Live proud Magazine 2026 | Frasers Property Australia

Care & Rewards turns 10

How Gen Z is changing the property game

In an industry where trust is earned, not assumed, Frasers Property’s customers keep coming back, bringing family and friends with them.

This is a generation reshaping the Great Australian Dream by redefining what security, stability, and sustainability look like today.

The Waterfront, Shell Cove, NSW

Beauty, rich and rare Cradled in the folds of its namesake landmark, Round Mountain invites families to rediscover life at a gentler pace.

2026

10

24

Upfront Crafting Connection

03

Great Australian Dreams

54

Navigating the Crosscurrents

06

100 Years Proud. 10 Years of Rewards

10

Ten Out of Ten

14

Care & Rewards Turns 10

18

The 5% Head Start

20

Off the Plan, or Off Your Rocker?

24

Neighbourhood First

28

How Gen Z is Reimagining the Great Australian Dream

32

Developing Australia Charting a Course for a Stronger, Smarter, Happier Future 38 Artist impression. Indicative only.

58

Midtown MacPark

44

Coasting Home

50

Beauty, Rich and Rare

54

Bradmill Yarraville

58

Land of Plenty

62

The Art and Science of Retail

68

Building Belonging Community by Design

74

To India, with Love

80

A Home for All

84

Find Your Community, Get Connected

86

Artist impression. Indicative only.

Live Proud 62

2

LIVE PROUD 2026

80

Fraser Suites Hanoi

92

Community Milestones

94

Introducing the Live proud podcast

97

Creating Proud Communities Since 1924

98

Brookhaven, QLD

CRAFTING CONNECTION

T

his year, we celebrate 10 years of Frasers Property Care & Rewards—a milestone that speaks not just to loyalty, but to the trust that spans generations. With more than 40% of our buyers returning or referring family and friends, we’re reminded that when you build with genuine care, relationships flourish naturally.

In this edition of Live proud, we explore what home means to a new generation. Gen Z is reimagining the Great Australian Dream with creativity, determination, and a fresh perspective on what security and sustainability truly look like. We also unpack the opportunities that programs like the 5% Deposit Scheme are creating for those taking their first step onto the property ladder.

We’re thrilled to unveil an exceptional new community in south east Queensland this year.

Nestled beneath its namesake landmark, Round Mountain in New Beith invites families to rediscover life at a gentler rhythm, where childhoods unfold among creeks and climbing trees.

Behind every thriving neighbourhood is a team dedicated to nurturing genuine connection.

In these pages, our Community Development Managers share the art and science behind creating places where people don’t just live, but truly belong. Their work goes beyond planning and programming—it’s about showing up, listening deeply, and becoming woven into the fabric of community life. You’ll read how for one Frasers Property team member, her commitment was honoured in the most beautiful way: an invitation to a resident’s wedding in India.

More than a century on, our purpose remains unchanged: to create neighbourhoods people are proud to call home. We hope this edition inspires you as much as the stories within have inspired us.

Best wishes, Emily Wood Executive General Manager Development Frasers Property Australia

LIVE PROUD 2026

3

4

LIVE PROUD 2026

Ed.Square, NSW

GREAT AUSTRALIAN DREAMS The spaces we inhabit profoundly influence our lives.

From dynamic urban precincts to connected suburban communities, discover the new breed of proud neighbourhoods breathing new life into our cities and enriching the lives of the people who call them home.

LIVE PROUD 2026

5

NAVIGATING THE CROSSCURRENTS

WHERE TO BUY AND INVEST IN 2026 Emily Wood Executive General Manager Development Frasers Property Australia

6

LIVE PROUD 2026

Interest rates have moved in a direction few expected, but so has buyer demand. As migration, infrastructure, and government policy converge, Australia’s property fundamentals remain remarkably strong — and 2026 is shaping up as a year that rewards those who are prepared.

I

f there’s one thing I’ve learned in over a quarter of a century in property, it’s that no two years ever feel the same. Yet the long view almost always rewards patience. After a few turbulent years of economic recalibration, 2026 is proving that the crosscurrents aren’t quite done with us yet — but the underlying direction of the market remains clear.

We’re now navigating a fascinating — and at times unpredictable — intersection: population growth at record highs, government incentives re-energising demand, and infrastructure projects transforming how and where Australians live, all counterbalanced by the ongoing question of interest rates versus inflation.

In short: it’s a market full of opportunity, but it’s not a “set and forget” environment. Buyers and investors who take a thoughtful, long-term approach, one grounded in real fundamentals, stand to benefit most.

The macro picture

Last year, most property commentators were making cautiously optimistic forecasts of growth, and for most of the year that caution proved correct.

Then came the Federal Government’s 5% First Home Buyer Deposit Scheme and a couple of rate cuts, and activity surged. So much so that KPMG upgraded their forecast for house price growth in 2026 to 7.7% nationally.

Looking ahead, that underlying growth trajectory is expected to continue, with units growing at 7.1% based on supply and relative affordability.

But here’s where the picture has recently shifted.

Inflation just isn’t easing as quickly as many had hoped. Higher rents, insurance premiums, and energy costs are still feeding through the system.

With the labour market remaining resilient, the RBA simply doesn’t have the breathing room it wants, which is why it lifted interest rates at its February meeting. Only a few months ago, the conversation was all about further cuts. Now, interest rates may stay higher for longer, and several major banks are tipping a further rise in May. That does have consequences for the housing market, but right now this looks more like a modest blip than a sharp correction. The fact is, there simply aren’t enough homes to go around, and that continues to put a floor under prices. What higher borrowing costs do is slow things down and change how buyers behave.

They create uncertainty, and uncertainty makes some people sit on their hands for a while.

We continue to have strong population growth, high employment, and nowhere near enough new housing being built. When listings are well below long-term averages and there are still far more people looking for homes than there are homes available, a single rate hike isn’t going to change that equation.

And that’s exactly why I see this period as a genuine opportunity for people who are prepared. If your finance is sorted, you’re walking into a market with fewer competitors — and that can mean better negotiations, better choice, and better long-term outcomes. Those outcomes are still driven by the same three forces that underpin Australia’s growth story: population growth, housing undersupply, and infrastructure delivery.

LIVE PROUD 2026

7

Midtown MacPark, NSW

Population and policy Population growth remains the single most powerful driver of housing demand in Australia, and it shows no signs of slowing.

Net Overseas Migration is forecast to add around 223,400 new residents in 2026–27, with approximately another 115,000 through natural increase, reinforcing the nation’s longterm housing needs. Victoria continues to lead the resurgence, with Melbourne expected to add 840,000 people over the next decade, on track to overtake Sydney as Australia’s largest city by 2035.

Governments at all levels are now leaning into this opportunity, with policy settings designed to both unlock supply and support accessibility. On the supply side, initiatives such as the Housing Australia Future Fund are underpinning a pipeline of around 55,000 new affordable homes, while Build-to-Rent tax concessions are encouraging major institutional investment in long-term rental housing.

At the same time, demand-side measures are giving more Australians a genuine foothold in the market. The expanded 5% First Home Buyer Deposit Scheme, as well as first home buyer grants and off-the-plan stamp duty concessions available in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, are helping more people purchase sooner and with greater confidence.

Together, these factors are fuelling activity at the entry level and strengthening the broader market. The combination of population growth, government investment, and high-quality, masterplanned development continues to position property as one of Australia’s most resilient longterm assets. And it’s why at Frasers Property, we continue to focus our communities in growthready regions like Melbourne’s west and south east, Sydney’s innovation corridors, and south east Queensland’s emerging urban heartlands.

8

LIVE PROUD 2026

State outlooks and growth corridors New South Wales

For those looking beyond the traditional inner ring, the growth story is unfolding along the south west and north west corridors, where infrastructure and amenity are catching up fast.

The Camden and Liverpool LGAs are some of the fastest growing in the state. Home to Frasers Property’s popular Ed.Square community, these regions are benefiting from new transport links and the broader Western Sydney Airport ecosystem.

The City of Ryde, anchored by the Macquarie Park innovation precinct, is also seeing renewed investor and owner-occupier interest, supported by new rail connections and a growing employment base. Our Midtown MacPark neighbourhood is setting new standards for multi-tenure, high amenity living, recently taking out a number of industry awards for excellence in urban planning and development.

These areas demonstrate a broader truth about Sydney: affordability may be tight, but infrastructure remains the great equaliser.

Time in the market

Mambourin, VIC

With headlines dominated by rate movements and shifting forecasts, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. The real differentiator in property is time in the market, not timing the market.

Victoria

If 2025 was the year of Melbourne’s reset, 2026 looks to be its rebound with underlying demand expected to push house prices up by 6.8% and units by 7.3% in 2026.

The appeal lies in value and connectivity.

Growth corridors such as Wyndham, Cardinia, and Casey — where Frasers Property communities like Mambourin Green, Five Farms, and Berwick Waters are located — continue to attract young families and investors seeking space, affordability, and strong rental returns.

Infrastructure investment is another key factor.

Major transport projects, including the Metro Tunnel and the West Gate Tunnel have reshaped the urban footprint and brought outer suburbs closer to the heart of the city. These projects are also stimulating job creation, which in turn drives local demand.

Queensland Queensland’s property story remains a standout.

Brisbane is forecast to see growth in house prices of around 11% in 2026, with the Cross River Rail and broader Olympics infrastructure rollout acting as long-term catalysts.

Further south, the Greater Flagstone region, one of south east Queensland’s fastest-growing urban corridors, is emblematic of the new wave of suburban investment. It combines affordability with access to new infrastructure, schools, and community amenities. Our own Round Mountain project sits within this region, part of the broader vision for sustainable, connected living in Queensland’s growth belt.

Closer to the CBD, The Quarry in Keperra — Brisbane’s most elevated masterplanned address, just 9.5km from the city — demonstrates the demand for premium living that balances hilltop tranquility with everyday convenience. These dual stories — outer-ring affordability and middle-ring desirability — illustrate the depth and diversity of Brisbane’s market.

We’re navigating a phase of growth shaped by demographics, policy, and infrastructure — but tempered by a more uncertain interest rate environment than we expected. Demand is strong, supply is tight, and Australia’s long-term fundamentals remain exceptionally robust. The short-term picture may be less predictable, but the long-term story hasn’t changed.

For buyers and investors willing to look beyond the noise, 2026 rewards preparation over hesitation.

The tide isn’t rushing in all at once, but the fundamentals favour those who are ready to move with confidence and a long-term view.

What matters most: the fundamentals of good investment

Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, the fundamentals haven’t changed. Look beyond short-term sentiment and focus on what drives enduring value: Population and employment growth in the local area.

Infrastructure investment: transport, education, retail, and recreation.

Community and liveability: what it feels like to belong there, not just what it costs to buy.

And perhaps most importantly, the reputation and track record of the developer.

In a market defined by long lead times and complex delivery challenges, who you buy from matters. It’s about confidence — knowing the neighbourhood promised is the neighbourhood delivered.

This information is general in nature and not financial or professional advice. Please consider your own circumstances and seek independent professional advice before making decisions.

ENDLESS REASONS TO RETURN 10

The Grove, VIC

LIVE PROUD 2026

For more than a century, Frasers Property Australia has been creating neighbourhoods people are proud to call home. That legacy of trust is now intergenerational, strengthened by the Frasers Property Care & Rewards program, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. With more than 40% of buyers returning or referring their family and friends, it’s proof that when you build with care, loyalty naturally follows.

I

n an industry where trust can feel like a scarce commodity, one developer stands apart — not just for the quality of its neighbourhoods, but for the enduring loyalty of its customers.

That longevity shows in the numbers.

According to data from realestate.com.au, the average Australian moves every 10.5 years, yet when the time comes to trade up, more than 40% of Frasers Property’s buyers are repeat purchasers or referrals from friends and family.

Frasers Property Australia has been shaping Australian neighbourhoods for more than a century. From its earliest developments in 1924 to today’s thriving masterplanned communities, it has built more than just places to create a home or build a business, it’s built relationships that last.

It’s a remarkable figure in a market where trust must be earned, not assumed. And in 2026, the company will celebrate another milestone of loyalty: 10 years of the Frasers Property Care & Rewards program, which has helped thousands of residents feel valued long after they’ve moved in.

LIVE PROUD 2026

11

Brookhaven, QLD

The quiet power of continuity

“Repeat buyers are relatively uncommon in the property industry due to the long lifecycle of property ownership and high cost of entry,” explains Kesree Jones, General Manager Sales and Loyalty at Frasers Property Australia.

“Long-term trust is critical in property buying, which is one of the most significant financial and emotional investments people make. Buyers need to feel confident that their developer will deliver quality, transparency, and ongoing support.”

That sense of confidence — that you’re in the hands of a developer who will still be there tomorrow — is what keeps people coming back. It’s the same reason 72% of Frasers Property residents say they’d buy from the company again, according to the 2025 Great Neighbourhood Survey.

“For us, loyalty is about building relationships that last, so whenever our customers are ready for their next property move, they know we’re here to help,” says Kesree. “That’s why we created Care & Rewards — it’s a foundation of how we work with our customers.”

And the data proves it’s working. Members transact approximately every 3.8 years based on the 10 years the program has been offered, demonstrating that Frasers customers are using their membership rewards well above the Australian average.

For Frasers Property, trust is built through consistency and care, carried through every stage of the customer experience.

“For us, transparent communication isn’t just a service feature,” says Kesree. “It’s a strategic pillar in building trust and long-term relationships.”

Exclusive to Frasers Property customers is the myFrasersProperty app, where buyers can track every stage of their journey, from construction updates and settlement preparation to community news, access key documents and maintenance requests. Plus, it provides a personalised dashboard to their Care & Rewards membership along with all their rewards.

“The Property Trackers are particularly impactful, offering buyers a clear, visual timeline of their property’s development,” says Kesree. “Whether it’s construction updates, settlement preparation, or community integration, these trackers ensure buyers are always prepared for the next step.”

It’s a small example of how technology can make the experience more personal, giving buyers peace of mind that their property is progressing as promised, and that someone is always keeping them informed.

And of course, throughout the journey there’s a personal touch with a dedicated care team to help the more experienced customers or first home buyers making the plunge into the property market.

12

LIVE PROUD 2026

Care you can count on and enviable rewards

While many developers focus on the sale, Frasers Property’s relationship with its customers is built to last well beyond settlement.

“Buyers want to feel supported not just during the transaction but throughout their ownership,” says Kesree. “This ongoing support ensures buyers feel valued long after settlement, which we know is a key contributor to their trust and loyalty.”

For Alex and Ruby, residents at Midtown MacPark in north west Sydney, that ongoing support gives them confidence and peace of mind. “You have a dedicated building management team on site, so you always know that if something goes wrong, you have a place to go,” says Alex.

For Dominic and Kristina, residents at Brookhaven in Queensland, that sense of belonging began with a friend’s recommendation. “Becoming a part of the community was through one of our friends.

He noticed that we were looking for a place to come and live and settle down,” says Dominic.

“He recommended Frasers Property at Brookhaven and we were instantly hooked.”

It’s a story repeated across generations and communities, families recommending families, and friends becoming neighbours.

In 2026, Frasers Property Care & Rewards will mark a decade of rewarding loyalty, a milestone that reflects how seriously the company takes its promise to stand by its customers.

“Reaching 10 years of Care & Rewards is a real milestone for us because it represents a decade of genuine relationships, people who have trusted us not just once, but often over many years,” says Kesree.

