Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Regulars
Chairman's Message 02
Australian Embassy Message 04
Australian Consul General's Message 06
10 Features
Property Investment 08
Property Market 09
Nakheel 10
Multiplex 12
Green Vision 15
Golf Courses 17
Rasis Developers LLC 19
Looking Ahead
Modern Architecture 20
Landscape Architecture 21
Sustainable Solutions 22
Investment 24
Resort Environment 26
Construction & Development 27
Law
17 27 Property Law 28
Trade News
Trade News - Victoria 31
Trade News - South Australia 33
Trade News - Western Australia 35
Sport
Property & Construction Team 36
Events
Social Events 38
Up Coming Events 47
Members
New Members 48
Committee Members 49
Property Horoscopes 50
Member Profile
36 38 David Heffernan 52
Earlier this year, the Australian Business in the Gulf Group (ABIG) attend and actively participate in an increased range of programs and
were proud to announce our move to enhanced status in Dubai with events run by the Chamber of Commerce. The closer relationship
local authorities including the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and between the ABC and DCCI will also avail our members of better
Industry, Dubai Municipality and with the UAE Ministry of Foreign access to the services and support that is available through the
Affairs to become The Australian Business Council. (ABC). But what Chamber.
does that mean to you as a member?
From the first days of ABIG we have grown in numbers, in diversity,
As a Business Council we take a formal seat amongst other Business and in relevance. The Australian business presence in Dubai is well
Councils with events and formal information flow to and from the established and is positively recognised throughout the UAE. For us
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This will include events as a business group to grow, our elevation to becoming a Business
and activities relative to Australia, as well as to those relevant to Dubai Council is a natural progression and we are delighted to offer the
and the broader UAE. Our level of interaction and communication benefits that come with our new status to all ABC members.
with the Chamber will be elevated and we will be formally invited to
2 SEPTEMBER,07
AU S T R A L I AN EM BA SSY M ESSAGE
B
Both
Bo countries have
strengthened their links over
str ver
e
fighting international crime
As most of you are aware, the Ambassador, Jeremy Bruer is in Mr. Johnston said “International crime cooperation between
Australia until 19 August on leave and consultations, visiting Australia and the United Arab Emirates has been significantly
capitals, giving speeches on the dynamic and growing bilateral strengthened”. He went on “These treaties represent a
relationship between the UAE and Australia, and consulting significant step in strengthening our cooperative ties to tackle
with government and business. In his place, I am honoured to transnational crime. The signing of the Extradition and Mutual
have the opportunity to highlight one of the embassy’s activities Assistance treaties will enhance our ability to effectively combat
for the second issue of Focus Magazine. transnational crime including terrorism, people trafficking,
money laundering and corruption.
As the summer strengthens its grip on the UAE, and more and
more people head off on holidays, we are pleased that a long- The Extradition and Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters
running and important bilateral issue which has occupied the treaties were Australia’s first international crime cooperation
embassy for more than three years has finally come to fruition. treaties with the United Arab Emirates. Senator Johnston said,
This is an issue which some might consider low-key, but it is, “Extradition treaties enable countries to prevent criminals from
nonetheless, very important: the completion of the negotiations evading prosecution by crossing international boundaries, while
of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaty, and the Mutual Assistance treaties enhance countries’ abilities to help
Extradition Treaty. each other investigate and prosecute criminal offences.”
On 26 July, in Hobart, the UAE Minister for Justice, His Negotiation of these two treaties began three years ago.
Excellency Mohammed Al-Dhaheri, and the Australian Numerous discussions were held between the Attorney
Minister for Justice and Customs, David Johnston signed Generals Department in Canberra, and the Ministry of Justice
these two important treaties. This means both countries have in Abu Dhabi, facilitated by face-to-face discussions, emails
strengthened their links over fighting international crime. and cables by the embassy. Then in September 2006 a team
from the UAE visited Sydney to go through the draft text of
the treaties, in English and Arabic, with the Australian side, and
they achieved agreement in just one week.
These two treaties are part of a growing focus on security
cooperation, and along with the Defence Cooperation
Agreement signed during the Defence Minister, Dr Nelson’s
visit to Abu Dhabi in April 2007, further develops the
framework for enhanced communication and cooperation
between Australia and the UAE.
3 SEPTEMBER,07
AU S T R A L I AN CO N SU L GEN ERAL'S ME S S AG E
DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES
Pro
Professionally
P it has been
rewarding, and personallyy
it has been a lot of fun
This will be my official sign off to the Australian Business received from our Ambassador to the UAE, Jeremy Bruer.
Council as my posting with the Australian Consulate General He might barrack for the wrong footy team, but he is a great
and Australian Trade Commission in Dubai is complete this Australian and he has been a true friend to me. I offer my
month. I will be heading back to Melbourne for some leave and sincere appreciation to the many people who have given their
to watch some football until the end of the year, and will then time to the Australian Business Council and grown it to the
commence a new posting adventure in Bangkok. organisation it is now. And finally I would ask and hope
that my successor, Kym Hewett, who will arrive in Dubai in
It has been an exhilarating ride over the past five years where all
September, receives that same support, and level of friendship
Australians who have been in Dubai have seen and experienced
that I have.
tremendous change and growth in all aspects of life. During
this time the Australian Consulate General has relocated twice I hope that our paths cross again wherever that may be.
and grown from representation of two Government agencies
Yours sincerely
and twenty five staff to now eight agencies with sixty five staff.
Through the broader Middle East and North Africa region
the Australian Trade Commission reach has grown from thirty
staff with six points of presence in 2002 to now forty eight
staff with fourteen points covering twenty six countries. New
positions have been established in Libya, Kuwait, Bahrain,
Qatar, Oman and in Abu Dhabi as Austrade assists Australian
Peter Linford
exporters on the ground to position themselves to market
Consul General Dubai & Northern Emirates
opportunities.
Senior Trade Commissioner Middle East & North Africa
I have personally been privileged to have worked with
a terrific group of people in an exciting region assisting
Australian companies in places such as Algeria and Libya,
Iraq, Iran, Yemen and all countries in the region in between.
Professionally it has been rewarding, and personally it has been
a lot of fun.
I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to all Australians
who have supported us and I hope that we have where
possible provided some value of support from our side in
return. In particular I would acknowledge the support I have
4 SEPTEMBER,07
P R O P E RT Y IN V ESTM EN T
This trend has continued in 2007, with the enactment of
a trust/escrow account law in Dubai, aimed at controlling
and providing transparency in terms of the use of funds by
property developers on particular projects.
