Proudly Sponsoring the PCA, People in Property, Leadership Legacy Award

We are committed to acknowledging and celebrating outstanding individuals and teams who are reshaping the property and construction industry. We’re proud to announce our support and sponsorship of the Property Council of Australia’s People in Property and Leadership Legacy Awards. 

People are at the heart everything we do – recognising the outstanding people within our organisation, and wider industry, fosters a culture of appreciation and drives our collective success. By shining a spotlight on our trailblazers, we actively celebrate a culture of excellence and collaboration. 

Congratulations to our finalists: 

• Annika Field, Senior Design Manager, Rising Star Award 
• Elliot Hicks, Construction Manager, Pathfinder Award 
• Martin Patience, General Manager – Aged Care and Retirement Living, Legacy Leadership Award 
• Samantha Kuiper, General Manager – Design and Innovation, Industry Impact Award 

We’re shifting the dial for the next generation.

Today, we pause to reflect on the 418 projects our team has delivered across the private, public and tertiary sectors since 1976. 

This future-focused education infrastructure has helped nurture and shape bright young minds across Australia – some of whom have gone on to pursue rewarding careers in STEM.  

We’re committed to building a better industry, however we know that meaningful change is incremental. Through the continued delivery of critical social infrastructure and our Cadet Program, we’re shifting the dial to create a safe and inclusive environment for the next generation. 

RCC’s Cadet Program  

Students can experience everything construction has to offer in a 2-year structured program. Generally, students will join us in their 2nd or 3rd year, gaining valuable industry experience that complements University commitments and accelerates their careers.  

Discover some of RCC’s completed Education projects  

• Monte Scientia 
• UTS Central 
• Alexandria Park Community School 
• St Catherine’s School Sydney 
• Cranbrook School Hordern Oval 

Read more about how we’re shaping the future of education infrastructure here. 

Recognising, and accelerating, high-performing talent.  

Congratulations to Jennifer Tyler, who heads up our in-house legal team, on her recent promotion to General Counsel.  

Jennifer joined RCC as Head of Legal three years ago, tasked with establishing a greenfield in-house legal function. Since then, she has built an extremely capable legal team who assist with the provision of in-house legal services.  She will continue to focus on the development of the in-house legal function, as well as legal operations and corporate governance in her new role.   

With more than 20 years’ experience, Jennifer has successfully advised on a broad range of transactions, disputes and governance issues. Jennifer initially worked in private practice before moving in-house where she has worked in both listed and privately-owned companies. When reflecting on the importance of this varied experience, Jennifer shared, “I’ve been lucky to work alongside highly experienced lawyers with incredibly varied skill sets…with the benefit of this experience, I know the value that a capable and commercially minded in-house legal team can provide.” 

Jennifer has a keen interest in corporate governance, regulatory compliance and L&D. In 2024 she intends to focus on ensuring that RCC understands, and is compliant with, the unprecedented number of regulatory changes impacting the construction industry.  

“Our industry is undergoing a period of rapid and complex legislative change. To successfully deliver our projects, it’s critical that the business is aware of, understands, and complies with, these changes,” she said.  

To close potential knowledge gaps, Jennifer has recently initiated RCC’s company-wide Legal Seminar Series, which offers our people monthly training sessions on a broad range of topics with external subject matter experts. This program will encourage staff to develop and refine their understanding of key legal and regulatory issues, regardless of their role in the organisation. 

Outside of work, Jennifer is looking forward to spending more time with her family. “RCC offers significant flexibility to its staff and the business genuinely encourages and supports its people to incorporate flexibility into their working lives – as a parent, this is really important to me. ”  

Congratulations Jennifer – you are such an important part of our team, and we’re delighted to celebrate this promotion with you. 

Advancing our industry and building a better future for all.

Our people share a common purpose – building a shared legacy. In the leadup to the NAWIC 2023 Awards for Excellence, we want to acknowledge two incredible women nominated in recognition for their impact on both the industry and our community. 

Regional Woman of the Year finalist, Ashley Barnes is a Design Manager who is working hard to champion equity in the construction sector. “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.” 

Ash’s role as a client-centric Design Manager is focused on delivering cost-efficient, well-considered design solutions that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment. 

Outside of project delivery, Ashley advocates for importance of workflow innovations in regional communities in her role on three Property Council of Australia boards. She is currently liaising with Minister Crankanthorp to highlight the importance of continued large-scale developments in Newcastle and the wider Hunter New England region, and has secured additional meetings to scope funding. 

Future Leader nominee, Isabella Spinolo is a Senior Project Engineer who is working on long term initiatives to increase female representation in the construction industry. Isabella championed a Student Engagement Program for students of the Mone Sant’ Angelo Mercy College which has been praised by students, the college and industry colleagues. 

Isabella developed a program of content which exposed students to a range of industry leaders from construction, architecture, finance, planning disciplines. Nicole Christensen, Principal at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, praised Isabella’s program, “It has had a transformational impact on our students. I truly believe that Isabella has set our students up to thrive, in our college and throughout their careers.” 

