The future shines bright for Skyfields award winners

Hayley Best was declared the winner and Alex Boulazeris runner-up in the PEF Awards for Excellence 2025, with $10,000 in cash prizes sponsored by Skyfields.

Judged by a panel of industry experts from Skyfields, Curtin University and PEF board members, the awards were announced at the Urban Development Institute of WA ball at Crown on 13 September.

Presenting the awards, Skyfields’ General Manager of Development, Clay Thomas, said the nominations received this year were of an extremely high standard and the industry can be confident in what future graduates will bring to WA property.

“We were extremely impressed by Hayley’s passion for urban development and her ability to achieve outstanding academic results while juggling her studies with full-time work. As runner-up, Alex was equally impressive and has already established himself as an ambassador for other students. They both have a bright future in our industry,” said Clay.

“This is where careers begin and I would encourage all property students to start building their network and getting as much exposure to different aspects of the industry, as Hayley and Alex have done. The PEF awards and internship program help them to stand out in a competitive industry, and Skyfields is proud to support the next generation of professionals.” Hayley is currently completing her third year of a Bachelor of Commerce Majoring in Property Development and Valuation, and works full-time at Acumentis as an Administration Assistant and Valuer Assistant in Bunbury.

Alex is also completing his third year, with an additional Finance major. He recently did an internship with Ernst & Young and previously worked in sales prospecting with Ray White. He is vice-president of the student-run club, Students In Property, and serves on Curtin’s Property Advisory Panel, providing input into the university’s programming for future students. He was also selected for the Undergraduate High Achievers Program by the Faculty of Business and Law.

Hayley Best, Property Education Foundation Award 2025 Winner

Alex Boulazeris, Property Education Foundation Award 2025 Runner-Up

PEF was founded with the mission of supporting property education in Western Australia and helping students with job-ready skills and connections. It offers scholarships for tertiary courses; an internship program with industry leaders such as Skyfields – which has led to full-time employment for some undergraduates at their host company; regular career presentations for school-leavers; and the Awards for Excellence to recognise top-performing students.

Applications for the 2026 Award for Excellence program sponsored by Skyfields are now open. If you’re a second-year BCom student with a Property Major (or Double Majors) and have excelled in your studies, this is your chance to shine. Send your application to [email protected] with a cover page, resume and your 2025 Academic transcripts for a chance to win $6,000 as the winner or $4,000 for the runner up.

About Skyfields by Perth Airport

Privately-owned with a track record of world-class projects, Skyfields is one of WA’s largest landlords and property developers, with five interconnected precincts across the 2,105 hectare Airport Estate.

Now – for the first time in almost 30 years – the long-awaited release of premium land just 12 kilometres from Perth CBD is unlocking one of Australia’s largest urban development projects. The catalyst is the consolidation of all airline and aviation services into one centralised airport from 2032, which opens up new opportunities across the Skyfields precincts. Exciting projects are underway including Perth’s first Airport hotel, a future retail and lifestyle precinct, expanded logistics facilities and community town centre. The Skyfields transformation has begun.