In this episode of The Development Drum, Ian reflects on his career and his passion for creating lasting legacies through his projects. He explains how staying connected through UDIA Queensland helps his team stay informed and how his term as State President drove him to constantly push for better outcomes. Ian also offers his perspective on the housing crisis, unpacking the structural challenges behind it and why a more balanced, collaborative approach between industry and government is needed now more than ever. It’s an insightful conversation with someone who approaches complex problem-solving with the same focus and passion he brings to a weekend of watching sport!

Guest Bio: Ian has over 30 years’ experience in the development industry, having worked with several major corporate developers across Queensland and South Australia. Before moving into development, he spent nearly a decade as a consulting engineer, delivering services to the property sector.

A long-standing member of UDIA, Ian has been actively involved in both the Queensland and South Australian divisions. He served on the UDIA Queensland Board for several years, including terms as Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President.

Following more than a decade with Lendlease in Queensland, Ian recently joined Springfield City Group as Executive General Manager – Residential, where he continues to help shape the growth of one of the nation’s most significant masterplanned communities.

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

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Produced By: The Podcast Boss

Official Podcast of UDIA Queensland

In this episode of The Development Drum, Andrew shares the story that took him from the legal world to a leadership role at nbn, reflecting on what he loved (and misses) about being a lawyer and how it ultimately led him to where he is today. He offers fascinating insight into the one thing most new home buyers don’t know — and why it keeps him up at night. Andrew also speaks to the value of supporting the property development industry, the importance of nbn’s connection with UDIA Queensland, and how he fosters a strong, positive team culture. From leadership and martial arts to life as a dad, it’s a thoughtful conversation packed with practical takeaways and personal reflection.

Guest Bio: Andrew Walsh is the Executive General Manager, New Developments at nbn. He leads a national team that works closely with property developers to bring the nbn network to new lots, buildings, and communities, ensuring that future residents are well-connected and ready to make the most of what the network has to offer.

Prior to this role, Andrew led nbn’s Wholesale Supply team, where he was responsible for negotiating terms of supply with more than 150 retail service providers across the country.

Before joining nbn, Andrew built a successful career as a leading lawyer in the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors, advising clients across Australia, the Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

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Produced By: The Podcast Boss

Official Podcast of UDIA Queensland

In this episode of The Development Drum, Marina shares the journey behind her enduring passion for the industry, from early lessons and influential mentors to the values that guide her today. She talks about building and maintaining a brand and legacy with clarity of purpose, her collaborative leadership style, and why genuine connection with her team, peers, and the broader industry remains at the heart of everything she does. It’s an honest, insightful conversation with a leader who brings heart, humility, and purpose to her work.

Guest Bio: Marina is a highly respected industry leader with a career spanning property development, government, and the not-for-profit sector. As CEO of Mosaic, she is responsible for driving corporate strategy and operational excellence. Previously, as Chief Operating Officer, she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s operational framework and overseeing its continued growth.

Before joining Mosaic, Marina served as CEO of the UDIA Queensland, where she led policy development, industry reform, and advocacy efforts — earning Life Membership in 2019 for her contributions. Earlier in her career, as CEO of Youngcare, she was instrumental in pioneering specialist housing solutions, setting new benchmarks for accessibility and independent living.

Marina has also held senior executive roles at Brisbane Marketing and served as Chief of Staff to the Lord Mayor of Brisbane. She has contributed to several boards, including South Bank Corporation and SEQ Water, bringing a wealth of strategic insight to every role.

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

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Produced By: The Podcast Boss

Official Podcast of UDIA Queensland

In this episode of The Development Drum, Kirsty sits down with Damian Winterburn to explore his journey into the property development world, inspired from a young age by his grandfather’s legacy. Damian shares candid insights into the builder-developer business model, the lessons he’s learned, and the advice he’d pass on. He also reflects on the projects he’s most proud of — particularly those that deliver housing for those who need it most. With a down-to-earth perspective, Damian offers a glimpse into his day-to-day life and what lies ahead as he continues to shape places with purpose.

Guest Bio: Damian Winterburn is the Managing Director of Boulder Capital, a capital partner providing debt and equity investments to developers across South East Queensland. Over the past eight years, Damian has worked closely with numerous developers, offering not only capital but also strategic advice to help deliver more than 50 highly profitable projects in the region.

Alongside his family, Damian is also involved with Marquee Development Partners, an award-winning residential development company specialising in premium apartment buildings and land subdivisions throughout SEQ. This family business has a strong track record, having delivered over 3,000 dwellings in Queensland over the past 30 years.