Midtown MacPark, NSW

“Today, we have over 18,500 members who are part of the program, many of whom use their benefits to help them across a lifetime of buying, selling, and investing in property.”

Members enjoy tangible benefits: repeat purchase rewards, priority access to new releases, a $2,000 referral bonus, and exclusive partner offers.

“One of the key benefits of the program is first choice — priority notification is often the top benefit when we survey our customers,” says Kesree. “Priority is a key fundamental when selecting a home or an investment property, especially when the market is hot and undersupplied. And of course, there’s the added benefit of receiving a financial reward when they buy again.”

But for many, the real value lies in belonging to something that lasts.

A century in the making

Frasers Property’s century-long story is one of evolution and endurance: from its early developments in the 1920s to the modern masterplanned neighbourhoods that define its portfolio today. And through it all, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to people.

“Care & Rewards is part of our culture of care and commitment to quality and belonging,” says Kesree. “It’s shaped by 100 years of Australian placemaking experience and a vision for the next century.”

In a world where so much changes, it’s comforting to know that some things — like trust, quality, and care — don’t. That’s what keeps people coming back to Frasers Property again and again.

LIVE PROUD 2026

13

TEN OUT OF TEN CARE & REWARDS MEMBERS SHARE WHAT A DECADE OF LOYALTY MEANS TO THEM What does a decade of loyalty really mean?

For these 10 Frasers Property Care & Rewards members, it’s meant feeling valued, building wealth, and bringing friends and family along for the journey.

14

LIVE PROUD 2026

F

or the past decade, Frasers Property Australia’s Care & Rewards program has been built on a simple but powerful idea: that loyalty deserves to be recognised, celebrated, and rewarded in meaningful ways.

“Helping my kids with their deposit (through Family Share), is great.

It doesn’t have to come out of my pocket!”

What started as a commitment to thank our customers has evolved into something far more significant – a genuine relationship. Today, Care & Rewards members don’t just receive purchase rewards and priority access; they’re part of a program that opens doors to new opportunities, helps them build property portfolios, and even brings friends and family into thriving communities together.

As we celebrate 10 years of Care & Rewards, we’re sharing stories from 10 members who’ve experienced firsthand how recognition, trust, and tangible benefits can change the trajectory of their property journey – and their lives.

“I really feel great about Frasers Property because they reward repeat customers. [As a member] they give you the first opportunity, which is really good. And on top of the access, they’re also giving you the rebate as well: 3% for platinum members, 2% for silver members.”

Roger, Care & Rewards member

Ranjith & Vani, Care & Rewards members

LIVE PROUD 2026

15

Danielle, Care & Rewards member

“My first experience with the Care and Rewards program was about a month after signing. I needed dimensions of the house because I was buying furniture – how big are the rooms, what can I fit here and there? I wasn’t expecting to get allowed access to the property. I was expecting maybe to get some dimensions on a piece of paper. But I was shown through and I was allowed to bring my partner through as well. We had a good half an hour or so of walking around the house again, which was just completely unexpected. And I felt looked after. It just felt nice.”

Frankie, Care & Rewards member

“I had a few friends looking at either building their first family home or just their first home.

We were able to use the benefits and rewards program. They would get their benefits from buying their first home, as well as I would get a bonus or reward for referring them. Which to me, the reward was bringing them into my community. I think that’s Frasers’ idea as well. They want everybody to have those relationships and form that community aspect.

It just brings everyone closer.”

Luke & Jasmine, Care & Rewards members

“I actually referred a couple of my friends here as well, so now they are living here and we get to see each other, have more fun. The kids can play together – they’re the same age, so they go to school together. We both got the Frasers reward and they are very happy. I think the most important thing is to be able to share the benefit; that’s what friends are for.”

“Our long-time friend, Jordy, referred us.

She told us how great the community was, and we wanted to join up and move in and be part of something good.

The 2% rebate helped us to get a bigger, more premium sized house buying with Frasers Property.”

Gary, Care & Rewards member

16

LIVE PROUD 2026

Alec & Emma, Care & Rewards members

“So we went to dinner with my cousin Jade and she referred us to receive the 2% purchase reward.

When we had the reward shared with us, we were very grateful and extremely surprised by the amount that we received. The benefit aided us in being able to purchase additional furniture for our property and finish off a few things around the house. It was a great help for us.”

“Our friend Jake had referred us through the Frasers Property Gift 2 Get 2 program. We were prepared to get into the market, but it just made it that much more accessible at the time. It gave us an extra injection of funds to be able to go, ‘Well, what else do we want to do with our new home? We could get some new furniture.’ Huge thank you to Jake for referring us, because we got the home of our dreams – our first home – and we’re super excited to move in and enjoy and have our family grow up in such a wonderful community.”

Jordy, Care & Rewards member

Garreth & Mei, Care & Rewards members

“Take advantage of the Gift 2 Get 2 referral campaign when it’s happening, because great friends do make great neighbours!”

“Becoming a part of the community was through one of my friends, Alec. We were friends through school for a very long time, and he noticed that we were looking for a place to come and live and settle down, and he recommended Frasers Property. The Frasers Care & Rewards program was a massive helping hand for us to make the decision on purchasing our block.”

Dom & Kristina, Care & Rewards members LIVE PROUD 2026

17

THE

5%

HEAD START THAT’S CHANGING THE GAME FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS

20

LIVE PROUD 2026

For years, the dream of owning a home has felt like an ever-receding horizon for many Australians. The biggest hurdle? The formidable 20% deposit, a figure that often grew faster than savings could accrue. But a significant shift is sweeping the property landscape, and it’s enabling thousands of first-home buyers to turn their aspirations into reality, years ahead of schedule.

LIVE PROUD 2026

21

The Waterfront, Shell Cove, NSW. Artist impression. Indicative only.

I

f you’ve been dreaming of owning your first home, there’s now a faster way to get there. Since October 2025, the Australian Government’s First Home Guarantee scheme has been helping buyers step into the market with as little as a 5% deposit, while completely skipping the hefty cost of Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

It’s a shift that’s already making a visible difference, helping more Australians escape the rental squeeze and start building equity in a home of their own.

A head start for first-home buyers

Originally set to launch in 2026, the scheme was fast-tracked to October 2025, and that early arrival has proven a welcome surprise. With no income caps, no limit on places, and higher property price thresholds, the scheme removes several of the biggest barriers to first-home ownership.

Eligible buyers can now purchase: • Sydney: homes up to $1.5 million • Melbourne: up to $950,000 • Brisbane: up to $1 million • With increased limits across other capital cities and regional areas too.

Buyers who once faced a decade of saving for a 20% deposit are now entering the market years earlier — and with greater confidence.

“This is one of the most significant boosts to housing accessibility we’ve seen in years,” says Brent Hill, Frasers Property Australia Director of Sales and Marketing.

“By removing the twin hurdles of large deposits and mortgage insurance, the scheme opens the door for more people to make that life-changing first step — especially in quality new communities where longterm value and liveability are front and centre.”

22

LIVE PROUD 2026

Please check the relevant Government websites for up-to-date information.

The hidden win: skipping LMI

On top of the smaller deposit, the waiving of Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI) can save tens of thousands more.

LMI traditionally protected lenders, not borrowers — and buyers with less than a 20% deposit often paid upwards of $20,000–$40,000 in premiums. While many rolled this cost into their mortgage, it meant paying interest for years on a fee that didn’t build their equity.

By removing LMI, the 5% deposit scheme lets first-home buyers redirect those funds towards something tangible — like furnishing their new home, or simply enjoying a buffer for peace of mind.

Artist impression. Indicative only.

How to take advantage

If you’re thinking of buying, here’s how to make the most of the new scheme: 1. Check your eligibility.

Visit housing.gov.au to confirm you qualify.

2. Talk to your lender early.

Many banks and customer-owned lenders are already approved to offer loans under the scheme.

3. Get your 5% deposit ready.

Remember to budget for stamp duty and other upfront costs too.

4. Choose a community with long-term value.

A trusted developer like Frasers Property offers peace of mind that your home, and your neighbourhood, will stand the test of time.

How much faster could you buy?

Take Melbourne, where the median house price rose to around $1,012,000 by December last year.

Under traditional rules, a 20% deposit meant saving almost $202,400 — a process that could take up to a decade for many households. Under the new scheme, a 5% deposit is just $50,600, potentially getting you into your home seven years sooner.

In Sydney, the savings are even more dramatic. With a median price of over $1.6 million, a 20% deposit once meant more than $320,000 in savings. Now, a 5% deposit of $80,000 can open the same door — a difference of over $240,000.

A clearer path to home ownership

Buying your first home is a major milestone, but it no longer has to feel out of reach. With the 5% Deposit Scheme now in play, more Australians are finding that their home ownership goals are not only achievable but closer than ever.

LIVE PROUD 2026

23

OFF THE PLAN, OR OFF YOUR ROCKER?

WHY BUYING BEFORE IT’S BUILT MIGHT BE SMARTER THAN YOU THINK

24

LIVE PROUD 2026

Buying a home that doesn’t exist yet sounds like a leap of faith—or maybe just plain madness. But for buyers facing a rising property market, off-theplan purchases can open doors that sometimes seem permanently locked.

With smaller deposits, government backing, and time on your side, this path into homeownership might be less risky than you think. Here’s what you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.

F

or many first-home buyers, the phrase “buying off the plan” triggers a mix of intrigue and anxiety. You’re committing to a property that doesn’t yet exist, signing a contract based on architectural drawings and 3D renders. It sounds risky, maybe even a bit mad.

But for those willing to look beyond the fear, offthe-plan purchasing offers a strategic pathway into homeownership that can be both financially savvy and surprisingly accessible.

So, what does buying off the plan actually mean?

And more importantly, should you be doing it?

Purchasing off the plan involves entering a contract to buy a property before construction is complete, based on plans, specifications, and display suites rather than a finished home. This approach is commonly used for new land, apartments, townhouses, and house-and-land packages.

“The term ‘off the plan’ is when you look at the plan and there might be nothing there yet,” explains Tanveer Ali, senior mortgage broker with Loan Gallery. “There are plans for something to be built in the future, maybe a townhome or apartment, but the developer or builder hasn’t completed it yet.”

The payment structure varies significantly depending on what you’re buying. Apartments and some townhouses typically use a “one-part contract” where you sign one agreement with the developer covering both land and construction.

You pay a 5-10% deposit upfront, then the balance is due only at completion, which in the case of apartments can be 2-3 years into the future. There are no progress payments during construction, which means you’re not drawing down your loan or paying interest until you get the keys.

LIVE PROUD 2026

25

House-and-land packages on the other hand (and some townhouses) use a “two-part contract” — separate agreements for land and construction.

You settle on the land first, then make progress payments to the builder as construction reaches key milestones: base, frame, lock-up, fixing, and completion.

This means you’re progressively drawing down your loan and paying interest during the build, which Tanveer notes can be “very costly if the builder is taking longer than usual to complete, because you’re paying interest on the land and the progress of the build while most first-home buyers are still renting.”

The financial upside: smaller deposits, bigger opportunities One of the most compelling advantages of buying off the plan is the lower deposit requirement. Established properties typically require a 20% deposit, whereas you can secure an off the plan property with a maximum of 10% and as little as 5%. For firsthome buyers navigating high rental costs and cost-of-living pressures, this can dramatically shorten the savings timeline.

The extended settlement period also provides breathing room to continue saving. As Brent Hill, Sales & Marketing Director at Frasers Property Australia, pointed out in a recent episode of the Live proud podcast: “The benefit in the off-the-plan process is your ability to get into the market earlier with a smaller amount of money. It also gives you that ability to save money while the property is being created.”

The Waterfront, Shell Cove, NSW. Artist impression. Indicative only.

Government incentives that level the playing field

Perhaps the biggest game-changer for first-home buyers is the Australian Government’s 5% Deposit Scheme, which launched with unlimited places on October 1, 2025. The scheme allows eligible first-home buyers to purchase with just 5% down without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, with the government guaranteeing up to 15% of the property value.

“It’s a walk in the park now,” says Tanveer.

“You can actually get a property for as low as $20,000 to $23,000 deposit in outer suburbs of Melbourne when you combine the 5% deposit scheme with the First Home Owner Grant. For many people, that’s a doable amount to save on top of their day-to-day cost of living.”

Beyond the deposit scheme, stamp duty concessions offer substantial savings. Many states provide exemptions or concessions for off-theplan purchases contributing to housing supply.

In Victoria, for example, stamp duty is calculated based on the land value at contract signing rather than the total property value, potentially saving buyers $20,000 to $50,000.

“That $20,000, $30,000, $50,000 can be make or break for some buyers,” says Tanveer.

26

LIVE PROUD 2026

The potential for capital growth For buyers who time it right, off-the-plan purchases can offer the opportunity for capital gains before settlement. Because the price is locked in at contract signing, any market appreciation during the construction period belongs to the buyer.

Tanveer shares a remarkable example: “I had a customer of mine who put a deposit on a townhouse in Officer [in Melbourne] for $349,000 during COVID lockdown. By the time he got the keys a year or so later, it was worth $550,000.”

While such dramatic examples aren’t guaranteed, locking in today’s price can be advantageous if market values rise before completion, particularly in growth corridors or during periods of market recovery.

The Quarry, QLD

The verdict: calculated risk, not recklessness

Buying off the plan isn’t off your rocker—it’s a legitimate and increasingly accessible strategy for entering the property market. The combination of lower deposits, government backing, stamp duty savings, and potential capital growth makes it a compelling option for first-home buyers who might otherwise spend years locked out of homeownership.

But it does require homework. Research the developer’s track record. Understand the contract terms, particularly around sunset clauses and progress payment schedules. Seek legal and financial advice. And above all, speak with a mortgage broker before you start shopping.

The watch-outs: what could go wrong?

Of course, buying off the plan isn’t without risks, and understanding them is essential.

Construction delays

Construction timelines can stretch due to weather, labour shortages, or supply chain issues, affecting your expected move-in date. This can be particularly problematic if you’re renting or coordinating a relocation.

“If you’re starting out, try not to go for the dream house right away,” Tanveer counsels.

“Just go for a smaller house. Get into the market. Leave that borrowing power in your hand because the idea of owning a property is wealth creation, not just a place you live in.

You want to be smart with your decisions.”

Valuation risks

If market conditions shift during construction, the final valuation may fall short of the purchase price, potentially leaving buyers scrambling to cover the gap or affecting loan-to-value ratios.

Builder selection

Not all builders are created equal. “Reputation is very important,” says Tanveer. “You want to make sure you’re working with a builder or developer that has the backing to follow through on their promises.”

Ready to explore your options?

Whether you’re considering an off-the-plan apartment, townhouse, or house-and-land package, start by speaking with a mortgage broker to understand your borrowing capacity and eligibility for government schemes. For more insights on navigating your first-home journey, check out the Live proud podcast at liveproud.com.au or wherever you get your podcasts.

LIVE PROUD 2026

27

NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST: LETTING THE PLACE SET THE PACE

Mambourin, VIC

28

LIVE PROUD 2026

Some buyers start with floorplans. Rashi and Div started with place, testing walkability, amenity, and community spirit before deciding on the house they’d build. At Mambourin, it’s a strategy that’s paid off not just once, but twice.