The Government of Dubai will also shortly enact a strata
title law, which will govern the rights of property owners
living in multi-storey buildings in Dubai. The strata title law
will achieve two objectives which are currently lacking in the
Dubai real estate market: first, it will regulate the rights to the
common areas of a property, and second, it will establish a
system of rules and regulations with regard to the management
and administration of the title to those common areas. The
Government of Dubai has not yet introduced a trust law, but
this is understood to be in the pipeline.
Concurrently, one of Dubai’s free zones, the Dubai
International Financial Centre (DIFC), has introduced a series
of property-related laws governing transactions occurring
in, and entities incorporated within the DIFC, namely, a real
property ownership law, a strata title law, a trust law and a law
governing the establishment and operation of a real estate
investment trust (REIT).
The growing sophistication of the Dubai real estate market,
due to the paradigm shift in the background of the players in
the market, and the development of a mature legal framework
to regulate property development and investment, has resulted
in a corresponding growth in the sophistication of financing
methods utilised for property acquisitions and development.
property investment
debt. The debt portion has been provided by way of a single-
or multi-lender facility, either by a local or regional financial
institution. Increasingly, however, more sophisticated financing
and finance in the UAE methods are being utilised, one of which is securitisation.
Securitisation involves the issuing of rated bonds (a form of
debt instrument) to investors. The proceeds from the issuing
A lthough the Dubai real estate market has been growing at
a rapid pace for at least the last 15 years, the market really
began to move forward at breakneck speed in 2002, when the
of those bonds are converted into a debt facility, which is used
to partly finance the acquisition of a property. The security for
this facility is usually an assignment of the rental income from
Government of Dubai liberalised property ownership for non- the property, as well as a mortgage over the real property. These
GCC nationals. bonds are then credit enhanced.
This liberalisation was part of the strategy of Dubai to promote The advantage of this type of finance is that, because the bonds
direct foreign investment and therefore grow the non-oil
are rated independently as to their creditworthiness, and given
economy. As a result, construction is the fastest growing sector
that the investors are mainly drawn from outside the GCC,
of the Dubai economy, accounting for 12.2% of GDP in 2004,
companies looking to finance the acquisition of property assets
whilst the real estate sector provided a further 10.6% of GDP
can access cheaper debt finance globally.
in 2004.
As an example, HSBC, in July 2007, arranged and completed
Recognising that the Dubai real estate market was becoming
the Middle East’s first rated commercial property securitisation
increasingly sophisticated and, as a result of foreign investment,
for a commercial office tower in Dubai. This trend in the
increasingly influenced by international investment and
financing of property acquisitions, coupled with a maturing of
financing standards, the Government of Dubai began to
the regulation of property acquisitions, will continue to propel
introduce a series of laws to underpin this burgeoning
Dubai towards a leadership position internationally in terms
economic growth. This really began in 2006 with the
of the banking/finance sector and the property/construction
introduction of a formal property ownership law, allowing
sector.
freehold ownership for GCC nationals and ownership by non-
GCC nationals (on a freehold or leasehold basis) in certain ADAM MALOUF
designated areas in Dubai. Head of Legal & Compliance, Arabian Real Estate Investment Trust
5 SEPTEMBER,07
P ROP E RT Y MARKE T
Dubai’s rapid the form of new laws and increased
protection for property investors
licensed real estate agents will shortly
disappear as Dubai Lands Department
growth was and owners and also with increased
obligations on developers, real estate
licensed agents and staff will have
the sole rights to attend to property
agents and advertisers. transfers. Also targeted are developers,
probably greater Some of us might quite rightly say that
who in the past, have sold ‘off the plan’
apartments to investors, taken money
than anyone these changes are well overdue but we
must also be fair and remember that
upfront and then failed to either start on
time or to complete the project on time.
Dubai’s rapid growth was probably
would have greater than anyone would have
predicted or imagined.
These changes can only help Dubai’s
real estate, property development and
predicted or Dubai was the first Emirate to regularly
announce new, iconic “out of this
construction industries, as local and
international investors will now have
more certainty and confidence. These
imagined world” developments such as Palm
Jumeirah & Jebel Ali, Burj Dubai,
developments will allow H.H. Sheikh
Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s
Dubai Land, the Bawadi Hotel strip, the vision and dream for Dubai to continue
The constant factor in Dubai today is Waterfront, Business Bay, and others,
change! for many years to come.
Dubai was also first to introduce the
It comes to us in many forms but the Rental Cap and Associations (Body Before investing, please do your
most obvious and visible to the many Corporate) for community areas, homework and only purchase from a
of us who live and work here services and charges. licensed developer utilising an escrow
are clearly reflected through our account to protect your investment,
The newly formed Real Estate equally as important, only use a
own personal experiences as we Regulatory Authority, which will operate
navigate each day through the professional, fully accredited real estate
under the Dubai Land Department, will agent to assist you.
maze of new construction oversee the operations of developers,
developments and also property management companies,
through the constant financing institutions, brokers and
and challenging owners associations. It will be given IAN SIMM
changes to the road jurisdiction over real estate policy, CEO Easy Property Group
system we drive on. strategy, regulation and registration. www.easypropertygroup.com
Now change is also Questionable freelance sales agents
coming quickly in who impede professional, fully
SEPTEMBER,07 6
N AKHEEL
Australians are part of it to Chifley Tower, one of Sydney’s most iconic towers – but
Trump Tower is a development four times the size!”
the Nakheel team that Nakheel, literally meaning “the palms” in Arabic, was created as
a company in 2003 following the launch of subsequent projects,
Ed Sutton
7 SEPTEMBER,07
industry.” Ed added, with the full support of the executive management of Nakheel
“The ex-pat lifestyle has been fundamental in achieving where we are now. With
in Dubai is fabulous the added access to international expertise, it makes for the
too.” experience of a lifetime.”
Ed Sutton is not Nakheel’s impressive portfolio of developments, across a
the only Australian range of sectors, will continue to set a high benchmark for the
who has bought incredible growth in this emerging global city. Spreading across
in to the Dubai 2 billion sq ft of land, including The Palm Trilogy, The World,
lifestyle. Several other Waterfront, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park and the truly
Australians hold unique Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel’s projects are redefining the
positions at Nakheel, concept of modern property development whether residential,
including CEO Chris tourist, commercial or retail. Drawing on top international
O’Donnell, former talent, Nakheel will surely continue to capture the attention of
Troy Hart
Managing Director world for years to come as it changes the map of Dubai with its
of Investa Property landmark developments.
