Hardie Holdings is a privately owned business formed over 25 years ago and wholly owned by interests associated with Duncan Hardie, company Founder and Chairman.

Hardie Holdings property portfolio is extensive and ranges from boutique rural/residential subdivisions in regional NSW in such areas as Tamworth, Armidale, Grafton, Lismore and Forster through to conventional residential developments at Bellbird, a business support and light industrial development in the heart of Cessnock and HEZ – the largest contiguous industrial estate in NSW.

With his extensive experience in industrial, commercial and residential land subdivision Duncan has led Hardie Holdings to the forefront of the Australian property industry. In recent years much of his focus has been on the planning and delivery of the Hunter Economic Zone. It is these interests in the Hunter region that have led Duncan to focus on the delivery of energy to the Hunter region through his gas exploration licences and gas pipeline development.

Duncan Hardie was quick to see the untapped potential of areas to the North of Sydney, particularly the Hunter Region, with Hardie Holdings now having far-reaching, diverse interests throughout the area.

Hardie Holdings retains the majority ownership in the HEZ project. Duncan Hardie is also the Chairman of HEZ Nominees as trustee for the HEZ Unit Trust. Duncan is confident that the HEZ Unit Trust will become one of Australia's largest property investment trusts.

Established in Maitland, NSW, in 1984, the Mindaribba Aboriginal Land Council is an intrinsic focal point for the local indigenous community. Guided by principles of self-determination, Mindaribba continues to grow in size and importance.

The main focus of the council's operations is its Cultural Centre in Metford. Built in 1991, the multipurpose centre is home to an extensive museum, or 'Keeping Place', for aboriginal artefacts with an impressive range of permanent displays. It also runs an onsite pre-school, library, community gymnasium and education centre.

The land council has a wide agenda targeting various sectors of the community. Its services include developing education and sporting opportunities for indigenous youth, running cultural camps for disadvantaged children, providing affordable housing

for its members, and establishing and maintaining key training and employment opportunities for local aboriginal people.

The council's core operation is the acquisition and claim of crown land under the Land Rights Act of 1983. As a joint landowner in the project, Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council has been extensively involved in the HEZ project both pre and post re-zoning.

The Council recognizes the many ongoing financial benefits and employment opportunities HEZ will generate for the local Aboriginal community and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure positive outcomes.