Twenty years after starting his career at McGees Property, Andrew Park is returning to the firm to join forces with Rachel Elliott and drive the next phase of growth for its Advisory division.

Andrew will take on the role of Director – Advisory and work alongside Rachel to expand McGees’ strategic real estate advisory offering across Adelaide, South Australia and nationally.

Having previously spent four years at McGees, Andrew brings over two decades’ real estate experience delivering property strategies and managing high-value property matters across corporate, government, profit-for-purpose and private sectors.

His expertise spans complex property matters, portfolio optimisation and strategic transaction advisory, from feasibility and negotiation through due diligence and contract management to completion.

‘’Returning to McGees gives me the opportunity to bring together everything I’ve learned across the industry over 20 years, work alongside some of the best in the business, and help write the next chapter of the firm’s Advisory division,” Andrew said.

“That’s something I’m genuinely excited about.”

He added, “There’s a clear gap in the market for practical, cost-effective real estate advice that helps organisations and their clients make better property decisions.

“We see a particular opportunity across defence, government and profit-for-purpose sectors, where complex property decisions require strategic advice grounded in real-world experience.”

Rachel Elliott said, “Our combined experience and capabilities put us in a strong position to fill that gap, delivering practical strategic advice across the full property lifecycle and helping clients manage risk, identify opportunities and make informed decisions – regardless of market conditions.”

McGees Managing Partner Simon Lambert said, “This appointment further drives McGees’ evolution into South Australia’s largest full-service firm, and its standing as a leading employer in the industry that attracts top talent.

“Only 12 months on from launching this new division, we’ve really bolstered our Advisory team and our service capabilities with high-quality appointments.

“Our Advisory division offers a unique perspective and unparalleled expertise to assist clients with their real estate strategy and problem solving, and to make confident decisions, maximise value, improve operational outcomes and support long-term investment.”

The Australian Government is expanding the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) to include the real estate sector. Regulated by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), these reforms will apply to commercial real estate businesses that provide designated services, including brokering the sale, purchase, or transfer of real estate.

The reforms are designed to strengthen Australia’s ability to detect and prevent money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious financial crimes, bringing the real estate sector into line with other regulated industries such as banking and financial services.

Why are these reforms being introduced?

Property transactions can involve significant sums of money, making the real estate sector attractive to criminals seeking to disguise or legitimise the proceeds of crime.

AUSTRAC has identified the Australian real estate sector as being at a high risk of money laundering. The new legislation is intended to increase transparency, strengthen due diligence, and provide greater protection for businesses, clients and the wider community.

These obligations are not unique to McGees Property – they are mandatory requirements that will apply to regulated real estate businesses across Australia.

What does this mean for our clients?

As part of these reforms, our onboarding processes at McGees Property will change.

From 1 July 2026, you will be asked to provide additional information before we can provide certain regulated real estate services. This is a legal requirement under the AML/CTF Act and forms part of the Customer Due Diligence (CDD) process.

Depending on the nature of your transaction, we may ask you to provide:

• Identification documents, such as a passport or driver’s licence, to verify your identity.
• Information regarding the source of your wealth and the source of funds being used in the transaction.
• Details of ownership structures, including companies, trusts or other entities where applicable.
• Additional information where required to meet our legal obligations under the AML/CTF Act.

While this may introduce additional steps to the transaction process, these measures are designed to protect both our clients and the integrity of Australia’s property market.

Protecting your information

We understand that providing personal and financial information is an important responsibility, and we are committed to protecting your privacy.

McGees Property has partnered with AMLHUB to assist with our AML/CTF compliance obligations. Information collected as part of the Customer Due Diligence process will be managed securely and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and applicable Australian privacy requirements.

Our secure verification processes are designed to safeguard your information while ensuring we meet our legal obligations.

To learn more about AMLHUB and its secure verification platform, visit https://amlhub.com.au/. 

Preparing for the future

The introduction of the AML/CTF reforms represents one of the most significant regulatory changes to the Australian real estate industry in recent years.

