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

November 14, 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.”

Making mental health at work a priority for 3,500 people across Australia  

September 14, 2023

Wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility. 

As a family business, we work hard to create a culture of care and support both on R U OK? Day and beyond. 

Today we facilitated 40+ R U OK? Day events across the nation, connecting with more than 3,500 employees and subcontractors. We know that a strong culture can’t be built in isolation – the one we’re building together encourages us to check-in with our mates, support our colleagues and speak up if needed.  

The sobering reality is that the construction industry has grappled with high rates of mental health issues and double the risk of suicide compared to other industries in Australia.  The workplace is increasingly being recognised as a crucial setting for interventions aimed at preventing and managing mental health issues – this is why we’re so passionate about supporting our employees and their families. 

We were incredibly fortunate to be joined by Darren Higgins, a powerful and talented Fist Nations  speaker and former professional rugby league footballer. Speaking candidly about his past struggles with mental health, Darren reminded us of the importance of banding together and the power of ‘Don’t Give Up – Speak Up.’  

We are dedicated to ensuring our people have access to ongoing support, including:  

  • Wellbeing @ Work program, which is available 365 days a year and has been designed to keep our people across Australia connected.  
  • Employee Assistance Program, a confidential and free support service provided by independent psychologists at <Mend> 
  • Headgear, a free, easy-to-use app that offers a 30-day mental fitness challenge designed to build resilience and wellbeing 
  • U Days twice per year, for the purpose of maintaining work/life balance.  
  • Qualified Mental Health First Aiders 
  • Management training and support 
  • Family and parenting support 
  • Financial planning and advice 
  • My Fitness Passport & RCC Flyers 

Wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s take the time to regularly check-in with ourselves, and the people around us to build a safe and supported work environment. 

Emergency support is always available. If you need assistance, please contact:  

  • Lifelife – 13 11 14 
  • Mensline Australia – 1300 78 99 78 
  • Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 

UNSW and RCC team up to prepare students pursuing careers in STEM

August 2, 2023

Collaborating for maximum impact. 

When universities unite with industry, they have the unique chance to develop some of Australia’s sharpest and curious talent – staying in step with current and future industry and workforce needs.  

Construction Project Management Theory students at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) gained future-focused, work-ready skills following presentations of their preliminary Project Management Plan to a panel of industry experts.  

Three of RCC’s trailblazers – Lily Beckhurst, Site Engineer, Mitch Arnold, Site Engineer, and Isabella Spinolo, Senior Project Engineer – joined their industry peers from John Holland, BESIX Watpac, ADCO, Aqualand and Taylor to help undergraduate students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  

Construction Project Management Theory students are introduced to the principles, methods and processes of project management in the context of the construction industry. Lily, Mitch and Isabella’s valuable insights shed a light on the importance of effective teamwork, group decision making, and communication in successful project management.  

We would like to thank Dr Benson Lim, Lecturer and Academic Mentor – Arts, Design and Architecture, for facilitating this opportunity, as well as Lily, Mitch and Isabella for sharing their knowledge and experience with the cohort.  

Working with tertiary education partners such as UNSW is a vital way for us to leave a lasting impact for the next generation of leaders.

  

UTS x RCC Scholarship Alumni ‘Get Together’

June 19, 2023

UTS x RCC Scholarship Alumni ‘Get Together’

We work hard to provide future generations with opportunities for growth and positive change – as such, supporting young women as they enter the construction industry is something we take seriously.

As part of this commitment, RCC have developed a unique program with UTS to recognise and empower high-achieving young females pursuing careers in STEM – the UTS Richard Crookes Constructions Merit Scholarship for Women. Since 2016, 9 students in either the Faculty of Engineering or the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building have received $15,000 towards their degree over a 2-year period, before going on to undertake a cadetship with the RCC team.

UTS Richard Crookes Constructions Merit Scholarship for Women alumni from the past 3 years joined Richard Crookes, Executive Chairman, Samantha Kuiper, General Manager – Design and Innovation, Tony Grippi, General Manager – Operations and Vanessa Riley, Chief People Officer, for a site tour of the iconic Sirius project. This was a wonderful opportunity for our Leadership Team to connect with industry trailblazers – the young females making their mark within the construction and design space.

Due for completion this year, Samantha explained how the project will revitalise the iconic landmark while protecting its rich heritage – offering high-end, luxury living and an unparalleled Sydney lifestyle opportunity.

We strongly believe in the value of camaraderie and creating a workplace that’s both enjoyable and supportive. Given this, maintaining a genuine connection with our scholarship recipients, and in-turn, supporting the next generation of female leaders in the industry, is of the utmost importance.

Thank you to Richard Crookes, Samantha Kuiper, Tony Grippi, Vanessa Riley, UTS and our incredible alumni for joining us at this event. We look forward to enhancing our scholarship programme in the future, and can’t to watch you progress through what will, no doubt, be amazing careers.

Reconciliation Week 2023

May 29, 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.

RCC Family Day 2023

May 22, 2023

Bringing our families together for the annual RCC Family Day.

Every year, we celebrate the wider RCC family by spending a fun filled afternoon with our colleagues and their loved ones. This year, RCC families took over Holey Moley and Hijinx Hotel in Sydney and Dullboy’s Social Co in Newcastle.

The day is part of our Staff Appreciation Program; an annual program of events and initiatives focused on giving back to our employees and ensuring everyone enjoys the journey at RCC.
We can’t wait for the next one!

