Local real estate agency PRDnationwide Newcastle & Lake Macquarie has appointed Michael Hardy to its team. Michael is an accomplished real estate agent with more than eight years sales and property management experience in residential property, small developments and off the plan sales. Michael is Hunter born and bred and has a thorough understanding of the local market.

Marsh Advantage Insurance has appointed Emma Gillings as an Authorised Representative to service the insurance needs of businesses in the Hunter. With over 15 years’ experience in the insurance sector and the support of the Marsh Advantage national network, Emma has a strong track record of delivering suitable insurance programs for a range of industries.

Sarah Bennet who has stepped out of sales support has been promoted to Portfolio Manager at Green St Property Management. Sarah has over six years’ experience in property management and sales support. This knowledge and skillset will allow her to nurture the property owners and residents. This growth has also seen a growth within Sarah’s ability to take on the difficult challenges that can be attributable to her role.

Belinda Crosbie has been appointed as Partner of Nexus Lawyers’ Newcastle office. Belinda formerly worked in senior roles at large national practices before joining Nexus. She practices primarily in advisory and contentious construction and commercial law. She has significant dispute resolution experience including litigation, arbitration, mediation and all aspects of Security of Payment disputes. Belinda’s clients are primarily involved in commercial and residential infrastructure projects.

Sandra Hinchey has been appointed as a Director of Webber Architects. Sandra is a Registered Architect with over 15 years' experience working in interior design, master planning, and design and documentation for residential, multi-residential and commercial projects in the education, health and sporting sectors. For the past 4 years, Sandra has been overseeing a project team at Webber Architects.

James Want has been appointed as an Associate Solicitor at Roberts Legal. With over 17 years’ experience with both large and medium sized firms, James’ areas of practice include insolvency litigation, commercial litigation, company & partnership advice, corporate law and debt recovery. James recently relocated from the UK to Australia although he has held a NSW practicing certificate since 2006.

Katie Thompson has been appointed as a new solicitor at Mullane & Lindsay. Katie has interests in mediation and other methods of alternative dispute resolution; representing the changing attitudes to the application of law in NSW. She is a recent graduate of the University of Newcastle Law School, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Diploma of Legal Practice in 2015. Katie's background and interests are in working within dispute resolution and litigation.

Marsh Advantage Insurance has appointed David Brockwell as an Authorised Representative to service the insurance needs of business in the Newcastle and Central Coast regions. With 34 years’ continual experience in general insurance and the support of the Marsh Advantage national network, David has indepth knowledge of the technical insurance needs of the mining, manufacturing, and construction sectors.

Recruitment agency GWG Partners, has appointed experienced recruitment specialist Charmaine Piper to the role of senior consultant. Charmaine specialises in the growing digital, IT and marketing sectors, bringing with her extensive industry experience having worked in marketing and communications roles prior to transitioning into recruitment.

Prosperity Advisers Group has grown its lending and financial advice practice with the appointment of Brad Gardiner. Brad is a qualified Credit Adviser with the MFAA and is an integral part of the holistic offering Prosperity provides its clients. Brad specialises in residential lending as well as commercial and small business lending.

Stephanie Pender has been promoted to Portfolio Manager at Green St Property Management. Stephanie is client focused which allows her to provide great customer service to the property owners and residents.

Amber Witherdin has been appointed Anglican Care’s General Manager Finance & Administration after four years as Management Accountant. Amber’s background in finance is quite diverse having worked in health, mining, for the Queensland Government and the Department of Defence. Amber is now returning to the health sector, allowing her to make a difference to the lives of the aged.

Local real estate agency PRDnationwide Newcastle & Lake Macquarie has appointed Brett Stephens as a listing agent. Brett is a relative newcomer to real estate but has had a diverse career working in mining, at sea and in hospitality. He has worked in Australia and Fiji.

Mullane & Lindsay has appointed solicitor Lachlan Page to its team. He has interests in mediation and other methods of alternative dispute resolution; representing the changing attitudes to the application of law in NSW. Lachlan's background is as a commercial lawyer. He has experience in commercial litigation, sales, purchases and leases, commercial agreements, contract disputes, debt collection, franchising and defamation.

Keiran Brooks has been appointed as a Director of Webber Architects. Keiran has over 7 years' experience in commercial and residential architecture, interior design and master planning for small and large scale projects and consolidated experience in dense, multiunit development and office, hospitality and retail projects. Keiran has managed project teams at Webber Architects for 5 years and leads our Sydney-based team.