Property Developer & Director
Name: Belinda Bentley
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: English, Maths, Biology, Geography and Music
Favourite: Geography was my favourite subject as I was interested in cities and communities.
Further study: University
where and what: University of New South Wales - Bachelor of Science (Human Geography) and Bachelor of Arts (Human Resources; Politics and International Relations); University of Technology Sydney - Master of Property Development
"Last year, the 9Springs team project managed the construction delivery of two crisis accommodation homes for women and children escaping domestic violence on behalf of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. It was heart warming to know that our team's contribution would make a difference to the safety and lives of women and children for many years to come."
the inside scoop…
What does a Director/Property Developer actually do? I established my own business, 9Springs in 2016, a leading independent property investment, advisory and project management group, based in Sydney. 9Springs specialises in Australian real estate investment, property development and strategic advisory on behalf of high net worth family offices, private corporations, governments, not-for-profit organisations and listed entities. Our projects expand across the Australian east coast and include various sectors such as affordable housing, seniors housing, community facilities, residential, waste and recycling, industrial and student accommodation. Separately, I sit on the Board of Link Wentworth Housing, one of Australia’s largest Community Housing Providers servicing 10,000 residents living in some 6,400 affordable, social and specialist disability homes.
What does a day in your life at work look like? No day is the same! I usually start the day with emails, news and coffee, all that can be done on the run. My day can vary from attending Board and project team meetings to conducting site visits, engaging with the community and key stakeholders on development proposals to reviewing consultant reports and architectural plans or managing a project budget and feasibility. As a company owner, I am also responsible for the day to day operations of 9Springs.
What's the best part of your job? The people you meet and have the opportunity to work with as well as the positive social impact of projects that can evolve communities for the better and improve people's lives such as seniors housing (retirement living and residential aged care), community housing (social, affordable and specialist disability housing) and circular economy (waste and recycling).
Tell us about your journey starting a family whilst working in construction. After two years of infertility and miscarriages, I became a first time mum in October 2023. Despite these challenges, I did not feel alone as many industry friends and colleagues reached out to check in, share their journey and offer support. The community, comradery and genuine friendships that are developed beyond projects is one of the greatest positives of the construction industry.
What made you realise construction could be for you? I majored in human geography in my science degree and enjoyed learning about how people engage with the built environment. I remember learning about terms such as gentrification and undertaking a site visit to Newcastle to observe its evolution. I 'fell' into the construction sector through a casual summer research job while I was undertaking my undergraduate degrees, where I had the opportunity to work on the private firm's property portfolio. I was fortunate to be exposed to all steps of the asset lifecycle from acquisition, strategy and leasing to development and divestment.
What's the best thing about working in construction? The positive legacy that you can leave for future generations through your contribution to the built environment.
Tell us about a time you made a difference in your work. Last year, the 9Springs team project managed the construction delivery of two crisis accommodation homes for women and children escaping domestic violence on behalf of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. While these projects weren't significantly large in scale, they attracted media attention and a site visit from the then NSW Premier. It was heart warming to know that our team's contribution would make a difference to the safety and lives of women and children for many years to come.
Belinda is open to engaging further via: Taking a student for work experience, Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Belinda Bentley" and we'll pass your message on.