At McGees Property, we are proactively reviewing our systems, processes and training to ensure we continue to provide a professional, transparent and compliant service. By preparing now, we can help make the transition as smooth as possible for our clients while continuing to deliver the trusted advice and service they expect.

If you have any questions about these upcoming changes or how they may affect your property transaction, our team is here to help.

References

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). (2024). About the AML/CTF reforms. https://www.austrac.gov.au/industry-and-business/about-amlctf-reforms 

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). (2024). Preparing for the changes if you’re newly regulated. https://www.austrac.gov.au/industry-and-business/about-amlctf-reforms/preparing-changes-if-youre-newly-regulated 

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). (2024). Risk insights and indicators: Suspicious activity in the real estate sector. Australian Government. https://www.austrac.gov.au/industry-and-business/education-and-resources/publications-and-resources/risk-insights-and-indicators-suspicious-activity-real-estate-sector 

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). (2024). Real Estate Program Starter Kit. https://www.austrac.gov.au/reforms/sector-specific-guidance/real-estate-guidance/real-estate-program-starter-kit 

AMLHUB. Guide to AML/CTF for Real Estate. https://amlhub.com.au/ 

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general information about the upcoming AML/CTF reforms and does not constitute legal, financial or compliance advice. The information is current at the time of publication. If you require advice about how these reforms apply to your individual circumstances, you should seek independent professional advice.

McGees Property’s Valuations and Advisory star Tom Rowe is making the move to Sales & Leasing, as the next generation of the firm’s Agency division takes shape.

Rowe joined McGees Property in early 2011 and has extensive experience in commercial valuation and real estate advisory and consultancy. In 2021, he became a Partner in the business.

“I saw an opportunity in the commercial real estate agency space where I think I can add value,” Rowe said of the move.

“I have a consultancy background and can provide evidence-based advice and a more strategic application to the markets I’m operating in.

“There’s an opportunity in the market there,” he said.

In his new role, Rowe will work with investment assets across various asset classes.

“I’ll always be client focused. I’ll always look after my existing clients and look forward to working with new clients in a different role” he added.

Rowe is an active figure in South Australia’s property industry. He is a Fellow of the Australian Property Institute (API), having been Chairperson State Committee of the API from 2021 to 2025, and a State Committee Member of the API from 2016 to the present.

He is also currently a Member of the SA Future Trends and Innovation Committee of the Property Council of Australia, is a Certified Practising Valuer, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a Licensed Sales Representative, and Auctioneer.

Rowe has provided valuation and consultancy advice for a variety of clients including local and state governments, corporates, privates and financiers. He has experience across a range of asset classes and a range of valuation disciplines and has given evidence as an expert witness on multiple occasions.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to develop and expand on my experiences in property,” Rowe said.

“Agency work is a different dynamic to Valuations and Advisory and I’m looking forward to the new challenge. I can’t wait to hit the ground running.

Simon Lambert, Managing Partner at McGees, said, “Tom has shown a remarkable commitment to the property industry and has earned huge respect from his peers. He has great expertise and his experience provides a fantastic springboard into the Agency space.

“The next generation of McGees Property’s sales and leasing division is taking shape. We had the ideal candidate to take us further with us already, and we couldn’t be happier that Tom will be making his career move to Agency while staying at McGees.

“This appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to our people, their careers and their development.”

“It’s an exciting period of growth for the team and we’re on a great trajectory.”

Tom Rowe – Partner
trowe@adl.mcgees.com.au
0421 964 331

Overview

McGees Facilities Management division was proud to deliver a complex redevelopment at 27 Rundle Mall. The redeveloped heritage-listed building in Adelaide’s premier retail precinct is now home to Sportsgirl’s newest flagship store.

Acting as client-side project manager for a private landlord, we coordinated all aspects of the redevelopment, including structural integration of three properties, façade upgrades, and a warm shell fit-out for the incoming tenant, Sportsgirl.

Our team worked closely with Sarah Constructions and MPH Architects to overcome significant challenges such as structural steel installation in a high-traffic retail environment and unforeseen building issues, ensuring a premium retail and office outcome.

