Ashley Barnes recognised as Regional Woman of the Year

Delivering innovative and complex design solutions in HNE. 

Last week, 40 current and future leaders attended the NAWIC NSW Awards for Excellence to celebrate and acknowledge the efforts of women in property and construction.  

Congratulations to Ashley Barnes, Design Manager at RCC, for being awarded the Regional Woman of the Year accolade. A very deserving winner, Ashley’s reputation as a champion for equity precedes her – as does her technical brilliance. Progression is complex and multi-faceted, but her vision is clear, “I’m responsible for helping ensure the glass ceiling within this space is shattered. If I can do that, my daughters will have the level playing field they – and all women – deserve.” 


Time and time again, RCC’s clients call on Ashley to deliver innovative and complex design solutions in Hunter New England. Paving the way for regional communities, her client-centric ethos has enabled the delivery of cost-efficient, well-considered design solutions that seamlessly integrate with local surroundings.
 

We’re proud sponsors of the Business Woman of the Year award, which acknowledges women in senior positions who positively influence organisational development through exceptional leadership. Congratulations to Cate Cowlishaw, Regional Managing Principal and Vice President at HDR, for her well-deserved win. Cate has a powerful impact on the industry, and her trail-blazing initiatives are creating genuine and meaningful change for women in the building, property and construction sectors. 

 

Well done to all award nominees, and thank you NAWIC NSW for another fantastic industry event. 

 

Eight wins for RCC at the MBA NSW Excellence in Construction Awards 2023

Delivering state-of-the-art social infrastructure for clients and local communities.

Richard Crookes Constructions has taken home eight awards at the Master Builders Association NSW Excellence in Construction Awards 2023.

These awards recognise the industry-leading innovation, high-end bespoke designs and complex precincts delivered by both our team and our wider ecosystem of project partners.

By delivering critical social infrastructure, we enable local communities to thrive – now, and for generations to come.

Congratulations to the teams for their collaboration and realisation of excellence:

  • Winner: Public Buildings $200m-$300m – Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Modern Project
  • Winner: Health Buildings Refurbishment $10m-$50m – Tumut Hospital Redevelopment
  • Winner: Public Schools Open Price Category – Alexandria Park Community School
  • Winner: Best Use of Structural Timber – Cranbrook School Stage 2 Redevelopment
  • Winner: Private Schools $50m+ – Cranbrook School Stage 2 Redevelopment
  • Winner: Best Use of Concrete – Cranbrook School Stage 2 Redevelopment
  • Winner: Lifestyle Living Over 55’s $50m-$100m – Kokoda Residences
  • Winner: Industrial Buildings $50m-$100m – Australia Post Oakdale West Industrial Estate

Jamie Crookes, Managing Director at Richard Crookes Constructions, emphasised the significance of industry recognition across our operational areas. He commented, “These prestigious accolades reflect our dedication to building a shared legacy with clients, consultants and subcontractors – they are testament to our long-term relationships with world-class delivery partners across Australia.”

Delivered by Richard Crookes Constructions, Cranbrook School wins 2023 National Award Educational Architecture

State-of-the-art facilities supporting the health and wellbeing of students.

Cranbrook School’s Bellevue Hill campus redevelopment has been recognised as one of Australia’s most prestigious projects of the year – taking home the 2023 National Award for Educational Architecture.

RCC in partnership with Architectus delivered state-of-the-art facilities safely in a   live operational environment – ensuring the continuity of school life with minimal disruption. Skilful stakeholder management in conjunction with rigorous safety standards ensured the project’s success.

The new building is tucked into the hillside and integrates the site across several levels from the oval to the beautifully detailed chapel at the uppermost level.

One of the key design elements that stood out was the substantial incorporation of sustainable materials. The RCC team worked in close collaboration to bring the glulam and CLT to life – a major highlight was their use in the chapel roof structure. This marked a significant milestone for our project. You can learn more about the glulam installation here.

Improving connectivity and supporting the school community through exposure to new pedagogy models in the modern learning spaces.

Jury chair and former Australian Institute of Architects president, Shannon Battisson said, “… the jury were united in our desire to seek out and draw attention to the best examples of design innovation in the country….broader climate, sustainability and culture situation…To send a message to all Australians about where our industry should be going in terms of sustainability, learning and listening to Country.”

Congratulations to our project team, partners and subcontractors for being recognised in their delivery of this critical social infrastructure.

Topping out ceremony at Kingfisher Grove 

Partnering with Keyton to deliver a socially connected community.  

Kingfisher Grove’s residents and staff joined special guests to celebrate the topping out of Building A – heralding the completion of the development’s highest point.  

Nathan Cockerill, CEO at Keyton, thanked RCC’s project team for being an ‘excellent partner’ throughout construction. “When we undertake any development, we want to show kindness to our community, residents, teams and partners from turning the first sod on a project to milestone events like this topping-out ceremony.  

“I want to especially thank the RCC team who came on board to finish this project and have done a great job so far,” he said. 

