The Queensland women making their mark in development revealed
From tireless champions of diversity to pioneering co-founders of businesses, here are some Queensland women who have become leaders in development. SEE THE LIST
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The wild world of development has always been a male-dominated industry but there is change on the horizon with dozens of strong and driven women guiding the way for future generations of aspiring property industry professionals.
From tireless champions of diversity in the workplace to pioneering co-founders of property businesses and everything in between, southeast Queensland is home to some incredibly talented and inspiring women in development.
Here are some of their stories.
QLD WOMEN MAKING THEIR MARK IN DEVELOPMENT
RIYE ARAI-COUPE & CLAIRE O’ROURKE — CO-FOUNDERS AND PARTNERS BLUEBIRD PROPERTY
Property pioneers Riye Arai-Coupe and Claire O’Rourke both have an incredible 20 years of industry experience.
As co-founders and partners of property advisory, development and project management firm Bluebird Property, this dynamic duo have a passion for challenging the “way things are always done”.
Bluebird Property was born in 2018 and since then has been behind an array of projects, including more than 7000 apartments townhouses and dwellings worth an estimated $5.7 billion.
“We wanted to challenge the ‘this is the way things are always done’ approach and the stereotypes, and lead by example – to show first-hand that you don’t need big egos to be effective,” Ms Arai-Coupe said.
“Too often we were seeing strong and dominant personalities that ruled by force rather than by consideration and teamwork. We believe that you can generate better outcomes by taking a calmer, more considered and more collaborative approach.”
The pair have also now co-founded their second venture, SABI Property, which is set to launch its first project in the coming months.
BRITTANNY WHITE — DEVELOPMENT MANAGER LENDLEASE COMMUNITIES QUEENSLAND
Emerging development powerhouse, Brittanny White is the development manager with Lendlease Communities Queensland, who has an intense passion for community and sustainability.
A notable project for Brittany is the new masterplanned community in the Redlands Coast called Shoreline.
The Shoreline development focuses on a strong connection to country, having deeply engaged the local community and First Nations People, with many aspects tied in to celebrate this.
A mural in the development’s parkscape, Jingeri Park, celebrates the children of the area and their connection to country and Ms White has worked extensively to incorporate indigenous stories throughout the development.
“Placing a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, social equality, and economic viability, Brittanny has been instrumental in the delivery of Jingeri Park – a shining beacon for the community,” a Lendlease spokeswoman said.
“Planting the roots for a sustainable future at Shoreline, Brittanny and the Lendlease team worked closely with landscapers and horticulturists at Eureka Landscapes to relocate three fig trees to Jingeri Park to ensure they can be preserved and enjoyed by future Shoreline families for years to come.”
“Since the community’s inception, Brittanny has helped create a sustainable and liveable environment throughout the project that enhances the unique bayside lifestyle.”
LEAH KENT — DIRECTOR OF CUE PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS
As the head of an all-female team, Leah Kent has excelled as a powerful woman in development.
With 14 years in the residential property industry, Ms Kent has gone from strength to strength in her roles, and has become a champion for women in property.
In 2015, Cue Property Settlements was started after Ms Kent discovered a missing link in the transaction of off-the-plan residential property and the company is now responsible for providing and facilitating successful property settlements.
Cue Property has worked with clients across private and institutional developments as well as with project marketing agencies across southeast Queensland and Sydney.
Some notable projects include 443 Queen by Cbus Property, Monarch, Toowong by Consolidated Properties and Sekisui House’s West Village.
Ms Kent has also a network of professionals in the industry and includes Cue’s annual Women in Property International Women’s Day events, where women in property can share and celebrate their success, share advice and set goals.
GENAEA KEITH — SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AURA STOCKLAND
Genaea Keith is no stranger to the challenges of being a successful woman in a male dominated industry and recognises the key role that strong women play in bringing up the next generation of females in development.
“I’ve faced plenty of blatant and veiled sexism throughout my entire career. It’s been women in leadership positions that have encouraged me to put myself forward,” she said.
“They have been my champions and brought me to the table, so I worked twice as hard to not let them or myself down.”
Ms Keith recently started her role as a the senior development manager of Aura with Stockland after she previously spent 12 years working with Economic Development Queensland.
The Aura project is the fastest growing residential community in Queensland and one of the largest masterplanned communities in Australia.
She also ascertained her Masters in Urban and Regional Planning with a published dissertation on delivering affordable housing.
Her passions lie in creating truly liveable, connected communities.
“Our sense of home is an important part of our identity and engaging places encourage our connection with others, which creates our shared sense of community,” she said.
After once being told her personality was “too effervescent to succeed”, Ms Keith said “I believe my big personality and passion for what I do shows my authenticity, stakeholders see this, and it helps me build relationships and trust”.
