DIRECTORS, LEADERSHIP & LENDING COMMITTEE
Our people
The Fund is led by a board that brings together taxation, accounting, commercial law and property development expertise.
David Palmer
Founder & Managing Director
David Palmer is a Chartered Tax Advisor, Public Accountant, Registered Tax Agent and Licensed Real Estate Principal with extensive experience across taxation, business advisory, corporate governance and property. With a career spanning public practice, major corporations and real estate, David provides strategic financial and commercial expertise that supports sound investment decisions and long-term value creation.
As the owner and operator of two successful accounting practices and two real estate agencies in Australia, David leads multidisciplinary teams delivering specialist advice in complex taxation, forensic accounting, pre-insolvency planning, business structuring and advisory services. His broad expertise enables him to guide businesses, investors and property professionals through complex financial and regulatory environments with confidence.
Prior to establishing his own businesses, David held senior management positions with a major publicly listed property development company, a leading mining company, one of Australia's largest accounting firms and one of Queensland's largest manufacturing groups. This diverse background has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of commercial operations, corporate governance, risk management and strategic growth across multiple industries.
Known for his practical approach, technical expertise and commitment to delivering results, David plays a key role in strengthening the Fund's governance, financial oversight and investment strategy. His ability to identify opportunities, manage risk and develop effective long-term business solutions provides investors with confidence that every decision is supported by rigorous financial and commercial analysis.
Tane Butterworth is a seasoned Australian entrepreneur, business strategist and property developer with more than 20 years of experience building and scaling successful businesses across construction, property, technology and emerging industries. Renowned for his entrepreneurial mindset and ability to identify high-growth opportunities, Tane combines practical operational expertise with a forward-thinking approach to business development and investment.
At just 21 years of age, Tane founded E-Masonry Contracting, a commercial masonry company that continues to operate successfully today. Under his leadership, the business has delivered more than $120 million in commercial construction projects over the past two decades, establishing a reputation for quality, operational excellence and long-term client relationships.
Building on this success, Tane expanded into property development as Co-Investor of Image Developments, helping grow the business into a significant development company projected to achieve more than $230 million in turnover by the mid 2027. His entrepreneurial journey has also extended into international resource projects, product development, digital assets and technology ventures, reflecting his ability to identify emerging markets and create diversified investment opportunities.
Tane's leadership philosophy is founded on innovation, strategic thinking and disciplined execution. His experience spans construction, property development, business growth, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and digital assets, providing a unique perspective on identifying opportunities that create long-term value while managing commercial risk.
Known for transforming ideas into scalable businesses, Tane plays a key role in shaping the Fund's strategic direction and investment pipeline. His broad commercial experience, entrepreneurial vision and commitment to innovation strengthen the Fund's ability to identify, develop and deliver high-quality investment opportunities for investors.
Tane Butterworth
Co - Founder
Bay Lovell-Jones
Director
Bay Lovell-Jones brings more than 15 years of experience in the construction and infrastructure sector, specialising in project management, strategic collaboration and the successful delivery of complex capital works. Holding a degree in Urban Development with a major in Project Management, along with qualifications in Project Collaboration and AIB Accreditation, Bay has built a reputation for delivering practical, outcome-focused solutions across both the public and private sectors.
Throughout his career, Bay has held senior executive and project leadership roles, including Executive Director for Coffeys International, where he led operations across Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Philippines. He has worked alongside organisations including Austrade, the Asian Development Bank, Fiji Water, Rio Tinto, Queensland Rail, the Cross River Rail Authority and the Port of Brisbane, successfully managing and advising on major infrastructure projects valued at more than $160 million.
Bay's leadership philosophy is centred on collaboration, fostering strong partnerships that align stakeholders around shared objectives rather than traditional client–contractor relationships. By focusing on transparency, innovation and practical delivery, he consistently helps organisations maximise outcomes within available budgets while creating long-term, sustainable value.
Known for his strategic mindset, commercial acumen and commitment to excellence, Bay provides the Fund with valuable expertise in infrastructure development, project execution and investment risk assessment. His collaborative approach and proven track record strengthen the Fund's ability to identify, evaluate and deliver high-quality investment opportunities for investors.
Chris Upton
Director & Legal Counsel
Christopher Upton is an experienced barrister with a broad commercial and corporate practice, bringing extensive expertise in litigation, corporate governance, financial services and regulatory matters. With a strong background in commercial law, Christopher provides strategic legal insight that supports sound investment decisions, effective risk management and robust governance.
Prior to being called to the Bar, Christopher practised as a solicitor with McCullough Robertson and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), providing him with a comprehensive understanding of both private practice and regulatory environments. Throughout his career, he has represented clients across a wide range of commercial disputes and has appeared before numerous courts and tribunals, including QCAT, NCAT, NTCAT and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Christopher's expertise spans corporate and commercial disputes, insolvency, professional negligence, contractual matters, financial services, lender liability, banking and securities law, as well as complex litigation involving corporations and commercial transactions. His practical, commercially focused approach enables him to identify legal risks early while developing effective strategies that protect stakeholders and support long-term investment objectives.
Known for his analytical approach, technical expertise and sound legal judgement, Christopher provides the Fund with valuable legal oversight, strengthening governance, compliance and risk management while supporting the successful execution of investment opportunities.
Rich Codney
Foreign Investment Strategist
Rich Codney is the Founder and CEO of Aventus Private Wealth, and the Chief Executive and Managing Partner of Enyx Energy Partners. With a focus on identifying and executing high-value opportunities across energy, commodities, and digital assets, Rich brings an extensive track record and proven business models.
As a decorated US Military Veteran with more than two decades of experience in investing and a long history of building strategic partnerships, Rich brings a disciplined, opportunity-driven approach to private markets.
His investment philosophy is centered on long-term value creation through disciplined analysis, trusted relationships, and strategic execution. Rich works closely with institutional investors, business owners, and global partners to source and develop opportunities that have the potential to deliver sustainable growth while managing risk.
Known for his integrity, entrepreneurial mindset, and vast global network, Rich is committed to creating lasting value for investors by focusing on sectors positioned for long-term expansion and innovation. As a duel Australian and American citizen, Rich travels extensively across his two home countries to capitalize on opportunities and continue building lasting relationships.
Matthew Stephens
Ward Mining Group Managing Director
Matthew Stephens is a Senior Technical Advisor with more than 40 years of experience across the mining and resources sector, bringing extensive expertise in exploration, resource evaluation, project development and technical due diligence. As a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (FAIG), Matthew has advised mining companies, investors and financial institutions throughout Australia and internationally on the technical assessment of resource projects.
Throughout his career, Matthew has held executive, management and consulting roles, leading resource evaluations, feasibility studies, JORC reporting and strategic project reviews across a diverse range of commodities, including gold, copper, base metals, uranium, rare earth elements and iron ore. His experience spans both underground and open-pit operations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the technical and commercial drivers of successful resource investments.
Matthew's investment approach is grounded in disciplined technical analysis, independent evaluation and prudent risk management. His ability to assess geological potential, identify project risks and validate resource opportunities provides valuable insight that supports informed investment decisions and long-term value creation.
Known for his integrity, practical approach and collaborative leadership style, Matthew plays an important role in strengthening the Fund's technical due diligence process, helping identify high-quality resource opportunities while maintaining a strong focus on investment discipline and sustainable growth.
DIRECTORS, LEADERSHIP & LENDING COMMITTEE
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Our team's collective experience spans major property, infrastructure, mining and commercial projects, demonstrating the expertise that underpins the Fund's investment strategy and long-term value creation.
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Phone
(07) 3340 5155
Office