The Development Drum

In this episode of The Development Drum, CEO and Founder of GemLife, Adrian Puljich, sits down to discuss his mission to revolutionise the over-50s resort-style living sector across Australia. Adrian shares his journey from working alongside his family at Living Gems to founding GemLife in 2016 and expanding it into an industry-leading developer with a rapidly growing national footprint. He offers deep insights into the evolution of the land lease model, the crucial role of an "ageing in place" approach, and how GemLife is pioneering game-changing innovations, from securing the first development approval for a vertical land lease project to launching factory-built modular home construction. It’s an engaging, forward-thinking conversation on visionary leadership, navigating sector regulations, and solving Australia’s housing challenges through community-driven design. 
Guest Bio: Adrian set out to revolutionise over-50s resort-style living with GemLife, redefining and elevating the seniors housing space with a fresh, dynamic approach driven by the pursuit of excellence and innovation.
His vision to create premium resort-style communities for Australia’s downsizer cohort draws upon years of industry experience within the family business, Living Gems, where he worked as General Manager before founding and taking the helm of GemLife in 2016.
Since then, Adrian has spearheaded GemLife’s rapid growth across Australia, expanding the company’s property portfolio of communities in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, with several more scheduled for launch in 2026 and beyond.
Adrian holds a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws and has previously held Board positions across multiple not-for-profit community organisations.
Connect with Adrian Puljich:
Website: https://www.gemlife.com.au/ 
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
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Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this episode of The Development Drum, Chief Revenue Officer at Gallery Group, Alexandra Stuart-Robertson, reflects on her dynamic 20-year career across fine arts, high-end property sales, and strategic leadership. Alex shares an honest look into her transition from Sydney to South East Queensland, the pivotal female mentors who shaped her early career, and the art of shifting from a hands-on operator to a strategic leader. She dives into Gallery Group’s innovative, solution-focused approach to housing, from developing co-living homes to adapting for multi-generational living. She highlights the critical distinction between basic customer service and creating elevated, memorable client experiences. It’s an engaging conversation on authenticity, industry innovation, and the power of personal relationships in driving sustainable growth. 
Guest Bio: With over 20 years of experience across the Eastern Seaboard of Australia and key international markets, Alexandra Stuart-Robertson is a strategic leader recognised for identifying and scaling high-value revenue opportunities. As Chief Revenue Officer at Gallery Group, she has been instrumental in driving the company's significant growth over the past eight years, focusing on expansion and dominance in the South East Queensland market.
Alex's career is defined by a commitment to building lasting professional partnerships and an integrated approach to business growth. By bridging the gap between brand development and rigorous sales performance, she has transformed Gallery Group's operations into a seamless, ROI-driven revenue engine. Her leadership ensures that every project, from luxury bespoke residences to wholesale investment portfolios, is backed by a sophisticated strategy and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Connect with Alexandra Stuart-Robertson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-stuart-robertson-7b25571a/ 
Website: https://gallerygroup.com.au/ 
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
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Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this episode of The Development Drum, father and son duo Nic and Ben De Luca reflect on over three decades of growth, evolution, and long-term legacy within the Queensland property and construction sectors. Nic shares a candid look at building De Luca Corporation from the ground up, highlighting the core values, authentic leadership, and relationship-first mindset that have guided the group across multiple market cycles. Ben discusses his personal career journey, including pivotal years spent gaining experience interstate, before returning to launch the business’s residential apartment division, Fingerprint. Together, they explore the rewarding dynamics of working side-by-side, navigating the balance between work and well-being, and their shared commitment to community impact through philanthropy. It’s an inspiring conversation on mentorship, structural discipline, and what it takes to shape an enduring family legacy. 
Guest Bio: 
Nic De Luca is the Founder and Managing Director of De Luca Corporation, steering the Queensland-based property group for over 30 years across commercial, industrial, childcare, and residential sectors. Holding a Bachelor of Construction Management, he leads the group’s development, investment, and construction divisions with an authentic, relationship-driven approach. Nic is also deeply committed to philanthropy through his 20-year board tenure with Youngcare and the De Luca Charitable Foundation.