M

ost people start their home-buying journey with the house. They shortlist floorplans, debate façade colours, fall down the rabbit hole of builder comparisons, and only later ask the question that really shapes life: Will this neighbourhood actually work for us?

Rashi and Divyang Dhagat flipped the script.

Before they chose a builder or a block, they stress-tested the bigger decision: the place itself. Their criteria were deceptively simple but incredibly smart: could they build a life where the fundamentals were all within five minutes of home?

It became their north star. If daily errands, earlychildhood education, parks, shops, and social life weren’t within easy reach, it wasn’t the right place to build their future. That clarity ultimately led them to Mambourin, a Frasers Property masterplanned community in Melbourne’s west.

“The five-minute community was very important to us,” says Div. “At Mambourin, there’s the residents’ club, the shopping mall, the café, and the school.

We wanted that convenience for our family.”

LIVE PROUD 2026

29

“We have friends that live in nearby suburbs, and when they’ve come to visit us in Mambourin, they told us that this estate feels different — like it’s been taken care of,” says Div. “Everything’s just planned and executed better.”

Choosing the neighbourhood first

When Rashi and Div bought their first block at Mambourin in 2021, they were renting in Tarneit and planning for a bigger life…and a bigger family.

“We were planning for a family,” says Rashi.

“So good schools nearby were a big factor.

Once we knew what was planned, we started shopping for the land.”

Momentum has become part of the Mambourin identity. It’s a place that has grown with intention, which is exactly why its sister community next door, Mambourin Green, also by Frasers Property, is now following in its footsteps.

A year after moving in, Rashi and Div were so impressed by their new neighbourhood, they decided to double down and buy again, this time building an investment property. Being members of the Frasers Property Care & Rewards loyalty program meant that the second purchase came with a 2% purchase rebate.

For time-poor young parents — now with a twoand-a-half-year-old and three-month-old twins — proximity to local education was a non-negotiable.

And they didn’t have to wait long to see it delivered.

“When we first bought our land, the area behind our home was just paddocks,” recalls Div. “But a lot got delivered in just the first year we were there.”

The residents’ club, district park, wetlands, Good News Lutheran College and Laa Yulta primary, the local retail at Mambourin Marketplace — everything took shape fast.

“Frasers Property has been super quick in developing everything,” agrees Rashi.

The pace of delivery was more than reassuring, it was validating. Friends visiting from other estates noticed it instantly.

“A lot of what made Mambourin attractive to us as owners also makes it appealing to renters,” says Rashi. “And with the rewards program, it made sense for us to buy again with Frasers Property.”

Their second block, purchased off-the-plan, gave them time to save and lock in the price. Their firsthand experience helped them choose wisely, selecting a block close to amenities and a nearby park.

30

LIVE PROUD 2026

Becoming ambassadors for the community

What sets Rashi and Div apart from most residents is that they don’t just live in the community; they’re active community contributors who also run the local Little Growling Café.

Through the café, the couple sees firsthand the diversity, optimism, and warmth that define Mambourin. During their Holi celebration last year, despite terrible weather, their neighbours turned up for them. That’s when they knew: this wasn’t just any old housing development; it was a true community.

“We’ve met so many people through the cafe,” says Div. “It’s created a real network. When I go out with my kids for a walk in the evening, even if there’s a stranger I haven’t met before, there’s always a smile, there’s always a hello.”

What Mambourin Green will inherit

Mambourin has grown into one of Frasers Property’s strongest communities because the fundamentals were designed right from the start: walkability, open space, a residents’ club with spaces for health and wellbeing, quality schools, thoughtful design guidelines, and a development pace that matches the needs of its growing population.

Mambourin Green will build on that foundation, inheriting the same DNA, the same ambitions, and the same commitment to creating a complete neighbourhood where life simply works.

For buyers like Rashi and Div, that combination of convenience, community, and confidence is what turns a place into a long-term plan. They’re already thinking 20 years ahead.

“We’re thinking about the opportunities we can give our kids,” says Div. “By building a good life here, we can help set them up for success in the future.”

Hear more on the Live proud podcast

If you’d like to dive deeper into Rashi and Div’s story, tune into their full conversation on the Live proud podcast. They share practical insights, honest reflections, and the kind of wisdom only lived experience can offer. It’s a grounded and real-world look at how choosing the right neighbourhood can shape not just a home, but an entire future. Check it out at liveproud.com.au or wherever you get your podcasts.

LIVE PROUD 2026

31

HOW GEN Z IS REIMAGINING THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN DREAM For Generation Z, the path to homeownership looks very different from the one their parents walked.

They’ve grown up in a tougher, faster-moving housing market, yet they’re meeting it with a mix of realism, creativity, and quiet determination. This is a generation reshaping the Australian Dream, not by abandoning it, but by redefining what security, stability, and sustainability look like today.

A harder climb Ed.Square, NSW

D

espite the headlines, Gen Z hasn’t given up on owning a home. In fact, McCrindle research shows that 63% say homeownership is their top life goal, proof that the Dream endures, even if the path is changing.

Interviewed recently for the Live proud podcast, 25-year-old renter Lucy Callahan captured this shift perfectly. For her, the desire to buy isn’t about status or investment. It’s about something far more fundamental.

“For me, I think it’s security. I’ve watched a lot of my friends be kicked out of their rental place in a week,” says Lucy. “I don’t know if I’m going to be in the same house that I’m currently in in a year’s time, because the rent could just go through the roof tomorrow.”

Where previous generations saw property as a wealth-building vehicle, Gen Z sees it first as protection, stability in a world where rental churn and rising costs create constant uncertainty.

And they’re approaching the goal with fresh eyes: discussing long-term living early, questioning old assumptions, and shaping what a future home should mean.

Lucy’s own relationship highlights the generational tension. She’s prepared to rent longer to save, while her partner, who is keen to start sooner, is exploring co-ownership opportunities with friends. It’s a snapshot of how Gen Z balances the longing for a nest with the freedom to move, grow and explore their potential.

No generation has faced steeper entry barriers.

With average house prices now eight times the average salary, affordability remains the single biggest hurdle. Layer on what Lucy calls a “punishing cost-of-living crisis”—with rent, groceries and utilities rising—and it’s clear why so many young people are feeling squeezed.

Frasers Property Australia Sales & Marketing Director, and Live proud podcast host, Brent Hill doesn’t sugarcoat the difference between generations: “I really do worry about the Gen Zs, and I’m almost apologetic… I actually had it quite good in comparison.”

Saving while renting is, for many, close to impossible. The most common workarounds are living with parents longer and redirecting travel and lifestyle spending into savings—a compromise that can bring its own pressures and burnout. The awareness of no longer being able to ‘have it all’ is ever-present.

“Mum always says that in her day you didn’t have to choose between an overseas trip and buying a home, you could do both,” says Lucy. “For us, it feels like you have to pick one or the other.”

Yet despite these challenges, Gen Z remains remarkably hopeful. Nearly half (49%) say they feel positive about entering the property market. They’re determined; they’re thinking long-term; and they’re finding new pathways onto the property ladder.

The Gen Z playbook

Where previous generations relied on a traditional linear journey, Gen Z is embracing flexibility, collaboration and shared risk.

1. Co-ownership and communal living

2. The Bank of Mum and Dad

3. Government assistance

The ideal of a standalone home is shifting toward mediumdensity options: townhomes, courtyard apartments, duplexes, and compact-lot homes close to amenity.

Parental support—whether through gifts, deposit top-ups or loan guarantees—has become one of the most common stepping stones into the market. Recent research shows around one in five Gen Z buyers (22%) now fund part of their deposit with a cash gift from family, signalling how central intergenerational support has become.

The federal government’s 5% Deposit Scheme is designed to help first-home buyers enter the market sooner by reducing the biggest upfront barrier: the deposit.

Many are looking beyond couples-based purchasing.

Co-buying with a sibling, friend or partner is on the rise, though Lucy notes the emotional complexity: “What about when they want to sell but you don’t want to sell this property that you own together? You have to think about the practicalities.”

Brent calls it what it is: the “Bank of Mum and Dad,” driven by parents who want to give their children a sense of security sooner, even if it means dipping into their own savings.

Instead of saving the traditional 20%, eligible buyers can purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, because the government effectively guarantees the remaining amount. This dramatically shortens the savings timeline and allows buyers to redirect more money into repayments rather than waiting for rising prices to outpace their deposit.

For Gen Z and other firsttimers navigating high rents and cost-of-living pressures, the scheme offers a crucial early foothold, turning longterm aspirations into a realistic first step onto the property ladder.

A different kind of dream For Gen Z, homeownership isn’t a race. It’s a slow, steady journey. Lucy is aiming for her mid30s to give her time to save a decent deposit.

For her, a manageable loan is the goal, not a stressful one.

Ed.Square, NSW. Artist impression. Indicative only.

The non-negotiable: sustainability

If there’s one value Gen Z brings to the housing conversation, it’s sustainability. Raised in an era of climate anxiety and rising living costs, they expect homes that are built to last, not built to knock down within a generation.

Her first home vision is compact and connected—a two-bedroom stepping stone close to green space and plenty of amenity. A place to build from, rather than the final destination. This mindset—start smaller, grow gradually, prioritise security—defines the new Australian Dream.

And for developers, the shift is clear: affordability, diverse product, sustainable design and connected communities are the values shaping the future of housing.

Gen Z still believes in the Dream. They’re simply designing it differently—one thoughtful step at a time.

“If I’m going to buy a home, I want it to be solid.

I don’t want to be rebuilding it in ten years because it wasn’t done properly,” says Lucy.

Durable construction, proper insulation, thoughtful energy-efficient design and lower running costs aren’t ‘nice-to-haves’ for her generation, they’re must-have essentials that protect both the planet and the household budget.

Ready to take your first step?

Whether you’re exploring co-ownership, government schemes or sustainable living options, the Live proud podcast unpacks the real decisions, trade-offs, and opportunities facing today’s firsthome buyers. Check it out at liveproud.com.au or wherever you get your podcasts.

LIVE PROUD 2026

35

36

FiveLIVE Farms, PROUD VIC 2026

DEVELOPING AUSTRALIA For over a century, we’ve played a part in the development of Australia. As we look to the future, we’re tracking the trends in community development, sustainability, urban design and architecture, to create stronger, smarter, happier neighbourhoods that reflect a modern Australia.

LIVE PROUD 2026

37

CHARTING A COURSE FOR A STRONGER, SMARTER, HAPPIER FUTURE

38

Burwood LIVE Brickworks, PROUD 2026 VIC

Frasers Property Australia’s Stronger Smarter Happier strategy isn’t just another box-ticking ESG exercise; it’s a serious commitment to building belonging, promoting sustainability, and making a positive impact on Australian society.

LIVE PROUD 2026

39

The Quarry, QLD. Artist impression. Indicative only.

F

rasers Property Australia CEO Cameron Leggatt sees his chief role as keeping the company focused on its driving ambition: to create more belonging in the neighbourhoods and communities we share, while thinking about the sustainability of the Great Australian Dream for generations to come.

“The business we are today is built on everything we’ve done and learned over the last 100 years of developing Australia,” says Cameron. “And when we sat down to ask ourselves who we wanted to be over the next 100 years, what kind of legacy would make us proudest of our achievements, the answer was clear. Our role is to create neighbourhoods where people experience a deeper sense of community and belonging. It’s a huge contributor to people’s happiness and quality of life.”

With a century of experience that connects it back to the pioneering days of real estate legend, T.M Burke in the 1920s, Frasers Property has a unique perspective on what makes certain neighbourhoods enduringly attractive to residents many generations after they were originally developed. Much of it comes down to a distinctive urban character and a vibrant community spirit.

40

LIVE PROUD 2026

As ephemeral as those elements may appear to be on the surface, the company has developed a blueprint for ensuring that each new neighbourhood it designs scores highly on distinctiveness, liveability, and community.

That blueprint, known as Stronger Smarter Happier in homage to Frasers Property’s mission to develop “stronger, smarter, happier communities that promise greater futures,” is a model for a property developer as a force for good.

“We call our ambition to create more belonging our ‘Why’,” explains Cameron. “Stronger Smarter Happier is our ‘How’ – it’s what we know we must do to deliver what’s important and needed in the space we play. Ultimately, it means creating socially and environmentally sustainable neighbourhoods that positively add to Australian life over generations to come. If we do that well, we’ll create a sustainable business and inspiring place to work too.”

Stronger: doing what’s right

With an enviable track record for revitalising neglected urban spaces and delivering innovative mixed-use neighbourhoods, Frasers Property Australia is frequently sought out by state governments and private landowners to take on complex projects. From the amenity-rich, multitenure community of Midtown in Macquarie Park, Sydney, to the remarkable landscape regeneration of The Quarry in Brisbane, the company has a rich legacy of visionary projects delivered with exceptional skill by a diverse and talented workforce.

“Being a great masterplan developer is one thing,” says Cameron, “but a big part of our success is that we’re sought out because we care about doing the right thing. That starts with our complete customer focus and commitment to quality. It means listening to diverse voices, fixing things when they go wrong, and always seeking ways to do things better.”

Smarter: doing what’s needed

Frasers Property Australia has been an innovator in environmental sustainability for many years, initiating programs and pilots that have led the industry.

Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre was recognised by the Living Building Institute as achieving leading sustainability outcomes.

They piloted the first Passivhaus built by a volume developer in the country, where homes are designed with superior insulation, airtight construction, and smart ventilation systems that work together to create spaces that are far more energy efficient, healthy, and comfortable to live in than standard builds.

Round Mountain, QLD

With a commitment to context-specific environmental design, the way the Stronger Smarter Happier blueprint plays out on each Frasers Property project is both unique and innovative. At the company’s new neighbourhood in South East Queensland at New Beith, biodiversity corridors will protect wildlife and native flora, while creating green zones that connect the urban fabric to the pinnacle of Round Mountain above.

At the 6-Star Green Star rated Ed.Square community in Sydney’s south west, a whole gamut of sustainability initiatives work in tandem.

“Ed’s a really terrific example of holistic sustainability thinking,” says Leo Hollands, Frasers Property Australia’s General Manager Sustainability & HSE. “Homes are water efficient through dual plumbing with connection to the Hoxton Park Recycled Water Supply and also feature energy- and water-efficient fixtures. The Town Centre is renewably powered by an embedded energy network which includes large banks of solar panels. And the neighbourhood is entirely walkable with parks, a low-speed road network including shared zones and speed control devices, with bushland dotted through and around the community to reduce car usage and encourage community connections.”

Behind each of these initiatives is a commitment to continuous improvement, capturing learnings from every project to inform smarter decisions and deliver even better outcomes across future stages and developments.

LIVE PROUD 2026

41

The Waterfront, Shell Cove, NSW

Happier: doing what matters

At the core of Frasers Property’s philosophy is a dedication to creating communities where people truly thrive. Human-centric design ensures that their neighbourhoods cater to a diverse array of people yet foster a shared sense of belonging and connection.

The ‘Happier’ strategy encompasses a wide range of initiatives, from urban design outcomes that prioritise active and healthy lifestyles, access to essential services, community programs and events, to creating opportunities for education, employment, and local economic uplift.

Emily Wood, Frasers Property’s Executive General Manager Development, captures the essence of the work: “Community building is all about empowering people to create the kind of place they truly want to live in. We do this by collaborating closely with residents and local groups, ensuring their diverse voices are heard and their ideas are valued.”

