Ben Farquhar

Areas of Expertise

• Mortgage valuations (residential, industrial, commercial/retail, real estate rent rolls) up to $10,000,000
• Rental valuations (for rent reviews and commercial disputes)
• Financial reporting valuations
• Expert witness valuations and Government consultancy

Industry Experience

Commencing his valuation career in 2004 in Perth and becoming licensed in 2007, Ben has tended to focus on commercial property valuations across most generic fields including industrial, commercial/retail and residential. In 2007 Ben moved to the Kimberley and over the following 11 years covered most asset classes including residential, going concerns (sub $5,000,000) and agri-business valuations. Over the course of 2017 and 2018, Ben assisted with a lead roll in mass appraisals for the Northern Territory Government in Darwin and Palmerston. At the beginning of 2019, Ben moved to Brisbane in the role of Senior Valuer focusing on commercial property.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Master of Property
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute (AAPI) – API No: 65252
• Licensed Valuer (Qld) – QVRB No: 4091MR

Andrew Bray

Areas of Expertise

• Rural valuations including grazing, cropping, vineyards, horticultural property, irrigation property, feedlots, market gardens, agro forestry, grain handling and processing facilities and wind farms
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for Family law purposes
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Valuations for estate management purposes
• Valuations for property taxation, legislation and policy purposes
• Valuations for capital gains tax purposes
• Valuations for compulsory acquisition and forensic accounting purposes
• Commercial and residential property valuations

Industry Experience

Andrew has 20 years of experience as a valuer and has been employed by Opteon for 16 years. He is the Director of Agribusiness for Victoria which co-ordinates the Agribusiness Department and undertakes valuations in the western districts of Victoria. Before entering the property field Andrew worked on various rural properties throughout NSW as well as a family-owned mixed farming enterprise.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
• API Accredited Specialist Water Valuer Bachelor of Commerce (Land Economy)
• Associate Diploma in Farm Management

Alexander Ben

Areas of Expertise

• Office, retail and industrial valuations
• Childcare, medical clinics and cold storage facilities
• Mixed use developments.
• Asset valuations for financial reporting, family law and single expert witness valuations and market rental assessments.
• Residential Valuations
• Valuations for financial reporting
• Valuation Portfolio management 

Industry Experience

Alex is the Regional Director for the Victorian and South Australian Commercial divisions, with over 15 years’ experience within the property industry with expertise across industrial, office and retail sectors. Alex has extensive knowledge and experience in childcare, medical and cold storage valuations in addition to mixed-use developments. Alex’s role focusses on servicing a number of clients including the major banks and private clients for financial reporting and legal advice. Alex’s continued focus is also on growing the VIC & SA commercial teams by building on new and existing clients across each state. 

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 63188)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Business (Property)
• Member of the Property Council of Australia

Sam Lipshut

Areas of Expertise

• Valuations for most financial institutions
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase consultancy advice
• Valuations for accounting, financial reporting or superannuation purposes
• Valuations for tax purposes (GST or CGT)
• Valuations on an “as is” and “upon completion” basis, incorporating feasibility analysis
• Rental assessments or advice for both landlords and tenants
• Valuations for matrimonial dispute / family law purposes

Industry Experience

Sam has over 20 years of experience in a variety of commercial valuation sectors. Prior to joining Opteon, Sam held the position of Director at another firm for many years and was head of its Office Valuations Practice Group. Sam predominately specialises in the valuation of suburban office buildings and city fringe commercial development sites. He also has broad experience in both industrial and retail asset classes. Sam has strong relationships with key stakeholders at most banking institutions and non-bank lenders, together with long standing relationships with many private clients.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 62776)
• Bachelor of Business (Property) – RMIT
• Course in Real Estate for Agent’s Representatives

Ryan Danaher

Areas of Expertise

• Specialised Valuations
• Hospitality and Accommodation Valuations
• Rent Roll Valuations
• Portfolio Valuations
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase consultancy advice
• Valuations for accounting, financial reporting, or superannuation purposes
• Rental Submissions
• Rental Determinations

Industry Experience

Ryan is a highly motivated property professional with 16 years’ experience in the industry. He joined Opteon in early 2022 as a Director of Hotels & Leisure (Victoria). In late 2022, Ryan was appointed as the Head of Alternate Investments and now works closely with our national team of specialised real estate 
professionals.

Ryan provides going concern valuations of hospitality premises, accommodation assets and real estate rent rolls predominately in Victoria and the Northern Territory. In addition, Ryan has significant experience in retail, office, and industrial valuations.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 101142)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuations) (Honours) (2015)
• Certificate in Corporate Finance (2020)

Cam Olson

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Development Valuation & Advisory
• Development Feasibility Analysis (Estate Master)
• Commercial Property Valuation and Consultancy
• Property Risk Management & Quality Assurance
• Residential Development & Commercial Property Investment Finance & Debt Structuring
• Business Development and enhancing customer experience
• Valuer mentoring, training & professional development

Industry Experience

Cam is the National Head of Opteon’s Residential Development & Advisory Team. He has over 38 years’ experience in the property industry including extensive commercial valuation experience, including residential development, in SA, NT and NSW for properties up to $300 million in value.

Cam has undertaken first mortgage security, financial reporting and acquisition/disposal commercial property valuations for all Australian Major Banks, Property Developers, and high net worth individuals, predominantly based in Adelaide, Darwin and Sydney.

In addition, Cam has commercial property risk management and property finance experience, from within a major Australian Banking Group, for individual property assets up to $1.300 billion in value.

He has a strong client and stakeholder focus, whilst always acting ethically and with integrity.

Cam was elevated to Fellow Membership of the API in 1998 and has been actively involved with the industry body in various capacities including serving as Vice President, Divisional Counsellor and Chair of the API Membership Committee for SA/NT.

Formal Qualifications

•    Fellow Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 64384)
•    Certified Practising Valuer

Will Reynolds

Industry Experience

William has in excess of 30 years’ experience as a Commercial Property Valuer working for multi-national accounting and valuation businesses, and with Opteon since 2000.

William is proud to have served on the Australian Valuation and Property Standards Board and actively monitors and contributes to Valuation Standards and Guidance Notes. From 2017-19 William served as the Chair of the Tasmanian Committee of the API.

Over his professional career William has valued a diverse range of asset types including major commercial property, portfolios, mixed use developments, agribusiness/ aquaculture and marine assets, waterfront tourism resorts and completed rental determinations.

William has previously held company Director positions within professional service businesses managing approximately 50 staff, and has experience in business & fiscal management and corporate governance.

In March 2020 William was appointed the Director of Opteon’s Professional Quality & Risk team promoting our Strive for Excellence and risk management.

In July 2020 William was awarded the prestigious Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Property Professional of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to the property industry in Australia.

In 2022 his team was awarded the Valuation Team of the Year Award by the Australian Property Institute recognising demonstrated commitment to achieving best practice and implementation of quality management systems resulting in measurable improvements in client satisfaction and high-quality outcomes.

Dan Hill

Areas of Expertise

• Bachelor of Commerce – Majoring in Property and Finance (Curtin University)
• Post Graduate Certificate of Property Valuation
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API member No. 65214)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia (Licence No. 44361)

Industry Experience

Dan has circa 20 years of property experience having started his valuation career valuing residential property, before moving to the Commercial Division of Opteon (Western Australia) in 2009. In 2014, Dan became a Director of Opteon (Western Australia), the firm’s youngest ever equity partner.

Following the formation of Opteon’s Specialised Real Estate division, Dan was appointed National Director- Specialised Real Estate, leading a team of 30 valuation experts across Australia. He prepares valuation reports for key clients for finance purposes, acquisition and disposal, negotiation and strategic advice with a particular focus on major office and industrial assets and markets. He is committed to his own professional excellence, and that of his team through mentorship of Opteon’s valuers.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce – Majoring in Property and Finance (Curtin University)
• Post Graduate Certificate of Property Valuation
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API member No. 65214)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia (Licence No. 44361)

Michael McNulty

Areas of Expertise

• Residential valuations
• Commercial valuations
• Rural lifestyle valuations
• Municipal valuations
• Valuations for financial reporting
• Valuation portfolio management

Industry Experience

Michael currently runs the National Residential operations for Opteon with over two decades of experience within the property industry across multiple sectors including Residential, Commercial, Urban Growth, Municipal and Rural.

Michael has broad knowledge within the valuation industry and acts for a wide range of clients including financial institutions, developers, accountants and solicitors.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 63046)
• Certified Practicing Valuer (CPV)
• Bachelor of Business (Property)
• Diploma of Financial Services
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Ross Turner

Areas of Expertise

• Sydney metropolitan office, office development and mixed-use valuations for mortgage security, financial reporting, advisory and due diligence purposes
• Childcare valuations (including national portfolio reporting and management)
• National portfolio valuations for Corporates, Government and Non for Profits for annual reporting, due diligence and advisory purposes
• Rent review valuations and assessments
• Valuation audit, and risk review advice for annual review assessments.
• Research and property advisory for national property markets, more particularly for those markets outside of those covered by traditional PCA Research

Industry Experience

Ross is the General Manager for Australian Valuation Operations, with over 20 years’ experience in property valuation and advisory across Australia in both metropolitan and regional markets.

Ross has the benefit of having previously reviewed and provided valuation advice from a financier’s perspective in an institutional banking environment. He has considerable experience managing large valuation projects for Government and Corporates across Australia for financial reporting, strategic advisory and mortgage security purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business Management, (Real Estate and Development), University of Queensland
• Certified Practicing Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute

Chris Mitrothanasis

Areas of Expertise

• Compensation Assessments – Just Terms Compensation Act 1991
• Market Assessments – Development & Divestment
• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & GST)
• Financial Reporting – Australian Accounting Standards
• Replacement Insurance Value Assessments

Industry Experience

Chris is the Senior Director – Government & Advisory for Opteon. He has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to Opteon with over 28 years of experience within the Valuation Property Industry. Chris is a Fellow of the Australian Property Institute, a sitting member of the API NSW State Committee, a Certified Practising Valuer and has completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Land Economics) Degree at the University of Western Sydney. Chris specialises and is accredited within Opteon as a specialist childcare valuer whilst also an expert in the residential and mixed-use development sector. Chris is also a recognised valuer on-behalf of the Australian Property Institute where he is commissioned to undertake Commercial and Industrial rental determinations.