Project Scope

• Integration of Three Properties: The project merged three adjacent buildings into a single, unified structure to optimise space and functionality.
• Warm Shell Fit-Out: A warm shell was being prepared for the incoming tenant at 27 Rundle Mall, including essential infrastructure like HVAC, lighting, and basic finishes.
• Level 1 Transformation: The first floor across the combined buildings will be redeveloped into modern office space with upgraded amenities.

Construction Highlights

• Structural Alterations: Extensive internal modifications were made to connect the buildings, which were of different levels, including new voids, basement storage, and open-plan layouts.

• Façade Modernization: The ground-level frontage was updated with contemporary tiling, and a canopy featuring integrated LED lighting.

• Steel Engineering: Over 60 tonnes of structural steel are being installed using innovative craning and internal transport methods due to access limitations.

Office & Retail Enhancements

• Ground Floor Retail: A larger open-plan retail tenancy was created to attract premium tenants and enhance street-level engagement.
• Level 1 Office Space: Includes new workspaces, toilets, and plant rooms designed for flexibility and comfort.
• Amenities Upgrade: Modern facilities are being added to support both retail and office occupants.

Challenges, Approach & Outcome

In addition to the already complex initial scope of this project, the age of the building presented consistent major challenges throughout the project including;

• Unforeseen materials in the ceiling space requiring removal  
• Engineering solutions for the cantilever overhang on James Place.
• Transporting and installing over 60 tonnes of structural steel through a busy retail precinct.
• Supporting the structure during Level 1 removal to create the void.

Our team adopted a careful, considered approach to manage the complexity of this high-foot-traffic site. Acting as client-side project manager, we brought together all facets of the redevelopment, coordinating closely with consultants, the builder, and the design team.

This collaboration ensured structural challenges were addressed and the project delivered a premium retail and office environment for Sportsgirl and the landlord.

Contact Us

For more information on this project or to discuss your own facilities or project management needs, get in touch with the McGees Property Facilities Management team.

Nathan Sparrow | Partner
0416 112 257
nsparrow@adl.mcgees.com.au

Rebecca Johns | Facilities Manager
0413 808 627
rjohns@adl.mcgees.com.au

One of South Australia’s most iconic regional pubs has hit the market.

The freehold and business of Hotel Augusta, in Port Augusta, is being marketed by McGees Property’s Grant Clarke via Expressions of Interest closing Wednesday, 12 November at 4pm.

The renowned Hotel Augusta – recognised by Seven’s Sunrise as home to one of the best schnitzels in Australia, and as one of the best country pubs in the state by the Sunday Mail– is on a substantial absolute beachfront site of 2,090sqm site to the Spencer Gulf in the crossroads township.

The hotel currently comprises a traditional 1,650sqm two-storey building. On the ground floor is a front bar and adjacent outdoor deck overlooking the Spencer Gulf; a saloon bar that is a popular meeting spot for a drink before dining; the dining room, which can accommodate 90 people and has its own bar facilities; and a gaming room featuring a valuable 17 gaming machines. There is also a commercial kitchen and unused potential function/board room.

“This is a rare opportunity to acquire the freehold and business of a high-performing, iconic hotel in a strong township,” Clarke said.

“The work sisters Heidi Johnston and Penny Pearce and their partners have put into the venue since taking over has cemented Hotel Augusta as a tourist favourite and a beacon for the local community.”

He noted Hotel Augusta also has a great reputation for supporting local businesses, suppliers, sporting events and community events.

Hotel Augusta, 1-3 Loudon Road, Port Augusta West

Heidi Johnston said, “Our hotel has been built on our passion for genuine hospitality. We love to serve cold beer and fresh food, and provide great service.

“From the very beginning our goal has been to create a welcoming, high-quality experience for every guest. Over the years we’ve invested in upgrading our facilities, refining our service and developing a strong professional team that shares our values and has become family.

“Our success has also been made possible with the support of a loyal local community and Port Augusta’s ongoing attraction to tourists throughout the year.

“We look forward to seeing the hotel continue to thrive and serve the community well into the future.”

Clarke added, “Any incoming owner stands to benefit from the huge goodwill that the name Hotel Augusta brings in Port Augusta, across South Australia, and beyond.