Group in Australia and Johann Schumacher, Managing Director
of The Palm Jumeirah. Australians also make up 1% of the
residence owners on The Palm Jumeirah.
The first residents moved onto The Palm Jumeirah at the end
of 2006 and development of the project is moving along at
an impressive pace. In late 2008, the first of more than thirty
hotels to open on The Palm Jumeirah will be Atlantis The
Palm, a luxury resort featuring the region’s largest water park.
The centrepiece on The Palm Jumeirah’s trunk will be The
Trump International Hotel and Tower, a 60-story mixed use
luxury hotel and residential development. From 2009 The Palm
Jumeirah will be home to one of the world’s famous cruise
liners, the QE2, and the world renowned tourism attraction
Cirque du Soleil is due to take up residence on the island
towards the end of 2010. The permanent modern circus show
will have an entirely original storyline specifically created for
The Palm Jumeirah.
Arguably the most ambitious and talked about Nakheel project
to date, The World development is on schedule for completion
in 2008. Located four kilometers off the coast of Dubai and
comprising of over 300 separate reclaimed islands, the first Shoreline Apartments
resorts are due to welcome visitors by the end of 2010.
“It is very difficult to explain exactly what we do. We are
working through a continuously changing and developing
model for operations. It’d be tough to find a more exciting and
dynamic environment anywhere else in the world” explains
Troy Hart, another Australian helping Nakheel build the vision
of Dubai. Troy grew up on the Gold Coast in Queensland and
worked in development finance and development management
with Citimark Properties and Chardan before moving to Dubai
over a year and a half ago.
As General Manager of Communities Management, Troy is
responsible for the community management and operations of
Nakheel developments such as the iconic mixed-use community
of The Palm Jumeirah, The World and the inland Jumeirah
Family brand developments- Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park,
Jumeirah Village, and Jumeirah Heights.
Troy has been fundamental in establishing the division of
Nakheel Asset Management, which has grown from one
to more than 250 staff within the last 12 months. “The
opportunity to create and to be part of a new business unit Atlantis Construction
SEPTEMBER,07 8
M ULTIPL EX
Celebrating 10 years of Multiplex now has a solid footing in the Dubai market. Over
the last decade, the company has completed several significant
landmark projects including the Emirates Office Tower
construction success in (topping out the structure six months ahead of schedule), the
Taj Palace Hotel, Emaar’s Dubai Marina project (comprising
the Middle East 6 high rise towers), the Union Properties Tower, The Gate
at D.I.F.C, the Grosvenor House Hotel at Dubai Marina and
Phase 1 of the Burj Dubai Residences. The company’s tall tower
Multiplex experience is second to none and for the last two years running,
Multiplex was founded in 1962 in Perth, Western Australia, Nasa Multiplex has won the prestigious Construction Week
by the late John C Roberts AO. While constructing most of “Tower Project of the Year” award for the Grosvenor House
the major buildings in Perth during the early 1960s and during Hotel in 2005 and the Burj Dubai Residences in 2006.
expansion into New South Wales and Victoria in the 1970s and One of the company’s current projects is the Index Building
80s, Multiplex firmly established a reputation for delivering seen rising steadily up within the DIFC. The Lord Foster design
projects within contract time and budget, a status that Nasa is an eye-catching sight amongst the neighbouring towers
Multiplex is still proud to be achieving today. Operations in and at a final height of 326m, the Index Building is set to be
New Zealand and the Middle East commenced in 1997 and in yet another striking addition to the company’s construction
1999, the company opened an office in the UK. portfolio of tall towers.
Multiplex in the Middle East
Back in September 1997, Nasa Multiplex commenced
construction on one of the true icons of Dubai today - the
Emirates Towers. The project was the first of many success
stories for the Australian company; after a redesign of the
structure by Multiplex, the high rise office tower was in fact
completed two months ahead of the contract period.
This year sees Multiplex celebrating 10 years of construction
success in the Middle East, with operations in Bahrain, Kuwait,
Dubai (Nasa Multiplex) and Qatar (Multiplex Medgulf).
Having demonstrated an enviable track record of delivering
major, complex projects on time and within budget, Nasa Index Tower The Gate
9 SEPTEMBER,07
MULTI P LE X - E X PAT S TORY
SEPTEMBER,07 10
G RE E N VI S I ON
In the Middle East, it seems “I enjoy the ‘outside the box’ thinking and the enormous
scale of projects in the United Arab Emirates, which we don’t
to put aside any rigid thoughts of how you think things must be
done, you have to ‘unlearn’. unfortunately the design intent can go astray”
Paul then went to the Maldives and was involved in a Seils, as a Horticulturist, has a passion and a love of plants, their
dream project on one of the resort islands that were being form, texture and placement in landscapes.
redeveloped. This comprised of setting up a nursery on one He continues, “There is an immense need for new plant
of the neighboring islands inhabited by 100 Maldivians. “It varieties within the UAE, all landscape architects and
was quite an experience,” he says “I was involved in the consultants are in favour of introducing new species into the
removal of all the plants and palms from the resort island to landscape. There are plants particularly in Australia that would
the local Island, then having to grow these plants plus import grow wonderfully here.” This is an area Seils is particularly
other plant stock from other neighboring islands, now there proactive in and is currently compiling not only imported
was a challenge” he laughs. Once the resort island had been plant species to introduce to UAE, but he also feels that the
redeveloped, all the plant stock from this nursery had to be indigenous plant material in the UAE has been neglected. He
shipped across the ocean to the resort island to be reinstated. is now combining some of these plants into the Green Vision
“It is a challenge to create a quality landscape in the exposed team’s designs.
environment of an ocean, with only one metre of depth above Dubai is the hub for the region in many ways, including the
the salt water table” he insists. landscape industry with the Green Vision Team being involved
Once he had completed his involvement in this project, he in projects in Oman, Qatar, Iran, Pakistan, Mauritius and North
returned to Dubai where his business Green Concepts was Africa.
established as the first Australian based landscape consultancy in Life as a landscape consultant is exciting and rewarding,
the UAE. this is evident when listening to a professional who has the
With a 16-year background in horticulture and many of those imagination and a vision……………a Green Vision.
years running his business in Australia (Green Concepts which
has continued to operate), Seils is a certified expert in the
industry. PAUL SEILS
Green Vision Landscape Architects
SEPTEMBER,07 11
G OLF C OURS E S
SEPTEMBER,07 12
RAS I S DE VE LOP E RS LLC
I have found that using is fortunate to be able to use a number of his contacts in
Australia in an effort to expedite the developments that are
your local and Australian happening in the UAE. ‘I have found that using your local and
Australian network connections selectively can be very helpful,
network connections constructive and time efficient. I have been fortunate enough
to recruit a number of talented Australians, Emiratis and other
selectively can be very nationalities. Executive search connections in Australia have
been very helpful, and will continue to provide talent for new,
helpful senior management positions as the company expands this
year. As in most places, there is a cultural communication issue
here, and Australians tend to have the ability to get to the root
As CEO of Rasis developers LLC, Adrian Vinck, gives us an of a problem very quickly’
insight into his time as a developer in Dubai.
