Past CoreNet Global Australia REaward winners
CRE Executive of the Year
2025 - Lisa James-Holmes, MSD + 2025 Global CRE Executive of the Year Winner
Lisa has transformed real estate at MSD from a cost-driven function into a global strategic lever for culture, wellbeing, inclusion and performance. She has led initiatives such as MSD’s first WELL Platinum office, the first pharmaceutical WELL Equity Rating in Australia (second globally), and the rollout of WELL at Scale across 300,000m² and 20,000+ employees worldwide, establishing Gold certification as the company’s baseline. Her neuroscience-backed approach has shaped MSD’s Reimagine the Workplace strategy, embedding inclusive design for neurodiverse talent and driving measurable gains. By reframing workplace design, Lisa has influenced global DEI policy, elevated real estate's role in the C-suite, and set new industry standards for healthy, sustainable workplaces where people thrive.
2024 - Deborah Sweetman, Zurich Financial Services
As Head of Workplace Experience & Services, Deborah has driven innovation in the CRE strategy at Zurich, transforming the workspace and enhancing organisational alignment. Notably, she spearheaded the creation of 'The Collaborator,' a versatile space designed to accommodate diverse work needs and events, aligning with Agile principles and boosting productivity. Her initiatives extended to supporting a smooth return-to-office transition, and leading office relocations to more sustainable and efficient spaces. Additionally, Deb’s strategic focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives has furthered Zurich’s workplace and corporate goals.
2023 - Mary Jovic, KPMG
2022 - Tarah Spencer, Lendlease + 2022 Global CRE Executive of the Year Finalist
2021 - Doug Hall, Telstra + 2021 Global CRE Executive of the Year Finalist
2020 - Leah Ong + 2020 Global CRE Executive of the Year Finalist
Young Leader of the Year
2025 - Jordan Cui, The Instant Group
Jordan is redefining corporate real estate by championing flexible, client-led models. Over the past year, he has pioneered managed office solutions, such as the delivery of a 1,000sqm CBD headquarters for a global pharmaceutical client. And accelerating delivery timelines from nine months to eight weeks for high-growth sectors. His creativity and commercial insight have fuelled The Instant Group’s 80% revenue growth in Australia and 300% in New Zealand, while expanding into new markets and embedding innovations such as AI-powered fit out tools. Through curiosity and a willingness to challenge convention, he is helping shift the profession from rigid leasing to responsive partnerships that create real value for clients and the industry.
2024 - Ed Jennings, Wiredscore
In his role as Head Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, Ed contributes to the advancement of digital connectivity and sustainability in commercial real estate through his work with WiredScore. Over the past year, Ed contributed to creating tools that address key challenges faced by office occupiers, such as mobile connectivity and sustainability data reporting. His efforts led to the development of the WiredScore Occupier Report, which has been applied to 87 properties in Australia. Noteworthy achievements include launching WiredScore in New Zealand, expanding certified space by 127% in Australia, and growing certifications in Hong Kong by 95%. Ed’s involvement in industry events and his personal growth in public speaking further underscore his commitment to driving positive change in the profession.
2023 - Yen Dao, Lendlease
2022 - Tori Shepherd, International WELL Building Institute + 2022 Global Young Leader of the Year Winner
2021 - Tica Masuku, Charter Hall + 2021 Global Young Leader of the Year Winner
2020 - Amanda Morton, Ventia + 2020 Global Young Leader of the Year Finalist
Service Provider of the Year
2025 - Andrew Peak, CBRE
Andrew has consistently exceeded client expectations by delivering innovative, future-ready real estate solutions that balance financial value, flexibility, sustainability, and client experience. Delivering more than $80 million in savings across 70+ clients in the past year. His landmark work with EY set new industry benchmarks, securing $35 million in savings, embedding renewable energy clauses, and integrating inclusive technologies such as BindiMaps, while providing unprecedented workplace flexibility to meet evolving hybrid needs. Beyond major corporates, Andrew extends his expertise to the community, advising not-for-profits like Cancer Council and St Vincent de Paul pro bono to secure cost-effective, mission-aligned leases. Through his strategic foresight, innovation, and community focus, Andrew has redefined what service excellence in corporate real estate looks like.
2024 - Nathan Munro, Ventia
Nathan Munro, General Manager at Ventia, demonstrates leadership and innovation in overseeing diverse property and facilities management services. Under his leadership, Ventia supports critical infrastructure contracts, including those for the Australian Government, and has recently demonstrated extraordinary service by swiftly providing emergency accommodation in response to the 2023 Western Australia bushfires. Nathan's leadership is also marked by a commitment to diversity, achieving over 50% female representation in his team and mentoring young leaders. His dedication to sustainability and corporate responsibility is evident through initiatives like increasing Indigenous procurement and contributing to the APS Net Zero 2030 targets. Nathan's proactive approach to client service and professional development, underscore his significant impact on the industry.
