2025 Country Conference

MGV Country Conference 2025 – Full Recap

The 2025 Municipal Group of Valuers (MGV) Country Conference took place from June 4–6 at the picturesque Peppers Hotel Marysville, nestled in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Over three days, property professionals, municipal valuers, and industry experts came together for a dynamic program of knowledge-sharing, legal and policy updates, technical presentations, and social events.

Wednesday, 4 June – Golf Classic & General Meeting

The conference opened with the annual MGV Golf Classic—a long-standing tradition and an excellent opportunity for informal networking. Delegates enjoyed a relaxed but competitive afternoon on the course before transitioning into the formal business of the event.

In the evening, members gathered for the MGV Ordinary General Meeting at Peppers Hotel. This was followed by a welcome dinner that allowed attendees to reconnect and set the stage for the days ahead.

Thursday, 5 June – Main Conference Program

The full conference program began with a welcome address from MGV Chairman Blake Nolan, followed by an official opening from Murrindindi Shire Councillor Damien Gallagher. Their remarks highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in the valuation sector, particularly across regional communities.

Robert Marsh, Valuer-General of Victoria, then delivered a detailed update from the VGV, outlining current projects, legislative developments, and future priorities for Victoria’s valuation framework.

Chao Zhang from Stonebridge followed with an insightful presentation on foreign ownership restrictions, buyer profiles, and the shifting market sentiment impacting property valuations. Glenn Lampard of Peach Commercial Construction offered a macroeconomic view of the property market, highlighting trends in construction, investment, and infrastructure.

LG Valuation Services then delivered a Murrindindi-focused property market overview, giving valuable context on local trends, development activity, and valuation nuances in the host region.

After lunch, Zoe Sriratana delivered her winning presentation as part of the Maddocks Aspiring Expert Award. Her topic—“Should Tiny Homes, Small Second Dwellings, and Other Alternative Housing Structures Form Part of CIV?”—challenged traditional valuation methodologies and explored the implications of emerging housing forms in an increasingly affordability-focused market.

The afternoon continued with a joint legal update session led by representatives from Maddocks and the Valuer-General Victoria legal team. The presentation provided essential information on recent legal cases, tribunal outcomes, and statutory responsibilities for municipal valuers.

To close the professional sessions, a VCAT Feedback Panel was held, moderated by Fran Kennedy. Panelists, including Tim Gleeson from PRP, Daniel Scarfo from Gippsland Property Valuations, Jesse Andrewartha from Westlink and Jessie Johnson from Opteon who shared their practical experiences in VCAT hearings, providing useful takeaways for future case preparation and presentation.

Thursday Night – Conference Dinner & Awards Presentation

The Thursday night Conference Dinner was a standout social highlight, where guests enjoyed local cuisine and wine in a warm, collegial atmosphere—an ideal setting for networking and catching up with peers while celebrating regional practice and professional excellence.

During the dinner, two prestigious awards were presented:

Patrick Watt of Matheson Stephen Valuations received the IDS Domain Emerging Leader Award, for his topic “How technology is transforming the property valuation industry” and Anna Tong of Herron Todd White was honoured with the Maddocks Aspiring Expert of the Year Award for her topic “Compulsory Acquisitions: Market Valuations of Land Zoned for Public Purpose”. We look forward to hearing their presentations at next years Country Conference.

The awards ceremony was met with applause and appreciation, acknowledging the rising talent shaping the future of valuation in Victoria.

Friday, 6 June – Industry Insights & Closing

The final day of the conference began with an engaging presentation from Ben Rose—a viticulturist, valuer, and specialised property advisor—who offered a deep dive into the wine industry. His talk covered valuation challenges specific to vineyards and wine assets, as well as the broader impacts of climate change and market trends.

To conclude the content portion of the event, Jarryd Stephens from IDS Domain presented updates on the VM. His session explored new features, workflow improvements, and support tools designed to enhance valuation practices across councils.

Final Reflections

The 2025 MGV Country Conference provided a powerful mix of professional development, strategic insight, and community-building.

The beautiful setting of Peppers Hotel Marysville, combined with a carefully curated program and outstanding hospitality, ensured a memorable and productive experience for all attendees. With renewed knowledge, deeper connections, and recognition of emerging leaders, the sector moves forward with energy and purpose.

Please enjoy clicking through the photos of the event below.