Rasis Developers, is a real estate development and investment
Adrian is Melbournian raised and educated, he graduated from company. In January 2006, His Highness Sheikh Nahayan bin
RMIT University with an Architecture degree in 1984. His Mubarak Al Nahayan had the vision to set up Rasis, Arabic for
home is Wheelers Hill where he enjoys the surrounds of Jells ‘a solid foundation’, to provide just that – a solid foundation
Park. He has 4 grown up children, all working and living their for sustainable development in the UAE, Middle East region,
own lives. and real estate markets across the globe.
Adrian was first employed by Emaar Properties in Dubai Current projects in the Middle East include the ‘Zabeel
October 1999 as General Manager for Development, with Corporate Park’ in Dubai with 2 million sq.ft. of commercial
his first completed project in Dubai being Emaar’s Gold & office and retail space; On-site car parking for more than 5000
Diamond Park Phase 1. In 2000 he was appointed GM for the cars; a hotel and serviced apartments specifically catering to
Dubai Marina project, responsible for all master developments. the business market. Another current project is the ‘Abu Dhabi
Other responsibilities included the delivery of three seeding Corniche’ in Abu Dhabi, which will offer approximately 1.4
projects developed by Emaar, Al Sahab towers, Al Mujara million sq. ft. of high quality office, residential and retail space
residential towers & Marina Walk, built by Nasa Multiplex. in addition to a luxury hotel.
In his new role as CEO of Rasis developers LLC, he
comments, ‘we have some really exciting work on and I’m
really pleased with the energy that we are building in this ADRIAN VINCK
small dynamic property development company’. Adrian CEO - Rasis Developers LLC
People can now virtually high position directly above the centre of the floor. Similarly,
walls and cross-sections are drawn in a way that positions the
experience what it
eye exactly halfway up the building. In life, these are impossible
situations to achieve and there is a fundamental problem of
unreality in these perceptions of architecture.
would be like to walk
around and through an
unconstructed building
DIGITAL BUILDINGS
It’s been a revolution for architecture – cities around the world
are being transformed and shaped by the still-evolving sciences
and technologies of the digital age, just as they have been
affected by previous technological advances.
What’s happening now is strongly comparable to the
progress of architecture’s last great revolution – from the THE NEW
post-Renaissance world to the industrial age during the early
twentieth century. Over the ages there have been sequences of In the digital age, architecture is increasingly being represented
long lags – techno-gaps, if you like – between discoveries in on screen and with mobile vision. People can now virtually
science and the affordable availability of technologies that flow experience what it would be like to walk around and through
on from those laboratory experiments. Architecture is always an unconstructed building or place – and the facilitating
trying, and often failing, to jump ahead of these advances. software is becoming increasingly realistic in demonstrating the
subtleties of materials, sunlight and shadows. Virtual Reality
has the capacity to describe buildings to those who don’t
EVOLVING DESIGN TRENDS: THE OLD understand conventional architects’ drawings.
14 SEPTEMBER,07
LANDS C AP E ARC H I T E C TUR E
Australian Landscape
Architects are in the ineventhetheUAEtoughest
they get so hot that
plants burn if
forefront of the they are nearby. Only limestone
with a low specific heat can co
profession in the UAE habit with plants.
There is much that can be
T he UAE, especially Dubai and Abu
Dhabi, is well known worldwide
for its rapid growth, its huge projects
done to improve the quality of plants,
especially by using air root pruning
and for its willingness to take on the containers to produce a good nursery
latest technology to become leaders in plant. This Australian invention is now
the business of property development. taking hold in the UAE and there are
The man power resources to meet many other clever ideas that can become
the demands on professional services part of the landscape scene. Aluminium
come from many parts of the world, in park benches are cooler to sit on, even
particular, Australia. in the shade because aluminium does
not get as hot as timber and certainly
Australia’s experience in property not as hot as other metals. Playground
development and the professional equipment with plastic coating lasts
resources needed to make developments a very short time whereas multi coat
work can be found throughout the wet paint finishes last a long time and
design and construction industry. can be repaired. Concrete kerbs with
haunching at the back of the kerb should take even more responsibility to
Landscape is one of those resources.
prevent plants growing to the edge of pass on what we have learnt in our own
It is hard to imagine the actual land
the pavement and ensure the foreground environment.
area subjected to the design skills of
landscape architects but there is at least view of landscape is of burnt, weak or When working as professionals in
200 sq km being designed by landscape nonexistent plants, including grass. the UAE, let us have the security of
architects at the time of writing. Landscape is appreciated as often at knowing that we are doing the best
night as it is in the day time, but some we can, promoting better methods,
Australian Landscape Architects are in
paving materials such as sandstone and encouraging, learning and guiding, but at
the forefront of the profession in the
granite, absorb a lot of heat and release all times never accepting anything as just
UAE. Almost every project either has
it at night making it uncomfortable to “good enough”.
their design skills, their supervision skills
or their construction and maintenance walk on. Lighting can be crude in its
skills applied. application although there are more
and more instances where landscape is GEOFF SANDERSON
There are many competent professionals cleverly lit adding to the enjoyment of Principal - Green Concepts
in the landscape industry in the UAE parks and other public places at night. www.greenconcepts.ae
however; one of the weaknesses in Australians are in the front line and
the landscape industry is the lack of
detailed, intimate knowledge of the
demanding environment. What grows,
what works and what does not work.
