OUR VISION

Harmonious, vibrant, community living

Balcon Group is committed to developing healthy, happy and sustainable communities in Melbourne’s South-East, where our family-owned business first began.

Our vision is to consistently deliver our very best for every community we create.

Inspired by an indigenous word meaning welcome, Orana embodies the ideal of harmonious, vibrant, community living in a beautifully landscaped urban setting that retains its connections to the natural environment.

PROJECT TEAM

Community Creators

Mask Created with Sketch. Created with Lunacy

DEVELOPED BY

Balcon Group

Balcon Group originated in Melbourne in 1981 and has extensive experience in construction and property development.

A family-owned company, Balcon Group has successfully delivered a number of commercial, industrial and residential projects.

Balcon Group has a proud history of philanthropy and supports organisations including The Florey Institute Motor Neurone Disease Research, Cabrini hospital and is a Foundation Partner of the City of Casey Bunjil Place Community Arts fund.

GET TO KNOW:

Jason Shaw

General Manager, Balcon Group

What does working on the Orana community mean to you?

I feel extremely fortunate to be part of the team bringing the Orana community to life. The creation of a healthy, happy and sustainable community is central to everything we do. Our simple philosophy is that if we stay true to our vision and consistently deliver great community outcomes– business success will take care of itself.  Over many years, Balcon Group has formed a close team of consultants and contractors specialising in a range of professional disciplines including civil engineering and construction, urban planning and design, landscape architecture, cultural heritage and environmental science. The entire team is deeply committed to the Orana vision and are empowered to challenge conventional ways of doing things. Covering nearly 275 hectares and eventually becoming home to over 4,000 households – Orana is an important legacy project for the City of Casey. Balcon has embraced this responsibility through initiatives such as EnviroDevelopment (6-leaf sustainability rating), Urban Forest Project, Homes 4 Homes and the support of the arts in collaboration with the City of Casey at Bunjil Place.

What are the most exciting features and amenities of Orana?

The Orana masterplan has so many features that it is difficult to select favourites! Orana is a remarkable project because of its scale and the diversity of land-uses it will contain. The community will have many of their essential needs, such as shops, parks and schools all within easy walking or cycling distance. In our role as masterplanner and developer – it is our job to connect these destinations with safe and convenient pathways lined with beautiful trees. This will ensure that Orana develops a high level of self-containment where the residents can “live local” in a community with a clear identity and sense of pride.

Another outstanding features at Orana will be a walkable mixed-use town centre and town square positioned alongside wetlands and reserves. Finally, the 6 parks at Orana will be amazing. Each will have its own distinctive design theme and cater for people of all ages and abilities.

How would you best describe Orana’s community?

I would say diverse and inclusive. Orana will become home to people with many different stories and backgrounds. The design of the community is intended to bring people together and encourage the use of public spaces including streets and parks. Having so much amenity within Orana will enable people to make local connections which is the foundation for a strong and supportive community. The experience of isolation during the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 has caused many people to think more about the importance of their local community and Orana will be facilitating this need.

Orana will be supported by Victoria’s leading home builders who designing and delivering a range of innovative, sustainable and affordable homes to meet different budgets and stages of life. This is essential in achieving a diverse and inclusive community.

What sets Orana apart from other communities?

Balcon Group has its origins is a local developer and builder in the South East of Melbourne and maintains a genuine commitment to create better communities and provide people with opportunities. This will be evident from the very first stages of development at Orana through the early delivery of parks, infrastructure and other facilities. A long term vision has been set for Orana and this is locked-in through various planning and design requirements. The Balcon team will continue to collaborate with government, home builders, and the emerging Orana community to deliver on the vision and remain at the forefront of innovation.

READ MORE

MARKETED BY

Core Projects

From the beginning to the end, whether you work with people or land, as specialists in project marketing, site acquisition and development sales, we’re here to work with you.

We are property professionals who have a fresh approach in an industry that has been doing things the same way for a long time. We are committed to providing our clients and customers with a service that raises the bar to a new standard, every single time.

We are proud to be a culture-driven and certified B Corporation that uses business as a force for good. We care passionately about our clients, our team, what we do and what we stand for.