42

LIVE PROUD 2026

There is also a strong focus on capacity building and leadership development to ensure sustainable growth. “We want to make sure the community has everything they need to make their vision a reality, whether that’s through partnerships, program development, organising events, or supporting the creation of shared spaces like community gardens,” Emily says.

“By strengthening relationships and encouraging active participation, the goal is to empower residents, enhance social cohesion, and support collective wellbeing. Because when people feel empowered and connected, it creates a strong and vibrant neighbourhood that everyone can be proud of.”

This is how we develop stronger, smarter, happier neighbourhoods First and foremost, we’re for the people who live, work, and belong in the neighbourhoods we create — where Great Australian dreams prosper in safe, friendly communities and families of all shapes and sizes can flourish.

We’re for neighbourhoods that are beautiful to behold and great to spend time in. They must be high quality, energy-efficient, and built to last — best achieved when we harness innovation and technology to create enduring value.

As a developer with a 100-year history, we must be a leader in thinking about the future of Australian cities — the innovations possible and the corrections required.

A stronger, smarter, happier future starts now

In a world where businesses are increasingly judged by their impact on society and the environment, Cameron Leggatt hopes that Frasers Property’s Stronger Smarter Happier strategy will be seen as a constructive guide to building belonging, promoting sustainability, and making a positive impact on society. The company’s Stronger Smarter Happier credo (see left) lays out the elements in practical and accessible language for Frasers Property’s staff, customers, stakeholders and the general public.

“I think it helps to be transparent about these kinds of commitments,” says Cameron. “Our customers and partners should know what’s important to us. And if Stronger Smarter Happier inspires others in the development industry to evolve their ESG strategies in similar ways, we see that as a net positive for the way Australians will live life together.”

“At the end of the day, stronger, smarter, happier communities are something we should all be striving for.”

Berwick Waters, VIC

None of this is possible without a diverse mix of talented people who share our belief, feel they belong, and have a pathway to learn and grow. We must create a safe and engaged workplace where teams collaborate together, face-to-face and in the field, never far from the places we create. Our business should achieve big but feel small — a real, supportive, and progressive culture that never loses sight of the simple truth: we’re only as good as the places we create.

We must manage our finances with care, act with integrity, and meet all our obligations. The result will be a healthy and sustainable business that proudly develops stronger, smarter, happier neighbourhoods for the people of Australia.

Midtown MacPark, NSW

LIVE PROUD 2026

43

MIDTOWN MACPARK

A NEIGHBOURHOOD FOR ALL

44

LIVE PROUD 2026

Two years after residents started moving in, Midtown MacPark is discovering what the world’s best neighbourhoods have always known: diversity is the secret ingredient that makes community thrive.

E

very Wednesday morning at Midtown MacPark, something remarkable happens.

Around 25 people gather in the community hub for what’s called Chatty Café—a simple concept with yellow tablecloths and homemade food where neighbours become friends over cups of tea. The conversations flow easily: weekend plans, family news, ideas for the next community event.

One regular brings Thai dishes that draw crowds.

Another is planning a pen pal program.

This sense of community isn’t happening by accident either. It’s the result of careful planning by developer Frasers Property Australia combined with dedicated community development support and best-in-class urban infrastructure designed to bring people together.

Two years after the first residents moved into Midtown’s first completed buildings, the development has rapidly evolved from a masterplan vision to a living, breathing community of approximately 1,500 people.

The transformation is tangible, not just in the buildings rising from the ground, but in the relationships forming between neighbours.

Building community alongside buildings

Scott Clohessy, Development Director at Frasers Property Australia, has been part of the Midtown journey for eight years. When asked what’s changed most dramatically in the past 12 months, he doesn’t talk about construction milestones first. He talks about people.

“Our community development program has gone from strength to strength,” says Scott.

“We’re seeing more and more people come to things like Midtown Eats and the Chatty Café. We’re seeing volunteers step up to help harvest honey from the bee enterprise, organise dog walking groups, fitness groups.

Right now, they don’t have a lot of space to spread out and try different activities, so we’re hoping that only grows once we give them more facilities to play with.”

LIVE PROUD 2026

45

Artist impression. Indicative only.

The infrastructure of belonging

Tina Britton is Midtown’s Community Development Manager, and she’s witnessed firsthand the power of having a dedicated community space to create the social bonds that new communities need.

Artist impression. Indicative only.

Those facilities are coming soon. The pool, gym, village green, and community centre—collectively forming what Scott calls “the heart of Midtown”— are scheduled to open in mid-2026. A new playground has already been installed for young residents to enjoy. When complete, the spacious community centre and gym, four-lane indoor pool, and expansive village green will transform what’s currently possible for community life at Midtown.

“These are really going to be the local spaces that everyone in the community can use,” says Scott.

“The playground, the social enterprise café, the pool and gym…it’s all coming together to create a shared focal point for the neighbourhood.”

46

LIVE PROUD 2026

“Even with the temporary community hub we have now, it’s clear to see how crucial it is to have a space for people to gather in,” Tina says. “At Midtown, people come in and make themselves a cup of tea, work on an assignment, have a chat. The residents take ownership. They clean up after events, they set up decorations, they help each other. It’s got this lovely, welcoming atmosphere because they feel like it’s their space.”

That sense of ownership extends to the programs themselves. Chatty Café, part of a national mental health initiative addressing loneliness, has become more than just a weekly gathering.

It’s evolved into an idea incubator where residents dream up new activities and support each other in bringing them to life.

Then there’s Midtown Eats—a monthly free food event that draws between 100 and 150 people.

Funded by a local church and run in partnership with Mission Australia, it features barbecues, pizzas, and different cuisines. But the real nourishment comes from the connections made over shared meals, with volunteers from the community helping to serve food and create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

A community that reflects the city

Among Midtown’s distinctive features is its commitment to providing housing choice across different tenure models. With over 30% of residences being community and affordable housing, Midtown reflects something essential about Australian cities: they’re made up of people from all walks of life.

“What we’re seeing is actually the full cross-section of society,” notes Scott. “In a traditional low-density suburb, 1,500 households would be spread over a huge area.

We’ve got them vertically concentrated, so the diversity is more visible. But it’s not different from any other community, it’s just more connected.”

This diversity creates richness. Tina has been inspired by the stories she’s heard from Midtown residents, stories of resilience and reinvention.

“The individuals I’ve met, their stories are just beautiful,” she says. “Some are people who, through no fault of their own, have fallen on hard times, come through a divorce, had a business that went bad. Making ends meet got hard, but community housing helped them get their lives back on stable ground again.

“They’ve got these amazing life experiences, and now they’re part of this community together. That’s what makes Midtown special.

It’s real people with real stories, all contributing to something vibrant and full of character.”

The infrastructure supports this integration thoughtfully. Each tenure type has its own buildings with dedicated amenities, providing privacy and autonomy. But the shared spaces like the current Community Hub and the future village green, playground, and community centre—are equally accessible to all.

The partnership with Mission Australia’s Housing Team is a crucial ingredient to the success of Midtown. The team design and deliver a range of tailored support programs such as employment assistance, social support groups, healthy eating workshops with OzHarvest, and community gardening with the Royal Botanic Gardens. All are available to all residents regardless of how they came to call Midtown home.

LIVE PROUD 2026

47

Growing alongside the community

Artist impression. Indicative only.

As community life flourishes, construction continues. Treehouse, Midtown’s next residential building, is rising steadily and is expected to complete in 2027. Treehouse will bring 162 additional apartments and, crucially, ground-floor retail targeting the inclusion of an independent supermarket, cafés, and takeaway food options.

Just as significant is the five-story vertical public school under construction. Designed for 750 students from kindergarten to year six, the school is on track to begin enrolments from early 2026 and open its doors in 2027. With rooftop playgrounds and open areas at every level, it represents a new approach to education in highdensity communities.

“Having a school on site is a pretty big deal,” says Scott. “It means families can genuinely put down roots here, knowing that their kids can walk to school locally.”

For Tina, the vision for Midtown’s future is clear: helping residents develop the confidence and capacity to lead their own community groups and activities.

48

LIVE PROUD 2026

Artist impression. Indicative only.

“I want to see residents take the lead and help them bring their ideas to life—whether that’s a community garden, embroidery class, tai chi, or whatever they want to do,” she explains.

“Basically, I’m there in the background to guide and support and step in when needed.”

At last year’s Halloween party, organised almost entirely by residents, Tina saw this vision taking shape. Fifty people came to the community centre on a rainy night, families brought their children, decorations went up and came down without staff intervention, and everyone pitched in to clean up.

Scott reflects on what Midtown is becoming: “When we opened that first building two years ago, we had a vision for a mixed community. We knew the infrastructure was important—the pool, the gym, the village green. But what we’re learning is that the real infrastructure of community is the people and the programs that bring them together.

Everything we’re building physically is really just supporting what’s already starting to happen organically.”

With several years of development yet to come, Midtown MacPark is very much a new community in the making. The construction cranes still tower overhead. More buildings are yet to come. But something essential has already been built: a genuine sense of belonging among people who might never have crossed paths in a different Sydney, in a different development, in a different model of urban life.

And that, ultimately, is what transforms a development into a neighbourhood: not just the quality of the buildings, but the quality of the connections between the people who call them home.

LIVE PROUD 2026

49

COASTING HOME THE WATERFRONT, SHELL COVE ENTERS ITS GOLDEN AGE

50

LIVE PROUD 2026

After more than three decades in the making, The Waterfront, Shell Cove has entered its golden age.

With the luxurious new Crowne Plaza Marina Hotel set to open mid-year and the final stages of the community taking shape, this landmark joint venture destination stands as proof that great places only get better with time.

LIVE PROUD 2026

51

Artist impression. Indicative only.

A spectacular coastal canvas

M

orning sunlight spills across the harbour, casting a golden glow over the boats moored at the marina.

On the water’s edge, locals stroll with coffee in hand, soon to be joined by guests of the Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina Hotel, set to open mid-year as the centrepiece of a multidecade vision finally realised.

One of the largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken by a local government in the early 1990s has, over time, become one of the most magnetic coastal destinations in the country.

Set to open mid-year, the Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina Hotel will stand proudly above the boardwalk, overlooking the 270-berth harbour that defines this destination. With its infinity pool shimmering against the sky and Coastal Med, a sophisticated restaurant showcasing the region’s finest seafood, the hotel is set to become a new benchmark for the South Coast.

For locals and visitors alike, the harbour, hotel, and waterfront dining scene will signal a turning point — a shift from development to destination.

“The harbourfront hotel is the missing piece of the puzzle,” says Emma McGill, NSW State Marketing Manager for Frasers Property.

“There’s nothing else like it south of Sydney — it will change what people expect from a regional escape. Whether it’s a wedding framed by ocean views, a large-scale corporate retreat, or a romantic weekend away, the hotel will open Shell Cove to new audiences.”

52

LIVE PROUD 2026

While the hotel is set to give The Waterfront, Shell Cove its polish, it’s the community’s relaxed coastal atmosphere that gives it soul.

Interior designer and The Block judge Darren Palmer has worked closely with Frasers Property to tell this story through the Rare and Ready campaign, celebrating the opportunity to build in a place where design and nature are perfectly aligned.

“I’ve seen a lot of locations across Australia, but The Waterfront, Shell Cove is rare,” says Darren. “You’re not just buying land. You’re stepping into a coastal community that’s been carefully considered; a place designed for living, not just for building.”

He describes the site as “a designer’s dream”: an environment of natural light, space, and coastal calm where good architecture feels like an extension of the landscape itself.

“The setting doesn’t compete with design, it enhances it,” he says. “From a design perspective, this is the ideal place to build your coastal home.

The light, the views, the space — you can create something that feels as much a part of the landscape as the ocean itself.”

For buyers, that connection now comes with choice. The Waterfront offers a collection of premium homesites and residences to suit every vision of coastal life, from Vela’s elegant harbourfront apartments and Portella’s marina-side residences to registered, build-ready land priced from around $1.6 million to $3 million.

Buyers can choose from beachfront, parkside, or absolute harbourfront land, each site a rare opportunity to design a home that reflects both lifestyle and location. It’s a place where architecture meets atmosphere, and where every home — whether perched beside the marina or opening onto the park — can become part of a spectacular coastal canvas.

A life anchored in belonging

What truly defines The Waterfront, Shell Cove is its sense of life and connection. Beyond the boardwalk and marina lies a community that’s deeply engaged with their neighbourhood.

Locals meet at the community garden to share tips and harvests, while the seniors’ meetup group has become a fortnightly highlight. Children’s storytime sessions, walking group, book club, weekly play sessions and weekly yoga classes provide the everyday architecture of belonging and connection.

There is also a wealth of activities happening throughout the year such as women’s health information sessions, monthly art meet-ups and school holiday activities, not to mention the monthly markets and community-focussed workshops and events offered by local stakeholders such as Georgia Rose Restaurant and Shellharbour City Council.

Community Development Manager Tina Britton says these smaller, grassroots activities are the foundation of what makes Shell Cove such a rewarding place to live.

“The real magic of a community happens in the spaces between the big events,” Tina says.

“Those moments when people come together for something simple — a walk, a chat, a shared interest — that’s when connection starts to grow.”

The final frontier

With Vela’s premium harbourfront apartments set to complete in the second half of 2026, the new Portella apartments underway, and the final buildready land in The Peninsula precinct, Shell Cove is entering its final years.

“After such a long time in development, there’s a perception that Shell Cove will just keep going and going,” says Emma. “But in reality, we’re in the end stages now. At the current rate of development and sale we predict that things will wrap up around 2030.”

From its early vision in the 1990s to today’s flourishing coastal precinct, the transformation has been remarkable. What was once a concept has become a community, a fully realised destination where nature and neighbourhood exist in harmony.

But there’s no shortage of larger moments either.

Residents can attend our Eats & Beats food truck nights, local festivals like PromenArt Sculpture Walk and Mural program or annual children’s event KidsFest.

“We try to create a calendar that offers something for everyone,” Tina explains.

“Every month there’s a reason to come together, whether that’s through music, art, or just enjoying a beautiful day outdoors.

It’s about creating opportunities for people to connect, to meet new neighbours, and to feel part of something bigger.”

Artist impression. Indicative only.

LIVE PROUD 2026

53

BEAUTY, RICH AND RARE. INTRODUCING ROUND MOUNTAIN. Cradled in the folds of its namesake landmark, Frasers Property Australia’s newest community invites families to rediscover life at a gentler rhythm; where childhoods are shaped by creeks and climbing trees, and neighbours still wave from the front gate.

54 ArtistLIVE impression.

PROUD Indicative 2026only.

T

o stand on Round Mountain is to feel the land’s quiet power. Beneath a canopy of gums and wattles, the world opens out to views that stretch back toward Brisbane in one direction and the Scenic Rim hinterland in the other. It’s here, amid the sound of birdsong and the breeze through the trees, that the idea for Round Mountain took root: a neighbourhood designed around connection, exploration, and belonging.

“To actually stand on the mountain and look out at those views through the trunks of the trees, you can just picture what it would be like to live and grow up in a place like this,” says Scott Ullman, General Manager Development for Frasers Property in Queensland.

From the outset, the vision has been to honour the natural beauty of the site. The mountain is more than a backdrop, it’s the heart and identity of the community, the point from which green corridors, walkways, and village-style neighbourhoods all intersect. Every home, every street, every village is designed to connect back to this timeless landmark.

