At Urban Property Group, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with The University of New South Wales (UNSW), which has been a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. Our CEO, Patrick Elias, and COO, Mark Elias, are proud UNSW alumni, and their deep connection to the university continues to shape our collaborative efforts.

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming UNSW Master of Architecture students for two days of practical site visits at our residential development, The Halston, in North Strathfield.

During the tour, the students gained valuable practical construction insights into shoring, drainage, and intricate brickwork façades. The visit allowed them to see their studies come to life, while exploring the vital role of communication and collaboration between design and construction teams, as well as the importance of sustainable solutions in modern development.

A heartfelt thank you to UNSW for the opportunity to showcase our work. It was also an honour to have Acting NSW Building Commissioner Matt Press join us, enriching the experience for everyone involved.

In September, we shone the spotlight on one of our current cadet’s, Evelyn Lou, who is making significant contributions to our La Vera construction site project. Evelyn’s involvement in this major project allows her to gain practical experience in construction and project management, showcasing the real-world impact of our cadet program.

Earlier this year in our head office, we had Charlene Tan from UNSW’s Built Environment program join us for her 11-week placement with our design team. Charlene’s engagement in architectural design competitions, material sourcing, and project collaboration was invaluable.

You can read more about Charlene’s placement here.

Our partnership with UNSW extends beyond internships. In May last year, we proudly launched the ‘Margaret Elias Equity Scholarship,’ a $500,000 fund established to support women who are the first in their families to attend university. This scholarship is part of UNSW’s Equity Target, aiming to boost the representation of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds and provide them with the support they need to thrive in the built environment sector.

Patrick and Mark Elias dedicated this scholarship to their mother, Margaret Elias, whose unwavering support, and values have profoundly influenced our family business. As Patrick aptly put it, “This scholarship is a reflection of your spirit as a beacon for those who dare to dream and build, just as you have built the foundation of our lives.”