Tom Callander

In addition to his reputation as a planning and property law expert, Tom is acknowledged for his long-standing client relationships. He has demonstrated his ability to consistently deliver an extremely high level of service to public and private clients and to do so cost effectively.

Since retiring as a Partner in 2004, Tom has continued as a full-time Senior Consultant with Rigby Cooke.

Tom has acted for and advised some of Australia’s leading companies, building developers, government departments and authorities, schools and businesses. He has also maintained a very substantial private client practice; many of his clients have been clients of the firm for decades.

Significant experience

• Extensive experience and expertise in a wide range of property related matters, including, purchases, sales, leases, planning and development, subdivision, easements, covenants, land tax issues and compulsory acquisitions/compensation claims.
• Advised and acted for McDonald’s from 1976 to 2017, including property development and site acquisitions, site leasing and planning permits, and extensive negotiations with various levels of government authorities.
• Advised and acted for ground- breaking Victorian shopping centre developments.
• Advised and acted for numerous land subdividers and builders.
• Advised and acted for the Country Fire Authority from the late 1960s to the early 2000s.
• Acted and advised numerous local authorities and groups of authorities in relation to proposed amalgamation.
• Advised and acted for Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and its predecessors from 1976 – 2014.
• Extensive experience in business structures (partnerships, companies and trusts) and in private clients’ wills and trusts.