Once complete, Building A will offer 36 brand new one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a village clubhouse. Designed to serve as a ‘social hub,’ facilities will include:  

  • Heated indoor pool 
  • Cinema 
  • Gym 
  • Library 
  • Bar and dining room 
  • Outdoor terrace 
  • BBQ area 

With more than 75 villages nationally and 17,000 residents across the country, Keyton is a leading owner and operator of over-55’s living communities in Australia. 

RCC is proud to have partnered with this market leading client – delivering facilities that will help residents live happier, healthier lives.  

Innovation meets luxury at Kurraba Point Residences

Construction nears completion on the waterfront development.

Completion is fast approaching at Third.i Group’s luxurious Kurraba Point Residences, which has been thoughtfully designed and delivered to compliment and stand the test of time on Sydney’s grand waterfront.

When asked about his experience working with the RCC team so far, Adam Marshall, Head of Development at Third.i Group said, The project was built during unprecedented periods of rain and escalation, and our relationship with RCC remained strong throughout. It was an absolute pleasure working with the RCC team and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”

Nestled at the end of Kurraba Point and surrounded on three sides by the harbour, the project will comprise of a collection of two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

Due to Kurraba Point Residences’ proximity to the harbour, site topography and requirements for a terrain 1 Category for wind, innovative design solutions and a collaborative approach to engineering and delivery were essential. Unique design features, including curved windows and brick interfaces need to stand the test of time in this corrosive harbourfront environment.

As a result of these requirements, RCC’s project team collaborated closely with architects SJB, façade engineer Meinhardt Group, and façade contractor Micos Group to develop and test numerous prototypes. These engineering tests were facilitated to ensure the adequacy of materials and systems, with the final façade fabricated and assembled locally.

Artist’s Impression

“The Kurraba Residence development was a project Third.i and our consultants were extremely passionate about. RCC has proven to be the perfect partner in bringing this project to life. Not only have they provided innovative solutions to deal with design’s complexities, they have also made it an incredibly enjoyable experience,” said Marshall.

Josh Sanderson, RCC Project Manager, added, “This exceptional project pays homage to the art deco residential apartments in the area. It’s truly beautiful from any angle – it’s been a pleasure working with our client and consultants to bring this intricate architecture to life both inside and out. We’re proud to deliver this space for future residents, and hope they enjoy these state-of-the-art buildings.”

Many thanks to Alison Warters for her original feature in Urban, which you can read here: Construction nears completion on Thirdi’s $43m Kurraba Po… (urban.com.au)

Artist’s Impression

Monte Scientia is Now Complete

Celebrating the completion of the state-of-the-art Sports and Science Building that will enable young women to take their place in the world.

We are delighted to announce the completion of the Monte Scientia project, which encompassed the design and construction of a new Sports, Science and Social Enterprise Building for young women at Monte Sant’​ Angelo Mercy College.

Centrally located in North Sydney, the College combines future focussed learning facilities with buildings of architectural and historical significance. Students and teachers alike are now enjoying the new six-storey Sports and Science Building which includes new laboratories, a social innovation and enterprise hub, partially covered dual sports courts, three levels of teaching spaces, a rooftop sports court and an ethical kitchen and shop. These facilities will ensure that Monte girls continue to receive the highest quality secondary education in the most contemporary context.

The College remained fully operational throughout construction. Our project team prioritised stakeholder collaboration, engaging with students, teachers and surrounding residents while minimising disruption.

RCC worked closely with Monte Sant’​ Angelo Mercy College to deliver the ‘Building a Better Industry Together Program.’ Students met with the site team, who shared valuable insights into the project and their personal career journeys before discussing the diverse entry points available in the construction industry.

Congratulations to our client, project team and dedicated subcontractors for bringing this exceptional learning facility to life – one that will foster the uniqueness and leadership potential of young women as they take their place in the world.

Reconciliation Week 2023

Recognising the project team for the iconic City Tattersalls Club redevelopment

At RCC, we are proud to support and celebrate Reconciliation Week by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the lands on which we operate our business.

As a private, family-owned construction company that began on the lands of the Eora nation in 1976, we’re committed to promoting diverse and inclusive practices that support and empower Indigenous communities across Australia.

Recently, the project team for the iconic City Tattersalls Club redevelopment partnered with Aboriginal Artist, Kulka Fahey, a proud Biripi/Worimi Woman, to create three Indigenous artworks that brings together our history, people, clients and communities.

The three stunning artworks titled ‘Yannau Boomi – Walk Yesterday’, ‘Yannau Bungai – Walk Today’, and ‘Yannau Koobauki – Walk Tomorrow’, symbolises the history and progression of the City Tattersalls Club, and RCC’s vision for this redevelopment project to create a long-lasting legacy for our community.

 

Yannau Boomi – Walk Yesterday

This artwork represents the history of the City Tattersalls Club, with the depiction of the men sitting, symbolising the 20 members that started the City Tattersalls Club in 1895. Each meeting place represents 10 years of operation of the business.