With more than 25 years’ experience in property and finance across Australia and the USA, Damian has built and led businesses spanning development, construction, civil engineering, sales, and finance. His passion for property and business is evident throughout his diverse career.

Damian holds a degree in Property Economics from QUT, is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and actively participates in several property industry committees. He also has a long history of advising key government bodies and the Reserve Bank of Australia.

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

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Official Podcast of UDIA Queensland

In this episode of The Development Drum, Roger Collins-Woolcock shares stories from a career that’s seen it all — from building an office from the ground up in Hervey Bay back in 1994, to backing himself years later and launching a boutique consultancy. He reflects on the lessons learned along the way, his passion for helping clients grow, and the value of smart succession planning and strategy. With his signature storytelling style, Roger also draws compelling parallels between football and business, offering memorable takeaways for navigating your professional journey.

Guest Bio: Roger is a civil engineer with over 35 years of experience in the private sector professional services industry. In 2015, he established his own consultancy, providing business strategy, development, training, operational, and merger & acquisitions advice to small and medium-sized firms. He currently sits on the boards of three organisations.

Roger has been actively involved with the UDIA for more than 25 years. He founded the Central Coast Chapter in NSW in 2001, served as NSW President from 2002 to 2004, and was a member of the National Council. With support from consulting firm Harrison Grierson, he helped establish the Urban Development Institute of New Zealand (UDINZ) in 2017.

Roger has also contributed as a judge for UDIA’s Awards programs at both state and national levels, and has supported professional development programs across NSW. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded Life Membership of UDIA NSW in 2009.

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

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Produced By: The Podcast Boss

Official Podcast of UDIA Queensland

In this episode of The Development Drum, Marty offers a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of property finance — sharing the complexity of his role, the extraordinary highs and lows, and what it’s like working alongside some of the biggest companies in the country. With a deep passion for the industry, he reflects on the importance of mentoring the next generation and the value of strong professional relationships. Marty also takes us through some defining moments in his career, from the early market crash of 1992 to navigating the uncertainty of COVID, while revealing his love of tennis and the unexpected career path he might’ve pursued if banking hadn’t called!

Guest Bio: Marty is the National General Manager of Property Finance at Westpac Group, which includes the St.George, Westpac, BankSA, and Bank of Melbourne brands. His team supports over 2,600 clients across all Australian market sectors and regions, providing both development and investment finance.

A qualified Chartered Accountant with an MBA, Marty has 33 years of experience in property finance across Australia and the UK. Before joining Westpac Group in 2016, he held several senior national and international roles, including 17 years at NAB and time with Lloyds Banking Group.

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

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Produced By: The Podcast Boss

Official Podcast of UDIA Queensland

In this episode of The Development Drum, Claire O'Rourke takes us through her career journey — from the lecture halls of university to climbing the corporate ladder, to now leading her own company. She reflects on the pivotal role of professional mentorship in shaping her path and how her involvement with UDIA Queensland fuels her sense of purpose. Claire also shares a behind-the-scenes look at her current project, diving into the challenges of land efficiency, the push to innovate in small lot housing, and the importance of community engagement in delivering successful outcomes.

Guest Bio: Claire is a property developer with over 20 years of experience delivering residential and mixed-use projects across Brisbane, Perth, and London, ranging from $20 million to $700 million. She co-founded a successful property consultancy in 2018 and was named one of Queensland’s Top 20 Business Entrepreneurs in 2021. In 2023, she launched Cohere Projects, a residential development company focused on sustainability, design, and community benefit. Claire is also a UDIA Queensland Board Member and a passionate advocate for the property sector.

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

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Produced By: The Podcast Boss

Official Podcast of UDIA Queensland

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Development Drum, Adam McVie opens up about his journey through a long and rewarding career at Dennis Family Corporation. He shares the lessons learned along the way, the realities developers are navigating in today’s landscape, and what’s kept him engaged in both the industry and with the Institute. From proud project milestones to finding balance between work and family life, Adam offers a thoughtful and down-to-earth perspective on the highs and hurdles of the development world.

Guest Bio: Adam is the Queensland State Manager at Dennis Family Corporation and has served as a Director on the UDIA Queensland Board since 2020. Born in Brisbane and raised in Port Moresby, he returned to Brisbane for schooling before completing tertiary qualifications in engineering. After a stint in the UK, Adam joined Dennis Family Corporation in 2001 as a Project Manager and was appointed State Manager in 2018.

About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.

Support the Show:

• Subscribe and rate 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram

Produced By: The Podcast Boss

Official Podcast of UDIA Queensland