MICHELLE FITZGERALD — SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MANAGER CBUS PROPERTY
As the senior development manager for Cbus Property, Michelle Fitzgerald has developed more than $1 billion in sustainability-driven commercial and residential high-rise developments.
She is also currently responsible for a further $660 million at the 205 North Quay development.
Currently under construction, the 205 North Quay high-rise development will offer an Australian-first commercial development offering tenants a holistic work life balance.
It will include a wellness floor, lap pool, a public realm auditorium, outdoor terraces on every level and rooftop collaboration and function facilities.
Throughout her 20-year career, Ms Fitzgerald will have delivered more than of 230,000 sqm of commercial office space.
“It’s certainly not easy or straight forward most days but knowing the legacy that they will contribute to the city, to the people that will work or live in them and our members, is where I find purpose,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
Ms Fitzgerald grew up in the construction industry, so she was under no false-pretences that a career in property would have its difficulties but has been impressed by the efforts of many companies to champion female developers.
“More work needs to be done to increase participation, have representation across all levels and disrupt unconscious bias,” she said.
“With Australia currently experiencing extensive labour shortages across the board, clever organisations, like Cbus Property have made diversity and inclusion a central part of how they work, attract, train and retain employees.
“Others should do the same in order to be effective into the future.”
KIRSTY ROURKE — CEO CITY OF BRISBANE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
For almost three years, Kirsty Rourke has spearheaded the City of Brisbane Investment Corporation and has directed the Brisbane City Council’s Urban Wealth Fund, worth $350 million.
Ms Rourke was formerly a property lawyer, which is where she developed a love for the industry, and led her to CBIC in 2014.
A notable achievement for Ms Rourke and CBIC was the sale of heritage-listed Gordon & Gotch building at 262 Adelaide Street.
The building, refurbished from its run-down state to a beacon in its area, and improved to feature disability access, sold for an incredible $18.8 million.
“I am excited about CBIC’s current developments, a $10 million project delivering specialist disability accommodation in Everton Park and East Brisbane,” Ms Rourke said.
“CBIC has partnered with Youngcare to deliver the project and aims to house a few of the thousands of young people with disabilities enrolled in the NDIS that are still searching for an appropriate place to call their own home.”
Beyond the office, Ms Rourke has dedicated herself in other ways to her projects having hiked the Aussie Ten Peaks and raised $65,000 to support Youngcare’s crucial work.
“When I first started in the industry, it was common for me to be the only women in a meeting,” she said.
“But this is changing. I’m proud that at CBIC, over half of our employees are women – including the management team.”
SARAH SCRUBY — SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MANAGER KEYLIN
Starting in real estate 19 years ago, Sarah Scruby has powered up through the ranks to her current role as a senior development manager with Keylin.
It is there she is working on the iconic Oria Spring Hill development, with an expected end-value of approximately $200 million.
Her previous roles have included being a research and development finance analyst for a private developer, a senior project manager and senior property analyst for the Queensland Government, development manager and project manager for Frasers Property Australia (FPA), senior development manager for Racing Queensland and senior development manager for Australian Unity working on the Herston Quarter Project.
Ms Scruby has a passion for diversity within the industry and is a dedicated mentor for young property industry professionals and a member of the Property Council of Australia’s Residential Committee.
“I do think that men tend to get the first seat at the table and are generally seen as more capable and steadfast than women, which has proven challenging at times because the men are often the ones turned to first for their opinion, even if there is a woman leading the project,” she said.
“Women should feel encouraged that the industry is changing and that there is an awareness that for the industry and business to succeed there needs to be more women in leadership roles and on boards.
“I think more can be done to ensure there is the appropriate succession and forward planning for women in businesses, so they don’t lose them when they start a family for example or that they are not cast aside because they aren’t the ‘loudest’.”
MICHELLE WOOLDRIDGE — QUEENSLAND STATE MANAGER CEDAR WOODS PROPERTIES
Michelle Wooldridge had a “non-traditional” start to her career, having started in a finance role on the Brisbane Showgrounds development.
She was then able to move into development management and project director roles with Lendlease from 2011 and is now the Queensland State Manager of Cedar Woods Properties.
During her time at Lendlease, Ms Wooldridge led developments like the Herston Quarter and Cross River Rail Over Station Development.
In 2022, she moved to Cedar Woods, who work on a diverse range of projects from masterplanned communities, townhouse and apartment developments.
She is now also the vice president of Queensland Division Council for Property Council of Australia.
“I am a big believer in that you cannot be what you cannot see and for that reason, I am very transparent and collaborative in my leadership style with my team,” Ms Woolridge said.
“I have always had key champions and mentors that have supported me throughout my career – again, both men and women.
“These mentors and champions have been inside and outside of the organisations I work for. “The PCA has been a great platform to develop strong relationships with colleagues in the industry.”
