Women's Leadership Lunch
Voice and Vision: Women Driving the Development Agenda
August 26, 2026
12:00 Pm – 2:30 pm (AEST)
MA Financial, Sydney
About the Event
Voice and Vision: Women Driving the Development Agenda
The Urban Developer brings together senior women shaping Australia’s built environment for an intimate lunch conversation on leadership, influence, and the future of development.
Voice and Vision examines how women across development, capital, planning and design are steering strategy at the highest levels — from securing feasibility in a tighter capital environment to reshaping how cities plan for housing, density and community. The discussion moves beyond representation to substance: what it takes to hold decision-making power in an industry still finding its balance, and how that influence is translating into projects on the ground.
Held in the MA Financial boardroom, the lunch is designed for candid conversation among senior leaders — developers, financiers, planners and policymakers.
Whether you are an established executive or an aspiring leader, this lunch offers a rare opportunity to connect, learn, collaborate and be inspired by women at the forefront of property.
About the Event
Voice and Vision: Women Driving the Development Agenda
The Urban Developer brings together senior women shaping Australia’s built environment for an intimate lunch conversation on leadership, influence, and the future of development.
Voice and Vision examines how women across development, capital, planning and design are steering strategy at the highest levels — from securing feasibility in a tighter capital environment to reshaping how cities plan for housing, density and community. The discussion moves beyond representation to substance: what it takes to hold decision-making power in an industry still finding its balance, and how that influence is translating into projects on the ground.
Held in the MA Financial boardroom, the lunch is designed for candid conversation among senior leaders — developers, financiers, planners and policymakers.
Whether you are an established executive or an aspiring leader, this lunch offers a rare opportunity to connect, learn, collaborate and be inspired by women at the forefront of property.
Speakers (MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED)
Cathy Houston
Managing Director, Real Estate Credit
MA Financial
Cathy is Managing Director, Portfolio Manager and Investment Committee member for MA Financial’s Real Estate Credit platform, which invests in loans secured by Australian property. She has played a key role in scaling the platform from $200 million to $2.5 billion, establishing it as a lender of choice for developers.
Her experience spans real estate finance, credit structuring, asset management and capital markets, with a focus on complex and structured transactions. Prior to MA Financial, Cathy held roles across advisory and banking, including Archerfield Partners, HSBC, RBS and NAB.
Taryn Paris
Managing Editor
The Urban Developer
As Managing Editor, Taryn is responsible for leading the editorial team at The Urban Developer. She brings a wealth of experience across print and digital news products, social media and communications to the property industry.
Previously, Taryn has reported on politics, business and community, including as a war correspondent in Afghanistan with News Corp.
Ticket Inclusions
A seated lunch with 50+ women from across the property and development industry
- A candid panel discussion exploring how women can amplify their voice and influence within organisations
- Practical strategies for building confidence, visibility and executive presence
- Insights from senior industry leaders on leadership, career progression and navigating challenges
- Meaningful networking opportunities with developers, investors, consultants and industry peers
- An opportunity to build new connections, share experiences and strengthen professional networks
Become a TUD+ Member to access discounted tickets.
PRESENTING PARTNER
