2023 Wrap

Amidst the celebrations that honoured out significant 30-year milestone, we dedicated time to reflect on the accomplishments achieved by our team throughout the year. 

This year, a fresh 2023-2026 Corporate Strategy was introduced, outlining the path from our current position to our envisioned destination in three years. 

We introduced two new teams this year. Our Strategy + Place team, merging planning and urban design with a focus on big picture thinking, community research, and workshops that embrace the "Yes in My Backyard" YIMBY mindset.

We also introduced an industry first Project Delivery team, a unique and specialised service offering a comprehensive approach to development approval compliance management, survey plan sealing, and titling. 

2023 was a year of growth for WCG, marked by noteworthy milestones in the careers of our dedicated staff. This year, we celebrated the impressive achievements of Andrew Crawford, who reached a remarkable 20-year milestone, Carolyn Waters with 15 years of service, and Kathleen Brady, marking a decade of contributions to Wolters. 

Additionally, our team witnessed several notable career elevations. Louise Macpherson and Clare Brown ascended to Associate Planner positions. Waimana Kingi elevated to the role of Director of Project Delivery, and Joel Fielding was recognised with an elevation to the position of Associate Director of Planning. 

We also welcomed over 25 new faces to the WCG family in 2023. 

Furthermore, we proudly acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our devoted team, At the 2023 Qld UDIA Awards of Excellence, Co-Chair and Executive Director Natalie Rayment earned the prestigious Women in Leadership Award, while Waimana Kingi stood out as a finalist in the Young Leaders category. Planner Chelsea Evans won the 2023 Thesis Winner student award at the QUTPSA Awards. Our Assistant Planners also garnered recognition, with Thomas Kennedy receiving the Development Directives Award for Group Excellence, and Sophia Dow securing the Mewing Planning Consultants Individual Award for Written Piece Excellence at the UQ OOPS award night. 

Notably, WCG was honoured with a Commendation in the 'Performance and Innovation in Development' category for the Monarch Residences at the Qld Awards for Planning Excellence. This remarkable achievement reflects the exceptional work of both our client and the dedicated team behind the project. 

WCG led several anticipated events this year. Natalie Rayment led an impactful WCG and YIMBY Qld boardroom workshop with industry peers, planning interventions to improve social and affordable housing opportunities. The workshop regrouped in the latter half of the year to discuss the possibility of unlocking some land holdings owned by religious institutions. In May, we were thrilled to facilitate discussions as part of the Towards 2050: Cairns Growth Strategy during the Cairns Growth Summit. We also launched our Young Professionals of Wolters (YPOW) networking event, introducing young individuals across the industry for an opportunity to grow new and existing relationships. 

We actively engaged in meaningful discussions and speaking engagements, connecting with key stakeholders in our field. Amy Marsden and Sarah Machine took the stage at the PIA Qld Conference. Natalie Rayment addressed the Brisbane Residential Developer Summit, concentrating on Town Planning and regulation changes to residential development. Thomas Kennedy, Natalie, and Amy collaborated in a meeting with representatives from the Archdiocese and QShelter to pitch the YIMBY submission to Tess Pickering, the Deputy Director-General of Planning. 

In addition to the events above, across our Wolters family attended numerous events including the Urbanity Conference, QELA Conference, QLD Housing Summit, The Future of Suburbia IV, Qld Geospatial Conference, PCA Retirement Summit, and the QLD Apartment Think Tank.

Continuing our commitment to our core value of Citizenship, we actively participated in various fundraising efforts this year. We kicked off the fundraising year with a successful effort that generated $1,307 for Mater Chicks in Pink. Additionally, the Brisbane office served as a designated collection point for the Share the Dignity Drive. Our commitment extended to various other initiatives, including a push up challenge, participation in the IWD Fun Run, and involvement in the Bridge to Brisbane event. In November, many of our staff participated in growing their mo's in support of Movember, raising awareness for men's health. For those who chose not to grow a mo, we engaged in other initiatives including Move for Movember, Bring your Dog to Work Day. and a slow cooker lunch, raising $6,016. The year ended with a successful Christmas Food Drive for the Salvation Army, extending our support to those less fortunate during the festive season. 

As another year passes, we express our gratitude to all who contributed to WCG's journey of surpassing 30 years of dedicated service. We are excited for the new opportunities, projects, and milestones 2024 has in store.