Ben De Luca is the Residential and Childcare Director at De Luca Corporation, overseeing the group’s early learning portfolio and heading their residential division, Fingerprint. With a Bachelor of Property Economics from QUT and a background in large-scale mixed-use projects, Ben brings a design-conscious, detail-driven focus to apartment living, continuing De Luca’s long-term legacy in the South East Queensland market.
Connect with Nic De Luca and Ben De Luca:
LinkedIn:
Nic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-de-luca-64422510/
Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-de-luca-48b093209/ 
Website: https://deluca.com.au/ 
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
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Missed Last Episode? Catch up here: https://udiaqld.com.au/engage/resource/season-6-episode-7-maria-dracakis-and-john-dracakis/
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Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this episode of The Development Drum, Maria and John Dracakis reflect on nearly three decades of building a boutique, family-run property and construction business from the ground up. They share a candid look into how their distinct skill sets complement each other, the reality of navigating major market cycles and events, and the strategic advantages of maintaining an in-house construction arm. Maria and John also discuss the evolution of their brand, the rewarding dynamic of welcoming the next generation into the business, and the importance of long-term relationships in a collaborative industry. It’s a warm, insightful conversation on perseverance, trust, and the enduring passion required to shape local communities together. 
Guest Bio: John is the Founder and Managing Director of Jadecorp, Brisbane’s boutique builder–developer specialists established in 1997. John has led the delivery of design-driven residential and mixed-use projects from acquisition through to construction and handover-building Jadecorp’s reputation on certainty, craftsmanship and trust. Known for his hands-on leadership, he stays close to buildability, discipline and quality outcomes, ensuring every project meets Jadecorp’s benchmark standards. John is a long-term operator who has delivered through multiple market cycles, underpinned by enduring relationships with consultants, trades and partners. Outside of property, John is a man with interests that start with “r”: Rugby, Red Wine, and Reading!
Maria is Co-Founder of Jadecorp and leads the design and brand direction behind Jadecorp’s boutique portfolio. A passionate advocate for quality, timeless Queensland living, she guides each project from first sketch to final handover, championing product integrity across architecture, interiors, finishes, and customer experience. A strong advocate for UDIA Queensland, Maria also served on the Institute’s board for six years, bringing industry perspective and a strong commitment to elevating standards in the development sector. She is recognised for her taste, detail, and ability to translate design vision into residences that endure. Music plays a significant role for Maria, John and their three boys. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is John’s speed and Maria is a diehard Arctic Monkeys superfan.
Connect with Maria Dracakis and John Dracakis:
LinkedIn: 
Maria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-dracakis-6b09aa48/
Website: https://jadecorp.com.au/   
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
Support the Show:
Subscribe and rate 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Missed Last Episode? Catch up here: https://udiaqld.com.au/engage/resource/season-6-episode-6-antonia-mercorella/ 
Get in Touch: We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship enquiries, reach us at udia@udiaqld.com.au
Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this episode of The Development Drum, Antonia Mercorella reflects on her long-standing tenure leading an influential peak body and the benefits of broadening her organisation's scope. She shares a candid look at her professional evolution, shifting from the technical details of a legal background into a big-picture executive leadership role. Antonia also discusses the high-stakes realities of navigating public advocacy, keeping an organisation adaptable through unprecedented industry challenges, and finding the balance between intense professional demands and her personal life. It’s an insightful conversation on the true meaning of leadership, managing community expectations, and what it takes to continuously drive an industry forward. 
Guest Bio: Antonia Mercorella is the powerhouse CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), a position she has held for the past decade. Under her leadership, the REIQ has become one of Australia’s most progressive, high-profile, and influential peak bodies. A qualified solicitor with more than 25 years’ experience in the property and legal sectors, Antonia has played a pivotal role in shaping real estate policy and legislative reform across multiple jurisdictions and with all levels of government. 