Formal Qualifications

• Fellow of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 69131)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Commerce (Land Economics) Degree - University of Western Sydney

Alex Dickinson

Areas of Expertise

• Market Value Assessments

• Banking and Finance Valuations

• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations

• Commercial, Industrial and Retail Valuations

• Rent Rolls

• Hotels, Motels and Caravan Parks

• Prestige Residential

Industry Experience

Alex is a Senior Valuer at Opteon and is responsible for valuation services in relation to commercial/industrial development, prestige residential, rental assessments and specialised commercial properties including Hotels, Motels, Caravan Parks and tourism type property.

Alex has extensive experience throughout Central and Northern Queensland in a wide range of property matters and has been in the valuation industry for over 25 years. In addition to property valuations, Alex has gained wide experience in valuing Real Estate Rent Rolls within the Qld Region.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Australian Property Institute API No: 66325

• Certified Practising Valuer

• Registered Queensland Property Valuer QVRB No: 2278

• Bachelor of Business (Property Studies) University of Qld

Artur Giller

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial (office, retail and industrial) property valuations for mortgage purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase /pre-sale purposes
• Valuations of Food Processing and Cold Store facilities
• Business development / Client relations
• Property development

Industry Experience

Artur has over 15 years of experience in the property industry with 10 years of practice in commercial valuations. Artur has been with Opteon since 2014 and worked within Officeworks property division prior to commencing with Opteon. Throughout his professional career, Artur has undertaken his own developments, putting the valuations theory into practice. During that time, Artur has developed strong underpinning principals within the property and finance services sectors, whilst also sharpening his analytical skills.

Artur has undertaken a variety of asset valuations with earlier reports focused on residential development and hospitality assets. In more recent times, Artur has repositioned himself to undertake mostly industrial/retail/office valuations in $0-15m range, whilst managing and growing client relationships.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 85427)
• BAppSc (Property & Valuations Hons 1st Class)
• Agents Representative

Belinda Donaldson

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property valuations
• Rental valuations
• Insurance valuations
• Valuations for pre-sale and pre-purchase purposes
• Valuations for estate planning and administration
• Valuations for financial reporting
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes

Industry Experience

Belinda has been working with Opteon for over 14 years across a number of different departments providing a broad knowledge of the entire valuation process. Belinda specialises in commercial valuations across the north and north west regions of Tasmania, servicing a broad range of clients, including financial institutions, private clients, local government and not-for-profit organisations.
Belinda provides valuations and advice for a broad range of property types including offices, consulting rooms, retail and industrial type properties. Belinda is also a current member of the Tasmanian API Youth Property Professional committee promoting professional networking within the valuation industry and career pathways.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 86728)
• Bachelor of Property – Central Queensland University

Ben Giesecke

Areas of Expertise

• Residential and commercial valuations and property advisory
• Valuations for mortgage security
• Valuations for stamp duty, capital gains tax and statutory requirements
• Valuations for acquisition and disposal
• Valuations for family law
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental valuations and determinations

Industry Experience

Ben joined the team at Opteon as Associate Director in Darwin. He brings with him over 17 years of valuation and advisory experience spanning over three capital cities including Darwin, Melbourne and Adelaide. Ben has extensive experience in residential and commercial valuations for mortgage security, stamp duty, acquisition, disposal, rental assessment and family law purposes.

Ben is a current local government elected Councilor of the City of Palmerston, a position he has held since early 2018. In that time, has served as an Alderman, Deputy Mayor and Acting Mayor. He is currently a sitting member of the Palmerston division of the Development Consent Authority and Council’s delegate to the Palmerston Regional Business Association. Ben has nominated for re-election at the upcoming local government elections in August 2021.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No. 64591)
• Bachelor of Business (Property) – University of South Australia
• Currently studying a Master of Business Administration – Charles Darwin University
• Member Australian Institute of Company Directors

Bill Kassaras

Areas of Expertise

Bill provides valuations and consultancy for a broad range of purposes such as:

• Mortgage purposes
• Accounting and financial reporting purposes
• Acquisitions and disposals
• Market rent, rental reviews and rental determinations
• Compulsory acquisitions
• Development valuations incorporating feasibility analysis
• Statutory valuations
• Insurance purposes

 Types of properties include:

• Commercial, retail and industrial assets
• Residential subdivisions and residential/mixed-use development site
• Freehold childcare centres
• Easements
• Marinas
• Boarding houses
• Special use assets including parklands, ports, air space, telecommunication towers and stratum lots

Industry Experience

Bill Kassaras is a Certified Practising Valuer with 14 years of valuation experience. He undertakes major and complex valuation engagements for a broad range of property asset
classes and clients. Bill’s extensive valuation experience includes office buildings, residential/mixed-use development sites and compulsory acquisition valuations under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 69189)
• Bachelor of Property Economics (Second Class Honours) - University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Cameron Abbott

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property
• Leases
• Banking and finance valuations
• Pre-purchase & pre-sale advice valuations

Industry Experience

Cameron has been at Opteon since October 2019 commencing as a Graduate Valuer following the completion of his studies at Curtin University (Perth).
In 2022, Cameron qualified as a Certified Practising Valuer with the Australian Property Institute (API) and Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).

Cameron is part of the commercial team in Western Australia conducting valuations focusing on commercial property (such as industrial, office, retail and medical assets) whilst also completing commercial valuations in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 106402)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Land Valuer’s Licence - Western Australia (Licence No. 45179)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property Development and Valuation) – Curtin University

Cindy Lang

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial Valuations
• Valuations for financial reporting
• Valuations for family law purposes
• Market rental assessments

Industry Experience

Cindy has been working as a Certified Practising Valuer in the Commercial sector for over 10 years. Cindy has completed valuations of diverse property classes, ranging from retail, industrial and commercial properties across metropolitan Melbourne, since 2012.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 81207)
• Master of Property – University of Melbourne (2013)
• Bachelor of Environment, Major in Property – University of Melbourne (2010)
• Certificate IV Property Services (Agent Representative)

Crystal Chow

Areas of Expertise

• Market Value Assessments
• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & GST)
• Replacement Insurance Value Assessments
• Acquisition and disposal advice

Industry Experience

Crystal has six years’ experience in all types of residential, commercial and industrial type properties within Sydney. Government portfolio: Fire and Rescue NSW and Family Planning NSW for financial reporting.

Commercial valuation up to 10 mil.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 83235)
• Certified Practicing Valuer (2018-present)
• Provisional Membership (2015-2017)
• Master of Property Development – University of Technology Sydney
• Tafe NSW Ultimo – Property Valuation
• Bachelor of Human Resource Management – Macquarie University

Daniel Ackroyd

Areas of Expertise

• Market Value Assessments
• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & GST)
• Replacement Insurance Value Assessments
• Acquisition & Disposal Advice
• Compulsory Acquisition

Industry Experience

After commencing his property career in Adelaide, Daniel moved to the Northern Territory in 2006. Daniel obtained his API CPV status in 2008 and in the subsequent years became a Senior Valuer practising in a variety of valuation fields and provided residential and commercial valuations for all of the major lending institutions including the big 4 banks.

In 2013 Daniel opened a valuation office in Cairns and subsequently provided valuation services throughout metropolitan, regional and remote Northern Queensland.

In 2018 Daniel joined the Opteon team conducting valuations out of the Opteon Cairns Office, and in 2019 took the role of Commercial Valuer.

During his career Daniel has conducted special purpose valuations of a variety of property types and has completed valuations of going concern operations for mortgage finance purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 64596)
• QLD Registered Valuer #3697MR
• Certified Practising Valuer – Property
• Certified Practising Valuer - Business
• Bachelor of Business (Property Stream) Uni SA

Daniel Sander

Areas of Expertise

• Valuations of Middle Markets assets (office, retail and industrial - $5-$25m)
• Specialised assets including childcare, tourism / accommodation and residential development projects
• Special Disability Accommodation (NDIS)
• Matrimonial Settlement / Family Court Valuations
• Compulsory Acquisition Valuations
• Strategic Advisory Services for Clients

Industry Experience

Daniel has over 25 years’ experience in the Property and Valuation Industry with expertise in multiple asset classes throughout Adelaide and regional South Australia. His areas of specialisation include middle market office, retail and industrial assets ($5-$25 million), childcare (including freehold going concerns), tourism and accommodation assets (motels, caravan parks) and residential development projects. He is an approved panel valuer for all major Australian banks and has undertaken numerous valuations for legal purposes (including for family law and commercial litigation matters). Daniel is also an experienced compulsory acquisition valuer and is a current examiner for the Australian Property Institute for both RPV and CPV applicants. 