Round Mountain will comprise a series of precincts, or villages, each connected by walkways and heavily landscaped “green roads” that invite you to leave the car behind and wander instead.

Natural waterway corridors separate and define each village, creating spaces that breathe and offer families a constant connection to the outdoors.

“You have this beautiful mountain, which is the jewel in the crown and the centrepiece of the project,” explains Mary McCabe-Gray, Director of Sales for Frasers Property in Queensland.

“The notion of the village is to create more of that serenity, places where families grow together, children play safely, and people feel connected to each other and to nature.”

It’s a thoughtful masterplan shaped by the contours of the land itself, where winding streets follow natural ridgelines, and meandering trails connect homes to bushland gullies. The result is a community that feels both grounded and exciting, with every path leading somewhere worth discovering.

LIVE PROUD 2026

55

Artist impression. Indicative only.

Perfectly positioned between city and sea

A fully rounded life

For all its tranquillity, Round Mountain sits at the very centre of south east Queensland’s growth corridor, just 45 kilometres from Brisbane and 70 kilometres from the Gold Coast. The M2 and M6 motorways provide easy access north, south, east and west, while nearby Flagstone Central offers everyday convenience with its mix of supermarkets, cafés, and essential services. A little further away is Logan’s thriving CBD.

As you move through Round Mountain, the landscape opens up in a series of connected green spaces — shady reserves, pocket parks, and restored wildlife corridors that bring nature right to your doorstep. The community’s commitment to rewilding ensures local flora and fauna can thrive, from bees and butterflies to kookaburras and other native animals.

“It’s halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and well connected to both,” says Scott.

“You get the best of both worlds; a vibrant city life when you want it, and a peaceful community to come home to at the end of the day.”

This balance of access and escape is central to Round Mountain’s appeal: a place that lets families enjoy the adventure and opportunity of a fastgrowing region without giving up the calm and connection of the great outdoors.

Paths and play spaces encourage discovery at every age. For children, it’s a natural playground that inspires muddy knees, sun-kissed cheeks, and endless curiosity. For parents, it’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing your kids can explore safely, just as you once did.

“For kids, it’s all about playing in the creek bed, riding their bikes, looking at insects,” says Mary. “And for parents, it’s about slowing down. Going for a hike, getting outside, reconnecting with what matters most.”

It’s a vision of everyday adventure where the school run can include a stop at the local park, and weekends mean mountain walks instead of shopping-centre queues.

56

LIVE PROUD 2026

Gather round

At the heart of the neighbourhood lies The Foothills of Round Mountain, a welcoming local gathering place that will evolve into the community’s social soul. Here, families will be able to do their shopping, grab a coffee, meet friends for dinner, or watch their kids play on the village green.

It’s the kind of place that promises to grow more vibrant as the resident community increases, potentially hosting local markets, movie nights under the stars, and Food Truck Fridays – activities that have proved immensely popular at Round Mountain’s sister community, Brookhaven in Bahrs Scrub.

Community Development Manager for Frasers Property in Queensland, Marion Allard says the key is to create those early sparks of connection that help new neighbours feel at ease.

“When people first move in, they’re excited but also a little unsure. It’s a big change,” Marion explains. “Our role is to make that transition easier by giving them moments and places to meet each other naturally, whether it’s through a casual event on the village green or a meet-your-neighbours event in the community spaces.”

Over time, she says, those small introductions grow into genuine friendships, and the community begins to take on a life of its own.

“At Brookhaven, we’ve seen how quickly that shift happens. You start by hosting the first few events, and before long, residents are the ones organising Halloween and Christmas lights trails, gaming nights, and mothers’ groups themselves. That’s when you know a neighbourhood has really come alive, when it starts to activate itself.”

It’s a simple but powerful idea: when people feel grounded in place, they experience greater belonging.

“People will choose Round Mountain because it’s peaceful and surrounded by nature,” says Marion. “It will give people the chance to be fully present, with themselves and with others.

That’s what we want to teach our children.”

The road ahead

As the first roads, bridge, and entry landscaping take shape, Round Mountain is already beginning to reveal its character. Families exploring the area can now glimpse the mountain rising proudly in the distance, a natural anchor for the community that will grow in its embrace.

For Scott Ullman, Round Mountain is much more than its new neighbourhood infrastructure of 2,100 future homes; it’s an invitation to return to what matters — open skies, friendly faces, and the simple joy of watching your kids discover the world just beyond the backyard.

“I could think of nothing better than for kids to grow up in this sort of environment,” he says. “And for parents to be able to give those experiences to their children.”

LIVE PROUD 2026

57

BRADMILL YARRAVILLE: A HIDDEN GEM REVEALED

58

LIVE PROUD 2026

For years, Melbourne’s inner west was the city’s quiet achiever—gritty, creative, full of potential, and overlooked by anyone who didn’t know it well.

But now the secret is out. With better connectivity and a surge in cultural energy, the west has become one of the most exciting places to live in Melbourne—with Bradmill Yarraville at its heart.

E

very city has its myths. In Melbourne, one of the oldest is that life revolves around the north–south divide. But while that debate carried on, the inner west was busy becoming something far more interesting: a diamond in the rough that’s no longer rough, and no longer a secret.

For years, those who knew the west understood its appeal—the village charm of Yarraville, the multicultural heartbeat of Footscray, the river trails, the warehouse bars, the creative studios.

But with major infrastructure now completed and long-awaited connections unlocked, the west has stepped firmly into the spotlight.

Theo Della Bosca is the project’s Development Director. He’s been working on bringing Bradmill Yarraville to life since the site was acquired in partnership with Irongate in 2021. Years of masterplanning, heritage design, remediation works and development approvals preceded civil works, which commenced in 2024. A little over 18 months later, the first residents moved in.

“It’s enormously gratifying,” says Theo.

“Seeing people move in and make Bradmill home—the first people who’ve been resident on this site since the denim factory closed nearly a quarter of a century ago—that’s pretty special.”

And standing right inside that glow is Bradmill Yarraville by Frasers Property Australia.

Once an industrial relic, the 26-hectare former denim factory is now emerging as one of the most significant urban renewal projects in Melbourne. In 2026, that shift became real: the first townhomes have settled, pioneering residents have moved in, and a new chapter in Yarraville’s evolution has begun.

LIVE PROUD 2026

59

A new kind of urban village takes shape

What was once an idle factory site is now home to an emerging community, soon to grow to approximately 3,000 residents over the coming years.

As residents settle in and the streets begin to take on the rhythms of daily life, Bradmill’s next chapter is unfolding in layers. At the heart of the precinct, a lively retail village is planned, anchored by a full-line Woolworths. In time, this urban plaza will be filled with fresh food offerings, specialty stores, cafés, dining spaces and a central lawn designed for play, gatherings and community events.

Just beyond it, plans are underway for a new community facility in partnership with Maribyrnong Council, including a proposed new library. This future community hub will become a focal point and civic heart to the neighbourhood.

Green space weaves throughout the site too. A half-kilometre linear park will run the length of Bradmill,

drawing walkers, cyclists and families towards the sprawling 18-hectare McIvor Reserve next door. The reserve itself is preparing for further upgrades, including improvements to the dog park and new recreational facilities, yet another sign of the wider renewal happening across this pocket of Yarraville.

And then there are Bradmill’s heritage buildings—the red-brick landmarks that give the precinct its unmistakable character. In the later stages of the development, these spaces will be revived as wellness rooms, co-working areas, lounges and private dining spaces. They’ll come to life further down the track, but they remain central to Bradmill’s identity: a reminder that this new neighbourhood is built on the bones of a place with real history, reimagined for the next generation to enjoy.

late last year, when the West Gate Tunnel finally opened and, almost overnight, the inner west felt newly unlocked.

The transformation has been immediate and profound. A fast, reliable alternative to the bridge has shaved significant time off peak-hour travel. The thousands of trucks that once thundered along local streets have been redirected into the tunnel system, leaving Yarraville’s roads calmer, quieter and infinitely more pleasant to live around. Francis Street, which frames the edge of Bradmill, now enjoys 24/7 no-truck protections, restoring the kind of neighbourhood character locals have been waiting decades to experience.

The light at the end of the tunnel

For years, the thing that kept Yarraville an undiscovered gem to so many was the journey to get there.

The West Gate Bridge bottleneck, the rumble of trucks along Francis Street, the stop–start crawl of roadworks that felt endless. But everything changed

Cyclists have gained their own elevated 2.5-kilometre veloway, creating a safe express route into the city. Freeway connections flow more smoothly. New public spaces and noise walls have reshaped the corridor. And suddenly, a trip to the west—once considered a patience test—has become quick and predictable.

Theo has witnessed the shift firsthand. “It has changed the experience for local road users completely,” he says. “Taking heavy vehicles off these streets is huge.”

Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown, VIC

60

LIVE PROUD 2026

With access now matching the lifestyle that’s long defined this part of Melbourne, the inner west has stepped confidently out of the shadows. No longer a hidden gem, it has become one of the most desirable, connected and exciting regions in the city.

West is best Ask anyone who knows the inner west: there’s nothing manufactured about its charm. It’s real, lived-in, and stacked with personality. Here’s just a snapshot of what shapes the neighbourhood’s identity:

Yarraville Village

Artist impression. Indicative only.

Yarraville Village is the suburb’s cultural heartbeat, where artisan bakeries, wine bars and independent cafés spill onto charming streets lined with boutique retailers. Anchored by the much-loved Sun Theatre, it’s a pocket of old-world character and modern creativity that feels as welcoming on a weekday morning as it does on a Friday night.

Opportunity, unlocked

Yarraville–Footscray Bowling Club

If 2025 was the year the inner west hinted at its potential, 2026 is the year it stepped fully into its own.

With the tunnel open and the trucks finally gone, the rhythm of the neighbourhood has changed; streets feel calmer, getting around is easier, and Bradmill’s emerging village is beginning to hum with life as its first residents settle in. It’s the kind of shift locals have long predicted— and now the rest of Melbourne is waking up to it.

Just steps from Bradmill and McIvor Reserve, the Yarraville–Footscray Bowling Club is a local institution offering three immaculate grass greens and a modern bistro that hums with activity. Its Barefoot Bowls, sunny outdoor deck and lively social calendar cements it as one of the area’s most beloved gathering spots.

Grazeland, Spotswood

Grazeland is the inner west’s weekend playground, a buzzing openair hub of food trucks, craft drinks and global flavours served up to a revolving soundtrack of DJs and live music. With its festival energy and brightly lit stalls, it’s the kind of place where you pop in for dinner and end up staying for hours.

Williamstown Beach

Theo puts it simply: “A masterplanned community of this scale, with new homes from circa $1.2- to $1.7 million, plus access to your own wellness facilities, entertaining, and coworking spaces, there’s simply nothing equivalent to this so close to the city.”

And he’s right. For anyone willing to look past the old myths and outdated assumptions, the west—and Bradmill Yarraville in particular—is no longer the city’s hidden gem. It’s become one of Melbourne’s most compelling places to live, a neighbourhood whose moment has well and truly arrived.

Williamstown Beach offers a breezy, sun-drenched escape just a short drive from home, with gentle waves, long stretches of sand and leafy foreshore paths perfect for lazy afternoons. Its charming maritime village vibe makes it feel like a mini holiday without ever leaving Melbourne.

Maribyrnong River

The Maribyrnong River winds through the inner west, offering scenic running trails, cycling paths, rowing clubs and quiet corners for picnics.

At golden hour it’s especially spectacular, with the water catching the light as locals stroll, paddle, or simply unwind by the banks.

Highpoint Shopping Centre

Highpoint delivers a full day’s worth of possibilities under one roof, from luxury and everyday retail to restaurants, entertainment and a contemporary cinema complex. It’s one of Melbourne’s largest lifestyle destinations—loved for convenience, choice and the ability to tick off everything on the list in one visit.

LIVE PROUD 2026

61

LAND OF PLENTY Once a working farm, now a thriving modern neighbourhood, Five Farms is growing into a place of abundance, where families flourish, friendships form easily, and everything you need for a healthy, connected life is right at your doorstep.

62

LIVE PROUD 2026

LIVE PROUD 2026

63

C

alled Five Farms in a nod to the site’s dairy-farming heritage, this flourishing neighbourhood by Frasers Property Australia in Melbourne’s south east has grown from fertile ground into something far greater. Once known for its agricultural abundance, it’s now a place where health, happiness, prosperity, sustainability, and community are cultivated in a thriving modern village where residents play an active role in shaping the place they call home.

“It’s been remarkable to watch the transformation,” says Jill Lim, Development Director at Frasers Property Australia.

“We’re now about halfway through the project and with around 1,500 people living at Five Farms, it feels like the community has really found its rhythm. The Allendale Residents’ Club has just celebrated its first year, the café is buzzing, and families are using the facilities every day. It feels like a neighbourhood that’s coming into its own.”

From the beginning, Five Farms was envisioned as a place of abundance. Where once produce was plentifully grown, today that abundance is reflected in leafy streets, generous parklands, and the everyday life that thrives here.

“With its strong focus on wellness and belonging, Five Farms really feels like a modern interpretation of the traditional village,” says Jill. “Families can thrive here because life is easy and balanced. Schools are nearby, the residents’ club is the social heart of the community, and there’s open green space in every direction to keep you connected to nature.”

64

LIVE PROUD 2026

Abundantly connected

Positioned in Clyde North, Five Farms was designed around one powerful idea: to make daily life easier, healthier, and more connected. That vision has materialised through the arrival of key infrastructure, from new schools and green spaces to upgraded roads linking residents effortlessly to the Monash Freeway and Melbourne’s wider south east corridor.

Education is central to the neighbourhood’s appeal.

The new Birranga Secondary College is open for the 2026 school year, joining St Josephine Bakhita Catholic Primary School and nearby childcare centres in the local area. Together, they form an education precinct where children can grow from kindergarten to high school without ever leaving their local community.

At the centre of the community stands Allendale Residents’ Club, the vibrant hub that’s redefining what modern neighbourhood life can be. With its outdoor pool, gym, café, community garden and flexible function spaces, the residents’ club is part meeting place, part wellness retreat.

“It’s always a hub of activity,” says Nicole Dalby, Five Farms’ Community Development Manager. “On weekends, you’ll see kids shooting hoops, parents chatting over coffee, and families joining our garden workshops.

It’s become a place where new friendships are formed.”

Those garden workshops have blossomed into one of the community’s most loved activities.

Five Farms resident, Tino Chinyemba, has seen her love of gardening take root along with a beautiful bonding experience she shares with her family.

LIVE PROUD 2026

65

“I was eager to learn more about food gardening in Melbourne and now I’m confidently harvesting spinach, kale, lettuce, coriander, parsley, silverbeet, and celery,” says Tino. “There’s nothing quite as satisfying as eating from your own labour, and my kids — aged 9 and 11 — are right there learning alongside me.”

Tino says the free gardening workshops have delivered practical skills and genuine community connections. “I’ve learned just as much as the kids,” she says. “Understanding fertiliser use, accepting failure, being pragmatic about seasonal conditions, and mastering composting. We’ve returned our green bin, and the kids now manage our home compost.”

The residents club also hosts regular ‘Meet Your Neighbour’ events, designed to make introductions easier and get conversations flowing.

