Australian property developer Harry Triguboff will be the latest recipient of the illustrious Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Allen Vogal Distinguished Service Award.
The award is given to individuals who have shown exceptional long-time commitment and dedication to the Australian development industry.
Mr Triguboff first established
Meriton Apartments in 1963, now the nation’s largest apartment developer.
The company currently has a development pipeline of 15,000 apartments and is worth more than $7.5 billion.
The veteran property developer has also been noted for his service to the community through significant donations to many schools and facilities such as Sydney Cancer Centre, Australian Red Cross, Westmead Children’s Hospital, Bowel Cancer Fund Research and various Jewish causes.
Triguboff’s contribution to the construction industry as well as his philanthropic work earned him the prestigious Order of Australia Medal in 1990.
UDIA National President, Cameron Shephard said Mr Triguboff is an extraordinary Australian who has worked tirelessly to turn his company into the nation’s largest apartment developer.
“Mr Triguboff has played a major role in shaping Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, delivering more than 65,000 apartments over five decades,” Mr Shephard said.
“He is also an inspiring individual whose dedication to providing affordable housing to Australians in a market where housing is increasingly becoming out of reach for low income earners is highly commendable.”
Mr Triguboff told
The Gold Coast Bulletin that he has built an estimated 5,000 apartments on the Gold Coast, and his prolific portfolio was proof that buyers were willing to adapt to high rise living because it offered affordable housing.
“When I started building, I was told people wanted big houses, not high rises, but I said they will live in apartments because they want something they can afford,” Mr Triguboff said.
Mr Triguboff is currently in the process of building Sundale, Southport’s newest and tallest tower.
Mr Triguboff will receive his award at the 2015 UDIA Calibre National Awards for Excellence, held at the Star Casino in Sydney on Thursday, March 19.
