About Us

Peter Smith is the Managing Director of Rygate & West.

Since achieving his Engineering degree in Surveying and Spatial Information Systems at the University of New South Wales, Peter has led complex international projects in Kuwait, Tanzania, and Papua New Guinea. Closer to home, Peter’s experience grew with key involvement in the following major developments: the Wheatstone LNG Project, the Sydney Desalination Plant, HMAS Albatross expansions, Port Kembla Blast furnace 5 reline and the Botany Groundwater Treatment Plant / Cleanup Project.

Peter's dedication to the field of land development extends beyond professional obligations. A proud member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW (UDIA NSW), he actively contributes to discussions on smart city development. His involvement with the Institution of Surveyors NSW and the Association of Consulting Surveyors further demonstrates his commitment to the advancement of the surveying profession.

The legacy of land development runs deep in Peter's family and this familial connection has instilled in him a deep understanding of the industry's history and its future potential. At Rygate & West, Peter has been instrumental in modernising operational practices, especially in surveying and data management, significantly enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction. His approach combines a deep respect for traditional methods with an eye towards adaptive, innovative solutions that meet contemporary challenges.

Under Peter's leadership, Rygate & West is poised to continue its trajectory of excellence in land development.

Graham Beasley's remarkable tenure in surveying and land development spans over fifty years, characterised by significant achievements and a profound impact on the urban landscape on the South Coast. He is a University of New South Wales alumnus with a Bachelor of Surveying (Hons Class 1 Div 2), recognised for his academic excellence with multiple awards.

As the Former Managing Director of Rygate & West, a role he assumed in 2001 after being the manager and Resident Partner since 1988, Graham played a crucial role in the company's growth and success. His expertise in subdivision and regional planning, engineering design, cadastral surveying, and project management has been instrumental in the development of many thousands of properties in the area, a testament to his skill and dedication to his profession and the local area.

Beyond his professional achievements, Graham has been actively involved in community service, notably serving on the Board of Directors of Mollymook Golf Club Limited from 1993 to 2005. His tireless dedication has significantly shaped the Rygate & West over the past several decades.

While Rygate & West embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of Peter Smith, Graham's legacy and ongoing involvement continue to be invaluable to the company and the communities it serves.

Tim is a highly skilled and experienced Registered Land Surveyor with a Bachelor of Surveying from the University of New South Wales. Having completed a range of rural and urban projects across the state, Tim has continuously demonstrated a commitment to excellence in diverse surveying projects including Torrens and Strata subdivisions in NSW, road construction, building set out, and high-rise construction.

Tim's role as Registered Land Surveyor with Rygate & West sees him project managing diverse subdivision and cadastral surveying projects along with the supervision of set-out surveys and identification surveys of various sites across the Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla regions. Tim is proficient in operating drones & processing datasets to produce 3D models and aerial imagery.

With a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for surveying, Tim continues to excel in his field, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of quality. Tim is committed to leveraging his expertise to deliver innovative solutions and drive success for clients.

Jaimee has been an integral part of Rygate & West since August 2018. Within her first year, she demonstrated her commitment to professional growth by completing her Certificate III in Business Administration. Beginning her journey as our front office receptionist, Jaimee adeptly managed new enquires, phone calls, quoting, scheduling jobs and handling emails.

In 2022, Jaimee assumed the role of Accounts / Office Manager, showcasing her versatility and leadership skills. In this capacity, she oversees day-to-day employee operations, manages payroll processing, handles accounts and invoices, schedules jobs, and prepares quotes, among many other responsibilities.

Jaimee's dedication to excellence is evident in her meticulous approach to every task. She approaches new challenges with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, ensuring continued success for herself and our team.

Originally from the Ulladulla area, Jaimee brings a strong sense of community and familiarity with local dynamics to her role.

Christopher has been in private practice since 1978 when he purchased MD Dowling and Associates in Canberra.

After moving to Batemans Bay in 1981 he started the company, Chris Conway and Associates, and then in 1984 he amalgamated with Alan Burrows who had previously bought out Peter Hancock. They formed a new company called Conway, Burrows and Hancock. Along with Bullock & Walters, they became the dominant Survey and Engineering companies in the shire and were responsible for almost all subdivisions and developments in the Eurobodalla.

Both Alan and Christopher have had many years of experience in the fields of Surveying and Engineering, and together they forged a very enviable reputation in the area. Christopher believes he is now one of the oldest Surveyors in NSW.

In 2022 Conway, Burrows and Hancock merged with Rygate & West and the company continues to work from the original office in Batemans Bay.

Alan has chosen to retire and enjoy the benefits of the years of hard work, whilst Christopher remains in semi-retirement, electing to work with Rygate & West when needed. He feels very honoured to be employed casually by Rygate & West, and to be able to assist them with their complex Survey and Engineering problems.

Born in Milton NSW, Catherine has had a long and happy career spanning over three decades with Rygate & West. After completing secondary education, Catherine enrolled in a secretarial studies course at TAFE Ulladulla.

Catherine joined Rygate & West in 1988 and has since become an integral part of the company's operations. Starting as a receptionist, Catherine demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill. Over the course of 36 years, Catherine has had various roles within the company including accounting, wages, superannuation and monthly tax submissions to general office administration and organisation. Catherine has also demonstrated proficiency in other areas of the business including drafting survey plans, typing reports, and liaising with clients.

In Catherine's current role, she is responsible for completing applications for various Councils, NSW Land Registry and Service Authorities, all whilst navigating never-ending changes to technology.

Throughout Catherine's time at Rygate & West, she has proven herself to be a reliable and invaluable asset to the company.

Ian is a highly skilled and experienced Registered Land Surveyor with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University. Having engaged in a range of projects within Australia, Ian has continuously demonstrated a commitment to excellence in diverse surveying projects including Torrens and Strata subdivisions in NSW, road and rail construction, building set out, and wind farm construction.

Ian's role as Registered Land Surveyor with Rygate & West sees him project managing diverse subdivision and cadastral surveying projects along with the supervision of set out surveys and identification surveys of various sites across the Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla regions.

With a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for surveying, Ian continues to excel in his field, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of quality. Ian is committed to leveraging his expertise to deliver innovative solutions and drive success for clients.

John is a highly skilled and experienced Town Planner who joined Rygate & West in 2021. He is a graduate in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New England, Armidale NSW and is a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia. John leads Town Planning services at Rygate & West and works collaboratively with our professional, technical and administrative team to obtain the best results for our clients.

His career includes an extensive background in NSW Local Government in Senior Town Planning and management roles, together with more recent experience as a consultant Town Planner.

The law and practice of Town Planning is becoming increasingly complex and our clients can rely on John’s knowledge and expertise to get the best outcome for their project or proposal.

Jarrah Gilmour, a talented surveyor at Rygate & West since August 2022, has quickly become an integral part of the team. With a wealth of experience in land surveying, Jarrah is currently on the path to becoming a registered surveyor.

Before joining Rygate & West, Jarrah gained expertise in a variety of projects, ranging from residential to large-scale construction projects such as the Batemans Bay Aquatic Centre, Crown Towers in Wollongong, and mining infrastructure in the Pilbara.

At Rygate & West, Jarrah's responsibilities encompass a diverse range of tasks, including mentoring junior staff, managing subdivision surveys, and handling complex project management duties.

Jarrah's commitment to efficiency improvement systems and his adaptability in dynamic work environments make him a valuable asset to the Rygate & West team.