Our Story
Our Growth
A Proven Foundation
We’ve been shaping the living sector since 1996, with a strong foundation built through our pioneer student accommodation brand, UniLodge, and emerging specialist brands.
Shaping What’s Next
At UniLodge Living Group, we’re focused on the future, expanding our reach, deepening our expertise, and partnering with those who share our commitment to inspiring exceptional living experiences.
Our Impact in Numbers
Our Vision
At UniLodge Living Group, our purpose is to lead the way in delivering innovative, tailored accommodation solutions that enhance the lives of residents, foster thriving communities and inspired living, and create lasting value for our partners and stakeholders.
Our commitment to excellence, a customer-first mindset, and a focus on sustainable growth continue to guide us as we expand our reach and elevate the living experience for all.
Our Leaders
Our Executive Leadership Team drive growth while staying true to our vision of creating communities for inspired living. They oversee management decisions, daily operations, and the overall performance of our brands, ensuring we deliver on our promise to residents, partners, and stakeholders.
With a strong foundation in civil engineering from the University of Queensland, Peter began his career with Lendlease’s construction division, Civil & Civic, where he spent 19 years in senior leadership roles. His experience included major project delivery and executive appointments across key markets including Bangkok, Singapore, and Shanghai.
Peter’s deep expertise in project management, business strategy, and operational leadership has been instrumental in expanding UniLodge’s footprint and establishing Essence Communities as a leading provider in the broader living sector. His vision, commitment, and ability to drive performance have positioned the UniLodge Living Group as a trusted partner in student accommodation, build-to-rent, and hospitality.
Peter Bates
Executive Chairman
Tomas holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He brings a strong commitment to industry leadership and governance, with previous board and advisory roles including the Accommodation Association of Australia, Asia Pacific Student Accommodation Association, and HOTA – Home of the Arts.
He currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Student Accommodation Council (Property Council of Australia), where he contributes to shaping the future of student living nationally.
Tomas Johnsson
Chief Executive Officer
Chris is passionate about building high-performing teams and delivering strong, sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders. He is a Fellow of Finsia, recognising his contribution to finance and investment leadership across multiple industries.
Chris Webb
Chief Financial Officer
Before UniLodge Living Group, Matt previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Retire Australia, the nation’s largest private retirement village operator, and held senior roles with Heritage Pacific, Meridien, and a major registered training organisation.
Matt is Vice President of the Student Accommodation Association (SAA) and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, recognitions that reflect his ongoing commitment to industry excellence and progressive leadership.
Matt Row
Chief Operating Officer
With deep expertise in digital transformation, public relations, social media, campaign execution, and brand strategy, Grant brings a commercial mindset and creative leadership to every project.
He holds a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Western Australia and an MBA in Marketing from Curtin Graduate School of Business, combining analytical insight with strategic thinking to deliver measurable impact.
Grant Waldeck
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Passionate about empowering individuals to reach their full potential, Vicki is committed to fostering a high-performance culture built on inclusion, growth, and strong leadership.
Vicki holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources) and an MBA and is currently completing a Master’s in Employment Relations to further deepen her capability in navigating complex workplace challenges and driving sustainable people strategies.
Vicki Nagle
Chief People Officer
With more than 15 years’ experience across residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors, Lizzie brings a well-rounded perspective and a proven ability to deliver tailored solutions for diverse stakeholder groups. Her cross-sector experience positions her as a trusted advisor who consistently drives value, optimises performance, and enhances the resident and client experience.
Lizzie’s career includes senior roles at Fort Street Real Estate Capital, Comac Retail Property Group, Knight Frank, and Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific. Known for her professionalism and client-centric approach, she combines commercial insight with a hands-on leadership style that supports sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Lizzie Wheeler
Executive General Manager, Essence Communities
With more than 25 years of experience in the accommodation sector, Loren brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial drive, operational insight, and people-focused leadership. His early career included over 13 years as the owner and operator of Brisbane Backpackers Resort, where he developed a hands-on understanding of what drives business success, particularly the importance of delivering consistent, high-quality customer experiences.
Loren is known as a forward-thinking industry leader with a sharp eye for innovation and emerging trends.