“We have a big board with all the lot numbers,” explains Nicole. “Residents place a sticker where they live, and if someone from your street is there too, we’ll make sure you meet. It’s such a simple thing, but it really works.”

66

LIVE PROUD 2026

A spirit of prosperity and purpose

What really sets Five Farms apart from many new and established neighbourhoods is its sense of selfsustaining vitality.

A ‘Women Making It Work’ networking series, held monthly at the residents club, has already changed lives. The not-for-profit program aims to support and uplift women business owners and ‘solopreneurs’ with opportunities for connection and learning.

“One of our residents told me it took quite a while for her to work up the courage to attend one of these events,” says Nicole. “Now she’s found a new tribe of friends and even started a home baking business. Another found parttime work with someone she met there. These kinds of activities are often life changing.”

For Jill, that human dimension is what brings the masterplan to life. “We can design the roads and deliver the parks,” she says, “but it’s the people who make it a community. You can feel that happening now at Five Farms. There is this incredible neighbourhood spirit.”

As Five Farms moves into its next chapter, the pieces of a vibrant, complete community are coming together. The new secondary school has opened its doors, and later this year the linear park — celebrating the seven seasons of the Bunurong people — will complete the picture, linking the neighbourhood through scenic walking trails and nature play zones.

“We’re at that beautiful turning point,” says Jill. “The foundations have been laid, now it’s about watching the community take ownership of the future they want to build here.”

LIVE PROUD 2026

67

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF RETAIL

HOW SHOPPING CENTRES HELP SHAPE MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITIES

At Frasers Property Australia, creating thriving shopping precincts requires equal parts data science, cultural awareness, and boots-on-the-ground observation—all in service of communities that feel like home.

W

hen Frasers Property Australia’s General Manager of Retail Investments, Felicity Armstrong, and her team were planning the retail mix for Mambourin Marketplace in Melbourne’s west, they didn’t just study census data. They drove through the neighbourhood observing driveways, counting cars, noting children’s bikes on front lawns. They visited local supermarkets to see what brands were stocked and watched shoppers to understand whether they were doing quick basket shops or full trolley runs.

“What we try to do is get as many different data sets as we can and layer them on top of each other to form our own view on what the drivers are for those customers,” explains Felicity. “We’ll start with the basics, but then we go and get actual spend data that tells you in which shops people are spending their money, and we combine that with what we see with our own eyes.”

Eastern Creek Quarter, NSW

This meticulous approach—part anthropology, part data science—exemplifies how Frasers Property has built its inhouse retail expertise over the past decade. And increasingly, it’s this expertise that’s transforming masterplanned communities into thriving, self-contained neighbourhoods where people live, shop, and connect.

LIVE PROUD 2026

69

Retail as community infrastructure

For Frasers Property, retail isn’t an afterthought in masterplanned developments, it’s fundamental infrastructure that requires the same careful planning as roads, parks, and community facilities. The challenge lies in timing: bringing retail online early enough to create community connection, but not so early that retailers can’t sustain their businesses.

At Mambourin, this meant waiting until the population could support a viable shopping precinct.

“We had drones regularly go up and count the number of roofs so that we could see how many residents were there,” Felicity reveals.

“Once we know we have critical mass, we know that we can start leasing.”

The patience paid off. Mambourin Marketplace secured 100% of its tenancies before opening.

It’s a result that reflects Frasers Property’s broader philosophy: each centre is shaped to answer the specific needs of its local community.

At Ed.Square Town Centre in Sydney’s south west, that has meant reflecting the area’s multicultural character, with an Eat Street packed with international flavours. Over in Eastern Creek, the new ECQ Outlet Centre will address the region’s undersupply of outlet retail.

“Sydney has been really under-provisioned in outlet retail,” says Felicity. “When you think about what Greater Western Sydney wants, they love brands and they want value. ECQ Outlet is in an amazing position to deliver on this for over 1.2 million people in the catchment.”

Future-proofing for Gen Z

Looking to the future, Felicity is particularly focused on how retail must evolve to serve Generation Z, who are expected to have the largest spending capacity of any cohort by 2030. This generation’s preferences are reshaping everything from tenant mix to technology integration.

“This is a generation that books everything online; they’re very unlikely to make a phone call,” she says. “A lot of our independent operators, mum and dad operators, don’t necessarily have that capability.”

Enter the Frasers Property Retailer Academy, a program designed to upskill independent retailers in digital capabilities, social media marketing, and other skills necessary to serve younger consumers.

It’s an investment that benefits both the retailers and the shopping centres they anchor.

The retail mix itself is transforming to reflect Gen Z values. At Ed.Square, Frasers Property has introduced flotation tanks, a gym, and a supplements store to reflect a shift toward health and wellness.

“The rise of wellness is huge,” Felicity says.

“That means the retail offer has to evolve to reflect a more health-conscious generation.”

She notes another shift: Gen Z’s prioritisation of quality over quantity. “They will spend money on what they perceive there is value in, but they won’t necessarily over indulge. You sometimes hear it called “treat culture” — this habit of indulging in small luxuries that boost your mood but don’t necessarily break the bank.”

In retail, this trend tends to favour upmarket cafes, frozen yoghurt stores, and beauty brands.

“We’re watching this space very closely, says Felicity, “so that our tenant mix always stays current.”

70

LIVE PROUD 2026

Mambourin Marketplace, VIC

Ed.Square, NSW

Delivering on distinctive neighbourhoods

When it comes to shopper experience, Felicity and her team “over-index” on parents’ rooms, kid-friendly spaces, and bathroom facilities, recognising that these small touches extend dwell time and improve the shopping experience.

Mambourin, VIC

Incubating the next generation of retail success stories

One of the retail team’s most innovative approaches is its revolving retail concept at Eastern Creek Quarter (ECQ)—five fully fitted micro-tenancies where different retailers rotate through, allowing Frasers Property to build relationships with emerging operators while testing new concepts.

The results speak for themselves. Flappy’s Fried Chicken started in a micro-tenancy at ECQ several years ago and now operates ten stores, including at Mambourin Marketplace—its first Victoria location. Another retailer was discovered operating from a food truck at a petrol station, given a micro-tenancy, and eventually graduated to a full restaurant lease elsewhere in the portfolio.

“This is how our approach is a little bit different,” Felicity says. “Retail is an evercompetitive market, so you need to be always evolving and looking out for something that’s a bit new and special.”

“It’s those little things that make a difference to an experience, especially in a neighbourhood shopping centre,” she notes.

This philosophy—treating shopping centres as destinations rather than merely a collection of shops—defines the Frasers Property approach.

“I cannot stand a bad shopping experience,” Felicity admits. “So, we treat our shopping centres like venues where we curate an experience. We make sure the music levels are right, that there’s natural light. All of this detail matters.”

For Frasers Property masterplanned communities like Mambourin, Ed.Square, and Bradmill Yarraville, this attention to retail design and tenant mix isn’t just about commercial success—it’s about creating genuine neighbourhood hubs where residents can build connections, access services, and feel a sense of place.

“When we talk about distinctive neighbourhoods, the addition of retail is a really great way to deliver on that promise,” Felicity reflects. “It naturally becomes the hub of that community. All the work we do to get it right pays off the moment that local people claim it as their own.”

LIVE PROUD 2026

71

72

Midtown LIVE MacPark, PROUDNSW 2026

BUILDING BELONGING Community spirit is built on belonging.

So too is a sense of personal accomplishment.

That’s why we strive to create vibrant and socially connected neighbourhoods where people prosper and feel proud to belong.

LIVE PROUD 2026

73

COMMUNITY BY DESIGN HOW GREAT NEIGHBOURHOODS COME TO LIFE

74

LIVE PROUD 2026

What makes some neighbourhoods feel like home while others remain collections of strangers? At Frasers Property Australia, community development is both art and science, a discipline that helps knit together the social fabric, while transforming developments into connected, resilient communities where people truly belong.

LIVE PROUD Brookhaven, 2026QLD

75

The strategy behind stronger, smarter, happier neighbourhoods Midtown MacPark, NSW

W

hen Claire Palmer packed her bags for India early last year, she wasn’t attending just any wedding.

The Frasers Property Australia Community Development Manager was flying halfway around the world because Ed.Square resident Sanjukta Chandra—known to everyone as Pinky—insisted she be there. “She was just like: ‘You will be there. You will be coming,’” Claire recalls with a laugh. “How could I possibly say no.”

Over five days of ceremonies, Claire wasn’t just a guest, she was family. Pinky’s relatives introduced her as “Claire, she works at Frasers. She’s our community manager,” and she was embraced warmly. “To become part of people’s lives in this way makes me very proud, says Claire. “It really gives purpose to the work that we do.”

This depth of connection doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every thriving Frasers Property neighbourhood is a deliberate, evolving approach to community development that begins years before the first resident moves in and continues long after the last home is sold.

For decades, community development in property development was largely an afterthought—perhaps a meet-your-neighbour barbecue or a Christmas party. But at Frasers Property Australia, it’s embedded in the DNA of every project, aligned with the company’s broader Stronger Smarter Happier ESG strategy.

“Community building means giving people the power to create places where they genuinely want to live,” says Emily Wood, Executive General Manager Development. “That happens through close collaboration with residents and community groups, really listening to what matters to them and turning those insights into action.”

This commitment shows in the results. Frasers Property’s annual Great Neighbourhood Survey reveals that 95% of residents smile or say hello when they pass someone they don’t know in their community, 76% feel connected, and 85% know at least one neighbour by their first name.

CEO Cameron Leggatt sees this community spirit as valuable social capital and fundamental to the company’s ambitions. “Our role is to create neighbourhoods where people experience a deeper sense of community and belonging,” he says.

“It’s a huge contributor to people’s happiness and quality of life. When you visit our communities, you can feel it—that sense of connection, that willingness to help a neighbour, that pride in where they live.

It’s one of the many things that makes a Frasers Property neighbourhood distinctive.”

76

LIVE PROUD 2026

The Waterfront, Shell Cove, NSW

The early years

Community development at Frasers Property begins long before ground is broken. In the visioning phase, Community Development Managers become anthropologists, studying the social landscape as carefully as architects study the physical one.

“We’re imagining who’s going to be living here, how they’re going to use the space, what’s their aspiration in life,” explains Marion Allard, Community Development Manager for Frasers Property’s Queensland communities.

“Why would they choose to live here?

And how are they going to interact with place, people, and nature?”

At Bradmill Yarraville in Melbourne’s inner west, Senior Community Development Manager David Mazzotta took this principle to heart. The former textile mill site sits in a neighbourhood with deep working-class roots now experiencing gentrification.

Understanding this tension was crucial.

“There can be a sense of distrust when a developer is coming into a community,” David says. “Our role is to build trust early so we can demonstrate the value we’re bringing—the extra amenity, the new community spaces.”

David’s team ran listening posts and engagement sessions, discovering that Yarraville has the highest incidence of home-based businesses in the inner west and a thriving creative community. This directly influenced the masterplan design: Bradmill Yarraville will feature three floors of co-working space, and every townhouse includes a study or study area.

Artist impression. Indicative only.

But David went deeper. Through The Stories of Bradmill project and documentary film, he’s capturing the site’s history and the memories of former workers, ensuring the new community respects and celebrates what came before. “It’s about being part of what makes the suburb so great, not apart from it,” he says.

For Marion, stakeholder engagement is paramount.

At Frasers Property’s new Round Mountain community in New Beith, locals requested that the company help educate new residents about rural living—like understanding when neighbours might light fires for land management or what to do if native animals appear on their property. “That’s priceless information,” says Marion. “It helps people get a feel for their new area much faster.”

LIVE PROUD 2026

77

Emerging communities

The moment residents start moving in, community development shifts gears. Now it’s about facilitating connections and creating what David calls “little moments of serendipity.”

At meet-your-neighbour events, the Community Development team display lot plans where residents place stickers on their property. “More often than not, someone standing next to you putting their sticker on also lives nearby,” David explains. “There’s that realisation of ‘Oh, we’re neighbours!’ And then off they go getting acquainted and introduced.

We’re facilitating those moments where people discover what they have in common.”

But it’s the grassroots programs that often create the closest bonds. At Ed.Square, Claire took a deliberate approach: “We decided very early that everything we did must be sustainable and something that could be easily replicated by the residents themselves.

We weren’t going to just throw big events in the park and call it community development.”

This philosophy led to quarterly planning workshops, not committee meetings. The distinction matters. “In my experience, committee meetings become about development issues, construction, dust,” Claire notes. “But planning breakfasts with coffee and crepes? You get people who want to share ideas, like starting a community garden or book club.”

The key is giving residents agency to choose what role they want to play. At workshops, Claire asks: “Are you a doer? Are you a supporter? Are you a promoter? Even just liking and sharing our posts, we have a job for you.” Not everyone is naturally outgoing, but everyone can contribute.

Claire’s approach recently earned recognition at the Planning Institute of Australia’s 2025 Awards for Planning Excellence, with the Ed.Square residents group winning the Community Wellbeing & Diversity Award.

78

LIVE PROUD 2026

Burwood Brickworks, VIC

Creating rituals that stick

As communities mature, the focus shifts to helping residents create sustainable traditions that will outlast the developer’s presence.

Marion’s Community Champions Roundtable exemplifies this approach. She brings together community leaders from different Frasers Property developments in Queensland—Brookhaven, Hamilton Reach, and The Quarry—to share experiences and support one another. The roundtable helps champions realise they’re not alone in the journey of being a community builder.

Marion’s vision extends beyond Frasers Property neighbourhoods to the impact people can have on their wider communities. “I think it’s like a rising tide. If you upskill people, elevate their understanding of the role they can play in their community and society, they’ll teach others and it becomes like a ripple effect.”

In community development practice, “capacity building” refers to strengthening a community’s ability to sustain itself through developing skills, knowledge, and organisational structures. This might include teaching residents how to run their own events, host meetings effectively, establish governance frameworks like incorporated associations with elected office bearers, write grant applications to secure ongoing funding, manage budgets and insurance, or build partnerships with local councils and service providers.

An investment that pays forward

The goal is to transfer the technical know-how and confidence needed so that when the developer exits, the community has the infrastructure and capability to continue thriving independently.

For Claire, this thinking starts from day one.

“You either give a man a fish and he eats for a day, or you teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime. We’re going to teach everyone how to fish.”

At Ed.Square, Claire’s residents now lead their own initiatives, from journaling clubs to walking groups. “The community centre closed for four months last year for relocation and they were still meeting,” Claire says. “They were inviting people to their houses, meeting at cafes. That’s when you know it’s sustainable.”

For Pinky at Ed.Square, the impact of Claire’s work is profound. When she first moved from India to Australia, “she just felt it was empty and unfamiliar ” Claire recalls. But at Ed.Square, Pinky found her people.

“I moved to Ed looking for connection, and what I found was family,” Pinky says. “When my daughter got married in India, having Claire there wasn’t unusual at all. It was natural, she’s part of my family now.”

What makes Frasers Property’s approach to community development distinctive isn’t just the dedicated managers across its portfolio or the programmes they run. It’s the long-term thinking that views community building as integral to creating value, not a marketing afterthought.

“This is our superpower,” Claire asserts.

“This is what really sets Frasers Property apart.”

As Cameron Leggatt notes, the Frasers Property approach to social sustainability creates a virtuous cycle. “When we focus on building genuine community, everything else follows—people want to live there, they recommend us to friends, they stay longer, they take care of the neighbourhood.