“There is also immediate upside potential to the hotel, with the upstairs currently unused and can be utilised as function space and accommodation, and there is the opportunity to trade for more hours under the current general, hotel and gaming machine licences than the existing operator.”

Located just a short distance from the main commercial centre of the township of Port Augusta, Hotel Augusta is surrounded by a mixture of uses which support trade year-round, including shopping centre, hospitality, venues, retail and commercial properties, and high-end residential properties.

For more information contact the exclusive selling agent:

Grant Clarke on gclarke@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0414 806 130

View listing: 1-3 Loudon Road, Port Augusta West | McGees Property Adelaide

A high-profile city corner site has been launched to the market as one of Adelaide CBD’s standout development opportunities for 2025.

McGees Property’s Yee Ng and Simon Lambert are marketing 167A–173 Hindley Street, Adelaide, prominently positioned at the intersection of Hindley and Morphett Streets, for sale on behalf of a private owner, with an asking price of $11.65 million.

Comprising a 1,794sqm (approx.) corner allotment, the property is improved by a two-storey retail and office building with a total floor area of 1,839sqm (approx.). Formerly home to the iconic Enigma Bar, around 54% of the building is leased to five tenants — including Phonatic Restaurant, New India Restaurant and Seoul Express —all on leases containing redevelopment clauses. The estimated net holding income is $316,094 per annum.

“This is an exceptional opportunity to secure a substantial and strategically located CBD corner holding with income security and outstanding development potential,” said Ng. “We’re expecting strong interest from local, national and offshore buyers looking to make their mark on the Adelaide CBD.”

Zoned City Main Street, the site allows for development up to 53 metres in height, while a combined frontage of 86 metres provides excellent visibility, access and future flexibility.

“The property is just metres from Adelaide’s universities and biomedical precinct —including the University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital and SAHMRI — which continue to attract major institutional, corporate and government investment,” Ng added.

“This diverse surrounding mix of commercial, education, medical, retail and hospitality uses underpins both strong income security and redevelopment potential.”

167A-173 Hindley Street, Adelaide

Lambert said the property offers opportunities for both short-term income optimisation and long-term capital growth.

“Investors and land bankers will recognise the chance to enhance returns through leasing the remaining vacancies, while developers can plan for significant future uplift,” Lambert said. “The West End has transformed in recent years, with growing demand from students, professionals, residents and visitors — driving appetite for quality mixed-use projects.”

The flexible zoning supports residential, commercial, mixed-use or specialised development, with student accommodation or hotel developers expected to take a keen interest given the property’s proximity to UniSA’s City West campus and the upcoming university merger.

“People increasingly want to live and work in well-connected, lifestyle-rich locations,” Lambert said. “This site offers excellent public transport access via tram and bus along North Terrace and Currie Street, and is within easy walking distance to Rundle Mall and the city’s retail core.

“Occupiers may also see this as a rare chance to establish a flagship presence in one of the CBD’s most dynamic and fast-evolving precincts.”

For more information contact the exclusive selling agents:

Simon Lambert on slambert@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0408 846 999

Yee Ng on yng@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0402 715 883

View listing: 167A-173 Hindley Street, Adelaide | McGees Property Adelaide

An incredibly rare opportunity to acquire one hectare of inner suburban land on a key arterial road has hit the market, in one of Adelaide’s best landbank offerings of 2025.

McGees Property’s Yee Ng, James Juers and Simon Lambert are marketing 700-706 Port Road, Beverley via Expressions of Interest closing Thursday, 6 November at 4pm on behalf of a private owner.

Expectations are of $12 million to $13 million.

The prime 10,764sqm site is just six kilometres from the CBD centre and boasts three street frontages with exposure to daily passing traffic of 41,100 vehicles, and is zoned Employment/Strategic Employment.

It comprises a 7,000sqm office and warehouse facility that is fully leased to The Wholesale Furniture Co on a 3+3-year term returning a passing gross rental of $550,000 per annum.

“This is an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire one hectare of inner Adelaide land,” Ng said.