So, join us on this journey and experience what it’s like to be part of the Core family.

GET TO KNOW:

Steve Hay,
Nicki Hay,
James Thomas

Directors, Core Projects

What does working on the Orana community mean to you?

It is an absolute honour to be working to create the future Orana community. Having always lived in the South East, it is very exciting to be a part of turning this rural land in to what will be one of the most significant projects in the area. A chance to work for a development team with a genuine interest in the story of a purchaser and exceed all expectations.

It is truly special to be here from the beginning, working alongside a diverse team of people who care about the greater impact this community will have for the City of Casey.

What are the most exciting features and amenities of Orana?

The town centre, a wetlands bigger than some land estates & a potential linear trail green link connecting the entire community.

Up to 30 percent tree canopy cover, enormous town centre and Homes for Homes contribution helping to make the City of Casey a better place.

The beautiful wetlands, the different parklands which will all have their own identities, Homes for Homes initiative and how everyone will play a part in helping contribute to this amazing cause to provide affordable social housing to the vulnerable.

What sets Orana apart from other communities?

Orana’s team is focused on people’s needs and creating a cohesive project that will be talked about for many years to come. 

The promise to be best and delivering on those promises. Balcon Group will go above and beyond to deliver on these promises to make this the best community for everyone to live here. 

READ MORE

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

MDG Landscape Architects

At MDG we are passionate about the detail in the landscape design solutions that we create. The way that people will use and enjoy the spaces is fundamental in the design considerations, so that the landscape can be purposeful, memorable and fulfilling in our daily lives.

MDG Landscape Architects have been shaping the landscape for over 25 years, delivering site-responsive and highly successful design outcomes that have improved the liveability of Melbourne and surrounds. MDG brings enthusiasm, skill and creative design solutions to every project and seek to balance environment, place and people, with the aim of crafting highly functional and imaginative spaces.

GET TO KNOW:

Simon Smith

Director

What does working on the Orana community mean to you?

We feel privileged to be a part of the team that is designing and delivering the Orana community, collaborating closely with the Client and the other consultants to deliver high-quality design outcomes for the future residents. We recognise the important role that landscape and open space plays in creating places that support our needs and wellbeing and are passionate about ensuring that Orana is a place that enriches the everyday lives of the growing community.

What are the most exciting features and amenities of Orana?

We see Orana as a place that will be a vibrant and sustainable community, with many landscape features and amenities that the community will value highly. Some of the highlights will be distinct local neighbourhoods with park spaces that include activities for all ages such as children’s play, picnic facilities and outdoor exercise equipment; safe and uninterrupted cycle paths throughout the development, and a sustainable approach to landscaping that cares for our environment.

What sets Orana apart from other communities?

At MDG we are passionate about the detail in the landscape design solutions that we create. For Orana we believe that this will deliver attractive and memorable parks, streets and shared spaces that will be valued by the community, with connected green spaces that people will use and enjoy in their daily lives.

READ MORE

PROJECT MANAGERS

Verve Projects

Verve is an integrated Project Management and Engineering Design consultancy providing our expertise to the property development, buildings, land subdivision and infrastructure sectors.

Verve has successfully provided its services to the property and infrastructure sectors since 2001. Every new project is an opportunity to create a successful outcome and be a part of something to be proud of – we are committed, passionate and loyal, and respect the chance to work on great projects for good people.

GET TO KNOW:

Ray Verratti

Managing Director, Verve Projects

What does working on the Orana community mean to you?

Verve Projects is extremely proud to be working on the Orana project.  It precisely fits our motto of working on ‘great projects for good people’.  The project provides a fantastic opportunity to create an industry leading masterplanned community based on Balcons commitment to quality.

What are the most exciting features and amenities of Orana?

Having over 42 hectares of wetlands and open space within the project provides a fantastic opportunity to encourage the re-establishment of wildlife into this area. I truly believe that our connection to nature makes us healthier and happier people. The proximity to a local town centres and schools also encourages less travel for daily needs which all helps the environment. 

How would you best describe Orana’s community?

A healthy, well connected and proud community that looks after people of all abilities.

READ MORE