Chief Executive Pat Gerace says, “Olivia Burke and John Taarnby both bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the table and are valued additions to the already skilled and talented Executive Council”.

As Marketing Director of Burke Urban Developments and sole Director of Burke & Burke Property, Olivia’s broad skill set, rich experience and creative and critical thinking will be a highly valued addition to the Executive Council.

“I hope to bring a complementary skill set to the UDIA by contributing useful strategic marketing, branding and public relations insights,” Olivia says.

“I can also draw on more than 20 years of experience across a broad range of land development projects and share my knowledge as a keen team collaborator.”

John, Director of TAARNBY Real Estate, says while his experience will mean he can make valuable contributions through a sales and marketing lens, he ultimately wants to be part of the effort to tackle some of the issues our State is currently facing.

“I want to play an active role in addressing housing affordability, sustainability and placemaking in order to create stronger communities,’ he says.

“I believe my national and international masterplan experience gives me the right tools to effectively contribute to the peak representation body for the benefit of UDIA members, the urban development industry and South Australians as a whole.”

Pat Gerace adds, “I look forward to working with Olivia and John together with the Executive Council in progressing and strengthening our advocacy efforts”.

With the incoming new Executive Council members, the UDIA also farewelled two long-serving members and acknowledged their valued contributions that have helped shape our growth, development and advocacy initiatives over many years.

For more than 30 years, Stephen Holmes, Director of Homes Dyer, has been a committed member of the Executive Council, and in 2007 was acknowledged as a Life Member of the Urban Development Institute for his significant and valued contributions.

“Stephen has made enormous contributions to the UDIA and our sector over a long and successful career to date.

“In addition to taking up the key roles of South Australia’s President and National President, he has also judged nominations for the UDIA National Awards for Excellence and has undoubtably been the single biggest influencer of  urban development policy in South Australia by a stretch.”

“While he is stepping back from his role on the Executive, he will still very much continue to be an integral part of our advocacy efforts into the future,” says Pat.

Kym Burke, Developments Director at Burke Urban, is a highly regarded professional and has brought immense industry knowledge and energy to the UDIA’s Executive Council since 2012.

“Kym has played an enormous role within the Urban Development Institute in South Australia and as one of the most generous and respected members, his contributions cannot be overstated,” says Pat.

“As a true statesman, Kym’s passion for reform and in particular advocacy for more coordinated infrastructure across the urban development industry has been critical to our success.”

Pat adds, “Kym’s pragmatism and ability to connect with members, leaders and willingness to contribute is a great example for many aspiring young developers and development professionals.” says Pat.