Our Founding Chairman, Albert “Bert” George Dennis DipCivEng. OAM, recently passed away aged 91.
From modest beginnings in 1960, Bert Dennis and his family have built a business which has become one of Australia’s leading privately owned residential land development companies.
Bert commenced what is today known as the Dennis Group back in April 1960 when he joined Oscar Flight, a retired City Engineer, in a civil engineering consultancy partnership operating as Flight and Dennis.
His entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity drove an early interest in land development, before starting a home building business and then entering retail and commercial development.
Bert has been recognised many times as values-driven advocate and leader, holding the role of President at the UDIA’s Victoria and National branches and receiving an Order of Australia Medal.
He’s held in high esteem by peers in the property industry, elected representatives and countless others across a long and distinguished career.
A 2010 profile in the Australian Financial Review noted Bert’s passion, writing, “as a captain of industry he has become a public advocate on housing issues.”
Bert held a strong confidence in his ability to see changes ahead and has been proven accurate many times.
Bert Dennis received an Order of Australia Medal in 2005, for services to land, housing and charitable organisations.
He was one of the early developers to go west of Melbourne, which has become one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. He positioned the business to be part of this growth during his career which will continue for many decades ahead through land and commercial development.
Bert’s values and the values of the business are felt by staff and stakeholders, codified in the 1990s as Honest and Integrity, Passion, Caring, Vision and Quality.
As an industry leader he lobbied state and federal governments on behalf of the industry and Victorians looking to buy a home. He spoke out in support of changes that would increase affordability, bring consistency and benefit the state.
The business also successfully advocated for a rail corridor through two developments, entrenching his contribution to those communities in the suburbs of Manor Lakes, Tarneit and Truganina.
The annual Community Funds for each project were his initiative, identifying that the community needed to be developed and supported.
“We take great pride in helping new residents connect with each other and build a supportive network.
“Developing a community is more than just developing land and building roads; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and support among residents.”
On behalf of the current and former staff, we’re thankful to be a part of the Dennis family journey that Bert began.
Read the Dennis family statement.
Industry reactions
Linda Allison, CEO, UDIA Victoria, endorsed by National President, NSW and QLD CEO
The Urban Development Institute of Australia remembers Bert with respect and gratitude for his contribution to the development industry.
A loyal supporter of UDIA, Bert was a doyenne of the industry. Under his leadership the Dennis Family Corporation has shaped communities and contributed to the Australian economy in a way that few have.
A past president of Victoria and life member of UDIA National, we honour his legacy today and always.
Keith Ryan Executive Director – Victoria, Housing Industry Association
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Bert Dennis, founder of Dennis Family Corporation.
Bert was a trailblazer and visionary leader whose contribution to Australia’s housing industry was profound. Through his leadership, innovation and commitment to helping families achieve the dream of home ownership, he played a significant role in shaping residential building and community development across Victoria and beyond.
Bert was also a strong supporter of industry associations, including HIA, recognising the important role they play in advancing the interests of home builders and home owners alike.
His support and advocacy made a lasting contribution to the strength and success of the residential building industry.
In 2003, HIA recognised Bert’s outstanding contribution to the Australian housing industry by presenting him its highest honour, the Sir Phillip Lynch Award acknowledging him as an industry leader, respected businessman and true gentleman.
Bert Dennis leaves an enduring legacy through the communities he created, the industry he shaped, and the many people he inspired throughout his remarkable career. He will be greatly missed, and HIA extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Awards and offices
- President, UDIA Victoria (1985 – 1988)
- President, UDIA National (1995 – 1997)
- Life Member, UDIA Victoria and UDIA National
- Family Business of the Year (Second Generation) (2001)
- Sir Phillip Lynch Award, the Housing Industry Association’s highest acknowledgement (2003)
- Order of Australia Medal (2005) for services to the land and housing industries, to the community through contributing to debate on urban planning, and for his support of charitable organisations.
- Richard J. Evans Award by the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA) (2010)
- The Urban Developer’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2023)