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Fellow Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 64256)

Darrelle Manery

Areas of Expertise

• Specialised residential property valuations
• Rural and lifestyle property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for property taxation, legislation, and policy purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental valuations
• Unit entitlement assessments
• Small residential multi housing development

Industry Experience

Darrelle commenced her Valuation Career in 2003, working in the Newcastle/Central Coast and Hunter Valley area. Prior to joining Opteon in 2017, she had worked for several renowned local companies: Mark Skelton Valuers, and Property Valuations NSW (formally McMonigal Valuers). Darrelle is currently employed as Associate Director/Senior Valuer in the Newcastle Office. She is able to call from vast experience across varied property types when completing assignments. Having primarily focused on being a rural and residential property Valuer in the NSW Newcastle and Hunter Valley, she is an expert in her field. Darrelle specialises in residential mortgage valuations, rural lifestyle assessments, waterfront property, prestige property, and other rural and residential work comprising of family law assessments, strata assessment, stamp duty and capital gains assessments. Darrelle is a highly skilled practitioner, qualifies as Elite Valuer for the Banking industry, specialising in unique residential, prestige and rural residential property in the Newcastle, Central Coast, and Hunter Valley & Upper Hunter Valley locations.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 69409)
• Advanced Diploma of Property Valuation (Distinction Level) (2000-2003)
• Occupational Health and Safety Induction Training Construction Certificate (March 2003)
• Hunter Institute TAFE – Newcastle, NSW (2001 – 2002)
• Diploma of Business (Real Estate Management) – Distinction Level
• Certificate IV Business (Property Management)
• Certificate IV Business (Real Estate Sales)
• Strata Management Certificate
• Commercial and Business Leasing Certificate
• Stock and Station Agent Certificate

David Lee

Areas of Expertise

• Mortgage valuations
• Commercial valuations (Industrial, Retail, Office and Development sites)
• Market Value assessments
• Residential valuations
• Pre-purchase / Pre-sale advice valuations

Industry Experience

David commenced his valuation career at Opteon as a graduate valuer, specializing in commercial valuations. Following the attainment of his accreditation, he strategically broadened his expertise by valuing residential properties for two years before returning to commercial valuations.
David has since established himself as an expert in mortgage valuations, encompassing both residential and commercial property markets. His primary professional base resides in the Northern and Western Metro Commercial Areas, where his extensive industry experience enables him to provide precise and valuable property assessments.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 82767)
• Master of Property – University of Melbourne

Edward Ellis

Areas of Expertise

• Agribusiness valuations including grazing, broadacre cropping, viticulture, horticulture and irrigation properties
• Commercial and Industrial property valuations
• Residential and Rural Residential property valuations
• Residential Development valuations
• Valuations for Family Law and property settlement purposes – court-related matters
• Valuation & Consultancy to Receivers/ Managers

Industry Experience

Edward is a Senior Certified Practicing Valuer based in Adelaide. Edward has worked with Opteon since 2008, previously based in Orange NSW before relocating to South Australia in early 2020.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API)
• Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
• Bachelor of Agribusiness (Marketing) – University of New England, Armidale
• Advanced Diploma of Property Valuation Open Training Education Network (OTEN), Strathfield

Emmanuel Ganakas

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial Market Value Assessments
• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & GST)
• Replacement Insurance Value Assessments
• Rental Determinations

Industry Experience

Emmanuel commenced working with Opteon in 2020 shortly after completing his Bachelor of Property Economics at the University of Technology Sydney. Obtaining his valuation accreditation in 2022, Emmanuel currently reports to a team of Directors & Senior Valuers and provides end to end support with a range of asset classes.

Emmanuel’s coverage is based in the Sydney metro area, specialising in the Commercial Core sector ranging from industrial, office, retail, and mixed-use assets predominantly for mortgage security purposes in the sub $7.5 million range, with his clients including the ‘big four’ banks. He has also worked on several large scale and specialised projects such as commercial office buildings, childcare facilities, and government asset valuation advisory services. Emmanuel is a highly motivated property professional and is looking to further enhance his skill set and expertise in the valuation and property industry.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 109197)
• Bachelor of Property Economics - University of Technology Sydney

Glenn Boyd

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial Property Valuations (Office, Industrial, Retail Asset Classes etc.)
• Mortgage Security Valuations
• Service Stations, Car Washes & Fast-Food Outlets
• Medical Related premises
• Industrial and Commercial subdivisions
• Corporate Real Estate
• Rental Valuations and Determinations

Industry Experience

Glenn has 20 years’ industry experience and is employed as a valuer by Opteon as Director – Specialised & Advisory within the Commercial Department. He has previously held Valuation and Advisory Director roles in leading international and local commercial real estate agencies. Glenn has expertise in the valuation of commercial, industrial and retail property. He provides advice to major lending institutions, corporate and private clients for mortgage, financial reporting, acquisition, disposal and consulting purposes. Glenn has considerable experience in Rental Valuations and Determinations. Glenn joined Opteon in 2013.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 62692)
• Member Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
• Bachelor of Business (Property) with Distinction, RMIT 1998
• Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
• Certified Property Practitioner (CPP)
• API Accredited Specialist Retail Valuer
• Member of the API President and Small Business Commissioner (SBC) Panel of Determining Valuers
• Affiliate Member of The REIV
• Registered Valuer QLD & NSW

Hayden Mcleod

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Valuations
• Commercial, Retail & Industrial Valuations
• Rural Valuations
• Developments Valuations & Consultancy
• Going Concern Valuations
• Depreciations Assessments
• Insurance Valuations
• Holiday Apartments
• Rental Valuations
• Port and other infrastructure ground leases

Industry Experience

Hayden has extensive property valuation and consultancy experience having started within the industry in late 2005. Hayden relocated to Broome in the latter part of 2012 to take up a senior valuation role with Opteon (North West WA), having previously worked in Perth specialising in a range of commercial, retail and industrial property valuation fields. Hayden has an intimate knowledge of the Kimberley and the various property markets this region encompasses. Hayden was a director of Opteon (North West WA) prior to integration in March 2017.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property & Commercial Law)

Ian Britton

Areas of Expertise

• Specialist hotel and motel Valuer
• Other ‘going concern’ valuations i.e. service stations, car washes, childcare centres, caravan parks, etc.
• Business Valuations (i.e. rent rolls and other specialised businesses)
• Court related matters
• Land purchase negotiations on behalf of Mining Companies and Statutory Authorities
• Specialised larger rural properties and enterprises
• Retail & Commercial Rental Assessments
• Inglobo development / subdivision parcels
• Valuations under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991

Industry Experience

Ian is a Senior Valuer with Opteon and has been employed  in the Orange NSW office for the past 20 years. Ian has a  broad range of experience specialising in ‘going concern’ 
valuations for a range of motel, caravan park, hotel and  childcare valuations together with complex commercial and  rural property valuations. His coverage expands across  Central Western NSW, but also further south within the Riverina and Snow Mountains areas of NSW

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Fellow of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 69533) 
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture)graduating with Merit (University of Western Sydney)
• Advance Diploma of Property (Valuation) graduating with Distinction (OTEN)

Ian O'Shea

Areas of Expertise

• Hospitality valuations including Going Concerns and Leasehold interests
• Residential and Commercial development consultation
• Family law and single expert
• Asset valuations for financial reporting in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards
• Central business district office valuations
• Commercial office, retail and industrial valuations
• Rental assessments and arbitrations
• Property consultancy including analysis of procurement and disposal options

Industry Experience

Ian joined Opteon in 2012 from the Banking and Finance industry and has worked across a broad range of property types since this time. Ian is considered an expert in commercial property and provides advice on a large range of assets within Tasmania.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 77195)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Certificate of Compliance with the Australian Property Institute Continuing Professional Development Program
• Bachelor of Business
• Graduate Diploma in Property Valuations

James Sharpe

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial Office/Retail/Industrial property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Asset valuations for Financial Reporting
• Valuations for Compensation/Compulsory Acquisitions
• Residential Land Subdivision
• Development Finance Valuations
• Rental Valuations
• Valuations for Property Taxation (Stamp Duty, CGT, GST)
• Expert Witness for Court/Legal Proceedings
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sales advice
• Rating and land tax objections
• Valuation of partial interests (easements)

Industry Experience

James has extensive experience in the valuation of commercial, industrial, retail, office, residential and rural properties in the Illawarra area. He has prepared valuations for a wide range of uses varying from mortgage finance, for sale purchase, for taxation and legal proceedings. I have previous experience in preparing valuations as an expert witness for various Courts.

A former Chairman of the Australian Property Institute South Eastern Study Group, James became the Director of Opteon (South East Regional NSW) (previously Southern Valuers Opteon and Valuers Illawarra Pty Ltd respectively) from December 2002 to June 2014. Following this James was Regional Manager of Opteon from July 2014 to June 2017.

Formal Qualifications

• CPV Australian Property Institute
• FAPI Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Business (Land Economy) from Hawkesbury Agricultural College NSW

James Stuttard

Areas of Expertise

• Valuations of owner occupied and investment grade industrial, office and retail properties
• Residential Valuations
• “As Is” & “As if Complete” valuations for residential development projects
• Private Valuations for pre-purchase and pre-sale purposes
• Progress Inspection Reports
• Management of sale and rental evidence database
• Valuations of agricultural property

Industry Experience

James has worked in the property industry since 2015, starting as a Trainee Valuer at Opteon Solutions in the Residential Division. James gained his Land Valuers License in 2018 and is presently working as a Certified Property Valuer within the Commercial/Agricultural Division, working across multiple fields and asset types including office, retail, industrial, residential development, residential and agricultural.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 104477)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property Development & Valuation) Curtin University 2017
• WA Land Valuers Licence No. 44959

Jennifer Bell

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial and residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for family law purposes
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Market rental assessments
• Valuations for estate management purposes including property taxation, legislation and policy purpose

Industry Experience

Jennifer has 17 years’ experience working in property, having commenced her career within real estate agency, and obtaining a full Victorian Real Estate Licence. 
Jennifer has worked as a valuer for over 12 years and her experience spans across a broad range of commercial and residential properties, including specialised health care assets throughout Victoria. Jennifer has lived on the Bellarine Peninsula and worked within the Geelong market since 2018.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 75338)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Valuation) – RMIT City Campus 2010
• Certificate IV Property (Real Estate Licence Course) – RMIT 2006

Josh Stanton

Areas of Expertise

• Residential
• Rural Residential
• Prestige Residential
• Family Law
• Insurance Replacement Valuations
• Mass Market Appraisal

Industry Experience

Josh has been working at Opteon for over 5 years acquiring in-depth knowledge on the residential valuation process. He is considered a residential property expert and provides large volume valuations of residential property within the Gladstone Regional Council area, as well as having significant experience working in the broader Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 101688)
• QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No: 4087)
• Bachelor of Property

Joshua Fulton

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial, industrial, office and retail property valuations
• Petroleum and Car Wash valuations
• Family Law valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Asset valuation advice for various local Councils throughout Victoria
• Rental valuations
• Strategic property investment advice
• Mortgage and financial reporting valuations for the education sectors

Industry Experience

Joshua has over fifteen years of experience as a valuer and has been employed by Opteon throughout this period. In his Director role he provides valuations of commercial and industrial properties within the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Joshua is also a specialist in complex assets for financial reporting purposes having been involved in a number of large portfolio valuation contracts over the last ten years. 

Joshua has also worked within Opteon’s specialist petroleum division for over 7 years, undertaking valuations throughout the state of Victoria and along the eastern seaboard. As part of this specialist role, Joshua has undertaken valuations for a range of clients including all of the major lenders who lend on petroleum assets and a number of large petroleum retailers and developers together with larger corporate clients including Viva Energy, Ampol, Liberty Petroleum and 7-Eleven.