Loren Hallett
Executive General Manager, UniLodge
Before joining Essence Hotels & Apartments, Leah held senior leadership roles with some of the most respected hotel groups in the region. She spent a decade as Regional General Manager with AccorHotels (previously Mantra Group), overseeing multiple properties and driving performance across key business metrics. Prior to that, she served as General Manager at Fraser Suites, where she was responsible for managing luxury hotel operations with a strong focus on customer experience and team development.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Diploma of Human Resources, and combines this academic foundation with practical, on-the-ground experience to support both business growth and team success.
Leah Bassett
Executive GM, Essence Hotels & Apartments
Our People
Our people really are the driving force behind our success. From the teams delivering day-to-day excellence across our properties to our corporate head-office, we’re proud of the talent, care, and commitment that powers our organisation. Across Australia and New Zealand, our teams bring passion, purpose and professionalism to every community we manage. We work hard to foster a collaborative environment where innovation thrives, empowering our people to contribute ideas, grow professionally, and help shape the future of the living sector.
Want to be part of our story? We are always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your career in property, hospitality or community management, there’s a place for you here.
Our Community Impact
Our approach to community engagement reflects our core values of respect, diversity, and wellbeing. Through thoughtfully curated programs and the support of our passionate Residential Life and Essence Communities teams, we create welcoming environments that encourage friendships, personal growth, and cultural connection.
We believe that great places to live are built on more than just bricks and mortar, they are shaped by the relationships, support, and sense of belonging shared by residents.
Our Commitment to Giving Back
At the heart of our vision is a deep commitment to social impact. Through the shared mission of our majority shareholder, John McCall MacBain, our profitability helps fund life-changing philanthropic work through the McCall MacBain Foundation.
The foundation has committed over $500 million across three primary areas: Education and scholarships, Climate change and environment, and health. This partnership means that every property we manage contributes to something bigger: empowering bold solutions for people and the planet.
Our Industry Affiliations
We are proud to be active members of key industry associations. Through these partnerships we support ongoing advocacy efforts that strengthen the living sector, elevate student and resident wellbeing, and contribute to shaping industry standards.
Our involvement ensures our teams remain informed, engaged, and aligned with the evolving needs of the sector.
Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I)
Association of College and University Housing Officers–International (ACUHO-I)
Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association (APSAA)
Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association (APSAA)
Student Accommodation Association (SAA)
Student Accommodation Association (SAA)
International Education Association of Australia (IEAA)
International Education Association of Australia (IEAA)
Property Council of Australia (PCA)
Property Council of Australia (PCA)
President, APSAA
Our Partners
We partner with leading universities, global investors, developers, and education providers to deliver high-performing accommodation solutions across Australia and New Zealand. Our proven partnership model balances commercial outcomes with long-term value, built on shared goals and consistent results.
Our story began, and continues, with deep-rooted connections to the education sector. Through our UniLodge brand, we manage more on-campus student accommodation than any other provider in Australia and New Zealand. This unique experience gives us unmatched insight into creating safe, supportive, and successful residential communities that enhance the student journey and align with institutional objectives.
Many of our university partnerships span more than a decade, a reflection of the trust we’ve earned through collaboration, operational excellence, and a shared commitment to student success.
Our ESG focus and Commitment to Responsible Living
Contributing to the sustainability of our communities is a vital part of UniLodge Living Group’s purpose. We have a responsibility to do so through the management of our assets and as an organisation.
Our focus on ESG not only supports our resident’s wellbeing but also drives long term value for our partners and the communities we serve.
Our Reconciliation Journey
Our vision is to create inclusive communities for inspired living, where First Nations Peoples are treated with dignity and respect. As a leading provider of accommodation, we are uniquely positioned to promote equity and cultural exchange, ensuring that our buildings are places where First Nations Peoples feel culturally safe, respected, and at home.
We are proud to be progressing on our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which guides our commitment to building respectful relationships, creating opportunities, and fostering a culturally safe and inclusive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.
Our Acknowledgement of Country
With our global head office located in Brisbane, Australia, on Turrbal and Jagera land, within what is known as Yuggera Country, UniLodge Living Group acknowledges and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations Peoples of this Country. We value and celebrate the cultures, histories, and languages that have been created and shared on these lands. We honour the enduring connections of First Nations peoples to lands, seas, and communities, and we remain committed to deepening our understanding, fostering harmony, and supporting reconciliation.
