UDIA Announces Col Dutton as National President

Having served as National Vice President over the past four years, Col Dutton is well positioned to take over the leadership of UDIA National and steer the organisation over the next two years.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the property industry, Col Dutton leads Stockland in Western Australia, the largest residential developer in Australia. He was appointed to his current role in 2011, and prior to this held senior roles with Stockland in Queensland and in Local Government. Col is currently President of UDIA WA and was previously President of the UDIA Gold Coast branch from 2007 to 2010.  He holds an Associate Diploma and Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons).

Taking on the role of UDIA National President, Col Dutton said “I am incredibly proud to lead the organisation which has such a strong 50-year history of advocacy on behalf of our members.  It is a critical time for our industry and our members, particularly with the challenges of the housing crisis, the escalating cost of living impacting on all Australians, the associated infrastructure coordination and environment and climate change.

Handing over the leadership of UDIA National, outgoing President Maxwell Shifman reflected on the past two years saying he was proud of UDIA National’s continued growing trust in the eyes of policy makers and stakeholders, due to UDIA’s clear and consistent advocacy. Key work includes the 2022 Federal Election Campaign – “A Plan for Prosperity”, policy positions in “Resilience. Recovery. Reform” and papers “Driving BTR”, and “Growing Affordable Housing Supply.

Commenting on his continuing involvement with UDIA as he takes on the role of Immediate Past President, Mr Shifman said “I will certainly miss the daily challenges that characterised the tumultuous last two years, as I hand over the Presidency.” 
He also thanked Simon Basheer for his valuable contribution to UDIA over many years and who steps down from his position as Immediate Past President.

Other appointments to the National Board Executive, include Oscar Stanley, VIC who takes on the role as National Vice President, Scott Ullman, QLD as Secretary, taking over from Stephen McMahon, Immediate Past President UDIA NSW who steps down after three years on the UDIA National Board.

The UDIA National Board is now joined for the first time by the Northern Territory.

Max Shifman wished Col Dutton the very best as he takes on this significant role. I am confident he will guide UDIA National to even greater success over coming years and ensure we remain well-positioned to handle the challenges and the opportunities to come. Mr Shifman went on to thank each and every one of UDIA’s members for giving him the privilege of being UDIA National President for the past two years.