Our communities become places people are proud to call home, and that’s the kind of legacy that’s always worth building.”

In an era where loneliness is recognised as a public health crisis and social disconnection threatens the fabric of society, Frasers Property’s commitment to community development offers something increasingly rare: neighbourhoods where people don’t just live near each other, they live life together.

As Claire discovered on her journey to India, sometimes the best measure of success is simply being told: “You’re a part of our family now.”

Ed.Square, NSW

LIVE PROUD 2026

79

80

LIVE PROUD 2026

TO INDIA, WITH LOVE When Claire Palmer received an invitation to attend a resident’s daughter’s wedding in India, she never imagined it would become one of the most transformative experiences of her life. Or that it would exemplify a profound sense of purpose forged through her work.

F

or Claire Palmer, Community Development Manager at Frasers Property Australia’s Ed.Square community in Sydney’s south west, the invitation seemed impossible at first. A three-week trip to India with her husband and two young children to attend the wedding of Shreya, daughter of resident Sanjukta Chandra— affectionately known as Pinky—felt like both an incredible honour and a logistical mountain to climb.

“I thought it was a little crazy at first,” Claire admits. “Could I really take this trip? But Pinky was insistent, ‘You will be there. Of course you’re part of our family.’ How could I possibly refuse that?”

The invitation reflects the kinds of genuine bonds that can form when community development moves beyond events and activations to become truly grassroots and personal, an approach that recently earned the Ed.Square Residents Group the Community Wellbeing & Diversity Award at the Planning Institute of Australia’s 2025 Awards for Planning Excellence.

“When I got up to receive the award at the Planning Institute, people were blown away that a property developer is doing community engagement at this level,” Claire recalls.

The philosophy has created something remarkable at Ed.Square. The community celebrates diversity through regular multicultural events, where residents in the local LGA from 145 different language groups, come together not just to observe but to genuinely participate in each other’s traditions.

“We celebrate Eid, we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Diwali, and everybody enjoys every celebration,” Pinky says. “That’s the best thing about Ed. We are so interested to learn from one another.”

For Pinky, this sense of belonging runs deeper than she’s experienced anywhere else. “Ed.Square is the only place I feel I truly belong. Even in India, I don’t feel this level of community. Claire is responsible for so much of that feeling.”

LIVE PROUD 2026

81

A connection that clicked

Pinky moved to Ed.Square in August 2020, one of the pioneering residents of the community.

She met Claire shortly before Christmas that year, during the COVID lockdown period when connection felt more precious than ever.

“It was instant, we just clicked right away,” Pinky recalls. “I just loved her so much.

We got along so well.”

The connection began with shared interests.

Pinky’s husband works in Bollywood shows and films, and Claire had always been fascinated

by Indian culture and cinema. But it deepened through their collaboration on community events, particularly the Diwali celebrations which Pinky alongside other residents volunteer to run and that have become a cornerstone of Ed.Square’s multicultural programming.

“She’s so warm and she embraces you with both arms,” Pinky says of Claire. “She’s an amazing personality. The kind of person you can just open up with, and anyone will definitely fall in love with her.”

For Claire, Pinky’s energy and generosity of spirit have been transformative for the community.

“Pinky is just so welcoming to everyone and gives so freely of her time. She’s a true community leader, exactly the kind of person that you hope to meet when you’re growing the bonds of a new neighbourhood.”

82

LIVE PROUD 2026

A wedding to remember

When Claire committed to making the journey to India in March 2025 with her family, she had no idea what awaited her. The destination wedding in Kolkata was a grand affair: three days, five events, more than 300 guests, with the entire hotel booked for the celebration.

But what struck Claire most wasn’t the scale; it was her inclusion in the innermost circle of the family.

When other guests assumed Claire might not want the full traditional henna (mehndi) skin decoration treatment, Pinky intervened to make sure she was treated no differently than any other member of the bridal party.

Claire found herself seated on the stage during the main ceremony, which lasted until 2am, alongside Pinky and another Ed.Square resident, Andrew, an Australian neighbour who stood in as Pinky’s brother to perform crucial wedding rituals.

For Claire’s children, the trip opened their eyes to a wider world. “My kids obviously know Ed. and occasionally come to Ed. events, but to take them to a wedding where we were the only Aussies was huge,” Claire says. “It showed them that they’re a part of a bigger community, a bigger world.”

For Claire professionally, the experience crystallised the importance of her work. “It gave me a very strong sense of purpose for what I do and why I do it. How lucky am I that I get to do this for a job?”

A deeper sense of belonging

The story of Claire’s journey to India illustrates something essential about effective community development: it requires genuine relationshipbuilding and trust that builds toward a deeper sense of belonging.

“After you’ve witnessed people’s lives, seen them move in, have babies, have grandchildren— you’re well beyond community development and into genuine friendship,” she says.

A public art mural in the new Ed.Square community centre now features Pinky’s daughter and son-in-law alongside other resident portraits, a wonderful reminder of Shreya’s connection to the Ed.Square community before beginning her new life in India.

“I miss her so much,” Pinky says. “But I’m happy.

She’s very happy with the person she wanted to be with.”

The mural keeps Shreya close to the Ed.Square community where she once lived and symbolises a profound truth: no matter how far we go, true belonging lives in people’s hearts forever.

LIVE PROUD 2026

83

A HOME FOR ALL The concept of home is a cornerstone of a stable, healthy life. It’s where families gather, children grow, and communities thrive. Yet, for over 122,000 Australians, that fundamental security is missing. This pressing national challenge is being met head-on by a powerful coalition of property industry leaders through the establishment of the A Home for All Foundation.

H

ousing insecurity isn’t just a problem confined to our streets; it’s far more complex and often invisible.

In fact, 94% of those experiencing homelessness aren’t sleeping rough. They’re couch surfing, living in cars, or moving through temporary accommodation with no guarantee of stability. With 1 in 10 Australians now at risk of homelessness, this is a confronting reality, but crucially, it is a solvable problem if we rally together.

Established in 2025 and backed by organisations like REA Group and Frasers Property Australia, the A Home for All Foundation was created to channel the property sector’s influence and reach. It is about stepping up as a collective to drive awareness, raise funds, and build long-term change. The Foundation’s Advisory Committee, which brings together diverse experts from across the property sector, ensures that solutions are well-informed and can be implemented at scale.

Emily Wood, Executive General Manager Development at Frasers Property Australia and a member of the Foundation’s Advisory Committee, is passionate about the importance of the issue.

“Initiatives like A Home for All are vitally important to help direct funding where it is most needed and to spark the collaboration required to address change at scale,” she says. “This is an exciting opportunity to take the purpose we live by at Frasers Property Australia – creating belonging and connection – and extend it beyond our projects to where it’s truly needed.”

Tackling urgent needs

The Foundation operates with clear focus and transparency. Each financial year, the Advisory Committee votes on a theme to guide its fundraising and the disbursement of funds to charitable partners. This strategic approach ensures that resources are concentrated on the areas of greatest need.

For FY26, the Giving Focus is Domestic and Family Violence.

This targeted focus addresses a sobering reality: the number of people experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence has more than doubled between 2021 and 2024. For families, particularly women and children, a safe home can be the critical factor between safety and danger. In this financial year, all funds raised through A Home for All Foundation will be directed to charities supporting those experiencing homelessness due to domestic and family violence.

This vital work is particularly important to families. Secure housing is the bedrock of a child’s development and education. By supporting organisations that provide stable housing, the Foundation directly helps parents escape dangerous situations and secures a child’s right to safety, education, and the chance to simply be a kid.

A call to action

The Foundation successfully translated its vision into tangible action with its inaugural fundraising challenge, “A Night Without Home.” Last October, participants across the country stepped up, experiencing a small measure of the instability faced by those without secure housing. They chose from challenges like couch surfing, hosting an office overnighter with their team, or committing to sleep in the car or sleep outdoors safely for a night. Others pledged to go without home comforts like hot water or electricity for a month or found unique ways to fundraise their way through events like raffles and charity auctions.

This powerful collective effort was a massive success, raising over $1 million to support the Foundation’s important mission. This remarkable achievement proved that when the industry and the community rally together, significant, positive change is possible.

To learn more about the Foundation’s ongoing work, future initiatives, and how you can continue to support the mission, visit ahomeforall.com.au.

LIVE PROUD 2026

85

FIND YOUR COMMUNITY. GET CONNECTED.

Moving to a new place can be daunting. Leaving familiar surroundings and building new connections takes time and effort. But the good news is, Frasers Property neighbourhoods are designed to make that transition seamless.

With close-knit communities and all kinds of engaging groups to join, finding your place and forging lasting friendships has never been easier. Dive in, explore the opportunities, and discover the welcoming community that awaits you.

QLD

Brookhaven Mums & Bubs Meet-up

Brookhaven Mums & Bubs Meet-up

Enjoy a relaxed weekly rendezvous at the local café. Gloria, a resident and café owner, created this gathering for mums and bubs to share experiences and build friendships. Coffee, toys, picnic blankets and books await, all set against a beautiful natural backdrop.

Join the Brookhaven Mums & Bubs coffee connection every Wednesday.

Adopt an Aged Care Resident

A popular initiative by local community member Michelle, this group brings joy and connection to seniors living in aged care.

While the program is currently at capacity, check the Brookhaven Residents Facebook group for updates, donation requests, and future volunteering opportunities.

86

LIVE PROUD 2026

NSW Midtown Neighbourhood Walk

Start your week with a scenic walk along Shrimpton’s Creek. Join local residents every Monday for fresh air and community connection.

Check the Facebook page for updates.

Hamilton Reach Chatty Café

Ed.Square Playgroup

Hamilton Reach Chatty Café

Ed.Square Playgroup

Local Hamilton Reach resident, Leilani, launched this monthly coffee meetup, a friendly space to connect with others and chat about life, especially for those that work from home or live alone. Enjoy warm conversations about family, travel, and hobbies in a welcoming atmosphere.

From casual coffee meetups, Milli helped build a vibrant playgroup, now affiliated with Playgroup NSW. This volunteer-run group provides a welcoming space for families, offering tea, coffee, and engaging activities for little ones—music, toys, playdough, crafts, and more. Inclusive and shaped by member feedback, it’s a place where lasting friendships are forged, and everyone is welcome.

The Chatty Café meets at RIVA on the third Wednesday of each month at 10am.

Hamilton Reach Social Get Together

The Ed.Square Playgroup meets weekly on Saturdays from 10am to 12pm during school terms.

Ed.Square Journalling Club

Join Nathara and friends for dedicated journalling time and deep connections. Using prompt cards, members share stories and discuss topics, building a tight-knit community. Experience the joy of meaningful conversations and a strong sense of belonging.

Hamilton Reach Social Get Together

Inspired by a day trip to a Regional Flower Festival with neighbours, Leilani and Susan created this Facebook group for community fun. Suggest or join social events— exercise, dining, museums, theatre, and more. Flexibility, curiosity, and community spirit drive this group.

Residents are encouraged to join the Hamilton Reach Social Get Together Facebook group.

The Journalling Club meets on the first Friday of the month at the Ed.Square Community Space from 5:30 - 7:30pm.

Ed.Square MovEd

Amanda and John’s desire for an active lifestyle sparked this popular monthly community walk. Join families and neighbours for a 4km walk or run around the community and wetlands, followed by coffee at a local café. This initiative promotes fitness, connection, and supports local businesses.

MovEd meets on the first Sunday of the month outside Subset 27 at 8am.

Midtown Neighbourhood Walk

Zumba

Get moving with high-energy Zumba classes every Thursday from 7-7:45pm at Ed.Square Community Centre. $15 casual class or $125 for a 10-pack.

Contact zumbaated@outlook.com to book or find out more.

Midday Meditation & Mindfulness

Step away from your screen, breathe, and reset with weekday meditation sessions at Ed.Square Community Space.

Runs Monday to Friday, 12-1pm during school terms. Free to attend—just turn up.

Music & Storytime

Bounce, sing, and create while exploring picture books and craft activities designed to spark a love of reading in your little ones—and connect with neighbours too.

For children 0-5 and their carers. First Wednesday of each month, 10:30-11:15am.

Free, no bookings required.

LIVE PROUD 2026

87

VIC Midtown Chatty Café

Social Singles 55+

Pulse with Purpose (The Grove)

Connect with like-minded neighbours at this casual fortnightly social gathering at Shell Cove Marina.

Driven by faith and community, Musurrat and Alisha founded Pulse with Purpose at The Grove’s Dianella Community Centre. This volunteerpowered non-profit offers culturally sensitive services, from serving meals through their Sahtain program to mentoring youth in the Study Circle.

They’ve partnered on sustainability initiatives like “Make the Switch,” empowering women with reusable sanitary products. With Q&A sessions and sewing workshops, they’re building community and aiming to become a social enterprise through catering.

Meet-ups are designed to support participants to connect, forge new friendships, or simply enjoy the stunning Waterfront surroundings in good company. This community initiative combats loneliness and promotes wellbeing amongst older residents.

Midtown Chatty Café

Enjoy a mid-week catch-up at the Community Hub. Friendly volunteers create a warm, inclusive atmosphere for neighbours to connect over a cuppa.

Wednesdays from 12pm to 2pm.

Join the Facebook group or contact shellcove.community@frasersproperty. com.au for more information.

Shell Cove Waterfront Walkers

Enjoy the scenic waterfront and the company of fellow residents with this weekly walking group. Started through a local health initiative in partnership with Healthy Cities Illawarra, it’s now resident-led, attracting 20-25 walkers each week.

Connect with neighbours, enjoy a post-walk coffee, and find support within this active community.

Check the Facebook page for photos and upcoming social outings.

Shell Cove Community Garden

Midtown Eats

Midtown Eats

Share a meal and build connections at the community BBQ. Hosted by a local church, this event brings Midtown residents together for shared food and fellowship.

Second Friday of the month.

88

LIVE PROUD 2026

From humble beginnings in 2019, this thriving community garden now boasts over 23 garden beds, a greenhouse, storage container, and compost bed. Get your hands dirty at the twice-weekly working bees, learn from information sessions, and support the garden through plant sales and fundraising BBQs. This resident-run, not-for-profit organisation fosters community spirit and is even helping design its permanent home in Sophia Park, coming in late 2025.

Contact the group for more information at shellcovegarden@gmail.com.

Connect with the group through their Facebook page.

Women Making It Work (Five Farms)

Founded in the early 2000s to empower women in business, Women Making It Work began as a Victorian Government initiative, addressing a gap in female representation within networking.

Now a not-for-profit, they host monthly events featuring inspiring speakers. Partnering with Five Farms in 2024, they’ve found a new home at the Five Farms Sales Centre, continuing to provide a valuable forum for women in the Casey and Cardinia regions.

Contact Five Farms for more information.

Burwood Brickworks Community Group

Led by resident and community champion Celia, this group brings neighbours together through monthly book clubs, trivia nights, Neighbourhood Watch meetings, parents’ catch-ups, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.

Contact Celia at burwoodbrickworkscommunity@ gmail.com for upcoming events and activities.

WA

Baldivis & Districts Men’s Shed

Mandurah Community Gardens

Mandurah Community Gardens Port Coogee Community Association

Port Coogee Community Association

Want to make a difference in your neighbourhood? This committee brings residents together to build a stronger, more connected Port Coogee. Co-create initiatives to build connection in your neighbourhood, address local issues, and work on projects related to safety, sustainability, and development. Join this inclusive group and help shape the future of your community.

