It is sixteen years, almost to the day, since I first set foot at RMIT and the School of Property, Construction and Project Management (PCPM). The fact that I am back again, for the fifth time as a Visiting Professor at RMIT, is a bit mind-boggling.

Who could have imagined that this would be the case when Professor Derek Walker, in 2010, very generously invited an inexperienced researcher, whom he barely knew, to come and work with him? I will be forever grateful that he believed in me. It has opened so many doors and given me memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life!

Although I have significantly more experience today, and Derek and I have become very close friends, I am just as excited to be here this time, meeting both new and familiar faces.

This time, I not only have Derek to thank, but also Ron and Tayyab, who very generously allowed me to come back.

Melbourne has truly become “a home away from home.”