The lack of experience shown by
many in the landscape industry will,
in time, prove to be a disappointment
for developers and costly when failures
need to be replaced. It is easy to find
landscapes that don’t work through
poor design, poor plant selection, poor
maintenance, and poor communication
by the designer of maintenance
management requirements. Landscape
materials that are a familiar part of
temperate climates like Sydney are
mercilessly burnt by the intense heat
and humidity of the coastal regions and
inland, by the heat alone. In Australia
we use rocks and gravel (as mulch) but
SEPTEMBER,07 15
S U S TA I N A BL E SO LU TIO N S
16 SEPTEMBER,07
I N VESTM EN T
Its projected net benchmark return is
investment opportunities
into Singapore and Hong Kong as
well as offering additional property
opportunities in Australia, New Zealand,
Dubai and potentially, Asia.. We have
Former HSBC Investment Banking Our market research showed there was recently launched our Oceania Property
Director in the Middle East, Gavin significant appetite from local investors Syndicate which is focused on premium
Rezos, is now a Director of epi for exposure to property in Australia commercial property throughout
International. and other markets and accordingly, epi Australian and New Zealand. Already,
International was founded in 2002. we have taken an option on an
epi structures syndicated property
investments in Australasia and The two key reasons we have been extremely attractive development in
the Middle East, which enables successful in our four syndicates to date Mandurah, south of Perth, which looks
ordinary investors to commit as little are: capable of performing as well or better
as USD$55,000, but to still have than our very first syndicate. The
• Investing in deals through strong projected net benchmark return is 15%
exposure to blue chip commercial
property networks allowing us to acquire per annum over a five year period.
properties, residential sub-divisions and
deals before they are publicly advertised
development deals. Finally, from an investment banking
or marketed.
Focus asked Gavin Rezos what attracted perspective there is no greater proof
• Our strong due diligence process. than the Managing Director and the
him to epi International.
Our first commercial property in Perth, Directors themselves investing in
“Part of my role with HSBC, was to the same opportunities and this has
Western Australia produced a 34%
structure international property funds happened in each of our syndicates. I
return in less than 16 months. Our
for investment in the UK property have been impressed by the dedication
current residential sub-division project
market for very high net worth Middle and work ethic of Brett Carnell and
in Western Australia is expected to
Eastern Investors. Living in Dubai, I the epi International team and enjoy
significantly exceed the projected 56%
had known Brett Carnell for a number working with the enthusiasm and
return over a 3 year investment period.
of years and quickly realised his capability of the pilots and airline crew
Our tourism property in Margaret River,
driving force and vision to create epi industry”.
Western Australia has just received
International as a successful property
additional development approvals whilst GAVIN REZOS
investment company. His vision was
our Dubai Office Syndicate with a net Director of syndicated property
to create investment opportunities for
benchmark return of 60% over three investments
fellow pilots and others, looking for
years, has already attracted in excess
exposure to higher returns without the epi International
of USD$18 million for the equity
individual having to source property, www.epi-world.com
component for four floors of premium
arrange settlement and bank funding,
office space in Dubai’s International
construction, government approvals,
Financial Centre (DIFC).
development approvals, tax structures,
accounting and reporting.
17 SEPTEMBER,07
R ES O RT E N V IRO N M EN T
Live & work in a luxury The developers behind La Hoya Bay are Khoie Properties,
one of the leading property developers in Dubai,
18 SEPTEMBER,07
CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
Enormous demand for substantially increased turnover in the past year and aims
to expand the company even further to increase capacity
to accommodate the enormous demand for top end
top end technological technological formwork systems.
Grocon CEO Daniel Grollo said
formwork systems “As a founding member of the Green Building Council of
Australia, Grocon is passionate about sustainable building,
Grocon is Australia’s largest privately owned construction and always strives to achieve the highest standards in relation
and development company, established more than 50 years to environmentally friendly design and implementation,”
ago by Luigi Grollo, grandfather of the present day Chief Grocon has obtained
Executive Officer, Daniel Grollo. accreditation from
With humble beginnings in Melbourne’s northern suburbs the Australian Federal
building community swimming pools, Grocon has grown Safety Commissioner,
into a large multi-disciplinary group, which now specialises at the highest level for
in all areas of the construction industry, ranging from the occupational health
original financing of a project to ongoing oversight and and safety standards.
facilities management of developments. They have numerous
awards in relation to
Grocon was based in Melbourne for the first 35 years of its safety, Grocon is also
existence, building Melbourne landmarks such as the Rialto trying to import those
Towers, 120 Collins Street and the ANZ Bank Headquarters. systems to the UAE
Most recently in Melbourne, it completed the redevelopment so construction work
of the MCG on a tight time schedule for the 2006 can be completed there
Commonwealth Games, and the iconic 300 metre Eureka safely and quickly.
Tower on Southbank, now the tallest structure in Australia. Mr. Grollo said safety
was of paramount
Grocon Lubeca LLC in Dubai started in the United Arab importance to Grocon
Emirates in 2005 with the supply of the unique jump form at all its sites.
system for the Rose Tower project on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The 73 storey Rose Tower was completed in record time DANIEL GROLLO
with three day floor cycles achieved consistently on 40 CEO Grocon Lubeca LLC.
Past Project - reconstruction of the old GPO
consecutive floors. www.grocon.com.ae No.1 Martin Place - Sydney
Now established firmly in the UAE market, Grocon has
The last 5 years have seen unprecedented growth in the Dubai THE NEW DEVELOPERS TRUST
property market following the Dubai Governments decision ACCOUNT LAW
to allow all nationalities to purchase properties in certain areas.
Since 2002 thousands of new units have been released onto the Other recent developments in Dubai's property laws include
market and thousands more are presently under construction. Dubai Law No 8 of 2007 concerning Real Estate Development
Property prices have increased threefold in that time, yet rental Trust Accounts (the "Trust Accounts Law"). The Trust Accounts
yields remain high by Australian standards at around 7% or more. Law will make trust accounts compulsory for all new Dubai
off-plan developments, with money released to developers only
OWNING PROPERTY IN DUBAI on the order of the Dubai Land Department. Purchasers in
new developments will be able to write their deposit/payment
The law has taken time to catch up with the pace of cheques in the name of a specific project and pay these to the
development. Dubai Law No 7 of 2006 concerning the appropriate bank, rather than to the developer or its agent.