The community and landscape is portrayed through the use of footprints, representing the pedestrian foot traffic. This acknowledges how well-known Pitt Street is as a major central business district in NSW.

 

 

Yannau Bungai – Walk Today

This artwork depicts the history of the City Tattersalls Club, with the representation of men, and now women, sitting around the centre. This highlights the progression of the Club.

The joinery around the centre meeting place represents the future evolution of the city and the City Tattersalls Club in the years to come. Not having an ending to this joinery creates the idea of continuation and growth.

 

 

Yannau Koobauki – Walk Tomorrow

The split down the middle of this artwork represents the City Tattersalls Club and RCC coming together with a vision for this project to create a long-lasting legacy for our community.

The meeting places (circles) either side of the artwork represent each companies’ values. Footprints are surrounding the centre to show the people within the businesses and the positive relationships they form.

 

 

 

 

Thank you to Kulka Fahey for creating these memorable pieces that connects RCC with the history of the City Tattersalls Club and the communities we serve.

$65,800 Raised to Provide Health and Developmental Care for Country Kids

RCC cyclists conquered over 400km in support of developmentally vulnerable children living in regional, rural, and remote communities.

A big congratulations to RCC’s incredible cyclists, who took on the Ride for Country Kids earlier this year – raising over $65,800 in support of Royal Far West, Australia’s only national charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of country children. 

Team RCC showed up with passion and perseverance, coming together to tackle the gruelling 400km+ course from Cooma to Lake Hume Village over 3 days. From Mark Bowd’s parents welcoming the team into Tumbarumba, Jonty Young being nicknamed “Quadzilla” and the team jumping into Lake Hume on the final day, it truly was the ride of a lifetime.  

Country communities have had a tough couple of years – the impact of natural disasters coupled with the existing disadvantage of distance and availability of services has seen the number of country kids in need of developmental and mental health services drastically increase. For this reason, fundraising efforts are crucial to connect children in rural and remote communities to the critical assessments, services and support they need to thrive. 

David Sharp, Chief Financial Officer, spoke with the Royal Far West team on the importance of the fundraising initiative:

At RCC, we are committed to giving back to the regional communities in which we work. Our dedicated project teams have recently delivered a number of health precincts in the ACT region, including Cooma Hospital, MPS Braidwood, YASS and Harden, Tumut Hospital and MPS Tumbarumba Hospital. These state-of-the-art facilities ensure regional communities have greater access to essential healthcare services.  

Well done to our riders and event facilitators:  

  • David Sharp, Chief Financial Officer
  • Mark Bowd, Senior Project Manager 
  • Lucas Rielly, Site Manager  
  • Obadiah Williams, Project Engineer
  • Jonty Young, Building Cadet 
  • Kane Towns, Owner of Towns Cranes 
  • Chris Schreurs 
  • Michael Ellis, Design Manager 
  • Jess Dwyer, Head of Corporate Affairs & Communications 
  • Megan Jagers, Marketing & Communications Advisor 

 

Coles Group Celebrate Opening of First Automated Distribution Centre

Congratulations to our client and Crookes’ Queensland team on this incredible project milestone.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Coles Group Chairman James Graham and CEO Steven Cain for the official opening their first Automated Distribution Centres (ADC) in Redbank, Queensland. This development represents significant investment in the latest retail and supply chain technology available globally.

This milestone also marks the completion of our Queensland team’s inaugural project – a monumental moment we are delighted to celebrate.

At 66,000m2, the distribution centre is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and will service 219 supermarkets across Coles and Northern New South Wales.

Sustainability was top-of-mind when designing the Redbank facility, with the project team leveraging low energy LED lighting, solar power generation and a 180,000-litre rainwater storage capacity to reduce onsite water usage.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Coles Group Chairman James Graham and CEO Steven Cain to officially open the site. Coles CEO Steven Cain said today is one of the most significant moments since Coles was founded in 1914 and five years in the making.

“This technology is not only a first for Australia, but also a win for the state of Queensland. As we’ve seen during the pandemic and natural disasters, resilient supply chains are essential when it comes to feeding our nation and providing Australians with essential supplies,” Prime Minster Albanese said.

Well done to everyone involved in this sector-leading project.

International Women’s Day 2023

Cracking the Code & Embrace Equity

Today we are celebrating the amazing women of RCC across our sites and offices. While the pursuit of gender equity is bigger than one day, IWD reminds us to amplify conversations that will drive progress, but also to reflect on our achievements.

True gender equity needs to be wholistic, which is why our focus is split across a business and industry approach. Internally, we have launched a culture program that underpins our formal DE&I approach, working with every RCC employee to build consistent, caring and inclusive behaviours. Externally we are partnering with industry peers and institutions to start building more opportunities for women at school age. Without change at this level, the industry won’t be able to move past 12% female participation. We look forward to an industry that has both equity and equality for everyone. Right now, we’re looking back to when RCC began the journey of increasing female participation and celebrating the success of women. We won’t stop here.