“Truly irreplaceable, it’s one of inner Adelaide’s very few remaining large-scale development opportunities. It ticks all the boxes – flexible zoning, high exposure to tens of thousands of vehicles each day, and excellent accessibility.

“We’re expecting local, national and offshore interest from investors, land bankers and developers.”

Juers said, “Buyers have the chance to invest in the property and capture a strong income stream from a lease to a quality tenant, and assess their options for the site going forward.

“The site’s favourable zoning makes it suited to a range of business operations and redevelopment options that include warehousing, logistics estates, showrooms and mixed-use projects.

“Notably, it comes to the market at a time in which Adelaide is experiencing the most significant industrial land shortage in Australia, amid ongoing growing demand for sizeable, accessible sites propelled by activity in a number of high-performing local industries.”

Lambert said the strategically located property offered exceptional connectivity to and from Port Adelaide and the Adelaide CBD via Port Road, and north-south connectivity via nearby Holbrooks Road and South Road. Kilkenny train station is also just moments away.

For more information contact the exclusive selling agents:

Yee Ng on yng@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0402 715 883

James Juers on jjuers@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0438 442 909

Simon Lambert on slambert@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0408 846 999

View listing: 700-706 Port Road, Beverley | McGees Property Adelaide

A blue-chip, high-profile fuel asset leased to national service-operator, United Petroleum in a metro Adelaide suburb has hit the market.

McGees Property’s Michael Dimasi and Ross Christodoulou are marketing the United Petroleum fuel and retail convenience offering at 652-656 Torrens Road, Pennington on behalf of a private South Australian investor.

Expressions of Interest close Thursday, 16 October at 4pm.

On a prime 2,987sqm corner site with 141m of combined frontage, the property has a long-term lease to major national operator United Petroleum Pty Ltd – one of Australia’s largest independent fuel retailers with circa 500+ sites nationally – running to November 2033 with six five-year options to renew until 2063, and a current WALE of 8.2 years. There is also a Pie Face on-the-go bakery and car wash facilities on the site.

Current estimated net income is $242,300 per annum. The lease structure sees the tenant responsible for usual outgoings including insurance, statutory outgoings, repair and maintenance, with fixed annual increases of 2.50% per annum and a market review upon renewal.

“This is an exceptional opportunity to secure a blue-chip, high-profile, national service-operated commercial asset,” Dimasi said.

“Fuel station assets have proven to be remarkably resilient in recent times. We’re expecting really strong interest from investors given the set-and-forget nature of the asset, stamp duty exemption, at an affordable price point compared to similar assets in metro locations across Australia.

“It’s a rare chance for investors to secure a quality covenanted asset at this level in a metro location that’s really booming.”

Pennington is an up-and-coming suburb just 12 kilometres north-west from the Adelaide CBD, with a median house price that has surged by 13.6% in past 12 months to $800,000.

“The highly recognisable, national brand will bring great confidence to the market of the quality of the tenancy covenant, and Pennington’s growth offers excellent trade prospects for the asset,” Dimasi said.

The property is located within the City of Charles Sturt and zoned Local Activity Centre, and has a population of more than 120,000 and an economic output of $16.315 billion.

Christodoulou said the property is strategically located on busy Torrens Road, in a high-exposure position at the corner of Burleigh Avenue and the intersection of Cheltenham Parade and Addison Road.

“This asset is ideally positioned to capture busy traffic in Adelaide’s growing north-west.”

For more information contact the exclusive selling agents:

Michael Dimasi on mdimasi@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0405 360 253

Ross Christodoulou on rossc@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0423 420 339

View listing: 652-656 Torrens Road, Pennington | McGees Property Adelaide

An outstanding three-storey building plus basement in the heart of the Adelaide CBD has hit the market, offering an incredibly rare opportunity for buyers looking to make their mark on the city.

The 714sqm building at 110-112 Gawler Place, Adelaide is being offered for sale through James Juers and Yee Ng of McGees Property via Expressions of Interest closing Thursday, 16 October.

The vendor is a private owner.

Expectations are circa $3 million.

“This character CBD building with great potential for commercial, retail and residential uses. It has been used as a bookshop and restaurant and offices over the last 50 years and  It’s an incredible opportunity for a buyer to make their mark in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD,” Juers said.