Sustainability and Wellness Leadership
2025 - Macquarie Group - 1 Elizabeth Street Sydney
The 1 Elizabeth project, Macquarie Group’s new global headquarters in Sydney, is Australia’s first fully integrated station precinct, combining a premium commercial tower with Sydney Metro Martin Place and the heritage-listed 50 Martin Place. The project targeted and achieved market-leading outcomes including 6 Star Green Star Design, 5.5 Star NABERS Energy, full electrification, and 100% renewable energy operations. Innovation ranged from integration of natural light deep into the station platforms to 92% construction waste diversion from landfill. The development also prioritised wellbeing and cultural engagement, with biophilic design, world-class air quality, and a public art program. Outcomes exceeded expectations setting a new benchmark for integrated urban development in Australia.
2024 - FF&3 - CBRE Sydney workplace de-fit
Partnering with CBRE for their Sydney workplace de-fit was a collaborative initiative lead by FF&3 at George Place, 363 George Street. Transforming surplus furniture and equipment into resources for social good. Collaborating with ReLove, the team repurposed items to furnish homes for women and children escaping domestic violence and provided office furniture for the Ability Network charity in Cowra. This initiative achieved a remarkable 95.1% recycling rate and also demonstrated a commitment to community welfare. FF&3’s innovative approach included carbon footprint calculations and real-time measurements of materials, enhancing transparency and accuracy in sustainability reporting. The project, showcases FF&3’s dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
2023 - Ventia - Dept of Finance Net Zero
2022 - Built - Built Head Office - Substation No 164
Technology Innovation (formerly Workplace Innovatiion)
2025 - Macquarie Group - 1 Elizabeth Street Sydney
Macquarie Group’s 1 Elizabeth project in Sydney sets a new global benchmark for integrated smart precincts, combining a 62,000m² premium-grade workplace with Australia’s first fully integrated metro station and heritage architecture. The development embeds cutting-edge innovations including a world-class smart building management platform, real-time IoT and sensor integration, advanced hybrid-enabled AV systems, and one of Australia’s first fully integrated 5G wireless networks. Outcomes include significant operational cost savings, enhanced occupant comfort, improved digital resilience, and long-term adaptability, positioning 1 Elizabeth as a future-ready, sustainable, and people-centric headquarters that redefines urban precinct design.
2024 - JLL - JLL Sydney
Showcasing the full spectrum of JLL’s real estate client services, their new Australian headquarters at Sydney Place Salesforce Tower looked to create an adaptable workplace, with people-centred design, a sustainable operating model and digitally driven menu of spaces. The outcome achieving key business objectives including; 6 Star Green Star & Platinum WELL certifications, Designing With Country, placemaking and employee agility. These were achieved by interlacing all components of workplace experience. The team overcame pandemic-related challenges of virtual collaboration and flexible space planning, resulting in a highly desirable, future-ready environment with increased use of collaborative spaces and advanced occupancy management.
2023 - Cushman & Wakefield - NEOGEN PC2 Laboratory
2022 - JLL - JLL Perth
Diversity & Inclusion Excellence
2025 - Lendlease - National Workplace Experience Program
Lendlease’s National Workplace Experience Program embeds DE&I into workplace culture, creating environments where employees feel valued, connected, and able to thrive. The program integrates DE&I through in-person, virtual, and hybrid activations, employee-led initiatives, and community partnerships. Using data-driven feedback continuous improvement is achieved. In 2024, the team delivered 157 activations across international workplaces, engaging 35,000+ participants, strengthening representation, and fostering belonging. Outcomes included higher engagement, stronger community connections, and positioning Lendlease as a leader in inclusive workplace design and cultural transformation.
2024 - Cushman & Wakefield
Committed to embedding DE&I into its core operations. Cushman & Wakefield’s DE&I strategy emphasises equitable hiring, pay equity, and comprehensive benefits, with a focus on increasing female representation in leadership roles and promoting diverse hiring practices. Notable achievements include 40% female representation globally and the appointment of diverse leaders in key positions. Initiatives are supported by ERG’s that champion various communities and events, such as International Women's Day and Pride events. The company also engages in impactful community partnerships, including collaborations with JobSupport and Taronga Zoo to enhance accessibility and inclusion. Recognised with a Bronze Award from the Australian Workplace Equality Index. Cushman & Wakefield continues to advance its DEI goals through their Reconciliation Action Plan and innovative projects like the Dignified Access Report, to set new benchmarks for inclusive workplace design.
2023 - GHD
2022 - Rikki Cooper, BGIS