Property trailblazers and rising stars shine at
2026 People In Property Awards
Property leaders, trailblazers and rising stars have been recognised for their work in shaping the future of Queensland's communities and its property sector at the Property Council of Australia's 2026 People In Property Awards in Brisbane overnight.
Now in its third edition, this year's People In Property Awards crowned a record seven winners across six open categories highlighting the impact, contribution and potential of Queensland's property industry. Industry legend Laurence Lancini AM took home the coveted Legacy Award, following in the footsteps of fellow property titans Don O'Rorke and Stephen Conry AM, who won the award in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Dr Kate Meyrick from Urbis was named joint Industry Impact Award winner alongside Kathy Mac Dermott, honouring Dr Meyrick's role in leading the conversation around precinct development and urban renewal in Australia and around the world. Ms Mac Dermott, now a consultant to industry, was acknowledged for her significant work to boost the visibility and presence of women within the property industry, particularly through the establishment of the Property Council's 100 Women In Property Program here in Brisbane in 2015 and through the Property Champions of Change initiative.
Fluent Property and UnitingCare were named the Team of the Year for their collaboration and innovation to deliver the expansion of the Wesley Hospital. Brisbane Housing Company's Workplace Health & Safety Team won the People First Award for their commitment to better health and safety outcomes not just for their team, but for external stakeholders on shared projects.
Local planners Therefor Group claimed two awards on the night, with Amy Marsden winning the Pathfinder Award for her role in broadening how Queensland views housing. Young gun planner Tom Kennedy was named the 2026 Matthew Schneider Rising Star for his passion and potential in representing the next generation of property leaders in discussions around housing choice and affordability.
Law firm Helix Legal won the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award for their industry-leading diversity work, which had already made ripples across industry in the business' early days. By winning the local Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award, Helix is in contention to win the National Diversity Award at the Property Council's National Innovation and Excellence Awards later in the year.
Meanwhile, Allens Special Counsel Rosanne Meurling was honoured with a President's Award for her years of dedication and technical advice shaping the property industry's advocacy to government across a range of planning and environmental changes.
Property Council Queensland Executive Director Jess Caire congratulated the winners, saying the calibre of award winners demonstrated the strength and sophistication of Queensland's property industry.
"At a time of exciting growth and opportunity for our state, the Queensland property industry continues to display its talent and potential in making our state the success that it is," Ms Caire said.
"We are fortunate to claim Dr Kate Meyrick as one of our own - a highly sought-after and respected expert by clients and governments around the world as they seek to improve their economies, environment and communities through urban renewal.
"For decades, Kathy Mac Dermott has been a friend and mentor to many in our industry, elevating and encouraging so many women to pursue their talents and passions in the property industry."
Ms Caire said this year's People In Property Awards also highlighted the positive social role that industry plays across the community.
"From Fluent and UnitingCare's work on the Wesley Hospital extension or the role that Amy Marsden and Tom Kennedy have played in championing community and affordable housing, Queensland's property industry plays a vital role in securing the social wellbeing of Queenslanders.
"We're proud of the role our industry plays in planning, building and managing the places that matter to Queenslanders - and we're proud of the people who make it happen."
2026 Queensland People In Property Awards - Winners & Judges Commendations
Legacy Award
Winner - Laurence Lancini AM, Lancini Property Group
Industry Impact Award
Winner - Dr Kate Meyrick, Urbis
Winner - Kathy Mac Dermott, Mac Dermott Consultants
Team of the Year sponsored by Economic Development Queensland
Winner - Fluent & UnitingCare, Wesley Hospital Expansion
Judges Commendation - 360 Queen Street, Charter Hall
Judges Commendation - Waterfront Brisbane, Dexus
Matthew Schneider Rising Star sponsored by Urbis
Winner - Tom Kennedy, Therefor Group
Pathfinder Award sponsored by nbn Australia
Winner - Amy Marsden, Therefor Group
People First Award
Winner - Workplace Health & Safety Team, Brisbane Housing Company
Judges Commendation - Culture Committee, Therefor Group
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
Winner - Helix Legal
President's Award
Winner - Rosanne Meurling, Allens