“The property is offered with vacant possession, so it’s ready for occupation or repositioning.”

The City of Adelaide council is providing incentives for upper level repurposing of building to residential uses.

The property is equipped with a grease trap and 3-phase power and rear access.

“We’re expecting primary interest to come from retail and hospitality owner-occupiers looking to secure a central position in the vibrant CBD with significant signage opportunity, just metres from Rundle Mall and major retail destinations.”

Internationally-renowned Rundle Mall – home is national and global retailers, as well as popular local eateries – is just to the north of the property, and draws heavy pedestrian traffic night and day to the area, including to Gawler Place.

“Opportunities to own and occupy in such high-exposure locations in Adelaide’s CBD, and with such huge signage prospects, are incredibly rare – especially at this price point,” Juers said.

Ng said, “This will also appeal to value-add players and developers looking to convert the upstairs into residential and appeal to the growing popularity of city living.”

He added that the invaluable 240sqm CBD site has a building height potential of 53m, giving the property great prospects in both the short- and the long-term.

For more information contact the exclusive selling agents:

James Juers on jjuers@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0438 442 909

Yee Ng on yng@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0402 715 883

View listing: 110-112 Gawler Place, Adelaide | McGees Property Adelaide

The iconic Mother Vine wine bar in the Adelaide CBD’s vibrant East End is for sale.

McGees Property’s Grant Clarke is managing the sale of the business of Mother Vine, located at 22-26 Vardon Street.

“This is an unrivalled opportunity to take on one of Adelaide’s iconic, award-winning CBD wine bars,” Clarke said.

“Mother Vine’s five-star food and wine offering, ambience and outstanding location in the heart of Adelaide’s famed East End has made it a vital contributor to the city’s nightlife and events scene.”

“This is an outstanding opportunity for the astute food and wine professional to take a quality hospitality business – which has been an incredibly consistent turnover and profit operation for many years – to the next level.”

Mother Vine offers one of Adelaide’s most exciting wine lists, featuring over 500 bottles with a strong emphasis on South Australian and French varieties, while its food includes a range of tapas, cheese, small and large plates to complement the diverse wine selection.

The venue offers both indoor and alfresco dining options with an On Premises liquor licence in place and capacity of 120 people.

“Mother Vine offers visitors the chance to either get comfortable in the cosy interior enjoy the buzz of the nightlife activity outside,” Clarke said.

“The venue is also primely positioned for the crowds flocking to South Australia’s many events. It’s on the doorstep of the East Parklands, which hosts the world-renowned Adelaide Fringe Festival, East End Winter Warmers, Illuminate Adelaide, Tasting Australia, the Adelaide Rally, and the Supercars Championship BP Adelaide Grand Final event,” he added.

“We’re expecting this high-end offering to create a lot of interest, and furthermore given the long lease in place, and the high quality plant and equipment.”

Mother Vine, 22-26 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide

Adding to the venue’s accolades, Mother Vine has just been named in influential publication Urban List’s list of best Adelaide bars.

Michael Andrewartha, who co-founded Mother Vine in 2014 and co-owns neighbouring East End Cellars, said, “After 28 years in this magnificent location, my partners and I have decided to sell our much-loved wine bar, Mother Vine.

“We’re looking for someone with a real care and respect for Adelaide’s nightlife, events and wine bar scene to come in take over what is an easily operated and very profitable business.

“Mother Vine is the creation of an accumulative decades of experience with food and wine – new, old and experimental – and it’s ready for its next chapter.

“I’ll still be your neighbour and retain East End Cellars. I’m looking forward to freeing up my work life so that I can travel and explore the world,” Andrewartha added.

Mother Vine’s current five-year lease runs to 23 July 2026 and includes two further five-year lease terms. Current rental is $143,772 per annum plus GST, and current outgoings $25,272 per annum plus GST.

Mother Vine, 22-26 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide

For more information contact the exclusive selling agent, Grant Clarke on gclarke@adl.mcgees.com.au or 0414 806 130.

Click here to view the listing.