The judges proudly recognise Kate O’Connor as the 2024 UDIA Victoria Young Leaders Award Winner, celebrating her exceptional contributions to Development Victoria and the broader property industry.

Kate exemplifies leadership through integrity, passion, authenticity, and humility, setting an inspiring benchmark for aspiring leaders. Her collaborative approach fosters growth in others, evident in her founding of the Development Victoria Emerging Leaders (DVEL) program. This initiative has created invaluable opportunities for engagement and professional development for early-career professionals in the public sector, demonstrating Kate’s dedication to empowering the next generation of industry talent.

Beyond project delivery, Kate’s coordination of social procurement programs has opened pathways for underprivileged individuals, fostering social equity and providing life-changing opportunities. Her contributions inspire meaningful change, reinforcing her position as a true leader in the Victorian property industry.

As a role model, Kate champions community-focused, policy-driven projects with lasting impact. Her authenticity, dedication to community-driven projects, and focus on developing future professionals distinguish her as a leader in the Victorian property sector, deserving of this prestigious award.