This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
THE Australian Property Institute is holding its 2022 National Board election. The API is urging members to cast their vote and help shape the future of the Institute.
Darren Austin is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the national board of the API.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
As a regional valuer who has been heavily involved with the API for a number of years, I’m pretty passionate about holding a place on the board for the southern regional, rural, and coastal areas of New South Wales that have experienced some extraordinary times in recent years. I do feel a responsibility to offer my expertise, and provide that specialised insight to a group making decisions that will affect the working lives of the valuers and other property professionals, I talk to each week.
My perspective is still very much community based, and to an extent, “grass roots” in that I still have a hands on role within my business, and the profession generally, and I have daily interaction with other valuers who are facing similar challenges, located as they are from Sydney to the Victoria border, out to Canberra, and beyond.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
I have operated my own mid-sized regional valuation practice for nearly 20 years, after a start in banking, in which time the business has grown exponentially despite the external challenges within the industry (and the greater economy) for small and mid sized firms.
I also advise motel/caravan park and childcare centre customers through valuations and consultancy on the success (or otherwise) of their trading results, a field of the work that also – not surprisingly – can provide insight to trends in how people are living, and holidaying, and spending, during these interesting times.
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
I have been a Director of Walsh and Monaghan Pty Limited for almost 20 years, and am still serving as Chairman of the Network Property Group after 15 years. I am also current Chairman of the API NSW State Committee, the API Illawarra Discussion Group, and the Network Property Group PI Insurance committee.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
My strategic planning experience comes through running and growing my own business over many years. This planning experience has come through collaboration with business partners, external and internal stakeholders and employed consultants to achieve ongoing short and long term objectives. This includes advising key clients on large and complex projects and seeing them through to fruition.
- To further pursue API’s strategic direction, it would be of great benefit if prospective Directors could contribute advocacy, policy and/or digital communications experience to the Board. What is your experience in one or more of these areas?
A Company Director with over 20 years’ experience in real estate sales and valuation, I’d like to think I have developed a reputation for sound judgement, and I share great rapport with people from all walks of life; through leadership within the Walsh & Monaghan group, and decades of mentorship through our local footy clubs, as well involvement in our local community and business groups across Walsh & Monaghan’s expansive network.
Over the pandemic, as a Director, our advocacy for our employees and colleagues’ mental health programs and work/life balance appreciation became a key challenge, and one we rose to with a roll out of mental health initiatives (exercise challenges and subscriptions to SMS support systems) and ever-evolving communications plans and systems.
Personally, I am involved in a weekly men’s health advocacy group, that provides an outlet for a chat and a bit of exercise outside the office and house.
Generally, I have been involved in policy development and implementation over many years through my own business, often in collaboration with team members and external consultants, and after the past couple of years with innumerable Zoom meetings, my digital communications experience is growing by the day.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
Look, my firm is covering ground from the sea to the snow and everywhere in between. I am talking to a lot of people across the state every day, but am also still eating my lunch down the street from where I went to pre-school. I feel my genuine interest in, and understanding of, individuals rather than large corporations can only broaden the input in decision making in order to help grow the organisation in the right direction, whatever that might be.
More information on the 2020 Election can be found at https://www.api.org.au/2022-agm-hub/
