2026 Country Conference

MGV Country Conference 2026 – Full Recap

The MGV 2026 Country Conference, held from 20–22 May at Mantra Lorne, brought together valuation professionals from across Victoria for three days of industry insight, professional development and networking.

The conference commenced on Wednesday with the popular Golf Classic, followed by the MGV Ordinary General Meeting, networking drinks and dinner, setting the tone for a collaborative and engaging event.

Conference proceedings officially opened on Thursday with welcome addresses from MGV Chairman Blake Nolan and Cr Mike Bodsworth from Surf Coast Shire. Delegates then enjoyed a comprehensive program covering a broad range of contemporary valuation topics and emerging industry trends.

Sessions included:

An update from Valuer-General Victoria presented by the Valuer General, Justine Jacono and VGV team, Aldo Galante, Maria Rosero & Natasha Abbondanza.

An Surf Coast property overview delivered by Callum Mann and Julian Wilson from Preston Rowe Paterson Geelong.

A presentation from the Maddocks Aspiring Expert Award winner Anna Tong, from Herron Todd White, on compulsory acquisitions and the valuation of land zoned for public purposes.

A legal update delivered by Chris Cantor, Zak Gaddie & Lachlan Cosgriff from Maddocks.

A presentation by Adriano Russo and Jason Vlahos from CBRE, who explored the emergence of data centres and their valuation methodologies.

Ecology & Land Value: Constraints, Risks & Opportunity presented by Joseph Ednie from Matheson Stephen Valuations.

The growing influence of artificial intelligence within the valuation profession presented by Hamish Toll from Circle T.

A presentation from Tony Crabb that provided delegates with valuable perspectives on the evolving global and domestic economic environment through his economic outlook presentation.

A key highlight of the conference was the Thursday evening dinner, which celebrated the bestowment of Life Membership to former Valuer-General Robert Marsh, who recently retired after an outstanding career both with the Valuer-General’s office and previously in local government. Rob is also a long-standing member of the MGV, having served as both an Executive Member and Chairman of the group. Congratulations Rob on this well-deserved recognition.

The evening also included the presentation of the Maddocks Award to Tahlia Wineera from Preston Rowe Paterson. Tahlia was recognised for her topic on valuing existing use rights, which she will present at next year’s conference.

Friday’s program continued with:

A specialised presentation on broiler industry valuations by Ben Rose from Specialised Agribusiness Valuations.

A presentation on the digital transformation within the valuation profession by Emerging Leader Award winner Patrick Watt from Matheson Stephen Valuations.

VM updates from Jarryd Stephens of IDS Domain.

An information session on Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) by Deputy President Carol Daicic of VCAT.

All presentation generated strong discussion and audience engagement.

The MGV thanks and acknowledges its sponsors, Maddocks with the Aspiring Expert Award and IDS at Domain with the Emerging Leader Award, showcasing the depth of expertise and innovation within the profession.

The MGV extends its sincere thanks to all presenters, sponsors, delegates and organisers who contributed to the success of the 2026 Country Conference. The event once again demonstrated the strength of the valuation profession and the importance of continuing collaboration, education and industry leadership.