across major development finance portfolios. Recognised for strengthening risk frameworks, enhancing banker capability, and supporting disciplined lending outcomes. Now with Archi QS, I specialise in financial reporting, lender advisory services, project monitoring, and construction risk management, combining technical QS expertise with extensive banking and development finance experience.

Simon Pearce MRICS

Portfolio Manager, Frasers Logistics and Commercial Portfolio

Simon is a Melbourne-based Portfolio Manager at Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust, where he oversees the performance and strategy of a commercial property portfolio. With a background spanning landlord representation, consulting, and in-house asset management, he brings a practical, end-to-end view of property from investment and leasing through to major project delivery. A Chartered Surveyor, Simon has worked across Australia and internationally, his experience ranges from acquisitions and divestments to hands-on project and asset management. He’s also been actively involved with RICS, supporting the profession as both a committee member and APC assessor.

Suzanne Chinner MRICS

Executive Director, Callens Consult

Suzanne is a quantum expert, claims consultant, and chartered quantity surveyor with over 19 years of experience in the construction industry. As quantity surveyor, Suzanne has worked on various large-scale projects and has seen multiple projects through from the concept stage to final accounts. Suzanne also has extensive experience in expert witness support, quantum analysis, claims consulting, and risk assessments on complex multi-billion dollar projects. In addition to a degree in quantity surveying (BSc QS), Suzanne has post graduate degrees in construction law (LLM) and business (MBA).

Tim Jones MRICS

Managing Director, Wholesale Securities Management Pty Ltd

Member – Investment Committee, Clime Investment Management Tim Jones is a seasoned investment and funds management professional with over 30 years of experience in real estate syndication, property development, structured finance, and capital raising. As the founding Director of Wholesale Securities Management Pty Ltd (WSM), he leads a specialised firm focused on commercial real estate investment and alternative property sectors. Tim began his career at Macquarie Group, managing property developments worth $800 million, later holding senior roles at Cape Bouvard Investments and the Sarich Family Office. He has structured and managed real estate debt and equity funds exceeding $3 billion and served as a Responsible Manager under two AFSLs. A member of Clime’s Unlisted Property Investment Committee, Tim contributes to investment strategy across fixed income and credit markets. He is also an MRICS member with strong affiliations in Australia's property and finance sectors.