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

May 11, 2023

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 

 

Celebrating our Biggest Achievement – Sydney Modern

December 3, 2022

Celebrating the opening of Sydney Modern – RCC’s most significant project to date

Sydney Modern is one of the most significant projects delivered by Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) in our 46 year history. An already complex project with a bespoke design and construction approach, the RCC team also overcame challenges caused by bushfires, the pandemic and record rainfall. Throughout, we continued to execute innovative construction methods to deliver an iconic, state of the art gallery space for the community. 

In line with the Sydney Modern Project’s 6-star Green Star design rating over 8,000sqm of green roof and landscaped area planted with Australian native species and 735 solar panels have been installed, with the panels covering nearly 1,500sqm of roof top space. RCC enjoyed the challenge in the repurposing of the existing two disused World War II naval oil tanks. This resulted in a new unique art space in the southern tank, while the northern tank structure has been partially retained for the adjacent back of house area and loading dock servicing the new building. 

The Tank space in the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ new SANAA-designed building. Photograph: Jenni Carter

Navigating a unique site, the quality of the project is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the RCC project team. The building is formed by a series of pavilions, and is suspended over one of the city’s busiest freeways. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning practice SANAA, partnering with local practice Architectus, the focus was on complimenting the location.  The new exhibition space is an expression of the city’s deep love of the Arts, and is the most significant cultural development in the city, since the opening of the Sydney Opera House nearly half a century ago.

 

Aerial view of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Photograph: Iwan Baan

Working collaboratively to deliver on the collective vision, they were able to remain agile in the face of the challenges arising from the pandemic and record rainfall throughout the construction journey. 

Interior view featuring Takashi Murakami Japan Supernatural: Vertiginous After Staring at the Empty World Too Intensely, I Found Myself Trapped in the Realm of Lurking Ghosts and Monsters. Photograph: Iwan Baan

It is an honour to have partnered with the Infrastructure NSW, the Art Gallery of NSW and the local community to deliver this exceptional project. We look forward to celebrating this project, and all it offers to the city of Sydney, its visitors and the Arts Community for many years to come.

 

Take a virtual tour through the newly delivered space:

 

Yayoi Kusama Flowers that Bloom in the Cosmos 2022. Photograph: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Zan Wimberley
Installation view of Francis Upritchard Here Comes Everybody 2022. Photograph: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Christopher Snee
Installation view of the Yiribana Gallery featuring (from left) Yukultji Napangati Untitled 2005, Doreen Reid Nakamarra Untitled 2007, Bobby West Tjupurrula Tingari sites around Kiwirrkura 2015 and Ronnie Tjampitjinpa Tingari fire dreaming at Wilkinkarra 2008, and (top) Yhonnie Scarce Death zephyr 2017. Photograph: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Zan Wimberley
Installation view of Lee Mingwei Spirit House 2022. Photograph: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Diana Panuccio

9 Excellence in Construction MBA Awards

November 14, 2022

We are ecstatic to have taken home nine awards at the Master Builders Association of New South Wales Excellence in Construction Awards 2022 on Saturday night!

These awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements by our teams and project partners involved in the delivery of these award-winning projects. Delivering projects we are proud of, and creating quality outcomes for our clients and community is what we do, so it’s incredibly rewarding to receive industry recognition for innovation and excellence at this year’s MBA awards.

Congratulations to the RCC project teams and all our subcontractor, consultant and supply partners involved in delivering these incredible projects.

 

For us, success is about delivering important developments for our local community, working together with our clients and project partners to leave a legacy that we can all be proud of. Congratulations to everyone who played a part in the design and delivery of these award-winning projects.

Interested in these incredible award-winning projects? Keep an eye out on RCC’s social media accounts over the coming weeks for feature stories on each project, showcasing the the innovation and excellence behind their recognition in the 2022 NSW MBA ‘Excellence in Construction’ Awards.

Completion of East End Stage 1 – QT Hotel

July 26, 2022

Completion of East End Stage 1 – QT Hotel

We were proud to be issued the Occupation Certificate for the QT Hotel on 13 May 2022, marking the completion of our East End Stage 1 project in Newcastle.

Commencing in October 2018, with the residential portion (separable portion 1), we officially completed the East End project in March 2021.

The QT Hotel official opening party was held on 8 June 2022 and the new Hotel and Sports Bar began trading to the public on 9 June 2022.

Housed within the heritage-listed 113-year-old former Scotts Limited and David Jones building on Hunter Street Mall, the new hotel comprises:

  • 104 hotel rooms
  • Ground floor bar and restaurants, commercial kitchens and amenities
  • Back of house office, kitchens and amenities
  • Rooftop bar and restaurant
  • Separate sports bar & lounge

The positive response from the community, hotel guests and patrons emphasises the extremely hard work and effort from all the RCC team to undertake this complicated project.

Some of the unique challenges, excluding COVID and wet weather, that we overcame to deliver the project include:

  • Retaining and refurbishing the exisiting heritage structure
  • Retaining, refurbishing and reuse of the existing heritage timber structure, including floor jacking to create additional levels
  • Access and egress to the project on a city corner block that maintained the heritage façade
  • Achieving the QT uniqueness that “No two rooms are the same”.

Congratulations and thank you to the support from the safety team during the build and all staff that contributed to the success of the project.