Our story
Our home is regional Australia and we strive to improve the environment, economy, and communities of regional Australia by the way we invest.
Lightwood was founded in 1984 by Brendon Collins to complement the family’s farming operations. With an initial focus on sustainable construction, the business expanded into property development and has since grown to become a recognised leader in sustainable housing within regional Australia.
This recognition includes 'Victoria's Best Integrated Housing Development' by the Master Builders Association of Australia in 2013 for Lightwood's $50 million Elmwood townhouse development in central Wodonga. The development includes 130 townhouses that remain some of Australia's highest energy-rated homes and the only regional housing development to be awarded the best development in its state.
While Brendon continues to live on the family’s farm outside of Albury-Wodonga, where the business takes its name, it is under the next generation of leadership that Lightwood aspires to become the leading landowner of clean energy infrastructure. Our deep community and agricultural networks, combined with an understanding of how clean energy can integrate into regional Australia, make Lightwood uniquely positioned to play a key role in Australia’s energy transition.
Our People
Brendon Collins OAM
Since founding Lightwood with an initial focus on sustainable construction, Brendon has grown to become a recognised leader in sustainable housing development within regional Australia. The Governor-General awarded the Order of Australia Medal to Brendon in 2018 for his life's contribution to the construction industry and the community of regional Australia.
Dan Collins
Dan has over 15 years of experience in commercial property development and construction before returning to Lightwood. With extensive experience in all aspects of property, and within ASX-listed businesses, Dan now leads the strategic direction of Lightwood. Dan also runs a small cattle operation on his farm outside of Albury-Wodonga.
Josh Collins
Josh has over a decade of experience in corporate agriculture and technology before returning to Lightwood. With significant experience in mixed farming and an extensive background in scaling agricultural businesses, Josh now leads Lightwood’s farm acquisition and operations teams. Josh has a strong interest in agriculture and plays a role in supporting the family farm.