Registration of Land in Dubai (the "Dubai Property Law"),
The Trust Accounts Law means developers can no longer
recognises the property rights of foreign nationals (including
launch a project and use the monies collected to finance initial
freehold ownership, 99 year leasehold and Musataha, which is the
construction costs or satisfy other business objectives. Funds will
right to build on the land owned by another person) in areas of
only be released to a developer as a project proceeds based on
Dubai specifically designated by the Dubai Ruler’s office. Those
official certification of the construction stages reached.
designated areas now include the various Palms, Jumeirah Islands,
Developers will also have to obtain the approval of the Land
Business Bay as well as many of the Emaar developments. It
Department before advertising new projects in the media.
is likely that more areas will be added to the approved list, as
The Trust Accounts Law will be welcomed by investors
developments progress.
concerned about developers disappearing with their money
For Australians buying property in the Ruler's designated areas,
or delaying projects whilst monies are channeled into other
it is now possible to register title to such properties at the Dubai
investments. It may also have a positive effect on the project
Land Department. Once registered, such title is conclusive proof
finance market as developers seek alternative finance options.
of ownership and cannot be challenged, other than in cases
of fraud. Banks involved in financing such properties can also
The new laws take an important step forward in providing a
register their interest as mortgagees with the Land Department.
legal framework for foreign ownership and the protection of
In addition to the Dubai Property Law, a new strata title law
which recognises, amongst other things, owners rights and investments in Dubai real estate. Those looking to invest in or
liabilities over the common property in their developments, develop property in Dubai should seek local expertise especially
is presently being considered by the Dubai Government. It since laws and administrative procedures relating to property are
is widely expected that the new strata title law will be enacted evolving almost as quickly as the skyline.
before the end of 2007.
Despite the progress, administrative difficulties still arise. Due to Holman Fenwick & Willan is an international law firm operating
time lags between purchasing a Dubai property and registering offices in Dubai and Melbourne, Australia. Our other offices are
the title and any mortgage thereon, banks operating in the located in London, Paris, Rouen, Piraeus, Hong Kong, Shanghai,
Dubai market have invented some unconventional methods and Singapore.
to help secure their interests. At least one international bank is Amber Lobb Seaton, is a dual qualified Australian and English
requiring its clients to provide personal cheques guaranteeing solicitor.
the full amount of their home loans. In the event of default,
and rather than having to sell the mortgaged property to recoup AMBER LOBB SEATON
any monies owing, the bank is at liberty to present the personal Holman Genwick & Willan
cheque for encashment. Under UAE law, should such cheque be www.hfw.com
20 SEPTEMBER,07
T RADE NE WS
VIC TORIA
against International
accident prevention. This has included public education
to change driver attitudes, road research, harsher penalties,
enforcement, and a well developed trauma system. VicRoads
competition, has won two International, against international competition, has won
two projects in Dubai this year – a review of driver training
projects in Dubai this year and testing and enhanced guidelines for roadside design.
Construction, one of the two main topics of conversation,
In the first issue of ‘Focus’ we had a photo of The Hon. takes centre stage in October with Cityscape Dubai, the
John Brumby visiting the UAE in May as Victorian property services and development exhibition being held
Treasurer. Following the retirement of Steve Bracks in July, from 16 – 18 October. Australia will have a large presence
Mr. Brumby was elected by his party as Premier of Victoria. there with around 35 companies including many from
This led to a Ministerial reshuffle and Minister Bronwyn Victoria.
Pike, who had visited the region three times as Health
Minister has taken over the Education portfolio, a sector In preparation, we are updating the annual ‘Directory
that Victoria has been active in regionally. Most recently, of Major GCC Projects’ to help inform Australian
companies of opportunities in the GCC and the regularly
our Education Department in conjunction with Holmesglen
updated ‘capability’ Directory of Australian Products &
TAFE won a contract with the Bahrain Development Board
Services Suppliers to the GCC Construction Sector. It is
to help reform vocational education in the school system.
produced by the Victorian Government Business Office
A team from Victoria is now in place there and Bahraini
in cooperation with, and co funded by, Austrade, NSW,
teachers are in Melbourne for training on our vocational
Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, and will
system. Abu Dhabi has also recognised the value of
be available to Australian companies through our individual
Victorian education sending some 50 students for English
offices in hardcopy or CD. Ultimately, it will be available
language training over the summer, as has Sharjah. The
through our websites and accessible by registered Australian
Victoria International School of Sharjah. opened on Sunday
companies.
2nd September.
The ‘capability’ Directory has two sections - Part A has a
Eighteen year highs of the Australian dollar against the US
listing of the almost 80 Australian companies in the building
dollar and the impact of the drought has been a cause of
and construction sector who have offices in one or more
concern for all exporters. Yet despite this, export growth
of the GCC countries. Part B is a similar listing for the over
from Victoria in 2006-07 was the highest since 2000-01.
50 companies who work here directly or supply products
Victoria’s exports of goods increased by 7 % to $20.3 billion
through agents. This capability directory is available by email
as the strong world economy lifted exports of aluminium,
and is continually updated as new companies come to our
wool and manufactures but the drought did significantly
attention. The directory has broad distribution and the
reduce exports of food.
September edition will be sent to several hundred of the
Since 1989, the road toll in Victoria has more than halved, key regional contacts in development companies, leading
with a corresponding drop in serious injuries of 32%. To contractors, relevant government officials. If you wish to
address the problem of lives being lost and serious injuries, receive a copy, please email prima.castelino@iird.vic.gov.au
SEPTEMBER,07 21
T RADE NE WS
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
economic opportunity
customers in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq,
Bahrain and Oman. STA is a project manager of integrated
training solutions and manpower services focusing on the
South Australia’s business confidence remains at high levels: military, police, security and civil defence sectors. STA’s
Managing Director, Mike Brownhill tells how STA was born
• Employment up by 15% (100,000 more) and holding at in Adelaide.
near
record levels “Our company was formed to export Australian capability
specifically to the Gulf region; the principals of the business
• Business investment is 123% higher had prior knowledge of the area and thought that there were
• Retail sales are 25% higher good opportunities for military, police and security training.
This conclusion was backed up by Nick Alister-Jones,
• Annual exports are 40% higher Director of the SA Commercial Representative Office in
• The unemployment rate is near its lowest in 30 years. Dubai, who, having a military background, was well placed
to assist us in our market analysis.”
South Australia’s future growth is focused on continuing
to improve and promote our competitiveness, innovation Are you a qualified English Language teacher or technical
and productivity to benefit from these strong economic instructor? STA currently has positions available in Saudi
conditions. More than $37 billion is being invested in South Arabia, please contact David Kerr, email sta@coffey.com
Australia’s major building, construction, industrial and Fax +971 4 363 6750
infrastructure projects.