Email contactus@portcoogee.com.au for more information.

Grow, connect, and thrive at the Mandurah Community Gardens.

This is a community hub that invites all people to join in, cultivate fresh produce, share gardening knowledge, and participate in workshops and events. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this community garden fosters sustainability, wellbeing, and a love for nature.

Visit www. mandurahcommunitygardens.com.au for more information.

Manjar Ukulele

Underwater Explorers Club of WA

Dive into adventure and community with this local Port Coogee club.

With a dedicated 12m dive boat and 150+ members, they explore local waters, organise trips (even overseas!) and contribute to environmental clean-ups and monitoring. Beyond diving, the UEC fosters a strong social community with regular meetups.

Visit www.uecwa.com.au for more information.

Manjar Ukulele

Find purpose, connection, and camaraderie at the Men’s Shed.

This terrific local group combats social isolation and fosters a sense of belonging. Work on meaningful projects with like-minded individuals and contribute to the community.

Visit www.baldivismensshed.org.au for more information.

CWA Baldivis Belles

CWA Baldivis Belles

Join this diverse group of women for friendship, fun, and community involvement. Learn new skills, participate in social activities, and contribute to meaningful projects.

The CWA Baldivis Belles welcomes women of all ages and interests.

Visit their Facebook page for more information.

Strum along with Manjar Ukulele!

This welcoming group encourages everyone to make music together, regardless of skill level. Enjoy the infectious energy, learn new chords, and sing along with newfound friends at the Frasers Landing Community Centre.

Connect with Manjar Ukelele on Facebook for more details.

LIVE PROUD 2026

89

90

LIVE PROUD 2026

The Quarry, QLD

LIVE PROUD It’s in the wave from a neighbour and the togetherness of friends. The laughter of children at play.

Small moments that become the measure of a life well lived and feeling proud. Of your home, your community, and of all that you’ve created.

LIVE PROUD 2026

91

HANOI FROM ANCIENT PAGODAS TO LAKESIDE LUXURY

Hanoi is a city of contrasts—ancient pagodas rising beside modern cafés, tree-lined boulevards, teeming alleyways, and a daily rhythm that moves between meditative calm and vibrant street energy. At its heart lies West Lake (Tay Ho), a serene stretch of water that has become one of Hanoi’s most coveted districts. Here, lakeside paths, leafy streets, and a thriving dining scene create a neighbourhood that feels both deeply traditional and distinctively cosmopolitan.

Planning a trip to Vietnam’s capital? We asked the team at Fraser Suites Hanoi to share their favourite local experiences—both in the West Lake district and across the city.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda, has stood over West Lake since the 6th century. Its vermillion stupa reflects beautifully over the water, especially at sunset, while the surrounding shrines offer a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle.

Visit early in the morning to watch local residents practise tai chi by the water. It’s one of Hanoi’s most calming rituals.

If you’re suffering from jet lag, this is the place to be between 2 am and 4 am, when the market is at its liveliest.

Quang Ba Flower Market

Open before dawn, this lively wholesale flower market spills colour and fragrance into the cool morning air. Buckets of lotus, chrysanthemums, and orchids line the narrow streets, creating a mesmerising sensory experience.

Quang An Street

Visit between 3 pm and 6 pm for the best views of West Lake at sunset.

Named one of the “coolest streets in the world”

by Time Out, Quang An Street runs along the eastern edge of West Lake and blends global flavour with lakeside calm. This 1.2km stretch is dotted with cosy cafés, boutique stores, wine bars, and a mix of European, Asian, and vegetarian dining, making it one of Tay Ho’s most vibrant pockets.

Ho Chi Minh Complex

Check opening hours before you go, the mausoleum keeps limited, specific visiting times.

This historic precinct is one of Vietnam’s most significant landmarks, home to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, his traditional stilt house, and tranquil gardens that reflect the country’s political and cultural story. Walking through the complex offers a fascinating look into the life and legacy of Vietnam’s founding leader, as well as the country’s path to independence.

STAY: Fraser Suites Hanoi

Situated in the prestigious Tay Ho district, Fraser Suites Hanoi offers a luxurious retreat overlooking the calm waters of West Lake, just minutes from the city’s most iconic cultural sites. Luxurious serviced apartments range from stylish studios to expansive threeand four-bedroom duplexes ideal for families, business travellers, or long-stay guests.

Located on site, you can enjoy all-day dining at Chicken Society, serving its signature Singaporean Hainanese chicken rice alongside Hanoi favourites like bun cha and cha ca. On Level 13, Mizumi offers refined izakaya and omakase dining, best enjoyed before cocktails at the rooftop bar with sweeping views over West Lake.

Hanoi Botanical Gardens

A tranquil green refuge in the heart of the city, the Hanoi Botanical Gardens are known for their towering ancient trees, serene waterways, and meandering pathways that offer a quiet escape from the urban bustle. Established in the late 19th century, the gardens are a favourite spot for morning exercise, leisurely strolls, and birdwatching, with several native species calling the area home.

The Gardens are especially beautiful during the lotus season (June–July), when the ponds come alive with colour.

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum Don’t miss the lacquer painting galleries.

Vietnam’s craftsmanship in this medium is world-renowned.

Housed in a striking French-colonial building, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum offers a rich journey through the country’s artistic heritage. Its galleries span everything from ancient Cham sculptures and traditional lacquerware to contemporary Vietnamese painting, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural influences that have shaped the nation’s creative identity.

The Old Quarter

Hanoi’s historic heart is a maze of 36 craft streets, each named for the goods once sold there. Today, it’s a sensory adventure: street food stalls sizzling with bun cha, narrow shops selling silk and ceramics, and scooters weaving their own kind of choreography.

Take a slow walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dusk. The lights, the reflections, and the evening crowds create pure Hanoi magic.

Guests also have access to a rooftop pool, 24/7 gym, business lounge, childcare services, and convenient access to nearby restaurants, supermarkets, and medical facilities. With its blend of luxury, location, and lifestyle, Fraser Suites Hanoi is the perfect base for exploring Vietnam’s captivating capital, as well as a tranquil retreat to return home to each evening.

COMMUNITY MILESTONES

NSW Coffee with a Cop (Eastern Creek Quarter)

Eastern Creek Quarter hosted Coffee with a Cop at The Shed Café in partnership with Mount Druitt Police Area Command. The family-friendly event featured police vehicles, a police dog visit, kids’ entertainment, and complimentary coffee, encouraging relaxed conversations and reinforcing community connection.

Cook-Up for Dignity Australia (Ed.Square)

The Ed.Square Retail Team volunteered with Dignity Australia, preparing over 500 meal packages to be distributed across community homes supporting families and individuals affected by domestic violence.

Winter Solstice Celebration (The Waterfront, Shell Cove)

Shell Cove celebrated the winter solstice in June with three days of festivities featuring a popup ice rink, food trucks, live music, and kids’ entertainment, all culminating with Woofstock, a ‘paws-itively’ adorable pooch-focused event to conclude the extravaganza!

PromenART Sculpture Walk (The Waterfront, Shell Cove)

The popular PromenART Sculpture Walk returned in September for its third year, transforming the Marina into an outdoor gallery with over 35 pieces from 20 artists on display along the 2.4km boardwalk. The six-week exhibition included weekend music, live art demonstrations, and family entertainment.

94

LIVE PROUD 2026

Fairy Bread Day (Midtown MacPark)

Midtown residents marked National Fairy Bread Day in November with fairy bread making, kids’ craft, old-fashioned games, and a ‘sprinkle kindness’ wall, raising funds for The Pyjama Foundation.

Midtown Eats End of Year Celebration (Midtown MacPark)

In December, Midtown residents gathered for a fun evening of festive food, musical entertainment, carol singing and family entertainment, culminating with a special visit from Santa and his helpers.

Shell Cove Winter Solstice

WA

The Quarry Christmas on The Lawn Lantern Markets at Baldivis Parks

QLD First Harvest of Round Mountain Honey (Round Mountain)

Round Mountain’s bees have been busy, with the very first batch of honey harvested in November 2025—a sweet milestone for the new community.

Visitors will soon be able to explore other Round Mountain conservation initiatives when the Sales & Discovery Centre opens this year.

Lantern Markets (Baldivis Parks)

The community celebrated with their seasonal and self-managed Lantern Market event—a wonderful way to continue catching up and celebrating the neighbourhood.

Little Explorers Holiday Program (The Quarry)

During school holidays, children enjoyed clay nature prints, guided sketching, native plant discoveries, scavenger hunts, and face painting, while families relaxed with morning tea, live music, and neighbourhood connection.

Christmas on The Lawn (The Quarry)

Families gathered on The Lawn to welcome Santa and enjoy wreath making, festive beading, and a Grinch cocktail workshop with food, drinks, and good conversation. With live music and kids running between activities, it was another great community gathering and a tradition The Quarry looks forward to continuing.

Atria Community Garden (Hamilton Reach)

The Gardening Club worked tirelessly this year to create a welcoming, calm space for residents to relax, reconnect, and reflect. Residents are invited to pick herbs for cooking or flowers to brighten their apartments, and to use the garden for reading, playing mahjong, or catching up over drinks and nibbles with neighbours.

Barkhaven Grand Opening (Brookhaven)

Families and their furry friends joined in for a fun-filled, tail-wagging morning at the brand-new Barkhaven Dog Park. Complete with shelters, seating, minor lighting, and unique natural elements like sandstone boulders for play and rest, it’s a relaxed, happy space for humans and hounds alike.

Frasers Landing

Community Groups Thriving (Frasers Landing)

The community is humming along with active community groups including a community garden, street libraries, grow cart, walking groups, and book clubs.

Resident Advocacy & Events (Port Coogee)

The local resident group is advocating for a suburb name change among other neighbourhood goals, while running a busy program of selfsustaining events. The group secured council support to permanently light the trees along the marina.

Garage Sale Trail (Brookhaven)

Held for the first time in November, this hugely successful second-hand treasure hunt brought residents together while giving the planet a little love. One person’s “maybe” became another person’s “must-have” throughout the community.

LIVE PROUD 2026

95

VIC Display Village Easter Event (Berwick Waters) Mambourin Diwali Celebration

Berwick Waters hosted an Easter event in collaboration with community and builder partners, with over 500 people attending.

Families enjoyed egg hunts, face painting, and kids’ activities throughout the display village.

Stories of Bradmill Documentary (Bradmill Yarraville)

The Stories of Bradmill documentary film premiered at the iconic Sun Theatre in Yarraville to honour and celebrate the legacy of the Bradmill Factory. The film captured stories from former workers, preserving the important history of this iconic site.

Mambourin Marketplace Opening (Mambourin)

Mambourin Marketplace officially opened with a Coles supermarket, medical precinct, and 25 specialty stores, creating a new retail and social destination for Melbourne’s west.

The Grove Wetlands Stride Fun Run

Diwali Celebration (Mambourin / Mambourin Green)

Mambourin and Mambourin Green came alive as families, friends and neighbours gathered for the community’s first-ever Diwali celebration. With 300+ people in attendance, the event was a vibrant celebration of colour, culture and connection.

Riverside Celebration Events (The Grove)

A series of events celebrated the opening of the Riverside precinct including the Ebb Drive Park opening, Wildlife Adventure Saturday, All Aboard Saturday, Ebb Drive Park Movie Night, and Wetlands Stride Fun Run. Community Programs (Five Farms)

Five Farms Meet Your Neighbour event

96

LIVE PROUD 2026

The community enjoyed a range of programs throughout the year including Community Garden Workshops with Cultivating Community, Women Making it Work, Casey Stride Series, and resident Easter, Halloween and Christmas events. Mothers and Grandparents Day celebrations brought families together to mark special occasions.

INTRODUCING

CUT THROUGH THE CLUTTER WITH EXPERT INSIGHTS THAT ACTUALLY MATTER If you’re like most people navigating the property market right now—whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading for a growing family, or exploring investment opportunities— what you’re really craving isn’t another sales pitch. It’s clarity, authenticity, and information you can trust. That’s why we’ve created the Live proud podcast.

START WITH THE TOPICS THAT MATTER MOST TO YOU Off the plan or off your rocker explores the real risks and rewards of purchasing before it’s built—no sugarcoating, just honest insights to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

REAL CONVERSATIONS. REAL EXPERTISE. REAL INSIGHT. The Live proud podcast is a new audio and video series designed specifically for people who want substance over spin.

Each episode delivers candid, expert-led conversations that explore the questions, challenges, and opportunities shaping how and where we live today.

Neighbourhood first flips the script on how most people approach buying. Before you fall in love with a floorplan, discover why choosing the right community might be the most important decision you’ll make.

Is the housing market ready for Gen Z? brings fresh perspectives from Australia’s youngest buyers, unpacking the hopes, hurdles, and creative solutions shaping the next generation of homeownership.

LISTEN YOUR WAY ON YOUR SCHEDULE Available now at liveproud.com.au, on the Frasers Property Australia YouTube channel, and wherever you get your podcasts, the Live proud podcast is there to provide on-demand access whenever your property inspiration strikes.

LIVE PROUD 2026

97

FRASERS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA

CREATING PROUD COMMUNITIES SINCE 1924

The Quarry, QLD

For more than a century, Frasers Property Australia has been crafting vibrant and distinctive neighbourhoods where people prosper and feel proud to belong.

Whether it’s a chic inner-city penthouse, a laid-back coastal village, or a meticulously masterplanned community, every Frasers Property development is designed to help people experience the best of neighbourhood life. With a global real estate brand behind us, we stay grounded in what matters most—our local communities and the people who call our neighbourhoods home.

98

LIVE PROUD 2026

Stronger, smarter, happier neighbourhoods

The Waterfront, Shell Cove, NSW

Finding better ways to thrive together and live with lower impact has been our focus for decades. We design walkable communities where everything you need is just around the corner, making it easier to stay connected and reduce your environmental footprint.

We focus on energy efficiency and climate resilience to ensure our neighbourhoods continue to thrive for generations come.

Our commitment also means creating and enhancing green spaces that support wildlife and enhance the beauty of the natural surroundings.

At the heart of it all, it’s about people. Every Frasers Property community benefits from local initiatives and the care of dedicated community managers who nurture those early neighbourhood connections that can blossom into lifelong friendships.

Mambourin, VIC

Burwood Brickworks, VIC

A century of care and a lifetime of rewards

At Frasers Property, we believe in making your property journey as easy and enjoyable as possible. When you choose us, you’ll have access to our dedicated Customer Care Team, myFrasersProperty app, and Property Trackers, ensuring you’re always informed and supported. You’ll also be invited to join Care & Rewards, our industry-leading loyalty program. Enjoy exclusive benefits like priority access, early notifications, and repeat purchase rewards— perks that never expire and help you reach your property goals faster. Plus, you can share these rewards with your loved ones.

That’s the Care & Rewards difference.

LIVE PROUD 2026

99

“

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from a century of developing Australia’s towns and cities, it’s that every decision made today impacts the life we live tomorrow. That’s why our commitment to the future is contained within a simple idea: stronger, smarter, happier neighbourhoods where people prosper and feel proud to belong.

”

Emily Wood Executive General Manager Development Frasers Property Australia

Find out more frasersproperty.com.au Frasers Property Australia