The Development Drum

UDIA Queensland’s Development Drum podcast shines a light on the people behind the property sector. In each episode, we sit down with a member to hear how they spend their days, what drives them, and the stories that have shaped their journey. Tune in for valuable insights into the industry while getting to know your colleagues along the way.

The Development Drum is a business podcast hosted by UDIA Queensland, with 58 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

UDIA Queensland hosts The Development Drum, a business show with 58 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #19

  Interview with Adrian Puljich | S6EP10

  Aug 17, 202621 min

  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. 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: [EP 9 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

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  Episode #18

  Interview with Alexandra Stuart-Robertson | S6EP09

  Aug 10, 202622 min

  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. 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-8-nic-de-luca-and-ben-de-luca/ 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

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  Episode #17

  Interview with Nic De Luca and Ben De Luca | S6EP08

  Aug 3, 202631 min

  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. 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-7-maria-dracakis-and-john-dracakis/ 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

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  Episode #16

  Interview with Maria Dracakis and John Dracakis | S6EP07

  Jul 27, 202628 min

  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 . Follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , and Instagram 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

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  Episode #15

  Interview with Antonia Mercorella | S6EP06

  Jul 20, 202631 min

  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. 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-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

  ListenShow Notes

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