PO Box 58074, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
South Australia is on the crest of an export wave, with
our traditional export strengths in wine, cereals, meat and
automotive manufacturing now being complemented by
exports in the minerals and information technology sectors.
The South Australian Government is committed to trebling
the value of our exports to $25 billion by 2013.
With an ambitious Food Plan recently launched to increased
the total value of finished food products by 8% annually,
developing an integrated export market development
program will be part of achieving that goal.
An exciting new “Icons South Australia” store to show case
the best of South Australian brands and gourmet foods is to
open in Adelaide Airport. Definitely the ‘food diamond’ in
Australia’s food crown, South Australia has a number of key
“Foodie” events before the end of the year and listed here
to help you plan your trip:
SEPTEMBER,07 22
T RADE NE WS
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
SEPTEMBER,07 23
S PO RT
(PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION TEAM)
24 SEPTEMBER,07
best and fairest at the well regarded
Sydney Swans. Some quick recovery
work was done by the team manager
whose credibility depended on it and
‘’Schaubs’’ was soon in the side.
The tournament in March was a
success with teams coming to Dubai
from all over the region including
Oman, Abu Dhabi and Qatar
and of course the side that
we had formed over
a couple of beers in
February at Left Bank,
the Dubai Heat.
The Dubai Heat
managed to get away
with some pretty
convincing
wins to take
home the Asia competing in it’s 8th successive achieved wins over Malaysia, Japan
winning year. Teams from China (including and previous tournament champions
trophy in Hong Kong), Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore with the only loss occurring
the inaugural Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam were against the eventual and worthy
event and to battle it out in the humidity that had tournament champions, the Hong Kong
start a enveloped Bangkok in early July. It was Dragons by a small margin of nine
football a trip of highs and lows for the Dubai points.
rivalry Heat with a very fit and hungry outfit
And that was the year that was for
with the eager to take on the rest of Asia but
the Dubai Heat, a lot of fun, a lot of
Dingoes that having our star forward, Tuppa, tearing
bonding and a lot of on field success
has proven to his hamstring in the week before the
and hopefully there’ll be many more
match the rivalry between tournament. To add to our woes our star
like it to come. Training in the heat with
the greatest of foes in AFL defender, Schaubs, had unexpected
the Heat (which is almost equivalent
Carlton and Collingwood UAE visa issues and was unable to make
to spending an hour or so in a sauna)
back in the 80’s. The only it through the turnstiles of Abu Dhabi
will soon recommence at Safa Park so,
controversial moment in airport to get on his seat to Bangkok.
if you are interested, in being involved
the tournament coming When Schaubs finally managed to arrive
with the aim of having some fun and
when our experimental in Bangkok just prior to the tournament
winning next year’s tournaments,
recruit, ‘’Sammy’’, who the team were ecstatic but soon deflated
feel free to send an email to
had only ever played rugby, when he tore his hamstring in the first
uaedubaiheat@hotmail.com
decided to launch his 115kg five minutes of the first game!!!
or check out the website
frame horizontally at an Nevertheless, the boys of the Dubai http://dubaiheat.blogspot.com.
unsuspecting opponent once Heat, proudly being the first ever side
the play had been deemed Daniel 'Diggy' Dugina
from the Middle East to compete in
stopped by the umpire, Development Manager
this tournament put in as much of their
which is undoubtedly Omniyat Properties
mind, body and spirit
completely and utterly vout of four games
illegal. We made sure that played by the Heat
Sammy was fully versed in in the tournament,
the remainder of the rules to finish third out of
before we let him back on the ten competing sides.
field. Luckily, the recipient of the Each game played was
tackle came out mostly intact! fiercely competitive
After wallowing in the success where each team
of this tournament victory, the realized that only a
Dubai Heat set it’s sights on single loss would see
the Asian Championships that their side unlikely to
were being held in Thailand in play in the Grand
July with teams from all over Final. The Dubai Heat
SEPTEMBER,07 25
S O C I A L EV ENTS
FOCUS LAUNCH
The Apartment, Jumeirah Beach Hotel - June
26 SEPTEMBER,07
SEPTEMBER,07 27
S O C I A L EV ENTS
CRICKET LUNCH
The Fairmont Hotel - June
28 SEPTEMBER,07
S OC I AL E VE NT S
SEPTEMBER,07 29
S O C I A L EV ENTS
ALLIED PICKFORDS
SUNDOWNERS
Barasti Bar Le Meridien - Mina Seyahi
Sponsored by Allied Pickfords - July
30 SEPTEMBER,07
S OC I AL E VE NT S
FAREWELL PARTY
August
SEPTEMBER,07 31
S O C I A L EV ENTS
AUGUST BUSINESS
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
LUNCH
Sponsored by epi
32 SEPTEMBER,07
S OC I AL E VE NT S
ALLIED PICKFORDS
SUNDOWNERS
Barasti Bar Le Meridien - Mina Seyahi
Sponsored by Allied Pickfords - September
SEPTEMBER,07 33
S O C I A L EV ENTS
SEPTEMBER BUSINESS
LUNCH + AGM
Four Seasons Golf Club - September
Sponsored by epi
34 SEPTEMBER,07
UP C OMI NG E VE NT S
September 26th
Corporate Quiz night – The Montgomerie Academy
October 2nd
Sundowners at the Barasti Bar at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
October 18th
The Australian-Danish dinner – Raffles Hotel Ballroom
October 24th
Cheese and Wine night – Four Seasons Golf Club
SEPTEMBER,07 35
N E W M EM BERS
CORPORATE MEMBERS
Name Company Name Name Company Name
Tim Koster Convergence Capital Juzer Adamjee Bovis Lend Lease
Chris Eddy Convergence Capital John Tansey UPS
Soheil Abedian Sunland Group Limited Dubai Branch Brent Melvin UPS
David Brown Sunland Group Limited Dubai Branch Peter Mayne Looptech me
Sanjay Murthy AcesMe Entertainment Jarod Opie Arabian global LLC
Bruce Fallshaw City Living Terry Opie Arabian global LLC
Simon Shellien BSB BWM Danny Blomeley ITW Buildex
Sharon Anderson Salon Ink Audrey Ranganathan Sterling Cargo Services LLC
Peter de Bruin BG&E Engineers Phil Adams MFS International Investments Limited
Jed Nancarrow Holborn Assets Phil Davis Allied Pickfords
Rod Lancaster Center Point Logistics David Dove Sparc Group
Mohamad Darwish North West Marine Ian Traill Sparc Group
Shayne Nelson Standard Chartered Bank Canon Yau Sparc Group
Mahendra Gursahani Standard Chartered Bank Belinda Lee Sparc Group
Andre Leon CBI Eastern Anstalt Stuart Price MFS International Investments Limited
Edward Sunna Al Tamimi Amily Lavigne Crone & Partners
