Three Western Australian entrants have won prestigious UDIA National Awards for Excellence overnight, across categories including seniors living, diversity and women in leadership.
Presented in Brisbane on Wednesday night, the awards represent the ‘best of the best’ in the property industry across the nation.
Senior’s Living Luxury
Curtin Heritage Living’s Cottesloe redevelopment took home top honours in the national Senior’s Living category, a reflection of the innovative and spectacular living options on offer within the project.
The impressive project previously won at the UDIA WA state awards last year in the Senior’s Living and the overall ‘best of the best’ in urban development categories.
“With our aging population, senior’s living is a growing residential development category and the Curtin Heritage Living redevelopment was up against exceptional competition from around Australia,” UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said.
“From the sensitive redevelopment of a heritage area, the bringing together of old and new buildings, to the seamless integration of new community amenity in the heart of Cottesloe, the Curtin Heritage Living redevelopment project sets a new benchmark for senior’s living,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“We are very proud that a Western Australian development has been recognised on the national stage, showcasing the quality development occurring here.”
The Cottesloe project includes Marine Views Cottesloe, a 128-suite state-of-the-art residential aged care home incorporating design and technology innovations from around the world, and Waterfront Cottesloe, which includes 76 luxurious independent living apartments with thoughtfully designed shared spaces.
The site is also home to the now renowned Gibney restaurant which has been recognised as one of the best new restaurants in Perth, popular with residents and the wider community.
Recognising women in leadership
Adding to Western Australia’s wins, Director of the Department of Treasury’s Housing Supply Unit, Emma Colombera, was a joint winner in the Women in Leadership Award.
Ms Colombera has extensive experience in the public sector, including senior roles at the Department of Communities, strategic policy roles including Principal Policy Advisor Housing and Homelessness for the Hon. John Carey MLA; and Manager Housing Policy at the Department of Communities.
She has also undertaken previous roles at the Department of Premier & Cabinet; the Department of Treasury; and the Department of Water ensuring a diverse array of experience and knowledge across sectors.
“Emma is a positive role model for other women in the development industry, and in the public sector more broadly, given she embodies the leadership qualities of integrity, agility and intuition,” Ms Steinbeck said.
“She has been a mentor for many young women throughout her career and supported them to develop and move into more senior roles.”
You can read our exclusive profile on Emma in UDIA WA’s industry magazine here.
Diversity in development
The Construction Training Fund (CTF), led by CEO Tiffany Allen, has been a consistent voice in the property industry, promoting and expanding a more diverse and inclusive workforce that has a culture of equity and safety.
CTF’s commitment to diversity has now been recognised on the national stage, with last night’s win in the Diversity Award category.
Through the CTF Strategic Plan 2021- 2025 “Built to Skill”, key initiatives are being delivered that support leadership in the sector to enable a diverse and inclusive workforce now and into the future.
CTF has committed to working closely with industry to design appropriate programs and initiatives that particularly encourage greater gender equity in a traditionally male dominated sector.
Through the establishment of a Diversity, Culture and Inclusion Committee, the team has identified training opportunities and developed policies and plans to enhance understandings of diversity and inclusive practice for application within the workplace.
It is a long journey, but CTF data has already shown a trend upward in women in training.
CTF Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Allen said the CTF is committed to building a skilled, diverse and inclusive local workforce.
“The policies and practices the CTF has developed are embedded into the organisation,” Ms Allen said. “Diversity and inclusion is not just a box we tick, but a way of working that every team member embraces.”
Ms Steinbeck said the UDIA National Awards for Excellence are the pinnacle development industry award program in Australia.
“It is fantastic to see three deserving winners from WA as we continue to lead the nation in the delivery of quality, innovative housing to the market,” Ms Steinbeck said.