Joshua has completed the Asset Valuation for Financial Reporting Certificate Course and the Expert Witness Professional Certificate course, both ran by the Australian Property Institute, and has undertaken a number of valuations of varying asset types for Family Law and litigation purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 63369)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Business (Property) – RMIT 2007
• Certificate IV in Real Estate (Agent’s license) – Swinburne 2001

Julian Nelthorpe

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property
• Residential property
• Banking and finance valuations
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Rental valuations and leasing advice

Industry Experience

Julian is a Certified Practising Valuer with the Australian Property Institute and Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety and has been working with Opteon for four years encompassing a breadth of knowledge across a number of different departments. Julian is currently part of the commercial team in Western Australia, conducting valuations and providing advice primarily on industrial, office and retail assets for a range of purposes within the Perth Metropolitan Area. Julian also travels regionally within the state, completing residential and commercial valuations in the Pilbara, Mid-West and Gascoyne regions.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No. 102521)
• Bachelor of Property Development and Valuation– Curtin University

Karen Bates

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial, industrial and rural properties in the Greater Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Central Coast
• Specialised property valuations, including service stations, heritage buildings, biodiversity stewardship and conservation sites, vineyards, contaminated land and mine subsidence affected land
• Compulsory acquisition and compensation valuations under Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation)

Industry Experience

Karen is an experienced property valuer providing commercial, industrial, rural and specialist valuations across Newcastle, Hunter Valley and the Central Coast.

Karen provides high quality valuation reports for mortgage security and specialist purposes, including compulsory acquisition and compensation valuations under Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 and valuations as an expert witness pursuant to Division 15 of
the Family Law Rules 2004.

She has developed strong working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including local and state government, sales agents, property developers, and investors, and she is able to draw on this network to provide important insight into the property market and valuation drivers in the region.

Karen also plays a leadership role in the industry. She is currently a member of the API NSW State Committee, as well as being an API Examiner for valuer candidates, and she is a founding member of the Women in Property Valuation network.

Prior to returning to the property valuation profession, Karen spent 15 years as a regional economic development specialist working across Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland, both on the ground, and in higher level policy development, leadership and management positions.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 81519)
• Master of Accounting
• Bachelor of Business in Property

Kerri Bampton

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial valuations of industrial, office and retail properties 
• Specialist experience with medical assets 
• Specialist experience with going concern properties such as motels, caravan and cabin parks, animal accommodation, storage facilities and service stations
• Specialist experience with Special Disability Accommodation (NDIS)
• Valuations for a range of purposes including mortgage security, property taxation, due diligence, financial reporting and compulsory acquisitions

Industry Experience

Kerri has over 12 years’ experience in the Property Valuation industry, specialising in commercial property valuations. With over 6 years’ experience as a Certified Practising Valuer, she has undertaken valuations for a diverse range of specialised and commercial assets across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Kerri regularly provides reports for mortgage security, due diligence and financial reporting purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No. 101506)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No. 4013)
• Bachelor of Property – Central Queensland University (2017)

Kevin Murphy

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property valuations
• Mortgage security valuations
• Feasibility Analysis
• Family Law/Expert Witness
• Financial Reporting
• Rental Assessments/Determinations

Industry Experience

Kevin has over 10 years’ experience in real estate valuation and advisory services predominantly throughout metropolitan Sydney. Kevin’s extensive experience expands across a wide range of asset classes including commercial, industrial, retail, residential and development sites. Kevin provides high level valuation and advisory services for various clients including all major banks, financial institutions, private clients, government departments, national and multinational businesses.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 77400)
• Bachelor of Science (Hons) Property Investment and Development 

Kylie Pryse-Jones

Areas of Expertise

• Rating and Taxing Valuations NSW
• Residential property valuations
• Commercial and Industrial Valuations
• Management of Government Rating and Taxing Contracts

Industry Experience

Kylie has over 28 years’ experience as a valuer and has been employed with Opteon for over 18 years. Her initial experience was in mortgage valuations of commercial, industrial, and residential properties for approximately 13 years. Since this period Kylie has worked in the Government sector of Rating and Taxing Valuations. Kylie is currently the Contract Manager of the Central West Contact Rating and Taxing Contract. Her prior roles included Senior Valuer with Goulburn Mulwaree contract and Valuer with Orange Contract District. Kylie has gained extensive experience in meeting deliverables and quality assurance associated with Government Contracts. Kylie has mentored and provided guidance for Assistant Valuers, as well as gained experience as the Operations Manager in Goulburn Contract area.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Business (Land Economy)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute

Leo Bagon

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial valuations (Industrial, Retail, Office, and Development Sites)
• Commercial/Industrial development valuations
• Pre-purchase / Pre-sale advice valuations
• Family Law valuations – Family Law Court of Australia
• Expert Witness valuations for Supreme Court and
• County Court of Victoria
• Mortgage Security valuations
• Rental Review valuations
• Insurance valuations
• Asset Management valuations

Industry Experience

Leo has 9 years’ experience in the property industry. He began his property career at ANZ Bank in the Valuations Department. Leo’s tenure at ANZ Bank involved auditing of valuations for compliance and servicing valuation requests nationally. Leo joined Opteon in 2015 training in both residential and commercial valuations. In more recent times, Leo has regularly completed commercial valuations (Industrial, Retail, Office and Development Sites) for various purposes such as pre-purchase advice, superannuation,
private and mortgage. Leo works throughout Melbourne’s Western region, Northern Metro areas, South Eastern regions, and Melbourne CBD. Leo has also had vast experience in valuing specialised assets such as medical facilities, cold storage facilities and industrial development projects.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 86059)
• Bachelor of Applied Science Property (Valuations) - RMIT (2014)

Mark Garroway

Areas of Expertise

• Valuations in accordance with Valuation of Land Act 1916
• Valuations for compensation in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991
• Valuations for litigation including family law disputes
• Asset Valuations for Fair Value Financial Reporting requirements

Industry Experience

Mark joined Opteon in March 2018, when Omega Property Consultants merged with Opteon, and is now a valuable member of the Government Services team. Mark’s experience commenced with Omega in August 2016.

Mark has specialised in predominantly government services & commercial valuation work, assisting with compulsory acquisition valuations and fair value financial reporting work, including valuation of substantial state body portfolios exceeding $1 Billion in total value. Additional experience includes substantial field experience in land value objection review valuations, commercial mortgage valuations including industrial, retail and commercial property, rent reviews, family law valuations, pre-sale advice and advisory valuation work & development feasibility work.

Mark leads a business unit of valuers servicing valuable Opteon government clients including Transport for NSW, DPIE, Defence Housing Australia & Ambulance NSW.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 102069)
• Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
• Bachelor of Property Economics (B.PropEc), UTS
•  Land & Property Information Valuation Services Accreditation

Mark Quinn

Areas of Expertise

• Specialised development valuations including master plan subdivisions, integrated unit developments
• Portfolio valuations within Cairns and surrounds and remote locations
• Expert evidence and litigation
• Prestige and residential properties
• Project feasibility analysis

Industry Experience

Mark has undertaken all facets of valuation over his 25 years of practising within North Queensland. This has included federal and supreme court matters, mortgage security purposes, resumptions and acquisitions, statutory assessment objections, capital gains tax and feasibility analysis of major projects in the region. Property valuations have been undertaken throughout Cairns and hinterlands and the more remote locations of Thursday Island, Karumba and Normanton. Mark’s role has previously involved training of cadet valuers and undertaking a National board member role.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Diploma of Business - University of Qld
• Fellow of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 66658)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Queensland Valuers Registration Board Registration No. 2348
• Fellow of the Urban Development Industry Association of Australia

Mark Youngman

Areas of Expertise

• Retail, industrial and office complexes
• Superannuation rentals and valuations
• Hospitality properties including gaming hotels, motels and tourist parks
• Leasehold business valuations
• Aquaculture and vineyards
• Asset/financial reporting
• Commercial rent reviews
• Pre purchase and presale commercial valuation and consultancy

Industry Experience

With a background in auditing, general accounting and management consulting, Mark has more than 10 years of experience in general valuation practice with all property types. Mark is considered a commercial and hospitality property expert and provides a large number of valuations of properties within Melbourne. As a result of Marks experience in commercial and hospitality valuations he has valued a range of property types including suburban and country hotels/motels, tourist parks, bottle shops, gaming and international hotel properties, reception centres, resorts, commercial vineyards, nursing homes, hospitals and also a period with the retail sales department.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business in Accounting, UTAS, 1980.
• Associate Diploma in Valuation, 1987 with Distinction, RMIT (Melbourne)
• Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment 1996
• Chartered Accountant, 1984 to 2018

Matt Morton

Areas of Expertise

• Industrial Valuations
• Rental Assessments
• Insurance Valuations
• Property Advisory & Market Investment Reporting
• Residential Development Valuations & Feasibility
• Financial & Portfolio Valuations

Industry Experience

Matthew is a highly regarded, Senior Commercial Property Valuer, based in North Queensland with over 20 years’ experience in the property industry and formerly, the construction industry. He has extensive experience throughout Regional Queensland across a wide breadth of Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Government assets completing work in the private sector, mortgage lending as well as large institutional clients. He was formerly a Director of Opteon North Queensland and since the integration of Opteon businesses in 2017, has held a variety of senior leadership roles.