Her career spans private practice and legal counsel roles for real estate industry bodies in both South Australia and Queensland. Her ability to lead and develop advocacy programs has drawn national and international attention. Antonia holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, a Bachelor of Educational Theatre, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Connect with Antonia Mercorella:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-mercorella-8b516a43/
Website: https://www.reiq.com/
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
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Missed Last Episode? Catch up here: https://udiaqld.com.au/engage/resource/season-6-episode-5-nerida-conisbee/
Get in Touch: We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship enquiries, reach us at udia@udiaqld.com.au
Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this episode of The Development Drum, Nerida Conisbee reflects on her career trajectory from graduating into a 1990s recession to overcoming an early fear of public speaking and becoming a leading market commentator. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at the responsibility of breaking down complex data into objective insights, and explains why communicating market mechanics is far more difficult than relying on industry jargon. She discusses navigating different public opinions on property, her focus on housing supply, and how tracking open home data gives her team a week-by-week look at buyer demand before it hits monthly reports. It's an insightful conversation on process-driven communication and the operational realities of a heavy national travel schedule, rounded out with a lighthearted glimpse into how she balances a busy household while mentoring the next generation of property and finance professionals under her own roof. 
Guest Bio: Nerida brings over two decades of property research expertise to her role as Ray White's Chief Economist. As one of Australia’s foremost property experts, she regularly shares market insights across major media platforms, including recurring segments on ABC Breakfast discussing economic matters and Channel 7 Sunrise analysing property trends.
She leads the Ray White Economics team, a multidisciplinary group spanning economists, data analysts and content specialists. The team is responsible for delivering Ray White Now - the group’s central platform for property insight – and plays a critical role in translating complex data into clear, accessible intelligence for both the Ray White network and external audiences. This includes flagship reports, market commentary, social content and localised insights designed to support decision-making at every level of the business.
Connect with Nerida Consibee:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerida-conisbee-bb52a814/ 
Website: https://www.raywhite.com/
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
Support the Show:
Subscribe and rate 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Missed Last Episode? Catch up here: https://udiaqld.com.au/engage/resource/season-6-episode-4-with-julian-simmonds/
Get in Touch: We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship enquiries, reach us at udia@udiaqld.com.au
 
Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this episode of The Development Drum, Julian Simmonds reflects on his journey through various levels of public and private sector leadership roles, to becoming the CEO of Economic Development Queensland (EDQ). He explains how building his career from the ground up required navigating the distinct landscapes of local and federal politics, and how early transitions served as a pathway to deep industry engagement. Julian also provides a broader overview of the high-stakes complexities of planning systems, the operational resilience required to sustain development momentum during a housing crisis, and the strategic leadership behind driving customer-focused organisational turnarounds. Giving a lighthearted glimpse into his life outside of public service, he shares how he manages a busy household alongside his wife, tackles the unique challenges of modern parenting, and unwinds with hobbies like gaming and boating. It’s an insightful conversation on how Julian has focused on partnership-based solutions and market delivery with the same problem-solving drive he practiced throughout his career.  
Guest Bio: For over 15 years, Julian has driven partnership-based solutions to empower city-shaping sectors across private and public sector organisations to support the future of Queensland’s communities and cities. Public sector career highlights include Julian’s tenure at Brisbane City Council where he chaired critical portfolios in planning, finance, and transport, including as his role Planning and Economic Development Chairman.
In the private sector, highlights include his executive leadership roles at CavCorp and Stanbroke where he directed mixed-use, retail and industrial development projects exceeding $100 million in value, with a focus on high-quality urban precincts, place-making, and end-to-end project delivery. As EDQ CEO, Julian is a purpose-driven leader focused on creating a more efficient and customer-focused organisation delivering more housing to Queenslanders.
Connect with Julian Simmonds:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansimmonds-edq/ 
Website: https://www.edq.qld.gov.au/ 
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
Support the Show:
Subscribe and rate 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Missed Last Episode? Catch up here: https://udiaqld.com.au/engage/resource/season-6-episode-3-with-bob-sharpless/
Get in Touch: We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship enquiries, reach us at udia@udiaqld.com.au
Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this episode of The Development Drum, Bob Sharpless reflects on his journey and transition from working as a civil engineer to becoming the Deputy Chairman of Springfield City Group, the master developer of Greater Springfield. He explains how building his career and his landmark project from the ground up, required navigating early risks, and how planning for worst-case scenarios served as a deliberate strategy to protect his personal assets. Bob offers a candid look into his diverse career journey, from balancing the high-stakes pressures of master-planning with long cycling rides, to reflecting on his impactful time as Chairman of the Brisbane Lions. It’s an insightful conversation on how Bob has focused on unyielding regional aspiration and playing the long game with the same analytical problem-solving he practiced in engineering. 
