Highly respected development industry leader Richard Pappas has been appointed President of the Urban Development Institute of Australia in Western Australia (UDIA WA) at the Institute’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 18 October 2023.
A member of UDIA WA Council for the last three years, Richard Pappas is Managing Director of the award-winning Celsius Property Group, which incorporates Celsius Developments, Celsius Land and Celsius Finance, ensuring he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience across a diversity of property development sectors to the role.
Mr Pappas takes the reigns from Col Dutton, who was President of UDIA WA for a four-year term.
“It is an absolute pleasure to take on the leadership position of such an important organisation to the future of Western Australia’s urban growth and development,” Mr Pappas said.
“The urban development industry is an integral part of the creation of new, and enhancement of existing communities, particularly as Perth becomes a more compact and connected city,” Mr Pappas said.
“We are in the midst of a housing crisis and a core aspect of addressing that crisis is through the delivery of a range of housing options from social and affordable through to high end product to suit different household needs,” Mr Pappas said.
“I have a passion for quality development that brings a diversity of housing choices to the community in a range of areas,” Mr Pappas said.
The current hot button issues in Western Australia include housing supply, supporting the medium and high density sectors to deliver greater housing choice, planning reform and strategic environmental assessment.
UDIA WA is celebrating 50 years of representing the development industry in WA this year, and in marking that milestone, the organisation adopted new Purpose, Vision and Mission statements that speak to the heart of the industry’s role as community creators.
UDIA WA’s core purpose is to represent an industry that is ‘delivering great places and housing choice for better lives’.
The ultimate vision is for ‘diverse living options in thriving, connected communities’.
“I am dedicated to delivering on UDIA WA’s purpose and vision, that speak directly to the importance of quality community creation and delivering housing choice to all West Australians,” Mr Pappas said.
In taking the reigns as President, Mr Pappas says he is committed to continuing the fantastic work of outgoing President Col Dutton, who successfully drove UDIA WA’s strategic advocacy agenda across the three pillars of Liveability, Economy and the Environment.
There is also an aim to build on the professional development side of the organisation, with a desire to deliver education opportunities that will assist continuous improvement within industry and government in relation to urban development outcomes.
Mr Pappas is also focused on increasing broader community engagement to build understanding around Perth’s future as a more compact and connected city.
“There is no doubt that if we want to achieve greater housing choices for people, then we will need to accept and support more urban infill and increased density in appropriate locations,” Mr Pappas said. “That is an important goal in the context of improving affordability, sustainability and giving people options as their lifestyles change and evolve.”
Mr Pappas thanked outgoing President Col Dutton for his exceptional leadership over four years.
“Col has successfully led the Institute here in WA through a time of significant challenges and opportunities as we navigated the pandemic and the impacts on industry in the years following,” Mr Pappas said.
“I wish Col all the best in his new role as National President of UDIA and look forward to continuing to work with him and the UDIA National Council on issues of national importance.”
END.
Media Contact:
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications & Engagement
M: 0421 506 819
About Richard:
As Managing Director of Celsius Property Group, Richard credits the company’s success to the dedicated team of business partners, consultants, property managers and administration staff who strive to put the Client’s needs first whilst working with integrity and honesty.
Richard began his property career in 1998 with the very company that now forms part of Celsius Property Group and incorporates Celsius Developments, Celsius Land and Celsius Finance.
Richard is current President of the Urban Development Institute of Australia in Western Australia (UDIA WA) and leads the UDIA WA Council alongside fellow industry leaders, particularly providing valuable built form insight to the broader industry and key stakeholders.
Richard possesses a Diploma of Property (REIWA) in addition to a Diploma of Financial Services and a current Real Estate licence.
Since embracing the need to give back by supporting those not fortunate enough to have a roof over their head, Richard has participated in the past 7 Vinnies CEO sleepouts raising over $80,000 for this great cause. In 2022 Richard formed part of the inaugural UDIA WA Vinnies CEO Sleepout Team which was again represented by Industry leaders in 2023. As part of his fundraising efforts, he has completed three Comrades Ultra Marathons in South Africa.
Celsius Property Group’s recent and current projects include:
Park Terraces in Montario Quarter, Shenton Park, which was awarded the UDIA National Award for Best Small-Scale Development 2023 highlights what is possible on small infill grouped housing sites.
Vic Quarter in Victoria Park, developed on behalf of the Fowler Group, which also houses Boston Brewing Co is an example of Cesius’ development standard, receiving a special commendation at the 2021 WAAA Apartment Awards for Excellence for precinct rejuvenation.
Lucent Claremont, Winner of the Medium Density Development (less than 50 apartments) category at the 2021 UDIA WA Awards for Excellence.
125 Bank Street East Victoria Park is a Joint Venture with Rocky Bay providing both residential and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in the same complex with all villas retained by the JV for the long term.
Lot 38 Murat Road Exmouth is a regional development of 24 one- and two-bedroom villas and apartments which has been completed in just 14 months. A two-year corporate lease assisted to underwrite the development however it has been designed to suit future owner occupiers, long term tenants or holiday rentals.
Elysian Subiaco comprises 37 elegant residences in the Paris end of Subiaco and was approved via the SDAU process. The development is currently under construction with completion anticipated around October 2024.
387 Fitzgerald Street North Perth – a street to street 4,700m2 parcel of land in the heart of the North Perth village where we are currently working through planning to create an iconic mixed use book end to the North Perth centre.
Whilst Celsius has traditionally focused on built from development our land division is presently working on land subdivisions in Piara Waters, Champion Lakes, Quindalup and Exmouth.
About UDIA WA:
As the leading voice representing the urban development industry, the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) is at the forefront of all things development throughout Western Australia.
With a history spanning 50 years, the Institute is the pre-eminent body that promotes excellence and innovation in the creation of the urban environment in WA.
Our membership reflects the full spectrum of the development industry, including developers, finance, design, planning, local governments, utility providers and State Government agencies, essential service providers, engineers, environmental consultants, accountants, lawyers, builders, architects, and more. UDIA WA members work together to create vibrant, liveable communities across WA.
UDIA WA assists members to achieve their goals by facilitating essential discussion and debate, fostering a connected industry, releasing critical research and market intelligence that informs business decisions and presenting Government with evidence-based solutions that influence policy outcomes.
Our Purpose:
Great places + Housing choice = Better lives
Our Vision:
Diverse living options in thriving, connected communities
Our Mission:
Lead, influence and deliver remarkable member value for a strong urban development industry