A team built on performance and integrity
Kristy McGrath
FounderThree years ago, Kristy McGrath threw the industry playbook out the window, applying core strategy and business principles to holiday property management in the Clarence Valley and in doing so, raised the standard of property performance and the guest experience across the market.
She has since brought together a team of high-performing, business-minded individuals and is applying that same performance-driven, customer-focused approach across the full spectrum of real estate services at Pilot Hill.
Tess Pitcher
General ManagerTess Pitcher brings structure, precision and a relentless focus on standards, shaped by a career in high-performance service environments and systems-led operations. With a deep understanding of what drives consistency at scale, she ensures every detail is accounted for and every process delivers.
At Pilot Hill, Tess underpins the performance of the business, applying disciplined systems and a people-first approach to create seamless experiences for clients and consistently strong outcomes across every property.
Bernadette Rice
Sales AgentWith nine years of experience and an established sales history across Yamba, Maclean and the wider Clarence Valley, Bernadette brings a considered, highly personalised approach to real estate.
Bernadette is known for her honest advice, clear communication and unwavering commitment to her clients. She takes the time to understand each property, its story and the goals of the people behind it, creating tailored campaigns designed to achieve the strongest possible outcome.
As a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Licensed Stock and Station Agent, Bernadette has experience across residential, coastal, lifestyle, rural and acreage properties. Her local knowledge, attention to detail and strategic approach ensure every property is positioned with clarity and purpose.
For Bernadette, real estate is about more than a transaction. It is about building trust, creating lasting relationships and delivering an experience her clients feel confident recommending.
Mel Tonkiss
Operations ManagerMel Tonkiss plays a key role in operations at Pilot Hill. Mel bolsters the systems behind cleaning and maintenance that keep every property running to a consistent, high standard. With a focus on structure and reliability, she ensures the right people are in place and every detail is accounted for.
From recruiting and training cleaners to refining processes that keep maintenance seamless, Mel underpins the day-to-day performance of the business, ensuring every home is cared for with precision and consistency.
Taylor Mureau
Operations SupportTaylor supports the day-to-day operations of the business and works closely with the Property Management team to ensure everything runs smoothly and every detail is taken care of to a high standard. New to the real estate industry, she brings a fresh perspective alongside a background in operations, administration and people-focused service environments.
With a calm and practical approach and a genuine focus on people, Taylor is committed to creating positive experiences for clients and owners. She takes pride in her work and enjoys finding ways to make things more convenient, while ensuring clients and owners feel supported, informed and well looked after.
Stef Bawalan
Marketing ManagerWith eight years in the creative and marketing industry, Stef brings together creative thinking, strategy and a strong understanding of what makes a destination and its people worth talking about. At Oceanstays, his role is to shape how the brand is experienced and communicated, from content and campaigns to partnerships and the stories we share.
For Stef, great marketing starts with understanding what makes a place and its people special. From the way we tell our stories and work with local communities to the way we help guests discover somewhere that feels worth coming back to, he helps keep that sense of connection at the heart of what we do while continuing to grow the Pilot Hill and Oceanstays brands.
Alicia O’Neill
Buyer's AgentAlicia O’Neill brings a practical, hands-on approach to property, shaped by years of buying, renovating and building equity through real estate and building and selling a number of successful service businesses. With a sharp eye for potential and a clear understanding of what drives performance, she helps clients make confident, well-informed decisions.
As part of Pilot Hill, Alicia applies that same disciplined, results-focused mindset to every property, combining real-world experience with strategic thinking and honed sales and negotiation skills to deliver outcomes that stand up in the market.
Lyka Loverez
Accounts ManagerLyka supports the financial operations of Pilot Hill, bringing precision, reliability and a thoughtful approach to trust accounting and invoicing. With a strong eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, she helps ensure every financial process runs smoothly behind the scenes.
At Pilot Hill, Lyka plays an important role in maintaining the systems that give owners confidence. By keeping accounts accurate, payments timely and financial processes dependable, she helps create the clarity and trust that underpin every client relationship.
Steve Eagleton
Cleaning ManagerSteve leads the Coldstream House cleaning team, ensuring every Pilot Hill property is prepared to the highest standard before each guest arrives. From scheduling and training to maintaining consistent processes, he oversees the systems and people that keep every home guest ready.
Steve believes great presentation comes down to the details. Through clear expectations, careful oversight and a commitment to doing things properly, he has built a team that takes pride in delivering consistently high standards across every property. His work helps create the first impression that owners expect and guests remember.
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