Today, Matthew is the Regional Director of Commercial and Agribusiness Operations for Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria overseeing our remote and regional valuation teams in these divisions and providing daily support to Opteon’s valued customers. Matthew won the National Commercial Valuer of the year award at Opteon in 2022, for his efforts in championing product automation, mentoring junior valuers and outstanding team performance.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 65577)
• QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No: 2697)
• Bachelor of Business (Property Studies) – University of Queensland

Max Stephanides

Areas of Expertise

• Valuation of General Commercial Property (Office,
• Industrial & Retail)
• Valuation of Medical Clinic and Funeral Home Assets
• Valuation for Mortgage and Loan Security Purposes
• Valuation of Commercial property for Self Managed
• Superannuation Funds
• Commercial Rental Assessments
• Assessment of Compensation for Compulsory Acquisition
• Advisory valuation including Pre-Purchase / Pre-Sale Advice
• Valuation for Family Law Purposes
• Replacement Insurance Assessments

Industry Experience

Max commenced employment with Opteon in 2012 and has developed extensive residential and commercial valuation experience throughout metropolitan Adelaide and Regional South Australia. Max provides valuation advice to government clients for rental, acquisition and disposal purposes. He also works with private clients ranging from small businesses to listed companies and the mortgage security sector, as part of Opteon’s advisory services offering. Max has a depth of experience in valuations across multiple asset classes including commercial, industrial, retail and residential development projects. With experience in the in-use valuation of Medical Clinics and Funeral Home Assets.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
  (API Member No. 64557)
• Bachelor of Business (Property) - University of South
  Australia

Michael Holt

Areas of Expertise

• Mortgage valuations (residential, commercial, industrial and retail up to $10,000,000)
• Residential Development
• Government advisory
• Private valuations and advisory including superfund and financial reporting, rental assessments, pre-sale advice

Industry Experience

Michael entered the property industry in 2012 and has been a registered valuer since 2015. He joined Opteon in September of 2020 and has experience with a wide range of property types and market segments. Michael is currently a senior valuer within the Brisbane Core Commercial team focussing on valuations within the commercial/office, retail and industrial markets. He is also involved in residential development valuations for the South East Queensland region.

Michael has completed assessments predominantly for mortgage security purposes among others including construction finance, financial reporting, disposal and advisory. He has undertaken valuations for a range of clients including major banks and national lending institutions, public companies, Government, professional service providers and private clients. Michael also provides ongoing training and mentorship to graduates and newly registered valuers.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 81269)
• Registered Valuer of Queensland (QVRB No. 3870)
• Bachelor of Business Management - Real Estate and Development

Michael Schild

Areas of Expertise

• Agribusiness valuations including broad acre cropping, grazing, horticulture, vineyards, dairy farms and orchards in Regional South Australia for banks, private sector and government clients
• Valuations of Commercial and Industrial Assets in Regional South Australia for banks and local government clients
• Valuations for acquisition and disposal purposes
• Freehold and leasehold properties along the Murray River
• Valuations of Residential and rural lifestyle properties

Industry Experience

Michael has been with Opteon since December 2008 and has extensive experience in agribusiness, commercial and residential valuations throughout regional South Australia particularly in the Barossa, South east, Riverland, Yorke Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieiu and Mid North among other areas.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No. 64350)
• Bachelor of Business (Commerce and Property)

Murray Davis

Areas of Expertise

• Pastoral and Agricultural Land Valuations for mortgage security and succession planning
• Valuation of Agribusiness Facilities and Associated Infrastructure
• Compensation Assessments for Land Acquisitions and Resumptions including mining, energy and gas, general infrastructure including roads, railways and power lines, compensation for damages and change of land use.
• Rural improvements valuations for tax purposes
• Valuation for Property Taxation and Legislation

Industry Experience

Murray commenced his career as an Agricultural Economist and Farm Financial Counsellor with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries from 1999 until 2003 working in Emerald, Bundaberg and Goondiwindi. Following this Murray was employed as an Agribusiness Specialist by the Commonwealth Bank, Emerald and Biloela until 2007 when he founded Powers Agribusiness Services in Biloela and worked as a Rural Consultant until 2011. During this time, Murray was also employed by NPR Valuers and become a Registered Valuer in November 2010.

Opteon (Central and Southern QLD) Pty Ltd purchased NPR Valuers in 2011. Murray became a partner of Opteon (Central Queensland) Pty Ltd in July 2014 which has now amalgamated into Opteon. Murray was appointed as Director – Specialised & Advisory in April 2017 and oversees rural property valuations undertaken in Queensland.

Murray specialises in the Agribusiness field and grew up on a family mixed farming operation. He has run his own cattle and dryland and irrigated cropping business since 2002 with properties located on the Darling Downs and in Central Queensland.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Business (Property Studies)
• Bachelor of Agricultural Economics

Natasha Zerna

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Construction (As If Complete) valuations
• Commercial, industrial core commercial valuations

Industry Experience

Natasha has been employed by Opteon for 3 years, initially starting with the company as a Graduate Valuer, then progressing her qualifications to RPV shortly after. As a Residential Property Valuer, she conducted valuations mostly within Adelaide’s Inner North and Outer Northern areas. Natasha has recently joined Adelaide’s Commercial team providing assistance with commercial valuations across South Australia which include office, retail, and industrial properties, as well as childcare facilities and residential development valuations.

Formal Qualifications

• Provisional RPV Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 106457)
• Bachelor of Business (Property) – University of South Australia

Nick Johnston

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Retail valuations (shopping centres and large format retail)
• General commercial/Industrial
• Services stations
• Childcare centres
• Valuations for mortgage security and financial reporting
• Rental valuations, rent reviews/consultancy advice
• Receivers/Mortgage in Possession

Industry Experience

Nick has been working with Opteon in Broome servicing the Kimberley region (commercial and residential) since February 2019. Prior to that he was working for CBRE for three years within the Commercial Valuations and Advisory Department (Perth Office) undertaking valuations within a wide range of property types including retail, general commercial, childcare and service stations. Nick has good knowledge of the property industry within the Kimberley having spent the majority of his life here, but also having 3 years working experience in strata management, managing strata complexes throughout the Kimberley and Pilbara Regions.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 105010)
• Graduate Diploma Property, Deakin
• Bachelor of Commerce, Murdoch (Management and Business Law)

Nicole Quiney

Areas of Expertise

• Health sector property valuations
• Commercial property valuations
• Industrial property valuations
• Rental assessments
• Valuations for family law purposes
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for mortgagee in possession purposes
• Pre-purchase / Pre-sale advice

Industry Experience

Nicole has more than 25 years’ experience in property and real estate. She has been working with Opteon for over 8 years and gained a broad knowledge of the entire valuation process. Nicole has had exposure to most types of commercial properties, particularly in the Melbourne’s south east and southern regions. Nicole completed a large portion of her training valuing properties within the health sector, and now specialises in all health sector valuations including medical clinics, day procedure hospitals, dental clinics, allied health and veterinary clinics and hospitals.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 83482)
• Senior Associate Member of The Australian Institute Bankers and Finance
• Associate Member of The Royal Institute of Charted Surveyors
• Bachelor of Business (Valuation), RMIT 1994

Ryan Webster

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial, industrial and retail property valuations
• Petroleum, car washes, fast-food and large format retail valuations
• Industrial and Commercial subdivisions
• Mortgage Security valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Rental valuations

Industry Experience

Ryan has been working with Opteon since 2019. In his Associate Director role, he provides valuations of industrial, retail and specialised properties throughout Melbourne and Regional Victoria with a focus on service stations, car washes, fast-food and large format retail assets. He provides advice to major lending institutions, corporate and private clients for mortgage, financial reporting, acquisition, disposal and consulting purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 101472)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Property and Real Estate with Distinction – Deakin University
• Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & Financial Planning) with Distinction – Deakin University

Seamus Macleod

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial Market Value Assessments
• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Family & Federal Court Expert Witness
• Market Rental Assessments
• Strategic investment property advice
• Alternative investments (childcare, petroleum, NDIS, boarding houses)

Industry Experience

Seamus is a highly motivated property professional with over ten years’ experience within the commercial valuation industry. Seamus commenced with Opteon shortly after completing his Bachelor of Property Economics at the University of Technology Sydney. After working hard on increasing his skill set and expertise whenever he can, he has since gone on to complete his MBA in 2019.

Seamus is currently based near the Sydney CBD and concentrates on the Sydney metro area. His clients include both large and boutique lenders, government departments, accountancy and legal firms, and private citizens. He was nominated as the NSW representative for Opteon’s Youth Leadership Team 2015-2016, building his skills not only in the valuation industry but as a professional leader.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 82462)
• Certified Practicing Valuer
• Bachelor of Property Economics - UTS
• Master of Business Administration - UTS

Shane Low

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property
• Leases
• Banking and finance valuations
• Pre-purchase & pre-sale advice valuations
• Rent roll valuations
• SDA Valuations

Industry Experience

Shane has been in the property industry since May 2014 commencing as a Graduate Valuer whilst completing studies at Curtin University (Perth).

In 2016, Shane qualified as a Certified Practising Valuer with the Australian Property Institute and DMIRS.

Shane is part of the commercial team in Western Australia conducting valuations focusing on commercial property (such as industrial, office, retail and medical assets) whilst also completing rent roll and specialist disability accommodation (SDA) valuations.

Shane holds the title of Director - Commercial, overseeing a new team of highly skilled commercial valuers.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 83194)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• WA Land Valuers Licence (Licence No. 44894)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property Valuation), Curtin University

Simon Pascoe

Areas of Expertise

• Residential valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuation of prestige residential properties
• Adelaide CBD apartment valuations
• Rural lifestyle property valuations
• Small scale residential development

Industry Experience

Simon has 18 years of experience in the valuation property industry and has been with Opteon since 2011.

Simon is one of two associate directors for the South Australian residential valuations department in which he is involved in managing and training staff.

Simon’s specialist area of expertise is in residential valuations,, having vast experience in all residential property types including but not limited to prestige residential, Adelaide CBD apartments, residential development sites and general residential properties across the State.

Simon has been involved with the API for nine years as an examiner for Graduate Valuers transitioning into a Provisional Membership with Residential Property Valuer (PMRPV) accreditation.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute with Certified Practising Valuer (CPV) status
• Bachelor of Business (Property)

Stephen Incerti

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial/Industrial
• Strategic industrial ground lease advisory specialist
• Receivers/Mortgagee in Possession
• Family Law Court
• All types of Residential
• Government valuations

Industry Experience

Steve is based in the Perth WA office. Opteon also has regional offices in Dunsborough, Broome, Esperance and Albany (franchise office). He manages the WA regional team of valuers as well as being directly responsible in providing services to clients mainly within the Pilbara region, which he travels to regularly.

Steve has in excess of 30 years’ experience in valuation and consultancy having commenced with the Opteon integrated business in 2017. Prior to this, Steve located to Broome in 2000 and was a director and owner of the Opteon North- West business until his return to Perth in 2015. He has excellent knowledge of all types of property particularly within the North-West region which is a unique property market.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 64930)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia (Licence No. 37965)
• Bachelor of Business Valuation and Land Economy – Curtin University 

Tadgh O'Brien

Areas of Expertise

• Mixed Farming Valuations
• Broadacre Dryland Valuations
• Broadacre Irrigation Valuations
• Rural Lifestyle Valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre-sale advice purposes
• Valuations for market value

Industry Experience

Tadgh commenced his career in the valuation industry in 2019, working primarily in agribusiness in the Central West of New South Wales. Tadgh has been exposed to a variety of asset classes including agribusiness, commercial and residential property. This work has primarily been in the mortgagee space with exposure to Just Terms and Family Law work. This work has been for a variety of clients from individuals to government and ASX listed corporations.

Tadgh commenced with Opteon based in the Dubbo office in 2021. In this time Tadgh has specialised in agribusiness valuations servicing a broad area of New South Wales. Tadgh undertakes valuations of a variety of agricultural properties such as pastoral grazing, broadacre mixed farming, wind farms and broadacre irrigation.

Tadgh has a wide network of industry contacts, while being involved in a family operated grazing operation in Southwest Queensland and a mixed farming operation in the Central West of New South Wales.

Tadgh is an associate member of the Australian Property Institute and is a registered panel valuer with the majority of financial institutions operating within Australia.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 106439)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Graduate Diploma of Property - Deakin University
• Bachelor of Business - University of New England

Taila Manzone

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property valuations
• Residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for mortgagee in possession purposes
• Tax Depreciation Schedules

Industry Experience

Taila has been working with Opteon for over four years across a number of different departments providing a broad knowledge of the entire valuation process. Taila is considered a commercial property expert and provides a large number of valuations for commercial property within Perth’s Metro Areas.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 86428)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Property Development and Valuation– Curtin University

Thomas Dowling

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial retail, Office and Industrial Valuations
• Residential & Commercial Development Valuations
• Residential & Rural Lifestyle Valuations
• Asset Valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Valuation Risk and Compliance
• Just Terms Act Valuations

Industry Experience

Tom is considered a commercial property expert for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast NSW and Lower Hunter Regions for retail, office, service commercial, residential development, and industrial property valuations. Tom has been working with Opteon for nine years across multiple different departments with a broad knowledge of the entire valuation process. This includes three years’ experience as Team Leader Compliance – Australia, specialising in Valuation Compliance and later transitioning to specialization in Commercial Valuations.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 84628)
• Certified Practicing Valuer
• Bachelor of Property, Central Queensland University

Tim Adams

Areas of Expertise

• Mortgage valuations for lending institutions
• Rural Valuations including coastal grazing and sugar cane properties
• Commercial/ Industrial Valuations
• Residential Valuations
• Asset Valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Compulsory acquisition valuations
• Rental valuations
• Strata Replacement Insurance valuations
• Valuations for tax implications
• Tax Depreciation

Industry Experience

Tim Adams was Registered as a Valuer in 1991 and has worked in both private valuation practice and Government valuations services in South East Queensland and Central Queensland. He commenced work with Opteon in Mackay in 2002. Since 2006 he has been based full time in the Airlie Beach office. Tim has gained extensive valuation experience in a wide range of regional property types and markets in the Whitsunday, Mackay and Burdekin regions of Central Queensland. Work completed includes residential, rural residential, Island property, agribusiness (coastal grazing and sugar cane), commercial and industrial properties and compulsory acquisition. Tim provides reports for mortgage purposes, Government Departments, Local Authorities and Private users. Tim has completed courses in Asset Valuation for Financial Reporting and Specialist Water Valuer assessment through the A.P.I.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Certified Practicing Valuer (API No. 66172)
• Registered Qld Valuer No. 1870
• Associate Diploma of Business (Real Estate Valuation) Qld University 1991

Tim Heath

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial and residential valuations
• Mortgage requirements
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Strategic investment property advice
• Resumption of freehold land
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Family law

Industry Experience

In 2021, Tim was appointed an Associate Director in the Commercial Division of Opteon (Western Australia). Tim has extensive experience valuing a broad range of complex asset types including large scale industrial facilities, englobo development sites, and general commercial/retail, together with more specialised asset types such as childcare centres, service stations and self-storage facilities.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 65172)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia (Licence No 44247)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property) - Curtin University of Technology (2004)

Tim Muir

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Mass valuation modelling
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental reviews
• Family law purposes

Industry Experience

Tim joined the Opteon Core Commercial division as a Commercial Valuer in 2021 and was elevated to Associate Director in 2023. Tim specialises in commercial property valuations in the North West VIC region, with a particular focus on Bendigo. Tim possesses a strong knowledge of a mix of commercial asset classes, including office, retail and industrial in the < $7.5m subclass.    

Prior to real estate valuations, Tim was a Plant and Machinery Valuer.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 80407)
• Master of Property - RMIT
• Graduate Diploma (Valuations) - RMIT
• Bachelor of Business (Marketing) – Victoria University 

Tomhas Curtin

Areas of Expertise

• Market Analysis
• Commercial Advisory
• Sales Analysis
• Argus Estate Master Development Feasibility

Industry Experience

Tomhas currently partakes in the commercial valuation, market research, commercial advisory & sales analysis. Reporting to a team of Directors & Senior Valuers; Tomhas provides end to end support with all types of asset classes spanning across Residential, Industrial, Retail & Office. Tomhas looks forward to further specialising in commercial office and residential development.

Throughout his time at Opteon, Tomhas has worked on several large scale and specialised projects such as commercial office buildings, childcare facilities, residential developments & subdivisions. Having recently graduated from the University of Technology Sydney, Tomhas has utilised his knowledge of programs such as Argus Estate Master to assist with the valuation of various specialised assets.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 109196)
• Bachelor of Property Economics (2019) – Sub major in Planning

Ty Winduss

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial office, retail and industrial valuations.
• Self-storage, childcare and service station valuations.
• Education (school campus) valuations.
• Residential development valuations.
• Asset valuations for financial reporting in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards.
• Market rent assessments and arbitrations.
• Market rent determinations.
• Commercial and residential development consultation and feasibility studies.
• Property consultancy including analysis of procurement and disposal options.

Industry Experience

Ty has over 12 years’ experience working within the property valuation industry and became an associate member of the Australian Property Institute (CPV) mid 2012.

Ty has been based within Tasmania since 2015 and operates within the commercial property sector throughout Tasmania, providing a broad range of consultancy and valuation expertise for clients including the major banks, institutional and private investors, and the Tasmanian Government and associated Government Business Enterprises.

Prior to returning to Tasmania in 2015, Ty spent several years in Melbourne, undertaking valuations of institutional grade CBD and suburban commercial, retail and industrial assets. Additional roles included rental reviews, development feasibility analysis and various valuation requirements for larger Tasmanian assets.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute 2012 (API Member No. 63346)
• Certified Practising Valuer (2012)
• Australian Property Institute Specialist Retail Valuers Course (2014)
• Certificate of Compliance with the Australian Property Institute CPD Program
• Certificate of Accreditation – Development Feasibility v5, Estate Master
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Valuations) (with Honours 1st Class) - Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (2011)

Wayne Walden

Areas of Expertise

• Agribusiness property valuations
• Prestige, rural and lifestyle property valuations
• Rural land valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Strategic investment property advice
• Valuation for property taxation, legislation and policy
• Family Law valuations

Industry Experience

Wayne has 13 years of experience as a valuer and 30 years of experience in the lending industry advising banks on risk and credit issues and valuation matters. In his role as Agribusiness Mentor, Wayne provides expert tuition to junior valuers. He specialises in viticulture, equine, dairy, prestige, lifestyle, intensive horticulture, poultry and general agriculture valuations and advisory on the fringes of Metropolitan Melbourne, throughout country Victoria and interstate. Prior to his employment with Opteon (Victoria), Wayne held the position of Chief Rural Officer for the Commonwealth Development Bank in Victoria and Tasmania for eight years.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Business (Property) RMIT 1997
• Certificate in Real Estate and Valuations RMIT 1971
• Diploma of Agriculture Longerenong College 1964

David McKenzie

Industry Experience

Qualified since 1991, David trained with the Victorian Valuer General, and has practiced in northern Victoria for over 30 years. He was instrumental in the inception, design and delivery of the API Specialist Water Valuer Accreditation. He has addressed several national and international conferences in relation to interpretation of water markets.

An agriculture supply-chain valuation specialist, David has particular expertise in relation to irrigation properties including dairies, orchards, vineyards, and intensive animal enterprises. He has valued major cool storage complexes, fruit packing and grading developments, glasshouses and multiple specialised going concern enterprises. He is an experienced expert witness, having given evidence in major litigation matters, in several jurisdictions, including the Victorian Supreme Court.

David has a deep understanding of rural economies and the water sector. He currently serves as a Director of Goulburn Murray Water, and has served several terms as Chair of North East Water, and as a Director of Goulburn Valley Water. He is co-Chair of the influential Water Policy think tank the GMID Water Leadership Forum and served on several State & Federal government regional development and water taskforces, panels and committees.

James Flanagan

Industry Experience

James Flanagan is a partner/director in the firm Opteon (Mid North Coast NSW) Pty Ltd, a valuation firm which specialises in providing valuation services to our many corporate, legal and private clients. The firm has been established in Port Macquarie since 1991.

A lifetime resident of the Port Macquarie Hastings area with a strong rural background, James gained experience in the fields of banking, finance and real estate before joining Jeffrey Reid Flanagan Valuations in 1999. Since commencing work as a valuer James has prepared valuation reports on all classes of property throughout the Mid North Coast area. James has also previously held the position of Chairman of the Australian Property Institute Mid North Coast study group.

Martin Tremain

Formal Qualifications

• Fellow of Australian Property Institute (FAPI)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Registered Valuer NSWNo. 2362
• Registered Valuer QLD No 2057
• Member of Agriculture Institute of Australia,
• Certified Practising Agriculturist (CPAg)
• Diploma of Business (Valuation) – Hawkesbury Agriculture College
• Associate Diploma of Farm management –
• University of New England
• Professional Certificate in Plant and Machinery
• Valuation – University of Technology Sydney

Industry Experience

Martin has 36 years’ experience in the Australian property industry with significant experience across a very broad range of property types.

With a farming background and a professional education in valuation and agriculture, Martin specialises in the valuation of all categories of rural properties including: broadacre dryland and irrigated farming, mixed grazing properties, diverse range of intensive livestock properties, range of horticultural properties and agricultural processing properties including grain and fibre. The valuation of corporate scale rural holdings and portfolios is a long-term specialty service for both national and international clients.

In addition to Agriculture, significant experience in the valuation of commercial and industrial properties including specialised going concern properties.

Martin also provides valuation of Plant and Machinery and in particular Agriculture equipment and Agriculture Processing plants. Non valuation consultancy services include general agribusiness plus acquisition and divestment roles with large scale transport and logistic infrastructure projects.

Areas of Expertise

• Valuation of cotton properties across NSW and QLD
• Broadacre cropping and large-scale grazing properties
• Intensive livestock properties including cattle feedlots and poultry
• Horticulture/vineyards/wineries
• Agriculture processing and storage facilities
• Plant and equipment valuations
• Property and general agribusiness consulting
• Statutory valuation advice
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Compensation assessments
• Litigation matters and expert witness
• Acquisitions
• Specialised commercial, industrial and going concerns
• Non valuation consulting services including acquisition and divestment roles on state and national infrastructure projects

Peter Old

Areas of Expertise

• Agribusiness
• Broadacre Farming & Irrigated Land
• Organic Agribusiness
• Grazing (Beef and Sheep)
• Grazing (Wool production)
• Equine – Horse Studs and Facilities.
• Poultry Industry – Broiler, Egg and Pulp Operations
• Horticulture – Small Cropping and Orchards
• Intensive Horticulture
• Asset Valuations for Financial Reporting
• Commercial Office/Retail, Industrial
• Compensation Assessments
• Residential

Industry Experience

• 20 years’ experience as a property owner in Broadacre Farming (both dryland and irrigation), Animal husbandry (New South Wales).
• International agricultural experience in broadacre cropping and animal husbandry-Montana USA.
• Certified Organic Grower (NASAA) 1991-2002, both grain and lamb production.
• Guest speaker at NSW Agriculture Conference (2001- Organic lamb production).
• Past member of Merino Breeders Association.
• Registered Woolclasser – 30 years.
• Certified Artificial Insemination in Cattle.
• Employed as a Registered Valuer by Opteon (Central and Southern QLD) Pty Ltd, Toowoomba (2007 to present)
• Relevant valuation experience includes residential, multi-unit, rural residential, rural valuations (Dryland and Irrigation, Horticultural, Grazing, Water Transfer and Broiler Farms) for an extensive group of clients across the Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs, South Burnett, Goondiwindi, Western and Southern Downs Regions and Maranoa Regional Council.

Formal Qualifications

• Attended Agricultural High School (YAHS-NSW)
• Graduate Farm Technology (Albury Technical College)
• Bachelor of Property (Central Queensland University)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 67025)
• Certified Practising Valuer (Registration No 3378) - Since 25/01/2010

Matt Munro

Industry Experience

Matthew has over 21 years’ experience as a valuer and has been employed by Opteon since 2021, as a Senior Property Valuer and Officer Manager. He has provided expert advice in this time across varying asset types and locations across New South Wales.

Matthew is appointed manager of Opteon Coffs Coast office, managing a team specialising in residential, rural lifestyle, medium residential development, expert witness/family law, pre-purchase advice, prestige residential, commercial, retail, industrial and agribusiness and many more. Matthew regularly provides reports to major lenders for first mortgage lending purposes, solicitors for family law purposes, and accountants for taxation purposes as well as advice reports for Government Clients.

Fran Moore

Industry Experience

Fran has been working at Opteon for approximately 2 years. She is based in regional North – West Queensland and has been a certified practising valuer in this area since 2007. She specialises in residential valuations and large valuation tenders. She also has experience in commercial and industrial property valuations.

Ben Murphy

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Commercial property valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Valuations for Pre-sale and Pre-purchase
• Rural lifestyle property valuations
• Rental valuations

Industry Experience

Ben commenced with Opteon in 2018 after a 15-year career in Business banking. He currently conducts residential and commercial valuations along the South Coast of Western Australia, specifically in and around the Albany region.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 108336)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia (License No. 45086)
• Bachelor of Property

Nick Walls

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial and Industrial valuations
• Agribusiness valuations
• Going concern valuations of trading properties
• Mortgage requirements
• Valuation for compensation purposes
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Family Law
• Rental valuations

Industry Experience

Nick began his valuation career valuing residential property in Perth before moving to New Zealand to develop skills in commercial and industrial valuations. On moving back to Perth, Nick worked with a small firm specialising in valuations for compensation purposes. In 2010, Nick moved to Albany, having a very active involvement in valuation of a broad range of property throughout the Great Southern Region including trading properties in the tourist and Hospitality sectors, Residential Development Land and Agribusiness. In 2017 Nick became the Managing Partner of Opteon Albany and Great Southern WA. Nick maintains local client relationships based on mutual ethics and integrity.

Formal Qualifications

• Curtin University of Technology – Bachelor of Commerce (2004)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 65182)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia, License No. 44388

David Gates

Areas of Expertise

• Retail, Commercial and Industrial Property
• Specialised Property (Home Parks, Motels and Service Stations)
• Development sites
• Residential Subdivision Development
• Commercial and Mixed Use Development
• Cashflow and Feasibility Analysis
• Specialist Retail Valuation including Market Rental Assessments
• Lessee and Lessor Representation
• Strata Replacement Insurance Valuations
• Valuations for Financial Reporting
• Land Value Assessments for Rating and Taxing
• Portfolio Valuations for Local and NSW Government

Industry Experience

David started his career in 1998 in Brisbane. He joined Urbis in 2000 as a Commercial Valuer and then QIC from 2004 where he worked as an Analyst on the redevelopment of CBD commercial property and major regional shopping centres. David relocated to the North Coast of New South Wales in 2010 as a Senior Commercial Valuer focusing on commercial property, going concerns and residential subdivisions.

David joined Opteon (North Coast NSW) in 2015 and became partner in 2016. He has a strong background in retail, commercial and industrial property, going concerns and both residential and commercial development.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Property Economics)
• Specialist Retail Valuer NSW
• API CPD Compliance
• API Risk Management Compliance

James Brennan

Areas of Expertise

• Expert witness
• Consultancy advice
• Prestige residential property valuations
• Development Valuations
• Market presentations
• Residential Valuations
• Rental Assessments
• Business Management
• Client Relations

Industry Experience

Jim has over 30 years’ experience in undertaking property valuations, and an additional 5 years’ experience in banking.

Prior to becoming Managing Director of Opteon ACT, Jim has worked for other national valuation practices as Managing Director, Valuations Manager and Senior Valuer.

The majority of Jim’s career was developed in the ACT. Jim specialises in residential valuations as well as providing consultancy advice.

Matthew Tall

Areas of Expertise

• Mortgage valuations for lending institutions

• Strata Replacement Insurance valuations

• Development Site Valuations

• Pre-sale and pre-purchase valuations

• Valuations for tax implications

• SMSF valuations

• Specialist Retail Valuer for Retail Rent Determinations and Reviews

• Expert Witness in the Supreme Court, Federal Magistrates Court and Family Court

• Mass Valuations for NSW Government entities

• Valuations for Local Government and NSW Government entities

• Financial Reporting valuations

Stuart Prowse

Industry Experience

Stuart has more than 30 years’ experience in undertaking property valuation in Australia. With a background and professional education in Agriculture, Stuart specialises in valuations for broadacre, dryland and irrigated cropping and grazing properties, diverse horticultural enterprises as well as Agriculture Processing and Storage Facilities.

In addition to valuation of Agricultural land, Stuart has a strong background in providing advice on a broad range of Commercial and Industrial property including Going

Concern property in the hospitality sector. As a Senior Valuer, Stuart provides statutory valuation advice, this includes the provision of rating and taxing valuations, objection briefing services and parallel valuations for NSW Government.

Simon Toyer

Areas of Expertise

• Market Value Assessments
• Residential Development
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & GST)
• Replacement Insurance Value Assessments
• Public Open Space Valuations
• Acquisition & Disposal Advice

Industry Experience

Simon has 10 years’ experience in the property valuation industry in Australia. A rural upbringing in Bathurst and completion of studies at Hawkesbury Agricultural College has provided Simon a solid platform to hone his skills as a specialised Valuer undertaking a wide variety of rural, commercial, and residential property valuations. During his 10 years of valuing with Opteon (Northern Inland NSW), Simon has undertaken valuations ranging from prestige residential properties to large scale commercial development projects, including retail centres, industrial warehouses and going concern motels and hotels.

Simon regularly provides valuations for a number of statutory authorities and government departments whilst his experience in rural property valuation incorporates small scale equine operations, hobby farms, grain storage, and grazing properties across the New England/North West and Upper Hunter regions of New South Wales.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 70047) (2008)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Business & Commerce – University of Western Sydney  

Michael Smith

Industry Experience

Michael commenced with Opteon in April 2014 and brings over a decade of valuation expertise across a wide range of residential properties throughout the ACT and NSW, with additional experience in commercial and industrial valuations.  

Michael has worked extensively with a diverse range of clients providing valuations tailored to a variety of needs and purposes.

Samuel Palmer

Areas of Expertise

• Market Value Assessments
• Rural, Office, Industrial, Retail and Residential valuations for acquisition, disposal, stamp duty, family law, rental advice, and mortgage purposes
• Valuation work carried out on behalf of the RMS, State Property Authority, Land and Property Information, Defence Housing Australia, Housing NSW, Wagga Wagga City Council, ANZ, NAB, Westpac, St George, CBA, Property Fund Managers and private owners and developers
• Development feasibility studies
• Tax depreciation
• Rental determinations

Industry Experience

Sam has been working within property valuations since completing his degree at the University of Western Sydney in 2012. He worked throughout Sydney for 2 years valuing high end industrial property before moving back home to Wagga Wagga where he has worked across all property valuation fields throughout the Riverina and Southern NSW.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 78311)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – 6905399
• Bachelor of Business & Commerce (Property)

Calvin Rogers

Areas of Expertise

• Management of Government Projects
• Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Tourism & Special Purpose Valuations
• Rental Determination Matters
• Litigation Valuation acting as an Expert Witness
• Diversified Property Services
• Portfolio Projects

Industry Experience

Calvin has worked in the property industry for the past 15+ years throughout Australia and New Zealand in both metropolitan and regional areas.
His experience includes valuation, consultancy, business development and management. Calvin specialises in government projects, specialised commercial and diversified property services.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce – University of Sydney (2001)
• Masters of Property Development – UTS (2005)
• Registered Real Estate Valuer No 23145
• Advance Diploma of Property Valuation (2010)
• Member of API (Associate & CPV)

David Paterson

Areas of Expertise

• Residential and Prestige Residential
• Rural Lifestyle
• Central Business District Office and Retail
• Industrial
• Depreciation Schedules
• Property Taxation, Legislation and Policy
• Rental Assessment of Commercial and Residential
• Acquisition and Resumption

Industry Experience

David has over 10 years’ experience in the Property Industry. His experience includes residential, multi-unit, rural residential, commercial/retail, industrial, acquisition and resumption and rental valuations for an extensive range of clients across the Darling Downs, Lockyer Valley, Southern Downs, South Burnett, Western Downs, Maranoa, Goondiwindi and Somerset regions.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 102244)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Registered Queensland Property Valuer QVRB No: 4023
• Bachelor of Property – Central Queensland University

Malcolm Reid

Areas of Expertise

• Agricultural properties.
• Valuation of pastoral and irrigated rural holdings in Southern NSW. Farm valuations are regularly carried out predominantly for three large financial institutions and a number of large overseas and corporate based clients.
• Valuation of surface and ground water entitlements throughout the Murrumbidgee Valley.
• Consultancy for government agencies including Land Value Objections in various Southern NSW locations on behalf of NSW Land and Property Information (LPI). Negotiations, acquisitions, project management for statutory authorities.
• Purchase, lease and sale negotiations and rural feasibility assessments.
• The preparation of rural based Tax Depreciation Schedules for private clients.
• Large scale valuations include the Garangula Aggregation at Harden NSW – a 9,000-hectare showpiece rural property with significant infrastructure currently owned by Romani Pastoral Company.

Industry Experience

2010-Current: Director, Opteon (Southern Inland NSW)
2005-2010: Valuer, Bolton Connolly Opteon
1996-2005:AWB Landmark – Wool buyer/broker, Southern NSW          
1994-1995: Lempriere (Aust) – Wool buyer
1993-1992: Twynam Pastoral Co (Mungadal, Hay NSW)
1989-1992: Clark & Trait Pastoral Co (Barcaldine Downs, Barcaldine QLD)

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 70196) (2008)
• Registered Valuer in New South Wales No. 7299 (2005)
• Graduate Diploma Property Development (UTS) (2009)
• Advanced Diploma Property (Valuation) (2005)
• Certified Practising Valuer 

Vincent Graham

Areas of Expertise

Valuation of most classes of property in New South Wales specialising in commercial, industrial and large scale rural properties. Farm valuations are regularly carried out for a number of large overseas and corporate based clients.

Acquisition and Just Terms (Compensation) valuations for the Land & Property Information, Roads and Maritime Services, Local Shires Councils, NSW Forestry, Essential Energy and TransGrid. Negotiations, acquisitions, project management for statutory authorities. Purchase, lease and sale negotiations and rural feasibility assessments. Family Law and Litigation valuations for Family Law Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of Australia. Valuation of Water Entitlements. Broad rural background including being an owner-operator of a small mixed farming and grazing property near Wagga Wagga.

Industry Experience

2002 to date: Director Opteon (Southern Inland NSW)
1989 - 2002: Employee and associate with Bolton Connolly, Wagga Wagga.
1985 – 1989: Employed with the State Bank of NSW, Valuation & Rural Advisory Department, Bathurst, Parkes, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga.
1983 - 1984: Assistant Valuer with Barry L. Russ & Associates, Sydney.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Diploma (Farm Management) (1988).
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute (1987).
• Diploma of Business (Valuation) (1982).
• Registered valuer in New South Wales No. 2384.
• Certified Practising Valuer.
• Consultancy for government agencies including Land Value Objections in various Southern NSW locations on behalf of NSW Land and Property Information (LPI)

Jennifer-Lee Sinclair

Areas of Expertise

• Property Advisory
• Project Management
• Statutory Valuation Reviews (including objections & appeals)
• Concessional provisions for rates, land tax and statutory valuations
• Land Tax & Rates Reviews (including objections & appeals)
• Compensation / Acquisition Valuations
• Tax Depreciation Schedules
• Valuations
• Submissions

Industry Experience

Jennifer-Lee has worked with Opteon as a valuer since January 2010, specialising in property advisory services.

Jennifer is highly regarded in the field of statutory valuations, rates and land tax and each year undertakes reviews, objections and appeals for a large number of clients across Queensland.

Jennifer’s clients include international mining companies, primary producers, property developers and other significant landowners across Queensland particularly in North and Far North Qld.

Jennifer is a past Chair of the Australian Property Institute’s Townsville Discussion Group, serving in this role for three terms and in 2016 completed Townsville Enterprise’s Emerging Leader Program.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts – Monash University 2001
• Graduate Diploma (Property Valuation) – Melbourne University 2007
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Certified Practising Valuer (API No.67059)
• Registered Valuer Qld (QVRB No: 3188)

Bryce Rout

Areas of Expertise

• Residential/Commercial/Agribusiness property valuations
• Broadacre cropping and grazing properties
• Commercial/Industrial rental valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Self-managed super fund property valuations
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre-sale advice
• Stamp duty valuations for taxation purposes
• Valuations for settlement and property dispute resolutions
• Estate planning and administration purposes

Industry Experience

Bryce has been working with Opteon since 2021, commencing as a Graduate Valuer in the Albany office where he has established knowledge across a broad range of asset types including residential, commercial, industrial and agribusiness valuations. During his time in the Albany and Great Southern Region, Bryce has developed experience in the field of agribusiness valuations assisting in the valuation of a variety of rural enterprises including vineyards, forestry, livestock grazing properties and broadacre cropping aggregations. Bryce now resides in the coastal town of Esperance as a Certified Practicing Valuer where he regularly provides valuation reports within Esperance and the surrounding region for mortgage, financial reporting, taxation, legal and property management purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 112163)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia (Licence No. 45298)
• Post Graduate Diploma of Property – Deakin University
• Bachelor of Commerce Majoring in Management and Accounting – University of Western Australia

Conor Lewis

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Insurance valuations
• Rental / rent review valuations

Industry Experience

Conor has been working with Opteon since 2021 and has prepared numerous commercial valuations for a diverse set of well-known respected clients. Conor is Certified Practicing Valuer and an Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute. Conor regularly provides reports for mortgage security, financial reporting, insurance requirements, pre purchase advice, rent reviews, due diligence reporting to capital raising and feasibility studies.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 109973)
• Land Valuer’s Licence - Western Australia (Licence No. 45312)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Property Development & Valuation - Curtin University

Jason Bowen

Areas of Expertise

• Residential and rural lifestyle valuations
• Commercial, retail and industrial valuations
• Commercial rental valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes

Industry Experience

Jason has been working with Opteon since 2020 following a 9-year career in Commercial Property Management and Leasing. Jason carries out valuations of a broad range of properties within the Mid North Coast region including residential, rural lifestyle, commercial, retail and industrial assets.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 111187)
• Graduate Diploma of Property – Deakin University

Belle Symons

Areas of Expertise

• Industrial valuations
• Retail valuations
• Office valuations
• Multi-tenanted valuations
• In one line valuations

Industry Experience

Belle has a diverse 8-year background in property. Belle has transitioned into the commercial property valuation field, where she has spent the last three years. She has a bachelor’s degree in business with a focus on property which has been instrumental in her journey within the property valuation industry.

As a commercial property valuer, Belle has found great satisfaction in providing clients with precise, data-driven property valuations. Belle has had the opportunity to evaluate a wide range of commercial properties, including but not limited to, office buildings, retail centers, and industrial properties. Belle continues to hone in on her analytical skills and staying current with industry trends.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 111082)
• QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No: 5223)
• Bachelor of Business (Property) – University of South Australia

Andrew Su

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property valuations
• Residential property valuations
• Industrial property valuations
• Valuation for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Rental valuations

Industry Experience

Andrew has been working with Opteon for over 3 years and he has honed his skills in valuing a wide range of commercial properties, from office buildings to retail shops and industrial facilities. Andrew has a strong focus on building client and customer relationship and strives to create exceptional teams based on communication and collaboration. 

With his experience in commercial valuations, Andrew is well-positioned to drive innovation within the property valuation industry, while maintaining strong quality assurance and risk mitigation. 

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 111466)
• Master of Property – RMIT University  

Paul Bungate

Areas of Expertise

• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Market Value Assessments
• Rental assessments
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & GST)

Industry Experience

Paul Bungate is the Director of Middle Markets & Advisory at Opteon. He has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to Opteon with circa 20 years of experience within the Valuation and Property Industry. Paul is an Associate of the Australian Property Institute, and a Certified Practicing Valuer. He has worked in credit risk as a property specialist within one of Australia’s largest banking institutions, which brings valuable insights into all aspects of the valuation process. Paul specialises and is accredited within Opteon as a specialist in middle markets valuations with extensive experience across all Sydney Metro areas.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 69573)
• Certified Practicing Valuer

Ashleigh Drekovic

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial, retail and industrial valuations
• Acquisition and compensation valuations
• Rental assessments  

Industry Experience

Ashleigh has over 10 years’ experience within the valuation industry, plus several years’ experience in the real estate industry prior. Ashleigh has worked in the commercial valuations sector in Sydney, South Coast, the Snowy Mountains, ACT and surrounding NSW. 

As a commercial valuer at Opteon ACT, Ashleigh provides valuations for private clients, major lenders and local government.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practicing Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Property Valuation (2016)
• Certificate III in Property (Real Estate) (2008)