Louise Vun Al Tamimi Ken Fernie HSBC
Kirsty Marshall Al Tamimi Tim Breadmore Breadmore
Dereck Garlick Allied Pickfords Frank Wilkie First Rock Financial
Kylie Pollard Servcorp Abdu Nasser Physical Advantage
Malak Awwadova Servcorp Steve Mayne Sentinel Business Centers
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Name Company Name Name Company Name
Nick Jarman Oryx Real Estate Jillian Alexics Limitless LLC
Richard Vance Action International Services Kate Buchanan RP International FZ LLC
Jonathon Morse RP International FZ LLC Chris Foden Meyado
Matt Grifiths Le Meridien Mina Seyahi David Edwards United Nations Office for Project Services
Robert McMillen MAC Capital Alison Ward Emirates Airline
Brad Bristowe DHL Annelies Hodge Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Sima Hall Speech Pathology Dubai Michelle Bailey EMEA - Business Development WLL
Tania Donohue TMH Noel Duigan Control Risks Group
Matthew Lorrimer Event Knowledge Services Nichole Banks Leo Burnett
Paul Kelly Mortgage Force Kelly Smith MCS Action
Larissa McLaughlin Dubai Autism Center
36 SEPTEMBER,07
C OMMI TT E E ME MB E RS 2006- 20 07
SEPTEMBER,07 37
P R O P ERT Y HO RO SCO PES
LIBRA SCORPIO
24 SEP - 23 OCT 24 OCT - 22 NOV
You are tempted to overspend your budget because you have The autumn months of 2007 are harmonious for you –
become aware of a good deal that looks tailor-made for your particularly in your domestic arrangements. At home, now is
situation. Remember all that glitters is not necessarily gold! the time to start planning redecoration or refurbishment of
Take care that any investment you may be contemplating – your master bedroom. Be safe in what you tackle yourself,
particularly if this is property based - is based on prudence and take elementary precautions to avoid an accident; Safety first
sound business principles. applies at home as well as at work.
SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN
23 NOV - 21 DEC 22 DEC - 20 JAN
AQUARIUS PISCES
21 JAN - 19 FEB 20 FEB – 20 MAR
A tighter than usual budget means you are sorely tempted to cut Fully discuss budgets with a partner before you agree to invest
some corners. Remember that cowboy work in construction is in an ambitious domestic improvement project. Of course,
never a good option. Get others involved in your project, as singles have only to discuss budgets with their bank manager!
many hands make light work, though take care not to abuse Maybe you need space to reflect on what you want to do,
friendships, you might need their help again another day. you have time, October is a good time to make important
decisions.
38 SEPTEMBER,07
ARIES TAURUS
21 MAR – 20 APR 21 APR – 21 MAY
A work relationship will become stronger if only you can agree Mercury helps you communicate well and now the time is right
with a colleague as to which direction a long term venture to bring others over to your way of thinking through persuasive
should take. Find a constructive way to release any frustration discussion and argument. You will be able to manipulate
that you may feel in October. Remember that it takes two to words to your advantage both orally and in writing to get the
argue and that an acceptable compromise is often the best best possible deal, particularly if this involves buying or selling
solution. property.
GEMINI CANCER
22 MAY – 21 JUN 22 JUN – 23 JUL
Being told what you should be doing will always ruffle your Peace and harmony surround you during this period and
feathers, as you instinctively know how the job should be intuitively you know that activities with colleagues are destined
done without any criticism, even if this is intended to be to work out well. However do not put pressure on anyone to
constructive! The long term will prove you to have been do anything simply to make you feel happy about the situation.
absolutely correct in your judgment. Concentrate on the job The position of Pluto indicates that you can expect some
in hand to keep things moving ahead smoothly. drastic changes to your plans, so be warned!
LEO VIRGO
24 JUL – 23 AUG 24 AUG – 23 SEP
You are about to become very involved with a major project Steer away from making any long-term decisions until later in
which is making you feel a little nervous. Try to build the best the year because others may be using your best ideas with no
possible team around you, the purchase of good advice is intention of giving you the credit! If friends notice that you are
always justified in the long run. Planning is the most important undergoing a personality change, then this could be because
stage of any project, so don’t try to save time by making you are seriously contemplating a new life and a brand new
unjustified ‘guestimates’. lifestyle!
SEPTEMBER,07 39
M E M B ER PRO FIL E
Position: Managing Director, Septech. Fondest Memory: A family trip hosted by my wife and myself,
Born: Melbourne, Australia, the youngest of 8 kids. for our entire family, to an Island in the Barrier Reef for my dad’s
80th birthday.
Grew up: On a stud farm in Melbourne, where my family bred,
trained and raced thoroughbred horses. Proudest moments: Listening to customers, friends, staff,
business people discussing how successful our business is in the
First Job: Feeding horses on my parents farm in the early hours region and knowing that our team has created this over the last
of the morning before school. 10 years, through hard work and determination.
How my career started: Early 20’s with a construction & Biggest Challenge: To maintain the passion within our team,
wastewater engineering company, whereby I established my own and to successfully grow the business globally, becoming a world
water /wastewater and precast concrete infrastructure business class specialist engineering company.
in Queensland. I built it up to a sizable business before being
bought out by one of Australia’s largest public companys, 4 years Favorite retreat: Rethi Rah Spa Resort in the Maldives with a
later. I then established my business in the UAE in 1997 ,where close runner up being Phuket in Thailand.
I still reside, as the Managing Director, with operations over the Perfect day: Relaxing with friends around a pool, eating great
Gulf and Asia. food and drinking great wine, also watching Australian horse
Hero: My father who mentored me from an early age, and racing with no Crackberries or phones.
encouraged me to grow professionally and personally and to take Inspired by: Philanthropists, great leaders and amazing business
calculated risks. success stories, which I can relate to; and inspire me to challenge
Passion: Horse racing, just recently invested in a commercial my personal and professional growth plans.
stud farm, breeding and racing horses throughout Australia.
40 SEPTEMBER,07