Meet The Team Redefining Affordable Housing
The strength of the Westmont team stems from our integration of experts across all pivotal areas of the affordable housing sector—from Community Housing Organisations (CHOs) and government to property development. This collective expertise affords us a comprehensive perspective, enhancing our ability to align with and meet the goals of every project stakeholder.
With a broad view of the entire sector, we adeptly handle complex challenges, navigate government regulations, and proactively seize opportunities. Our approach goes beyond merely reacting to issues—we anticipate and strategise against potential problems, ensuring more effective, well-informed, and successful project outcomes.
Market-Leading Insight and Influence
With vast expertise in property development and off-market real estate deals, our understanding of project presentation—knowing how to position it, to who, and in what manner—sets us apart. We ensure our projects effectively meet program specifications, design and site requirements, and the CHO’s strategic growth objectives.
Bruce Barron
Role: Key Relationship Management, Executive Sales Bruce is one of Melbourne's leading property development and off-market transaction specialists. With over 35 years of industry experience, Bruce is a multi-skilled property professional who ensures projects are not only expertly managed but also aligned with market needs. Recently, he has become the go-to expert for connecting developers with Community Housing Organisations, ensuring that each project is positioned for success. Clients benefit from Bruce’s deep industry knowledge and his ability to close complex deals with confidence. Bruce holds a Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Swinburne University of Technology.
John Durell
Role: New Project Search
With over 45 years of experience, John offers clients a world of knowledge in the residential sector and beyond. His senior management roles with National Property Developers and consultancy work with the Victorian Premier and Cabinet provide clients with a strategic advantage in identifying and securing prime opportunities. John’s ability to create significant value for property owners and developers across Australia translates into direct benefits for clients looking to maximise their investments. His industry insights help clients navigate market complexities and capitalise on emerging opportunities.
Laura Harris
Role: Program Readiness, Response Coordination, Information Management
Laura’s 20 years of experience in the community sector make her an invaluable resource for clients seeking to align their projects with social impact goals. Her leadership roles in Human Rights, Social Inclusion, Homelessness, and Affordable Housing provide clients with deep insights into community needs and funding landscapes. Laura’s expertise in grant readiness and response coordination ensures that clients are well-prepared to secure funding and meet regulatory requirements. Her ability to navigate complex housing programs helps ensure Westmont client projects are both compliant with program requirements and have a clearly articulated winning edge.
Ilona Barron
Role: Licensed Estate Agent/Officer in Effective Control, Strategic Corporate Direction
With over 20 years of agency experience, Ilona has shaped Westmont's strategic direction. As the Licensed Estate Agent/Officer in Effective Control, she ensures compliance and operational excellence in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and South Australia. Ilona’s strategic oversight helps streamline processes and minimise risks, offering clients peace of mind and strategic clarity. She holds a Bachelor of Business and Marketing from UTS and a Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Swinburne University of Technology.
Kirsty Rourke
Role: Transaction Management, Commercial Advisory
Kirsty’s 15 years of experience in capital transactions, development, and finance make her a critical asset for clients managing large-scale projects. Her background in property law and her experience managing transactions for Brisbane City Council’s $360M Urban Wealth Fund equip her with the skills to streamline complex deals, mitigate risks, and drive project success. Kirsty’s commitment to the community housing sector, combined with her extensive commercial and legal experience, allows clients to align their projects with both commercial goals and social impact. Her expertise ensures that clients’ transactions are handled with precision, delivering outcomes that meet both strategic and operational objectives.
Edwin J S David
Role: Strategic Program Management, CHP Liaison, Technical Program Compliance, Government Liaison
Ed brings 50 years of unparalleled experience in government and community housing to the table, making him a vital asset for clients navigating public sector projects. He has overseen major redevelopment efforts and managed over 70,000 properties across Victoria, ensuring that clients benefit from his deep expertise in procurement, compliance, and strategic partnerships. Ed’s extensive background in disaster recovery housing solutions and funding programs for social and affordable housing ensures that clients’ projects are resilient and well-positioned to secure the necessary support. His insights and connections within the industry and government are invaluable for driving project success from start to finish.
Rex Lucas
Roles: Finance, Accounting, IT, Systems
Rex’s 20 years of experience in finance and operations across diverse industries provide clients with a strategic edge in financial management. His expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and compliance reporting ensures that Westmont’s business platform is operationally sound. Rex holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Southern Queensland and is a member of CPA Australia and CIMA United Kingdom.
Leisa Makszin
Role: Grant Readiness
Leisa’s extensive experience in business and administration management within the community housing sector equips clients with the strategic support they need to drive growth in affordable and social housing. Her leadership in managing diverse housing portfolios, from crisis to long-term housing solutions, ensures that Westmont clients’ projects are well-prepared for and strategically positioned for success. Leisa’s expertise in developing funding submissions and her qualifications in Business Management, Sustainability, and Tenancy and Property Law provides clients with the expertise needed to satisfy project requirements.