Guest Bio: Bob Sharpless is the Deputy Chairman of Springfield City Group – the master developer of Australia’s fastest-growing city. He is one of the nation’s most experienced property development figures, leading to his induction into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in 2019 with Springfield City Group Chairman Maha Sinnathamby AM.
Bob became a civil engineer for the Western Australian Government before he moved to Brisbane in 1985 as a director and shareholder of the MUR Group, the forerunner to Springfield City Group. The MUR Group had acquired almost 3000 hectares of land on the doorstep of Brisbane that would transform into Greater Springfield. Bob oversees Springfield City Group’s activities with responsibilities across all elements of the business.
Connect with Bob Sharpless:
Website: https://www.springfieldcity.com.au/
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
Support the Show:
Subscribe and rate 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Missed Last Episode? Catch up here: [EP 2 LINK]
Get in Touch: We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship enquiries, reach us at udia@udiaqld.com.au
Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this episode of The Development Drum, Sam Gardner reflects on his unique transition from a biochemical science background to becoming a second-generation leader at his family-owned business, Gardner Vaughan Group (GVG). He explains how carrying on a strong family culture has anchored the business during a period of massive corporate scaling and rapid multi-residential expansion across South East Queensland. Sam also offers a candid look into his personal routine, balancing the rigorous demands of strategic partner retention and matrix team management, while seamlessly integrating his young family into his love for the property industry and the great outdoors. It’s an insightful conversation on how Sam has focused on process-driven leadership and community building, with the same structured approach he practiced in the laboratory. 
Guest Bio: Sam Gardner is a second generation leader at the family owned and operated Gardner Vaughan Group (GVG). GVG is an award winning SEQ based builder developer with active construction sites across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 
They are known for their people, their partners and the communities they forge within their developments. With the organisation for 11 years now, Sam has helped grow the business in their ultimate aim to become known around the barbecue. They believe that doing things the right way and for the right reasons is good business and that positive experiences define success.
Connect with Sam Gardner:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-gardner-894126103/
Website: https://gardnervaughangroup.com.au/
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
Support the Show:
Subscribe and rate 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram
Missed Last Episode? Catch up here: https://udiaqld.com.au/engage/resource/season-6-episode-1/
Get in Touch: We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship enquiries, reach us at udia@udiaqld.com.au
 
Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane

In this episode of The Development Drum, Frank Licastro reflects on his journey and transition from being an on-site electrician to building Frank Developments, a premier design-led property brand. He explains how carrying his family name brings both pride and pressure, and how vertically integrating his business helped him navigate recent industry disruptions. Frank also offers a candid look into his personal routine, balancing the fast-paced demands of site acquisitions and project delivery, while maintaining a consistent presence in his family life. It’s an insightful conversation on how Frank has focused on complex community engagement and brand growth with the same grit and care he practiced on the tools. 
Guest Bio: Frank Licastro is the Founder and Managing Director of Frank Developments, a privately owned, vertically integrated residential and commercial property development company based in South East Queensland. 
He purchased his first home at 18, qualified as an electrician, and spent years working by day and renovating by night, building capital, a unique aesthetic, and a discipline that blends old-school integrity with a vision for spaces that are intentional, refined, and connected to real living. The company's early award-winning residential outcomes set the standard for everything that followed. 
Today, Frank Developments delivers a premium portfolio of luxury projects throughout South East Queensland, continuing to push boundaries with a successful recent foray into the industrial sector.
Connect with Frank Licastro:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-licastro-827533159/
Website: https://frankdevelopments.com.au/ 
About Your Host: Kirsty Chessher-Brown is the CEO of UDIA Queensland, a role she has held since 2018. She brings extensive experience in policy, stakeholder engagement, and research, and has played a key role in shaping state and local government policy. Kirsty is passionate about driving positive change in the development industry to create greener, smarter, and more resilient communities.
Support the Show:
Subscribe and rate 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram
Missed Last Episode? Catch up here: https://udiaqld.com.au/engage/resources/?category=podcasts
Get in Touch: We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have feedback, guest suggestions, or sponsorship enquiries, reach us at udia@udiaqld.com.au
Recorded and Produced at our The Podcast Boss podcast studio in Brisbane