Hon. Stuart Ayres

Chief Executive Officer

Stuart Ayres is CEO of UDIA NSW.  Following a distinguished career as a senior Cabinet Minister and Member of NSW Parliament, Stuart joined UDIA NSW to build on our rich history of policy leadership and collaboration. Stuart is deeply committed to continue UDIA’s work on behalf of our Members who shape cities and create great communities for people to live in and dynamic places to work.

Gavin Melvin

Executive Director, Policy & Strategy

With over 20 years of experience in public and private sector leadership, Gavin is a strategic advisor and executive who delivers public policy reform, stakeholder engagement, and external communications. Gavin is a professional with an in-depth understanding of the nexus between business, government and other stakeholders and a unique perspective on how to lead teams that are delivering complex projects, business improvements and advocating for and designing policy changes.

Anthony Nicolaou

Executive Director, Corporate Partnerships

Anthony is the Executive Director, Corporate Partnerships at UDIA NSW. He oversees UDIA NSW’s membership and sponsorship, and is responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships.

Kylie Prince

Executive Director, Marketing & Events

Kylie is the Executive Director, Marketing & Events. She oversees the coordination of all events held throughout the year including luncheons, industry briefings, regional events, the annual State Conference and the Annual Awards for Excellence program, judging tour and Gala Dinner.

Elizabeth York

Policy & Regional Manager, Hunter & Central Coast

Elizabeth is the Policy and Regional Manager for our Central Coast and Hunter Chapters at UDIA NSW. Her role involves co-ordinating both the Hunter Chapter Committee and Central Coast Chapter Committee, including identifying local industry issues and developing policy responses, arranging and attending stakeholder meetings, workshops and Hunter Chapter events, and growing regional membership.

Deanna Lane

Director, Media & Communications – National and NSW

Deanna is the Director of Media & Communications for UDIA National and UDIA NSW. Deanna is responsible for the strategy and delivery of all media relations and communications to build UDIA’s media profile and elevate important industry issues to decision makers and influencers. Deanna is Editor of Urban Icon and Developers Update and provides editorial guidance and support for UDIA policy, research and events.

Charles Kekovich

Director, Greater Western Sydney

Charles is the current Director – Greater Western Sydney at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA). Prior to the UDIA, he worked for several years in successive state and federal governments, including in the Office of the Prime Minister. Charles previously served in the role of National Policy and Stakeholder Manager at the Property Council of Australia, where he was leading industry’s response to building and regulations reforms as well as several State and Commonwealth Government reviews relating to retirement living legislation. He holds a Bachelor of Global Studies, majoring in International Law and Legal Studies from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

Harriet Platt-Hepworth

Director, Policy & Research

Harriet is responsible for overseeing the organisation’s policy direction, research and relationships with Government, industry and UDIA members. She leads the development of policy submissions and papers and UDIA’s advocacy efforts and presence. Harriet previously worked as Policy Director in the former NSW Government she brings a wealth of knowledge in the building and construction space from her time in that role.

David Petrie

Director, Infrastructure Policy

David is Director Infrastructure, representing the interests of UDIA members to Government and relevant stakeholders.  David works with leading policy makers in Government and advocates for better coordination and planning of infrastructure to support development in NSW. 

David brings extensive experience from state and local government roles, and the private sector to collaborate, negotiate and influence for better infrastructure and policy outcomes.  

Nathan Boulous

Manager, Research, Illawarra & Southern NSW

Nathan is the Southern Regional & Research Manager at UDIA NSW. He undertakes quantitative analysis to support UDIA’s advocacy and manages joint projects with our valued research partners. He also coordinates our Illawarra-Shoalhaven Chapter, working closely with our regional members and key Government and peak body stakeholders to develop events, workshops, submissions, and research to help grow the industry in the Southern Region.

Kezia Wallace

Manager, Corporate Partnerships and Marketing

Kezia is the Manager, Corporate Partnerships and Marketing at UDIA NSW. She assists the Executive Director, Corporate Partnerships with managing all aspects of relationship management and delivery of contractual obligations including day-to-day communications with sponsors. She oversees UDIA’s marketing activities, and is responsible for the design and production of all UDIA NSW publications. She also assists on member events including luncheons, the annual State Conference and the Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner.

Ella Blundell

Manager, Events

Ella is our Events Manager at UDIA NSW. Ella is responsible for the efficient management of all events held throughout the year including luncheons, industry briefings, regional events, Legends & Legacy program, the annual State Conference and the Annual Development Awards for Excellence program, judging tour and Gala Dinner.

Felicia Roditis

Coordinator Professional Development & Training

Felicia is our Professional Development & Training Coordinator at UDIA NSW. Felicia is responsible for the efficient coordination of all training programs held throughout the year. She also assists on luncheons, regional events, the annual State Conference and the Annual Development Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner.

Frances Nicolaou

Coordinator, Events

Frances is the Events Coordinator at UDIA NSW. Frances is responsible for the efficient coordination of our Leadership Awards for Excellence, Boardroom Luncheons, industry briefings and UDIA TV’s. She also assists in organising our luncheons, annual State Conference and the Annual Development Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner.