Independent Property Advisory Services

Scott O'Dell

As the National Director, Scott manages the Residential operations within Australia. He leads a team of over 300 residential valuers who undertake residential valuations of all property types.

Scott O’Dell is a respected individual within the industry with 12 years’ experience. Scott has a Graduate Degree in Property Investment and Development from the University of Western Sydney and has attained API Associate Membership (AAPI CPV).

Scott is a committed, energetic and results-driven individual with high standards and an excellent understanding of the national property market and prestige high-end valuations. Scott has developed through his management roles in the property valuation industry a range of technical skills with an employment history spanning various senior managing positions and his involvement in the prestige property valuation market.

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 Commercial and Agri, with over 18 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

Ash Bateman

Areas of Expertise

• Prestige / high end residential valuations
• Commercial property valuations
• Rural lifestyle property valuations
• Englobo/townhouse development valuations
• Valuations for rating purposes

Industry Experience

Ashley has over 8 years’ experience as an accredited Certified Practising Valuer after two-years as a Statutory Valuer along the Surf Coast of Victoria. In 2014, Ashley acquired the extra duties as the Bendigo offices Managing Valuer. Since then, he has undertaken the extra responsibility as Regional Director for the Western region of Victoria, which includes Opteon’s major regional offices of Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong. He continues to provide expert tutorage to junior valuers and completes valuations of a wide range of asset types, in a professional and timely manner.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Business (Property) – University of South Australia

Maria Berto

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Property Valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre- sale advice purposes
• Prestige residential property valuations sub $15,000,000
• Two lot Subdivisions and Development valuations up to Four lot Subdivisions
• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains)

Industry Experience

Maria has been working with Opteon for over seven years and has extensive valuation experience especially in the prestige residential market. Having completed valuations for various lenders across Melbourne for mortgage security purposes, she is considered a residential property expert. In 2016 she was promoted to Regional Director of the Southern Region of Melbourne, leading a team of over 35 valuers across residential, commercial and agricultural business.

Her role then expanded to include the management of South Australia Residential as well as the Victorian Metro Region, and in 2021 she was appointed National Director Operations – Residential.

She was awarded the Emerging Professional Award for Opteon in 2016 and received a commendation award for the Young Achiever of the Year by the API in 2017, nominated again in 2019. Her experience in growth corridors, inner and outer Melbourne and prestige market has given her the opportunity to build networks and relationships in the industry.

Maria is a sitting member of the API Victoria State Committee.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 77862) (2012)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Bachelor of Applied Science- Property – RMIT University

Michael McNulty

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial Valuations
• Rural Lifestyle Valuations
• Residential Valuations
• Municipal Valuations
• Valuations for financial reporting
• Valuation Portfolio management

Industry Experience

Michael has over 20 years’ property industry experience across Commercial, Residential, Urban Growth, Municipal and Rural Lifestyle sectors. Prior to being promoted to National Director of Commercial Operations, Michael operated in the capacity of Regional Director at Opteon for over seven years managing Commercial, Agribusiness, Residential and Specialised Valuation teams across the multiple states. With a strong focus on positive customer outcomes, Michael’s experience growing and developing specialist teams across multiple sectors is broad.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practicing Valuer (CPV)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Business (Property)
• Certificate IV in Real Estate (Real Estate License)
• Diploma of Financial Services
• Masters of Business Administration (MBA)

Dan Hill

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial valuations
• Valuations for financiers
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Rental advice and valuations
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice
• Office buildings including $100M campus development and prime CBD buildings
• Shopping Centres
• Institutional grade industrial assets
• Government valuations

Industry Experience

Dan 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 and Equity Partner of Opteon (Western Australia), the firm’s youngest-ever equity partner. In conjunction with six other partners, he was responsible for managing 65 staff, ensuring business plan and budget targets were met in areas including staff management, business development and financial analysis.

In 2017, following Opteon’s national integration, Dan was appointed Regional Director – Commercial and Agriculture, leading a team of 25 valuers across Western Australia.

He prepares valuation reports for key clients for finance purposes, acquisition and disposal, negotiation and strategic advice, as well as managing the day-to-day activities of his team, and their ongoing training and development

Daniel is committed to his own professional excellence and that of his team.

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
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia License No. 44361

Victoria Gracie

Areas of Expertise

• Residential
• Advisory
• Government Services
• Tax Depreciation
• Local Consulting and Advisory

Industry Experience

Victoria is the Regional Director at Opteon and is responsible for business operations and valuationservices in relation to performance and client relationships.

Victoria oversees the daily provision of quotes,tender applications and appointing the right Valuers across the Central and North Queensland areas to deliver client outcomes.

This region encompasses Opteon’s Regional Queensland localities Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone,Rockhampton, Biloela, Emerald, Mackay, Whitsundays, Townsville, Mount Isa and Cairns.

Victoria started her career in the Mackay Property Market in 2009; where she gained experience in both the residential and commercial fields of valuation.

Victoria joined the Opteon Team in October 2011. Sshe has presented at numerous local events on topical local issues including the impact of Mining on the property market.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Certified Practising Valuer registration No. 3561
• Bachelor of Property

Will Reynolds

Industry Experience

William has in excess of 25 years’ experience as a Commercial Property Valuer working for multi-national accounting and valuation businesses, a period of employment with the Commonwealth of Australia (Australian Property Group), Colliers International, and with Opteon (and its predecessors) since 2000.

William is proud to have served on the Australian Valuation and Property Standards Board and was actively involved in the maintenance and writing of Valuation Standards and Guidance Notes for the Australian Property Institute (API). From 2017-19 William served as the Chair of the Tasmanian Committee of the API.

Major properties William has valued include the Commonwealth Government Centre; the Australian Taxation Office Building; the Henry Jones IXL Development (Sullivans Cove); Freycinet Lodge; Strahan Village; and major industrial facilities. Other assignments include the valuation of portfolios for various State Government Departments (State Growth, Treasury, Health and Police) and private sector corporations.

William specialises in intensive agribusiness/aquaculture and marine assets, and waterfront tourism resorts.

William has previously held company Director positions within professional service businesses managing a State-wide business with approximately 50 staff, and has experience in business management and corporate governance.

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.

Nello Noto

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Property Valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre-sale advice purposes
• Prestige residential property valuations sub $15,000,000
• Multi lot Subdivisions and Development valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains)

Industry Experience

A Certified Practicing Valuer since 2007, Nello has over 15 years’ experience in the property valuation industry. Nello has vast valuation expertise across the general and specialised residential development property sector throughout Victoria for mortgage and non-mortgage purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practicing Valuer (CPV)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 62943)
• Bachelor of Property (Property) – RMIT University

Ryan Sargant

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for property taxation, legislation and policy purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Valuations for Family Court
• Valuations for expert witness
• Valuations for government agencies
• Mass valuation modelling
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental valuations
• Strategic investment of freehold land
• Resumption of freehold land

Industry Experience

Ryan commenced employment with Christie Whyte Moore, now Opteon (Western Australia), in September 2002. He assumed the role of Senior Valuer, Perth office in 2008. In 2014 Ryan became a Director and Equity Partner of Opteon Western Australia prior to the integration of the business.

Ryan’s experience includes the preparation of valuations and consultancy for a range of valuations including smaller development sites and a range of residential property types. He maintains client relationships based on mutual ethics and integrity.

Ryan currently conducts residential valuations and specializes in prestige properties in addition to valuations in regional locations including our South West and Midwest.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 65057)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia, License No. 44165
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property) - Curtin University of Technology (Nov 2000)

Henry Pinto

Areas of Expertise

• Prestige Residential Properties
• Residential development sites

Industry Experience

As the Regional Director, Henry manages the Residential operations within NSW and QLD.

He is familiar with all residential property types and specialises in Prestige Rural Residential Valuations and Residential Development sites.

Henry has been in the industry since 2004 and has worked at Opteon for over eight years. During this time, he has worked in multiple geographical areas within NSW and has extensive knowledge of the Sydney Metro Market.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute. Advanced Diploma of Property Valuation (Property Economics)

Doug Shorten

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial and residential development valuations
• Trading properties (Going Concern Valuations)
• Social Infrastructure (Childcare/Medical)
• Mortgage requirements
• Institutional valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Strategic investment property advice
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice

Industry Experience

In 2011, Doug became a Certified Property Valuer in Western Australia with five years prior commercial valuation experience in Auckland, New Zealand as a Valuer and associate member of the New Zealand Property Institute

Doug’s experience includes the preparation of Valuations and consultancy advice for residential and commercial asset classes ranging from englobo and urban infill development sites, existing and proposed residential developments, trading properties including childcare centres, service stations, caravan parks and licensed premises, large scale office and retail accommodation including shopping centres and a wide range of industrial properties.

Valuations have been completed for clients within the private, institutional and banking sector.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 75639)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia, License No. 44826
• Bachelor of Business – (Valuation and Property Management) completed at Massey University, New Zealand – 2006

Ryan Danaher

Areas of Expertise

• Going Concern Valuations
• Rent Roll Valuations
• Pre-purchase Valuations
• Portfolio Valuations
• Financial Reporting Valuations
• Rental Assessments

Industry Experience

Ryan is a highly motivated and experienced property professional with 14 years’ experience in the property industry.

Ryan specialises in rent roll valuations in the real estate market and going concern valuations in the hospitality and leisure market. This includes assessing the value of estate agency rental portfolio’s, accommodation hotels, motels, gaming venues, pubs, caravan and tourist parks, manufactured housing parks and serviced accommodation facilities across Victoria and Tasmania.

In addition, Ryan has significant experience in retail, office and industrial valuations.

Formal Qualifications

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

Alexander Ben

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial office, retail and industrial valuations
• Childcare, medical clinics and cold storage facilities
• Mixed use developments
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Family law valuations
• Market rental assessments

Industry Experience

Alex has over 11 years of experience within the property industry with expertise across industrial, office, retail and mixed-use developments and with specialisations in childcare, medical clinics and cold store premises.

Prior to joining Opteon, Alex was previously the Director of Commercial Valuations at another firm – a position he held for five years.

Alex joined Opteon in late 2020, in the role of Director of Core Commercial. This important role services a number of clients including the major banks and private clients for financial reporting and legal advice.

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

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

Anthony Salce

Areas of Expertise

• Residential development
• Prestige Residential
• Expert Witness
• Retrospective Tax Valuations

Industry Experience

Anthony has worked at Opteon since 2006, in that time he has been Associate Director for Metro division, International Product Manager for Cubetec and business development manager for Tax Depreciation Schedules.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business (Property)
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Accredited Panel Examiner for API

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

Daniel Sander

Areas of Expertise

• Valuation of Childcare and Accommodation assets
• Mortgage Security Valuations
• Matrimonial Settlement / Family Court Valuations
• Compulsory Acquisition Valuations
• Strategic Advisory Services for Clients

Industry Experience

Daniel has over 24 years’ experience in the Property Industry. He has extensive valuation experience in multiple asset classes throughout Adelaide and regional South Australia. His areas of specialisation include childcare (including freehold going concerns) and accommodation assets (motels, caravan parks). He has considerable experience in prestige residential, residential development projects, commercial, industrial and retail assets. He has undertaken numerous valuations for legal purposes (including for the Federal Circuit Court of Australia in family court proceedings) and is an experienced compulsory acquisition valuer. Daniel is currently an examiner for the Australian Property Institute for both RPV and CPV applicants. Daniel manages Opteon’s South Australian commercial and agribusiness valuation team and is responsible for meeting client delivery requirements within this team. 

Formal Qualifications

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

Cam Olson

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial Property Valuation and Consultancy.
• Property Risk Management & Quality Assurance.
• Professional Development through mentoring.
• Business Development and enhancing our client’s experience.
• Commercial Property Finance & Debt Structuring.

Industry Experience

Cam has over 35 years property experience including commercial property risk management and property finance from within a major Australian Banking Group. In addition, Cam has extensive commercial valuation experience in SA, NT and NSW with a particular focus on major Retail, Office, Industrial and Residential Development assets and markets.

Cam's large property industry network and broad business experience, together with his passion for professional development through mentorship of our valuers, will contribute towards Opteon continuing to grow high quality business relationships & excellent service around the country.

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

Cam was elevated to Fellow Membership of the API over 25 years ago and has been actively involved with the industry body in SA in various capacities including CPV & RPV Professional Interviews. Cam is passionate about the growth and sustainability of the valuation profession.

Formal Qualifications

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

Duncan Cameron

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial, retail, and industrial valuations
• Residential development project valuations (i.e., residential subdivisions, englobo land, built form developments)
• Specialised and trading properties (i.e., hotels, motels, taverns / licensed premises, lifestyle (retirement) villages, caravan parks, childcare centres, accommodation resorts, service stations etc.)
• Rental Determinations
• Compensation
• Expert Witness in property disputes in the District Court, Supreme Court, Federal Court, Family Law Court and State Administrative Tribunal

Industry Experience

Duncan joined Knight Frank in 1984, initially working in their Commercial Property Management Department before transferring to the Project Management Department and then finally to the Valuation Department, leading to professional licensing in 1988. In 1991 Duncan worked with the East Perth Redevelopment Authority as their property officer then moved in 1993 to Hooker Corporate’s (Perth) Valuation Department as Senior Valuer.

Duncan joined Opteon (Western Australia) (formerly Christie Whyte Moore) in 1994 as a Senior Valuer and was elevated to a Director of the firm in January 1999. During subsequent years Duncan has continuously remained as Commercial Department Director of Opteon’s Perth based practice, overseeing, and undertaking a wide variety of Specialised and Development Valuations throughout Perth and Western Australia.

Formal Qualifications

• Fellow of the Australian Property Institute (Admitted 1998) (API Member No: 64637)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (Admitted 1988)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Licensed Valuer (Western Australia) No. 497
• Bachelor of Business (Valuation & Land Economy) – Curtin University WA
• Bachelor of Science (UWA)

Gavin Lipplegoes

Areas of Expertise

• Experienced in the provision of valuation services for a broad range of purposes, including Pre-Purchase/Sale advice, Mortgage Security, Expert Witness, Market Rental Assessments and Insurance Replacement
• Areas of specialisation include Cold Storage facilities, Commercial and Residential Developments, Real Estate Rent Rolls, Petrol Stations and Child Care Centres
• Extensive experience in the valuation of asset portfolios for Financial Reporting purposes, including Government (all levels), GBE, Not-For-Profit and Educational Asset property portfolios

Industry Experience

Gavin is a senior property professional with over 17-years of property experience in Tasmania. His expertise in the field was recognised in 2003 when he was awarded CPV. Gavin has extensive experience across Commercial and Residential property segments, including multi-lot developments. In 2019, Gavin was appointed Director – Specialist & Advisory (Commercial) and played a pivotal role in Valuer training and development in Real Estate Rent Roll Valuations in Victoria and Tasmania.

Formal Qualifications

• Graduate Diploma (Property)
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute
• Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
• Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
• Certificate of Compliance with the Australian Property Institute Continuing Professional Development Program
• Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia
• Graduate Certificate in Commerce (Business Banking)

George Garagounis

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Property Valuations
• Valuations for Mortgage Security Purposes
• Valuations for taxation, legislation and policy purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice purposes
• Mass Valuation modelling
• Asset Valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental Valuations
• Unit Entitlement Reports

Industry Experience

George currently holds the position of Associate Director, of a team that covers the Sydney area of Opteon. Prior to this role, George was a Managing Valuer at Opteon. George is a property professional with over 13 years of property experience including over 11 years in the property valuation industry as a commercial and residential registered valuer.

George has extensive knowledge of the Sydney property markets and has a wide range of expertise including high-end residential, development sites and also specialised residential. George has also provided reports for Selling Houses Australia. George is an Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute and a Certified Practising Valuer.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No.69649)
• Advanced Diploma – Ultimo Tafe

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

Greg Mason

Areas of Expertise

• Valuation of industrial, commercial and tourism property including motels and caravan parks
• Insurance valuations
• Asset, plant, machinery, equipment, and infrastructure valuations
• Asset valuations for government departments including financial reporting, componentisation analysis and condition scores of all assets
• Expert witness of plant, machinery, and equipment for family law purposes
• Asset register development and stock take reporting
• Make good liability assessment reports

Industry Experience

Greg has been with Opteon for over nine years and undertakes valuations of agribusiness, commercial, industrial and tourism properties on the NSW South Coast and in the Snowy Monaro region. Additionally, Greg assists and undertakes plant, machinery, and equipment valuations for the Opteon group nationally. He is well experienced in the property industry having worked in the industry for over 20 years with 16 years of those as a valuer across NSW including experience with a broad range of infrastructure, asset, plant, equipment and machinery valuations across Australia and Oceania regions. 
Greg has acted as an Expert Witness in numerous family law matters and is the current Chair of the API far NSW South Coast Valuers Group.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 69938) (2008)
• Advanced Diploma Property Valuation – Sydney Institute of TAFE (2006)
• Graduate Diploma Property Investment & Development – UWS (2008)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Certified Practising Valuer (Plant & Machinery)

John O'Grady [C]

Areas of Expertise

• Asset valuations for financial reporting and mortgage security purposes
• Central Business District office/retail and mixed use property valuation
• Commercial and Residential development projects
• Major land subdivision project valuations
• Compensation assessment valuations
• Valuation of accommodation hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes
• Valuation of licensed premises and gaming premises
• Valuation of retirement villages, aged care facilities and private hospitals
• Strategic property investment advice

Industry Experience

John has 47 Years of experience as a practising property valuer and has held senior executive roles with Knight Frank Australia, CBRE and Savills prior to commencing with Opteon in 2012 as Head of Commercial Valuations. He provides wide ranging property advice supported by an unrivalled wealth of experience.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Certificate of Real Estate Management & Valuation – RMIT 1972
• Licensed Real Estate Agent

Joshua Fulton

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial, industrial, office and retail property valuations
• Petroleum 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 throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. Joshua is also a specialist in complex assets for financial reporting purposes having been involved in a number of large portfolio valuation contracts. He heads up Opteon’s specialist petroleum division, undertaking valuations throughout the state of Victoria and along the eastern seaboard. 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 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 Nichols

Areas of Expertise

Julian is regularly engaged to provide Expert Witness advice in property disputes including Land Aquisition/Compensation, Family Law, Will disputes and various other litigation matters. This has included giving evidence in the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) through to the Supreme Court. At Opteon, Julian is responsible for the Agribusiness, Commercial and Residential operations throughout Regional Western Australia and Northern Territory. Julian is involved with Business and Strategic Development at Opteon.

Industry Experience

Julian joined the Valuer General’s Office in 1993 which marked the beginning of his valuation career. In 1995 he joined a private valuation firm before becoming a director of Valuation Partners WA Pty Ltd in 2000 later known as Quantia which became one of Western Australia’s largest and most experienced property valuation consultancy with extensive geographic coverage.

Julian was a founding Director of Opteon (Western Australia) and continues to work in the valuation field. In January 2017 Julian was appointed to the position of Regional Director for Western Australia and Northern Territory.

Julian currently undertakes a considerable amount of valuation and consulting advice for a number of the corporate farming interests both Australian and International that own land within the Western Australia agricultural region. This involves pre purchase advice which gives Opteon a significant involvement in current market conditions and major drivers in the market from a buyer’s perspective.

Formal Qualifications

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

Karlie Wolfe

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial and residential valuations
• Development/project valuations
• Mortgage requirements
• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Strategic investment property advice
• Strategic consultancy advice for active property developers
• Resumption of freehold land
• Pre-sale and pre-purchase advice

Industry Experience

In 2008, Karlie became a Certified Property Valuer in Western Australia and joined Opteon in the residential division in 2012. In line with Karlie’s previous commercial experience working in both the valuation and property development sectors of the market, Karlie joined the Commercial Division in 2014 and has since specialised in all types of development valuations. In 2015, Karlie became a Senior Valuer and in 2022, was appointed Director- Residential Development.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 65259)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia License No. 44623
• Bachelor of Commerce (Double Major – Property and Marketing) - Curtin University of Technology – 2006

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

Marion Simonds

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Prestige residential property valuations
• Pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Rental valuations
• Rural lifestyle property valuations
• Depreciation schedules
• Valuations for Family Law purposes
• Valuations for property taxation, legislation and policy purposes
• Valuations for mortgagee in possession purposes

Industry Experience

Marion has 17 years of experience as a valuer and has been employed by Opteon (Victoria) for 14 years. In her role as Associate Director (Residential) Marion provides a high volume of residential mortgage valuations in urban and rural areas in the south west region. She provides skilled valuation advice on a range of property types including farmlets, rural lifestyle properties and prestige coastal properties in Port Fairy and the surrounding townships. Marion is aware of the intricacies of providing property advice in an expansive and diverse region of Victoria including regional residential and rural properties.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No. 63016)
• Bachelor of Business (Property) 2003

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

Matt Morton

Areas of Expertise

• Industrial property valuations
• Commercial property valuations
• Development feasibility
• Rental valuations
• Residential valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Government valuations

Industry Experience

Matthew has more than 15 years’ valuation experience in North Queensland over a broad spectrum of commercial and residential properties.

This experience includes valuation and property advice in both commercial and residential matters pertaining to resumptions, insurance valuations, rating appeals, Family, Federal and Supreme Court Matters, rental determinations, residential development feasibility and high value industrial facilities.

Matthew’s current role also involves training of cadet valuers, quotations, authorisation and distribution of valuation assignments to the other valuers and management support for the whole Queensland commercial team.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer (2697)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (3172)
• Bachelor of Business (Property Studies) – University of Queensland

Matthew Jobson

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Prestige residential property valuations
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Valuations for capital gains tax and stamp duty purposes
• Rental valuations

Industry Experience

Matthew Jobson has 12 years’ experience in the residential sector of the valuation industry. Matt has held positions as Senior Valuer, Managing Valuer, QLD Operations Manager and Regional Director with Acumentis, WBP Group and Opteon Solutions.

Matt has a particular interest in the valuation of prestige residential properties.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 77665)
• Registered Valuer – QLD Valuers Registration Board – 3625MR
• B. Property and Sustainable Development (Valuation)
• Grad. Cert. Business Administration

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

Nicholas Matts

Areas of Expertise

• Prestige Valuations
• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & GST)
• Acquisition & Disposal Advice

Industry Experience

Nicholas Matts is a respected individual in the valuation industry with 8 years’ experience.

Nick has a Bachelor of Property Economics Degree from the University of Technology Sydney and has attained API Associate Membership (AAPI CPV). He is a committed, energetic and results driven individual with high standards and an excellent understanding of the Illawarra and South Coast property market and prestige high-end valuations.

Nick has developed through his management roles in the property valuation industry a range of technical skills with an employment history spanning various senior managing positions and is involved in the prestige property valuation market.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute API Member No. 84082
• Bachelor of Property Economics

Ray Codalonga

Areas of Expertise

• Asset valuations for financial reporting
• Commercial / Industrial
• Englobo / Subdivisional Land
• Rural Lifestyle
• Trading Properties
• Mortgage Requirements
• Pre-sale / pre-purchase advice
• Rental valuations
• Strategic investment property advice

Industry Experience

Ray commenced his property career with Baillieu Knight Frank in 1993, initially as a trainee commercial property manager before progressing on to being the inaugural assistant property manager at Market City, Canning Vale and then managing a portfolio of commercial, industrial and retail properties.

In August 1999, Ray commenced as a trainee valuer, still with Knight Frank and became a Licensed Property Valuer in 2001.

From 2003 to the present, Ray has been employed at Opteon, (predecessor’s Quantia and Valuation Partners WA Pty Ltd), predominately working in the fields of commercial, retail, industrial, residential subdivision, rural and specialised properties. Ray has also undertaken rental determination work.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (2001)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia Licence No.44028
• Bachelor of Business – Curtin University (1989)

Shane Low

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property
• Leases
• Banking and finance valuations
• Pre-purchase & pre-sale advice valuations
• Rent roll 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 Department of Commerce (now Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety). 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 valuations. Shane holds the title of Director – Commercial, overseeing a new team of highly skilled commercial valuers.

Formal Qualifications

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

Stephen Incerti

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial/Industrial
• Infrastructure ground leases
• Service stations/Roadhouses
• Tourist resorts/complexes
• Licensed premises
• Irrigated agricultural properties
• Hypothetical/Feasibility consultancy
• Receivers/Mortgagee in Possession
• All types of Residential
• Government valuations

Industry Experience

Steve is the Director – Regional WA.

Opteon has offices in Perth, Dunsborough, Broome, Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie. Steve works from the Perth office and manages the WA team of valuers as well as being directly responsible in providing services to clients within the Pilbara region which he travels to regularly.

Steve has in excess of 30 years’ experience in valuation and consultancy. Initially having worked in Perth for both government and private entities, Steve relocated to Broome in March 2000 until his return to Perth in December 2014.

He has excellent knowledge of all types of property particularly within the North-West region which is a unique property market.

Formal Qualifications

• Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Certified Practising Valuer WA – License No 37965
• Bachelor of Business

Ty Winduss

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial office, retail and industrial valuations
• Self-storage, childcare and service station valuations
• Commercial development consultation and feasibility studies
• Asset valuations for financial reporting in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards
• Market rental assessments and arbitrations
• Property consultancy including analysis of procurement and disposal options

Industry Experience

Ty has 10 years’ experience working within the property valuation industry and became an associate member of the Australian Property Institute (CPV) mid 2012.

Prior to retuning to Tasmania in 2015, Ty spent several years in Melbourne, most recently employed with Jones Lang LaSalle, primarily undertaking valuations of institutional grade CBD and suburban commercial, retail and industrial assets. Additional roles included rental reviews, development feasibilities and various valuation requirements for larger Tasmanian assets.

Ty is now based in Hobart and operates within the commercial sector throughout Tasmania, providing a broad range of consultancy and valuation expertise for clients including the major banks, institutional and private investors.

Formal Qualifications

• Australian Property Institute Specialist Retail Valuers Course 2014
• Certificate of Compliance with the Australian Property Institute CPD Program 2019
• Certificate of Accreditation – Development Feasibility v5, Estate Master
• Certified Practising Valuer 2012
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute 2012
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Valuations) (with Honours 1st Class), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Adam Hughes

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Inner north Prestige residential Valuation.
• Valuations of Melbourne’s Apartment market
• Valuations of Rural Lifestyle properties
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for property taxation, legislation and policy purposes
• Expert Witness Valuations
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre-sale advice purposes

Industry Experience

Adam has been with Opteon since 2012, working across several different departments providing a broad knowledge of the entire valuation process. Adam is considered a residential property expert and provides a large number of valuations of residential properties within Melbourne’s Metro Areas. Adam manages a team of 15 residential valuers operating in Melbourne’s CBD, Inner North, South East and Outer North East.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 74191)
• Graduate Diploma of Property, University of South Australia
• Bachelor of Commerce, Deakin University

Andrew Glasson

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for property taxation, legislation and policy purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Valuations for Family Court
• Valuations for expert witness
• Valuations for government agencies
• Mass valuation modelling
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental valuations
• Luxury residences
• Small development sites

Industry Experience

Andrew started with Opteon (formerly Christie Whyte Moore) in 2005 and became a Certified Practicing Valuer in January 2008. Andrew has conducted residential valuations throughout metropolitan Perth and regional locations of Esperance, Geraldton & Carnarvon with an extensive understanding of all types of residential property. Since 2014 Andrew has had the performance and management responsibilities for a team of residential valuers. Andrew now specialises in the prestigious western suburbs of Perth.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 65261)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia, License No. 44365
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property & Accounting) completed at Curtin University of Technology in 2005
• Graduate Certificate in Property Valuation completed with Distinction at Curtin University of Technology in 2005

Alyza Doulis

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

Brian Walsh

Areas of Expertise

• Agricultural properties
• Valuations for taxation and legislation purposes
• Valuations in remote towns throughout Cape York
• Valuations of industrial, retail and commercial assets
• Prestigious residential valuations and rental assessments
• Advanced construction (TBE) properties
• Serviced apartments with limited use restrictions
• Managers units/associated management rights

Industry Experience

Brian Walsh has been a Registered Valuer since 2007 and has worked in the property industry since 2001. Brian is an experienced Valuer who has significant experience in regional and isolated regions of Far North Queensland.

Brian has a broad range of valuation experience in the private sector having expertise in agribusiness, industrial, commercial, property settlement, prestige residential and family law matters. Brian has a strong focus on quality and customer service.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Property Economics) with High Distinctions – Queensland University of Technology
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate of Australian Property Institute (AAPI) – Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
• Queensland Valuers Registration Board Registration No. 3097
• Certificate IV in Finance

Cindy Burgess

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre-sale advice
• Valuations for family law / expert witness
• Valuations for mortgagee in possession
• Valuations for rating and taxation
• Rating and Land Tax Objections

Industry Experience

Cindy leads approximately 20 valuers servicing the west of Melbourne. She has been in the real estate industry for over 19 years, 14 of which have been in the valuation industry specialising in residential including mortgage valuations, developments, mortgagee in possession and family law matters within the inner northern and western suburbs of Melbourne. Cindy also possesses knowledge of rating and taxations of all asset classes and statutory regulations across Australia.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 63362)
• Masters of Business Property, University of South Australia

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

Fiona Castle

Areas of Expertise

• Mortgage Security
• Family Law
• Mortgagee in Possession
• Stamp Duty Assessment
• Capital Gains Tax Assessment
• Tax Depreciation Allowance Valuations
• Pre-sale/Pre-purchase Advice
• Elite Panel valuer for Commonwealth Bank

Industry Experience

Qualified property practitioner with over 30 years’ experience in the property industry in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Australia including 20 years specialising in valuations (commercial and residential) in Melbourne.

Provision of independent advice and valuation services delivered primarily in City of Bayside but also in City of Kingston, City of Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 63191)
• Qualified member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) (1992)
• RICS Oceania Assessor (2000 – present)

Gabriel Carreno

Areas of Expertise

• Market Value Assessments
• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & Tax Dep)
• Replacement Insurance Value Assessments

Industry Experience

Gabriel is an associate member of the API and has a successful track record as a Senior Valuer, Associate Director and Director with 17 years’ experience in the residential valuation industry. He has formal qualifications in the Property and Real Estate sectors. This has enabled Gabriel to deliver high quality valuation reports across a diverse range of properties primarily in the Prestige Market. As an Associate Director at Opteon, Gabriel leads a team of Valuers providing management, training and mentorship in a range of valuation disciplines.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 69422)
• Advanced Diploma Property Valuation
• Diploma Business Real Estate Management

Hassan Jomaa

Areas of Expertise

• Market Value Assessments
• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & Tax Dep)
• Replacement Insurance Value Assessments

Industry Experience

Hassan is an associate member of the Australian Property Institute (API) and has been a part of the residential valuation space for over 5 years. He has formal qualifications in Business & Commerce while having completed a major in Property. This has enabled Hassan to deliver high quality valuation reports across a diverse range of residential properties including experience in the Prestige Residential Market. Hassan now leads a team of valuers as an Associate Director providing training and mentorship within a range of residential valuation purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 104482)
• Bachelor of Business & Commerce - Major in Property

Jason Du Plessis

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for property taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains & GST), legislation and policy purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Valuations for Federal, State and Family Courts
• Valuations for expert witness
• Valuations for government agencies
• Mass valuation modelling
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental valuations
• Market valuations
• Prestige Residential Valuations
• Residential Development Valuations
• Advisory and Consultancy
• Management

Industry Experience

Jason is an enthusiastic property professional with 16 years of full-time valuation experience in predominately residential based roles, having been in a senior position within Opteon since 2012 (Senior Valuer, Managing Valuer and Associate Director roles).

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practicing Valuer
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute – API Member No. 65365
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia – Licence No. 44449
• Masters of Property
• Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & E-Commerce)

John Nicolopoulos

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

Kimberly Rosenberg (On Leave)

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 25 years’ experience as a valuer and has been employed with Opteon for over 15 years. Her initial experience was in mortgage valuations of commercial, industrial, and residential properties for approximately 10 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

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

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
• Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
• Bachelor of Property Economics (B.PropEc), UTS
• Land & Property Information Valuation Services Accreditation

Nathan Cullen

Nathan May

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Property Valuations
• Valuations for Mortgage Security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre-sale advice
• Expert Witness
• Acreage Properties

Industry Experience

Nathan has completed valuations on a wide range of property types in areas such as the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, North Western and South Western Sydney localities. Nathan was appointed the position of Associate Director for these areas and manages a team of valuers.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Property and Real Estate – Deakin University (2017)

Nicole Bevilacqua

Areas of Expertise

• Residential valuations
• Agricultural and Rural Lifestyle Properties
• Advisory Development Reports
• Valuations for Mortgage and Non-Mortgage purposes

Industry Experience

A Certified Practising Valuer since 2017, Nicole has been working in the property valuation industry for 14 years. She has been employed with Opteon for 4 years in her current role as Associate Director for Ballarat, Bendigo, and Mildura. Nicole has valuation expertise across residential, agricultural, and rural lifestyle properties throughout regional Victoria for mortgage and non-mortgage purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 87061)
• Real Estate License

Rodney Iskandar

Areas of Expertise

• Prestige / high end residential valuations
• Rural lifestyle property valuations
• Townhouse development valuations

Industry Experience

Rod has more than four years of experience as an accredited Certified Practising Valuer. After spending three years along the NSW Central Coast, Rod and his family made the move to Hobart, where his passion for residential valuations was realised and continues to this day. Rod, who has recently taken on the Associate Director role for the Tasmanian residential team, has a high customer centric focus and professional approach. He continues to provide expert tutorage to junior valuers and completes valuations for a wide.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Property Valuation – Ultimo TAFE

Seamus Macleod

Areas of Expertise

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

Industry Experience

Seamus is a highly motivated property professional with over eight years’ experience within the 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 the ‘big four’ banks, high net worth individuals and government departments. 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 from UTS
• Master of Business Administration from UTS

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 Joseph Dick

Areas of Expertise

• Market Value Assessments
• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty and Capital Gains)
• Replacement Insurance Value Assessments
• NSW Southern Highlands and Wollondilly Regional Specialist

Industry Experience

Steve is an associate member of the API and has experience in undertaking residential valuations in NSW. This includes specialised residential developments; acreage properties; prestige residential; rental and general property advice; asset valuation; matrimonial and Family Court valuations and residential valuations for private clients and major lenders. Steve valued throughout Sydney for 11 years, then moved to the NSW Southern Highlands and became a Regional Valuer. Typically undertaking a range of valuations of residential, rural lifestyle and prestige properties, his area of expertise lies mainly in the NSW Southern Highlands and the Wollondilly, but has also practiced in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Goulburn Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan and Canberra.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer (1999)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 68958)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property Economics) UWS Hawkesbury

Thomas Dowling

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Valuations
• Serviced commercial, retail, office and industrial property valuations
• Asset Valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Valuation Risk and Compliance

Industry Experience

Tom has been working with Opteon for seven years across multiple different departments with a broad knowledge of the entire valuation process, including three years’ experience as Team Leader Compliance – Australia, specialising in Valuation Compliance and later transitioning to specialisation in Commercial Valuations.

Tom is considered a commercial property expert for North Sydney, Northern Beaches and Central Coast NSW for serviced commercial, retail, office and industrial property valuations.

Formal Qualifications

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

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

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

Adam Bray

Areas of Expertise

• Residential
• Prestige Residential
• Rural Residential
• Commercial/Industrial
• Family Law
• Government Services
• Local Consulting & Advisory
• Tax Depreciation

Industry Experience

Adam commenced his career in Rockhampton in 2008 as an Assistant Valuer; he trained in both the residential and commercial fields of valuation. Adam joined the Opteon Team in February 2015 to manage and develop the Rockhampton office, after spending many years working in Gladstone and Brisbane. Adam practices in the Residential and Commercial field, and has presented at numerous local Investor and First Home Buyer events.

In May 2016, Adam was appointed as an Executive Committee Member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) and in November 2016 was appointed as Co-Chair of the Rockhampton Australian Property Institute (API) Discussion Group. Adam was a member of the Opteon Youth Leadership Team for 2016/2017 where he had the opportunity to further develop his leadership skills and gain knowledge from the Senior Management Team.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Property
• Executive Committee Member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia
• Co-Chair of the Rockhampton Australian Property Institute Discussion Group

Andrew Downie

Areas of Expertise

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

Industry Experience

Andrew has been exposed to a wide range of valuations including municipal valuations while working at the Stonnington City Council. More recently working exclusively in the Residential Development Valuations department throughout Victoria. The work-load ranges from 3-on-1 developments to larger-scale apartment buildings as well as Public Open Space Valuations and advisory work for local Municipalities.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 85688)
• Vice-Chair of the YPP (Young Property Professionals) Committee

Artur Giller

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial (office, retail and industrial) property valuations for mortgage funding
• Valuations for pre-purchase /pre-sale advice
• Valuations of Food Processing and Cold Store facilities
• Training and support of less experienced team members

Industry Experience

Artur has more than 6 years of experience in Valuations and has been employed with Opteon since June 2014. Artur had previous property-related experience prior to joining Opteon including undertaking his own developments and working within Officeworks property division. During that time Artur developed strong underpinning principals within the property and finance sectors and sharped his analytical skills.

Artur joined Opteon with the sole intention of undertaking commercial valuations. His earlier reports were focused on residential development and hospitality work alongside the heads of both departments. Artur has since moved towards more straight forward commercial valuations undertaking predominantly Industrial, Retail and Office assets.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• BAppSc (Property & Valuations Hons 1st Class)
• Agents Representative

Cindy Lang

Areas of Expertise

• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre-sale advice purchases
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental valuation

Industry Experience

Cindy has been working with Opteon for three years as a Certified Practising Valuer in the Commercial Department. 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 Australia Property Institute (API No. 81207)
• Certificate IV Property Services (Agent Representative)
• Master of Property – University of Melbourne 2013
• Bachelor of Environment, Major in Property – University of Melbourne 2010

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

Enza Taranto

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial (office, retail and industrial) property valuations (private and mortgage funding)
• Residential Development (private and mortgage funding)
• Student Accommodation (private and mortgage funding)
• Valuations for pre-purchase /pre-sale advice
• Valuations for financial reporting

Industry Experience

Enza-Maree has been a qualified Certified Practicing Valuer for approximately 3 years and employed with Opteon for a total of 5 years. Throughout these 5 years, Enza-Maree has had experience in residential valuations, statutory valuations and specifically commercial valuations.

Enza-Maree specialises in commercial valuations including office, retail and industrial type properties, as well as complex residential properties including student accommodation and residential development valuations.

Enza-Maree operates throughout the south-west region of Victoria conducting valuations of various asset types for a wide variety of clients.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practicing Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Property and Real Estate at Deakin University

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 Solutions and has been employed in the Orange NSW office for the past 16 years, specialising in ‘going concern’ valuations together with complex commercial and rural property valuations.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Fellow of the Australian Property Institute FAPI
• 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 Valuations for Mortgage Purposes
• Asset valuations for Financial Reporting
• Valuations for Compensation/Compulsory Acquisitions
• Residential Land Subdivision
• Development Finance Valuations
• Rental Valuations
• Valuations for Property Taxation
• Valuation for Rating Purposes
• Expert Witness for Court/Legal Proceedings

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

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

Julian Hawkins

Areas of Expertise

• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Residential development valuations
• Feasibility assessments
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Valuations for mortgagee in possession purposes
• Pre-purchase / Pre-sale advice
• Valuations for family law purposes

Industry Experience

Julian commenced employment at Opteon in 2008 (formerly Marketline) and achieved CPV status in 2010. Julian was part of the initial Opteon team located in the Docklands office and successfully grew the residential development division from this office.

Julian’s work has focused primarily on the valuation of multi-unit residential developments as well as subdivisional land valuations and apartment developments. This has involved an up to date knowledge of sales evidence and market conditions, understanding of the development process from initial site feasibility to turn-key, knowledge of financing requirements, understanding risk parameters and the economic climate, as well as the ability to liaise with various parties involved in the development process.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Graduate Diploma – Property Valuations, University of Melbourne (2008)
• Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance), RMIT (2002)

Kerri Ellis

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial valuations of industrial, office and retail properties
• Specialist experience with medical offices
• Specialist experience with going concern properties such as motels, caravan and cabin parks, animal accommodation, storage facilities and service stations
• 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 4 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)

Leo Bagon

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

Leo began his property career at the 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 2014 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, the inner Melbourne CBD areas as well as the CBD of Melbourne. Leo has had experience in valuing specialised assets such as medical facilities, cold storage facilities and residential 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, 201

Mark Baxter

Areas of Expertise

• Banking and Finance Valuations
• Valuations of Specialised Commercial Assets including accommodation assets (freehold interests and going concern)
• Valuations for Financial Reporting Purposes in accordance with AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement
• Matrimonial Separation and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains Tax and GST)
• Replacement Insurance Assessments
• Compulsory Acquisition
• Residential Development Valuations/Feasibility Assessments

Industry Experience

Mark has more than 25 years of property industry experience, including 19 years as a registered valuer. His experience includes valuations of both residential assets (including residential development projects and prestige dwellings) and a wide range of commercial assets throughout Townsville and the wider North Queensland area. He undertakes valuations for numerous lenders for mortgage security purposes. He also has extensive experience in undertaking valuations for Local, State and Federal Government clients and other major National clients such as Defence Housing Australia and Australia Post.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No: 2528)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 66374)
• Bachelor of Business (Property Studies)

Mark Cox

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

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 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)

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

Phillip Humphreys

Scott Gibson

Areas of Expertise

• Rural / Agribusiness valuations
• Rural lifestyle property valuations
• Residential property valuations
• Residential development valuations
• Commercial valuations

Industry Experience

Scott commenced valuations in 2012 as a cadet valuer working on specialised agribusiness valuations at Agribusiness Valuations Australia and has been with Opteon Property Group since 2014.

Scott is a key member of Opteon’s agribusiness and rural team as well as undertaking residential valuations throughout the Yarra Ranges, Cardinia and Casey areas. He is a Certified Practising Valuer (CPV), and has undertaken valuations for specialised agribusiness, rural lifestyle and rural properties.

Scott has also had experience with residential and residential development properties, as well as regional commercial and industrial properties.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuations) with Honours 1st Class

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

Troy Pettersson

Areas of Expertise

• Agribusiness property valuations
• Valuations for financial reporting and advisory purposes
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for various litigation purposes
• Rural leasing valuations

Industry Experience

Troy commenced his career in the valuation industry in 2015, working primarily in agribusiness and commercial valuations, based in Opteon’s South West and Perth offices. Troy has been involved in valuations of numerous types of agricultural properties, including many specialised assets such as vineyards, piggeries, poultry farms, horticultural plantations as well as broad acre farms throughout the Western Australian Wheatbelt.

Commercial properties Troy has completed valuations for include industrial properties, development sites and trading properties such as caravan parks.Troy is currently based in the South West of WA, completing both agribusiness and commercial valuations throughout the state for a wide variety of clients. Troy is an associate member of the Australian Property Institute and is a registered panel valuer with many financial institutions operating within Australia.Troy is also a member of the Opteon Youth Leadership Team, a committee of Opteon employees under 30 years of age charged with leading various research and innovation projects for the business.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 83807)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia, License No. 44977
• Bachelor of Commerce, Property Development and Valuation Major – Curtin University WA

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

William Sutherland

Areas of Expertise

• General Commercial Valuations (all asset classes including retail, industrial and offices)
• Development Project Valuations (residential englobo land and built form developments)
• Specialised Property Valuations (hotels, taverns, night clubs, small bars, caravan parks, motels, childcare centres, resorts, service stations etc.)
• Expert Witness Valuations
• Property Consultancy

Industry Experience

William has practised as a property valuer since June 2000. Prior to that, he practised as a quantity surveyor. He has extensive experience in the valuation of a range of property types, including vacant sites suitable for both pure residential built-form and mixed-use built-form development, and is a specialist in hotel and leisure property valuations.

He has undertaken valuations of various interests in real estate, including fee simple freehold interests, leasehold interests, and freehold going concern walk in, walk out interests. William has also undertaken consulting work for a range of purposes including government agency and corporate internal decision-making purposes. This consulting work has included cost/benefit analysis and other decision-making analyses for both tenants and landlords. Further, William has undertaken scenario analyses for optimal investment in office and industrial property, as well as hotel development feasibility modelling.

In addition, William has undertaken market rental valuations for determination purposes, and has been involved in negotiation and resolution of market rental disputes, both via the determination process and outside of the determination process, on behalf of clients.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (Quantity Surveying)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Management, Finance & Real Estate) (Hons)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (Member No. 65314)
• Licensed Valuer No. 44413 for the State of Western Australia
• Professional Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) – Chartered Valuation Surveyor & RICS Registered Valuer

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

Belinda Donaldson

Cameron Abbott

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

David Lee

David Moore [C]

Areas of Expertise

• Valuations and consultancy for major assets including industrial, major shopping centres, Perth CBD office buildings, general commercial, specialised commercial and residential
• Expert Witness in property disputes
• Oil, gas and mining sector
• Complex capital and rental valuation and consultancy tasks associated with the oil and gas, and mining sector

Industry Experience

In 1990 David was a founding Director of Christie Whyte Moore. In subsequent years the business grew to become Perth’s pre-eminent professional services company.

In July 2011, property valuation firms across Australia collaborated to form Opteon Property Group. David became Director of Opteon (Western Australia).

David was President of Australian Property Institute Western Australian Division from 2008 to 2009, and National President from 2009 to 2010; Member of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure Board of Valuers from 2006 to 2011 and Senior Sessional Member, State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia from 2010 to Present.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia
• Fellow Australian Property Institute

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 is an enthusiastic and motivated property professional. He commenced working with Opteon in 2020 shortly after completing his Bachelor of Property Economics at the University of Technology Sydney. Initially joining the commercial valuation team as a Graduate Valuer, Emmanuel worked hard on increasing his skills set and expertise, and since went on to obtain his Certified Practicing Valuer accreditation in 2022. 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, as well as in government and advisory departments.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 109197)
• Bachelor of Property Economics (2019) - University of Technology Sydney

Esteban Verdugo

Eva Schmidt

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Commercial Property valuations
• Industrial Property valuations
• Rural valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for compulsory acquisition
• Valuations for property taxation, legislation and policy purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice purposes
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental valuations

Industry Experience

Eva has worked with Opteon for over 18 years based in the Maryborough office whilst working throughout the Wide Bay region. Eva has a broad knowledge base and works in residential, commercial, industrial and rural property valuations. Eva regularly provides reports to property portfolio owners for commercial property, including mortgage security, acquisition and disposal requirements, compulsory acquisition and rental assessment amongst others.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 66563)
• QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No. 2771)
• Bachelor of Business (Property Studies) 2003 University of Queensland

Heath Eggins

Henry Knight

Areas of Expertise

• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Residential development site valuations
• Residential englobo valuations
• Multi-unit development valuations
• Prestige residential property valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Valuations for mortgagee in possession purposes
• Pre-purchase / Pre-sale advice
• Valuations for family law purposes
• Feasibility assessments
• Cashflow Analysis

Industry Experience

With over 10 years servicing Regional and Metro markets across Victoria, Henry has a strong understanding of the dynamics of the Melbourne residential market and development sector. He commenced at Opteon in 2013 and achieved CPD accreditation in 2015 where he undertook valuations in a range of markets across Melbourne.

Henry departed Opteon as an Associate Director in 2017 to work in the valuations industry in London where he gained experience in large scale Build to Rent (BTR) valuations and mixed use development site valuations. Henry returned to Opteon in early 2021 to work in the residential development team where his work focusses primarily on the valuation of multi-unit residential developments as well as subdivisional land valuations and apartment developments.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 73011)
• Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Certification (RICS)
• RMIT University (Bachelor of Applied Science Valuations) (2010)

Jack Gibson

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Commercial property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for property taxation, legislation and policy purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice purposes
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Rental valuations

Industry Experience

Jack has over 10 years’ experience in the property valuation industry in both the public and private sectors. He began working with Opteon in 2013 for the Residential Valuation Team in South Australia and has since moved over to the Commercial Valuation Team. In his role as Certified Practising Valuer, he regularly undertakes independent residential and commercial property valuations predominantly for mortgage security, pre-purchase, mortgage in possession, pre-sale, financial reporting and taxation purposes.

Before joining Opteon, Jack worked as a Valuation Compliance and Risk Assessment Officer for Corelogic RPdata – Valex.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 64487)
• Bachelor of Business and Property - UniSA

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

Jodie Rolf

Areas of Expertise

• Agribusiness valuations (several major Tasmanian properties) including grazing, cropping, dairy, viticulture and intensive horticulture
• Forestry land
• Residential and rural lifestyle property
• Valuations for a range of purposes (eg financial reporting, matrimonial, purchase/sale, estate management, mortgage finance, insurance)
• Tax Depreciation Schedules
• Compulsory acquisitions

Industry Experience

Jodie has approximately nine years of experience working in the property valuation industry. Employed by Opteon since 2011 and as a Property Valuer with Opteon – Hobart since June 2014.

Jodie has been qualified as a Residential Property Valuer since June 2014, originally as a provisional member of the Australian Property Institute (RPV), and in 2015 as an associate member of the Australian Property Institute (CPV).

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Property
• Certificate of Compliance with the Australian Property Institute Continuing Professional Development Program
• Certificate II in Agriculture

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

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

Julie Owbridge

Areas of Expertise

• Commercial property valuations
• Rural property valuations
• Residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for property taxation purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre-sale advice purposes
• Mass valuation/portfolio assessments
• Rating and taxing valuations
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes
• Retrospective valuations assessments
• Rental assessments
• Professional mediator/independent chair

Industry Experience

Julie has worked in Central and Regional Queensland for most of her career and is a highly skilled commercial, rural and residential valuer. She is a professional mediator and independent chair for rating and taxation valuations. During her career she has undertaken specialist valuations including compensation assessments, going concern, aged care/retirement facilities, heritage listed property, contaminated lands, mining lands, aviation assets, communication assets, leasehold, waterfront assets including seabed land, port infrastructure and road closures. Her work has encompassed all tiers of government over a range of property types, departments and purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No. 66039)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No. 1782)

Michael Holt

Areas of Expertise

• Mortgage valuations (residential, commercial, industrial and retail up to $10,000,000)
• Rental valuations
• Financial reporting
• General private and government consultancy

Industry Experience

Michael commenced his career in commercial sales and leasing in 2012 before joining a national valuations and consulting firm in 2013.

He has experience with a wide range of property types and market segments including residential, commercial, industrial and retail as well as residential development valuations.

Michael has completed assessments predominantly for mortgage security purposes among others including professional advice, financial reporting, disposal and construction finance valuations.

He has undertaken valuations for a range of client including major banks and national lending institutions, public companies, Government, professional service providers and private clients.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate of the Australian Property Institute (AAPI Member 81269)
• Registered Valuer of Queensland (QVRB Registration 3870)
• Bachelor of Business Management - Real Estate and Development

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)

Oliver Evans

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Rural lifestyle property valuations
• Rural valuations
• Valuations for family law purposes
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for mortgagee in possession purposes
• Pre-purchase / Pre-sale advice

Industry Experience

Oliver has over 7 years of experience as a valuer and has been employed by Opteon since January 2014. Prior to Opteon, Oliver spent 12 months as a graduate valuer at the Brimbank City Council.

Oliver has a strong working knowledge of the local area completing a large number of valuations of Residential and Rural properties across multiple municipalities mainly specialising in the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuation)

Ryan Webster

Scott Galloway

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Property Valuations
• Residential Development Valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for Family Law purposes
• Public Open Space Assessments

Industry Experience

Scott has been involved with Opteon on a full-time basis since completing his university degree in 2012. In January 2013, Scott began working full time with Opteon assisting in residential valuations. Scott joined the Residential Department based in the Geelong office as a graduate assisting with all types of residential valuation while working towards qualification. Scott was admitted as Provisional Member of the Australian Property Institute (Residential Property Valuer) in December 2013 and has since gone on to become an Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (Certified Practising Valuer) which he obtained in April 2015. Scott is currently a member of the Opteon’s Victorian residential development team where he specialises in built form and urban growth development valuations across a large number of postcodes.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API No. 81475)
• Bachelor of Business Property (University of South Australia)

Sebastian Fox

Areas of Expertise

• Residential
• Rural residential
• Prestige residential
• Family law
• Insurance Replacement valuations;
• Pre-sale/pre-purchase advice
• Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty Valuations

Industry Experience

Sebastian has been a property valuer for over 8 years acquiring in depth knowledge on the residential valuation process. Sebastian has gained experience across multiple facets of the residential market including prestige residential dwellings, properties within high growth corridors, rural residential properties, and strata properties. Sebastian is considered an expert in his field and his advice is highly sought after by his clients which include major lending institutions, solicitors, tax agents and private individuals across the Bundaberg Region.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 103175)
• QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No: 4055)
• B. Property Economics

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

Tamsin Quayle

Tim Muir

Timothy Pegler

Areas of Expertise

• Rural & Agribusiness property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice purposes
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes

Industry Experience

Tim began his career at Opteon in 2019. He has broad experience in the Agriculture Sector including broadacre farming, forestry, viticulture and bio-fertiliser. Servicing the Mid-West and Eastern Wheatbelt of Western Australia he specialises in Broadacre farming.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 85950)
• Licensed Valuer in the State of Western Australia, License No. 45047
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property) – Curtin University (2009)

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

Tonya Brady

Wendy Walsh

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
• Tax Depreciation Schedules

Industry Experience

Wendy joined the Opteon business in 2015 leading business development, marketing, communications and client services for the South Coast NSW and Snowy Monaro regions. She undertakes valuations for the Residential and Commercial teams, as well as a research role for the Rating and Taxing Team. More recently Wendy has undertaken Agribusiness and Government Services valuation work.

Wendy has 20 years’ experience in corporate planning, strategy, and policy development. Prior to joining the property industry Wendy held various roles in the environment sector. For the NSW Government she was a technical advisor for law and compliance and led community behaviour change programs. Wendy has worked as the NSW Government departmental liaison for the Environment Minister and Executive Director of the Waste and Resources Sector.

Wendy has 20 years’ experience in corporate planning, strategy, and policy development. Prior to joining the property industry Wendy held various roles in the environment sector. For the NSW Government she was a technical advisor for law and compliance and led community behaviour change programs. Wendy has worked as the NSW Government departmental liaison for the Environment Minister and Executive Director of the Waste and Resources Sector.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 102767)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Diploma of Property, Deakin University
• Editing & Proofreading, Thompson Education
• Environmental Auditor ISO 14001, RABQSA Int.
• Post Grad Cert in Environmental Management, Macquarie University
• Bachelor of Environmental Science Degree (Honours), Monash University

Ben Murphy

Bret Taylor

Areas of Expertise

• Asset Valuations for Financial Reporting
• Central Business District – Office/Retail
• Commercial Office/Retail, Industrial
• Compensation Assessments
• Depreciation Schedules
• Lessor/Lessee’s interests
• Rental Valuations
• Residential/Prestige Residential
• Rural Land
• Rural Lifestyle/Agribusiness
• Broad acre Farming & Irrigated Land
• Sub Divisional Land
• Hotels, Motels & Caravan Parks
• Multi-Unit Development and Feasibility Studies

Industry Experience

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Certified Practising Valuer QLD 1404

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

Michael Smith

Industry Experience

Michael commenced with Opteon in April 2014 as a trainee and throughout his time has worked in both the commercial and residential teams servicing a broad range of clients in commercial, industrial and residential property throughout the ACT and surrounding regions. Michael served on the Australian Property Institutes Young Property Professionals committee for approximately 3 years where he was able to join a wide network of property professionals which continues to help enable Michael to service Opteons clients.

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

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 Brennan

Areas of Expertise

• Expert witness
• Consultancy advice
• Market presentations
• Residential Valuations
• Industrial Valuations
• Rental Assessments
• Business Management
• Client Relations

Industry Experience

Jim has over 25 years’ experience in undertaking property valuation in Australia, 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, commercial and industrial valuations as well as providing consultancy advice.

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.

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 

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

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

Michael Reid

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
• Commercial office/retail and Industrial
• Depreciation Schedules
• Residential/Prestige Residential
• Rural Land and Lifestyle

Industry Experience

Michael Reid is a Partner/Director of 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.

In 1987 Michael commenced his valuation experience in the Canberra/Southern Highlands region where he also operated a real estate and stock and station agency. In 1988 Michael moved to Mid North Coast NSW commencing work for Alan Jeffrey & Associates. Michael then became a partner in 1991 to form Jeffrey & Reid Valuations and subsequently Jeffrey Reid Flanagan Valuations. After joining with Opteon Property Group, they are now known as Opteon (Mid North Coast NSW) Pty Ltd.

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.

William Read

Industry Experience

William has been working throughout North-East Victoria and Southern NSW for the last eighteen years, providing valuation advice across a broad number of property types and for a broad range of purposes. Having grown up in the area, William is very familiar with the region and has a strong understanding of the local market dynamics. William predominantly provides valuations of commercial, industrial, rural, residential, subdivision and land development property.

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  

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.

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)

Brent Lawrie

Fraser Robertson

Kate Benecke

Areas of Expertise

• Residential valuations

Industry Experience

Valuation of a range of property classes specialising in residential, rural residential and residential flat buildings in Wagga Wagga and surrounds.  

Consultancy for both sale and purchase purposes.  

Consultancy for stamp duty and financial reporting purposes.  

Rent reviews and valuations.  

Defence Housing Australia bulk portfolio valuations and individual feasibility valuations.  

Statutory land valuations.  

Formal Qualifications

• Associate of the Australian Property Institute (2007)
• Registered Valuer in New South Wales No.69158
• Bachelor of Commerce (Property Economics) 2001
• Certified Practising Valuer No. 69158

Tim Dean

Areas of Expertise

• Residential
• Rural/Residential

Industry Experience

• Rural and Residential valuations for disposal, stamp duty, rental advice and mortgage purposes.
• Residential including dwellings and vacant land, rural-residential, investment flats, strata titled and prestige property valuations.
• Defence Housing Australia bulk portfolio valuations and individual feasibility valuations.
• Statutory Land valuations.  

Formal Qualifications

• Associate of Australia Property Institute.
•  Bachelor of Business and Commerce/Property.  
•  Certified Practising Valuer (76507).

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)

Riley Smith

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.

Lucas Merchant

Industry Experience

Lucas joined Opteon in 2018, initially within the Government Services team where he gained exposure to a broad range of property classes, providing valuations for objection purposes, supplementary valuations, and mass valuation modelling throughout Victoria. Lucas transitioned into the residential team and returned to South Australia where he now provides residential and rural lifestyle valuations predominantly in the Murraylands and South East regions.

Reid Mathieson

Industry Experience

Reid has been registered and practicing as a residential valuer for approximately 9 years, with 7 years working with Opteon. He spent approximately 6 years working in the Sydney office completing large volumes of residential valuations before moving home to Townsville where he has continued to complete predominantly residential and rural residential valuations for varying purposes. Reid also completes residential valuations in surrounding regional townships and is considered an expert in residential property within the North Queensland region. He has a broad knowledge of the entire valuation process due to his wealth of experience as a Certified Practising Valuer.

Whitney Obrien Powell

Industry Experience

Whitney has approximately 15 years of experience in the property industry. She has been working with Opteon in several different roles since 2011 and at present is in a full time Residential Valuer position. Whitney has extensive experience valuing residential properties for a variety of purpose and locations in metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Kim Lewis

Kim has approximately 31 years of experience in the property industry. She has been with Opteon Property Group since 2013. Kim has extensive experience valuing residential properties for a variety of purposes.

Andrew Davies

Industry Experience

Andrew has been working with Opteon and its predecessor for thirteen years in several roles, providing a broad knowledge of the entire valuation process. The first three years were as a valuation office manager, progressing to a valuer upon graduation. Andrew is considered a residential property expert and provides a large number of valuations of residential property in regional South Australia, covering an area of approximately 37,000 square kilometres. Andrew has experience with the full range of residential market segments, including prestige coastal, rural residential, dwellings, flats and units. Andrew regularly provides reports to councils, state and federal government departments, solicitors, accountants, real estate agents, and private individuals.

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for property taxation, legislation and policy purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase / pre-sale advice purposes
• Valuations for estate settlement purposes
• Valuations for marriage settlement purposes
• Valuations for capital gains tax purposes
• Valuations for disposal purposes
• Valuations for Commissioner’s Exemption purposes
• Inspections for quantity surveying purposes

Matt Dyer

Mark Cooper

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Rural/residential property valuations
• Agricultural property valuations
• Valuations for mortgage security purposes
• Valuations for pre-purchase/pre- sale advice purposes
• Matrimonial and Family Court Valuations
• Taxation (Stamp Duty, Capital Gains)

Industry Experience

Mark has worked with Opteon for over five years. In that time, he has worked around the South Coast of NSW and North Island New Zealand, valuing residential, rural residential, agribusiness, industrial, commercial, plant and equipment, and rating and taxing property types. The variation in roles has provided Mark with a holistic grounding in the Australian and New Zealand property industry.

Over the past three years, Mark has refined his professional focus to residential, rural residential and agricultural property types, working around the Far South Coast of NSW and within the Monaro region of NSW.

Originally hailing from Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Mark is now in a new stage of life, and returning to his island home with his family in tow.
Mark brings with him a wealth of experience gained in the ever-changing East Coast market that will be utilised to bring value to Opteon’s clients within the Kangaroo Island and Fleurieu Peninsula region.

Formal Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business (Property) University of South Australia completed 2011
• API Certified Practicing Valuer

Melanie Woodland

Industry Experience

2018- Melanie joined Opteon, covering the North West Coast to the West Coast of Tasmania, providing residential and rural residential valuations for mortgage reporting and non-mortgage reporting including residential expert witness, stamp duty, retrospective, land acquisition, pre-sale, pre-purchase and market valuations; and more recently rural valuations.

2011-2018 - NabValuations providing residential and rural residential for mortgage purposes in the North and North West of Tasmania.

2010-2011- Cradle Coast Valuers providing residential mortgage valuations on the North West Coast of Tasmania.

2003-2008 - State Valuation Office in South Australia conducting mass valuation work, rental values, land amalgamations and sub-divisions for Local Government Areas; and valuation reports for various Government bodies in the South East of South Australia.

Shayne Amos

2007 – 2010 Brothers and Newton - Residential Valuer

2010 – 2016 Opteon Property Group - Residential Valuer

2016 – 2020 Associate Director – Residential

2020 – Present Senior Residential Valuer

Craig Wood

Industry Experience

Craig has more than 26 years of experience as a valuer and is Senior Valuer with Opteon Property Group. He is considered a property expert throughout the regional city of Bendigo and undertakes a large number of valuations of both residential and commercial properties throughout central and northern Victoria. Craig regularly provides valuation advice to major lenders for first mortgage security purposes and solicitors for family law purposes.

Before joining Opteon Property Group, Craig ran his own valuation practice for 15 years, and preceding this, was the City Valuer for the Greater Bendigo City Council.

Gary Theodore

Industry Experience

Gary has 18 years of experience as a valuer and has been employed by Opteon (Victoria) for 18 years. He undertakes all residential and rural valuations in the Colac, Winchelsea and Apollo Bay areas and has extensive knowledge in the rural sector. Gary has provided advice for significant properties such as rural grazing properties valued in excess of $5 million and coastal lifestyle properties valued in excess of $2 million.

Gary is a fixture of the Colac region’s property sector and is widely regarded as a local expert. He is intricately aware of the requirements of property advice for regional residential and rural properties having operated his own dairy farm, prior to transferring to real estate and selling a wide range of rural and residential properties.

Harley Waddell

Areas of Expertise

• Market Value Assessments
• Commercial (office, retail and industrial) property valuations for mortgage funding
• Valuations for pre-purchase /pre-sale advice
• Replacement Insurance Valuation Assessment
• Market Rental Value Assessment
• Residential Property Valuations for mortgage funding

Industry Experience

Harley has several years of valuation experience in a vast number of asset classes for mortgage lending security. He undertakes general commercial, industrial and retail asset valuations throughout Metropolitan Melbourne as well as Geelong and the South West Coast. Harley also undertakes residential valuations inclusive of prestige properties and residential development projects, having completed valuations for various lenders for mortgage security purposes throughout the Metropolitan Melbourne with a particular focus on the inner eastern and bayside suburbs of Melbourne.

Formal Qualifications

• Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Certified Practicing Valuer API No: 84275
• Bachelor of Commerce (Deakin University)
• Bachelor of Property & Real Estate with Distinction (Deakin University)

Rob Durno

Areas of Expertise

• Prestige rural lifestyle property
• Dairy and mixed farming holdings
• Vineyards and boutique wineries
• Valuations for Family Law, Compensation and Financial Reporting purposes
• Pre-Purchase / Pre-Sale advice
• Rental and Statutory valuations

Industry Experience

Robert has worked with Opteon since 2003 and has over 17 years’ experience as a Certified Practising Valuer. A specialist in rural property valuations together with agribusiness, commercial and residential valuations in the south west region of Victoria, he oversees rural valuations in the Geelong and Colac districts. Robert regularly undertakes valuations for rural lifestyle, dairy, boutique vineyards and broadacre farming operations for financial reporting. He is also an experienced valuer in valuations for mortgage security, family law, estate management and pre-purchase advice purposes.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Bachelor of Business Studies (Agribusiness)
• Graduate Diploma of Property (Valuation)
• API Certified Practising Water Valuer
• API Expert Witness Certificate

Jane Jennings

Formal Qualifications

• Master of business (Property) University of South Australia
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Integrated Catchment Management) Deakin University
• Provisional Member of the API (API No: 63270)

Industry Experience

Jane has been working with Opteon since 2005 where she started as a cadet and enrolled in the post graduate property degree, studying part time while she worked. Jane graduated in 2010 with a Masters in business (property). She has worked for a number of years in government services undertaking municipal valuations for the Glenelg Shire gaining experience in all types of property. In recent years Jane has worked as a residential property valuer throughout South Western Victoria completing a range of residential property valuations and predominantly mortgage valuations.

David Pascale

Brad Hunt

Nathan Carter

Industry Experience

Nathan started with Opteon in May 2021 and has been a licenced valuer since 2013. Experience has predominantly been in the residential sector along with the rural lifestyle sector of the Western Australia market. Located south of the Perth Metropolitan area, experience has been based predominantly through the Cities of Mandurah, Rockingham and Melville plus Shires of Murray, Waroona, and Harvey. Nathan has extensive experience with the high-end canal market of Mandurah.

Martin Hingston

Richard Szczurowski

Codie Medway

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Valuations
• Rural Valuations
• Rural/Residential Valuation
• Rental Assessments

Industry Experience

Codie undertakes residential valuations in the ACT and NSW as well as specialising in rural and rural/residential valuations in the surrounding areas of NSW. A key focus is servicing the Goulburn Mulwaree Shire and surrounding districts by providing property advice and valuations to major lenders and private clients. Codie is active in expanding the Opteon brand in the Goulburn district and delivering results for clients in these regional areas.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practicing Valuer (NSW Registration number 20967)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Advanced Diploma of Property (Valuation) (Sydney Institute of TAFE)

Luke Fysh

Area of Expertise

• Residential

Industry Experience

Residential, rural lifestyle, tax depreciation, stamp duty

Formal Qualifications

• RPV, Bachelor of Property and Real Estate

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

David Hutchison

Areas of Expertise

• Asset Valuations for Financial Reporting
• Depreciation Schedules
• Rental Valuations
• Residential
• Prestige Residential
• Rural Land
• Rural Lifestyle
• Agribusiness
• Valuation for Property Taxation, Legislation & Policy

Industry Experience

• Employed as a Registered Valuer by Opteon (Toowoomba) Pty Ltd, Toowoomba (2003 to present). 
• Employed as a Registered Valuer by David Swan & Associates, Toowoomba (2001-2003). 
• Self-employed Valuer/Farmer, inner Darling Downs (1980-2000). 
• Employed as an Assistant and Registered Valuer by the Department of Lands, Roma (1977-1979) undertaking valuation work across the Maranoa and broader Southwest Queensland Region.
• Relevant valuation experience includes residential, Rural residential & Lifestyle, Rural Land, for an extensive group of clients across the Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs, South Burnett, Goondiwindi, Western and Southern Downs Regions, and the Maranoa Regional Council.
• Relevant experience includes predominantly residential, multi-unit, rural residential and rural valuations for an extensive group of clients across the Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs, South Burnett, Goondiwindi, Western and Southern Downs Regions.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 66592)
• Certified Practising Valuer
• Registered Queensland Property Valuer QVRB No: 1228 (since 13/02/1979)
• Certificate of Compliance with Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Diploma of Business (Real Estate Valuation)

Tom Caskey

Areas of Expertise

• Agribusiness – Horticultural, Broiler Farms, Grazing Properties, Orchards, Equine Facilities, Broad Acre Cropping and Market Gardens 
• Residential 
• Prestige Residential 
• Rural Lifestyle 
• Valuation for Property Taxation, Legislation & Policy 
• Depreciation Schedules 
• Statutory Valuations 
• Property Condition Reporting & Asset Management Planning

Industry Experience

Tom was employed as a Cadet Valuer by Opteon (Central and Southern Queensland) in January 2011, now known as Opteon (Toowoomba) Pty Ltd. Relevant valuation experience includes Residential, Rural residential, Lifestyle, Rural and Agribusiness, Defence Housing Authority, Qld Government Valuations and Property Condition Reporting for an extensive group of clients across the Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs, South Burnett, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Balonne, Western and Southern Downs Regions. Originally from the Maranora Region (Dunkeld, South of Mitchell), Tom is still involved with his family property, and local community activities.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (API Member No. 87055)
• QLD Registered Valuer (QVRB No: 3945)

Kellie Mossop

Areas of Expertise

• Residential Valuations
• Rural/Residential Valuations
• Government Advisory
• Rental Assessments

Industry Experience

Kellie has over 15 years’ experience in providing property valuations in the ACT and surrounding areas of NSW. Prior to Opteon, Kellie owned Regional Valuers and managed industrial, rural, and rural/residential valuations in Yass and surrounding regions of Hall, Murrumbateman, Gunning, Sutton, and Boorowa.
As a Senior Valuer at Opteon, Kellie has played an integral role in expanding Opteon’s advisory and valuation services in Yass and the surrounding areas in addition to maintaining a strong focus on residential and rural residential valuations.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Member of the Australian Property Institute (23rd February 2000)
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute (21st May 2003)
• Graduate Diploma in Business, Stock and Station Agent, Real Estate Management (University of Western Sydney 2000)
• Bachelor of Commerce, Property and Economics (University of Western Sydney, 2000)

Mark Trew

Areas of Expertise

Commercial, industrial, rural and residential valuations in Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounding region including Bungendore, Captains Flat and Braidwood. Specialising in real estate valuations throughout the Palerang Shire.

Industry Experience

• 2017 – Present – Senior valuer, Opteon
• 2004 – 2017 – Director / Valuer, Regional Valuers Queanbeyan
• 1997-2004 – Valuer, McCann Property & Planning, Canberra and Queanbeyan 
• 1981-1996 – Valuer, State Bank of NSW specialising in residential, rural and commercial valuations throughout NSW and Sydney metropolitan area

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practicing Valuer
• Member of The Australian Property Institute (1980)
• Diploma of Business (Valuations), Hawkesbury Agricultural College, 1980

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)

Belinda Botzolis

Areas of Expertise

• Property Valuation
• Tax Depreciation
• Property Tax
• Property Investment Strategy
• Renovation Advisory
• Holistic property advisory

Industry Experience

As a Certified Practicing Valuer with more than 17 years of experience, Belinda’s expertise extends beyond property valuation, as she is also a Registered Tax Agent and has extensive experience in the QS Division and has also worked as a Senior Property Investment Strategist.

Belinda is used to working in blended roles. She is passionate about helping everyday Australians make smart decisions and grow their property knowledge. She provides proper advice and guiding to people so they can make informed decisions and take control of their property journey.

Formal Qualifications

• Certified Practising Valuer
• Registered Valuer
• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute
• Registered Tax Agent (No:24716105)
• Bachelor of Business, Property Economics – WSU

Michael Smyth

Areas of Expertise

• Residential property valuations
• Rural lifestyle properties
• Prestige properties
• Strata units
• Small-medium scale residential developments
• Family Law and expert witness
• Pre-purchase / pre-sale advice
• Asset valuations for financial reporting purposes

Industry Experience

As a valuer, Michael has been involved in a wide variety of property valuations throughout the Coffs Harbour region for mortgage security, family law, stamp duty and other purposes.

Michael 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. Previous to his valuation career, Michael gained experience working in commercial property management and development in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

He has held a number of Commercial Property Management roles with major banking institutions, property services providers and large corporate organisations. Michael has gained valuable experience in the commercial and retail sectors, becoming skilled in lease negotiation, project management, lease renewals, rent reviews, lease interpretation, relationship management, budget forecasting and financial analysis.

Formal Qualifications

• Associate Member of the Australian Property Institute

• Certified Practising Valuer

•  

  Continuing Professional Development Compliance

• Bachelor of Property – University of Auckland