LAVINIA DACK — GROUP GENERAL MANAGER PROPERTY UNITING CARE QUEENSLAND
Lavinia Dack currently heads the Queensland team of more than 100 property professionals for UnitingCare Queensland
UnitingCare Queensland developments, include aged care, hospitals, retirement living, retail, warehouses and offices with Ms Dack and her team are currently delivering the first stage of a $100 million-plus aged care precinct at Sunrise Beach, Noosa.
Ms Dack started her career more than 20 years ago in London and was able to work on projects from a new Tube station, residential and industrial land subdivisions, aged and residential care facilities among many others.
“I love working in property because it is all about team work, problem solving and creativity. For me, construction is the most exciting phase where you get to see the outcome of all the planning coming to life,” she said.
“Working in an industry dominated by men, it’s been wonderful to see how so many men have welcomed increased diversity in property.”
Ms Dack is also a passionate volunteer with the National Association of Women in Construction.
“I am so proud that there are two men in our committee. NAWIC also has a Male Allies Program, which is well attended by men wanting to gain a better appreciation for gender-based issues,” she said.
JESS CAIRE – QUEENSLAND DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PROPERTY COUNCIL AUSTRALIA
Queensland deputy executive director of the Property Council Australia, Jess Caire describes her career as “as varied as the sector itself is”.
Ms Caire started her career in South Australia as a conveyancer and acquired her first firm at just 24 and over the last decade has bought and sold several more.
“From there, I striven to surround myself with some of the most knowledgeable conveyancers in SA and was fortunate enough to work on weird and wonderful property transactions – including having to literally count the cows for actual stock take,” she said.
She then transitioned to a role in Queensland as the executive manager at PEXA, where she worked on digital settlements.
“Helping transform an industry steeped in tradition with a heavy reliance on paper was incredibly rewarding and the utilisation of technology within the property sector is something I can deeply passionate about.,” Ms Caire said.
“I am often asked what it’s like to work in what is perceived to be a male dominated environment – something I am incredibly proud of is the leadership the Property Council has shown in building a diverse and inclusive industry.
“Initiatives such as Champions of Change, the Property Council panel and pitch pledge along with our programs, such as 500 Women in Property and Girls In Property have been instrumental in building a significant and sustainable increase in the number of women in senior leadership positions in the property industry.”
“There are so many incredible female leaders within the industry, many I am fortunate enough to call friends and all of which I learn from.”
JULIA HEWITT – SPECIAL COUNSEL, PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT, COLIN BIGGERS & PAISLEY PTY LTD
Promoted to her current role as special counsel at Colin Biggers & Paisley in 2022, Julia Hewitt has had an impressive career in the industry.
Ms Hewitt’s practice specialises in all aspects of community title and flat land off-the-plan and registered residential and mixed-use developments and has experience across many forms of property transactions, including acquisitions, sales, land due diligence and body corporate advice.
“I also generally work on large and complex developments which keeps my work varied and interesting. The property development industry is always evolving and bringing with it new legal challenges,” she said.
Her notable projects have included legal work with the West Village development in West End, Silk One, Silk Lane and South City Square in Woolloongabba.
Ms Hewitt also strives to be a leader in championing women in the property development industry.
“I am involved in organising Colin Biggers & Paisley‘s Women in Property events, bringing together women in the property industry to network and grow connections,” she said.
“The property development industry is predominantly male dominated and therefore having an event where women can champion other women and build those connections is invaluable to both the practice and clients in profiling and building relationships.”
ABBY SCANLAN — DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, MIRVAC
Abby Scanlan is proof that age is just a number, having climbed the career ladder from the moment she stepped out of uni just seven years ago.
And she’s succeeded in everything she’s done since.
Backed by a Business Degree majoring in Property and Real Estate Development, Ms Scanlan is now a development manager for the commercial and mixed use Development Team at Mirvac, where she has been for the last two years.
“I love that everyday is different and our roles cover so much. We go from being creative and reviewing plans, shaping our cities future to reviewing legal documentation, to trouble shooting an issue on site, to networking, to inspections and so much more,” she said.
“I love that we shape our cities and create great spaces that will be our legacy.
“We alter the way people use/spend time in our spaces for now and future. We create public spaces like the retail at 80 Ann that we shape and curate in the hope that they are loved and used by the people of our cities.
“This is where we get to be creative, strategic and bold all under the banner of a day in the life of a development manager.
“The curating of our public spaces is the most important and the most enjoyable part for me. This is the space everyone gets to use and choose to use and this is where the magic happens.
“We create work spaces that are aimed at making people come to work.”
Ms Scanlan says the industry is getting better every year, with more and more women entering senior roles.
“It’s actually a really goodindustry to work in, it promotes women and champions them so well. Mirvac is amazing at this so I don’t see it as a challenge or hard. I see it’s the way it should be and it’s all I know,” she said.
Some projects Ms Scanlan has been involved in include the 80 Ann Street development worth approximately $800 million and is currently working on 200 Turbot St, due for completion in 2026.
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