Ashley and Isabella are part of a large cohort of changemakers who proactively create safe and enjoyable places to work. By promoting inclusion and equity, they support the next generation to thrive – and ultimately to advance our industry. 

Celebrating four wins at the MBA Newcastle Excellence in Building Awards 2023.  

Last week, RCC’s Hunter New England project teams took home four gongs at the prestigious Master Builder Association’s (MBA) Newcastle Excellence in Building Awards. These awards celebrate building excellence in the Hunter, Central Coast, Manning Great Lakes, Oxley and Tamworth regions, recognising local craftsmanship, expertise and excellence in construction.  

Luke Gerathy, General Manager – Hunter and New England, was quick to share his praise, “Congratulations to everyone in our project teams on your outstanding work. This is a massive achievement – one that every member of our Hunter New England team can take pride in.” 

Congratulations to all involved in the following projects: 

• Winner: Interior & Shop Fitouts over $30m – Central Coast Clinical School & Research Institute 
• Winner: Restoration of an Historic Building over $20m – QT Newcastle 
• Winner: Commercial Projects over $10m – Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence 

The night didn’t end there, with RCC awarded the 2023 Commercial Builder of the Year! We were also proud to celebrate the success of two of our most valued trade partners: 

• Vogue Joinery: Winner – 2023 Subcontractor of the Year 
• FC Glass & Aluminium – 2023 Best Use of Glass 

We’re incredibly proud of our long-term relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors and these accolades reflect our dedication to ensuring the growth of our regions.  

Recognising the outstanding workmanship and skills of our project team and subcontractors.

We’re thrilled to share that the Tumut Hospital Redevelopment has won two accolades at the Master Builder Association’s 2023 Southern Regions Excellence in Building Awards. These awards encourage, promote and recognise best practice in residential and commercial buildings across regional New South Wales, rewarding outstanding workmanship, innovation and teamwork.

Our project team attended the ceremony in Ulladulla, collecting awards for the following:

– Commercial Projects over $40 Million
– Commercial Builder of the Year (Southern Regions)

A benchmark for regional hospital design and construction methodology, the redevelopment of Tumut Hospital involved the successful planning, design and delivery of a fully integrated, modern health service for the Tumut community and surrounding region.

The redevelopment of the site was a priority for local community groups and government, with their consultation and engagement a key component in the design and scope of the facility, including a new helipad.

The Tumut Hospital Redevelopment included:

• Enabling works including services relocation, new substation and services connections
• Inpatient beds including a rehabilitation pod and maternity pod
• Emergency Department
• Operating theatre suite and day surgery
• Wellness centre incorporating mental health services, renal services, dental services ambulatory care and outpatient services
• Pharmacy
• Radiology
• Pathology service with on-site laboratory
• Helipad
• Staff accommodation
• Site wide infrastructure upgrades to support the redevelopment (including access and services)
• Demolition of nominated existing hospital/support buildings.

The completed facility incorporates community-guided elements, including a welcoming front entrance and atrium reception, as well as courtyard relaxation spaces. A big congratulations to Health Infrastructure and Murrumbidgee Local Health District on this incredible recognition.

Uncle Terry Denzil is paving the way for Aboriginal design and inclusivity at Alexandria Park Community School.

Across every generation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in local communities and families.  

They guide younger generations and pave the way – not only through generations of advocacy and activism, but in everyday life.  

In 2022, RCC worked closely with Schools Infrastructure NSW and Tanner Kibble Denton (TKD) to deliver Alexandria Park Community School – a vibrant and unique Kindergarten to Year 12 school located in the heart of Sydney. It was an honour for our project team to work closely with local Elder and school mentor Uncle Terry Denzil throughout the school’s design and construction.  

In 2022, Uncle Terry’s commitment to Aboriginal education in NSW public schools was recognised at the 17th Nanga Mai Awards, where he received the Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Community Member Award for his work at Alexandria Park Community School. Nanga Mai is an Eora (Sydney) word “to dream.” You can read more about these awards here. 

RCC worked closely with TDK to design Alexandria Park Community School in a way that paid respect to the traditional custodians of the land – after community-wide consultation, it was decided to name the gymnasium “The Denzil” in honour of Uncle Terry’s contributions.  

Working with the school’s leadership team, Uncle Terry sought knowledge and permission from Shayne Beckham, Cultural Mentor, to name school buildings and significant spaces in the Gomberee language, and introduced Gomberee language lessons into school programs. 

Through consultation with Uncle Terry and Aunty Deb, Aboriginal influences from local areas were incorporated into the core of the design, including: 

• An Aboriginal dot painting inspiration via perforation patterns on the dominant façade screening 

• Incorporating historic NAIDOC Week posters and a Welcome to Country Mural on the main wall of “The Denzil” 
• Inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander plants within landscape works, with a focus on native species from the local area 
• Inclusion of edible native plants in the garden outside the teaching kitchen spaces    

This NAIDOC Week, we would like to acknowledge and thank Uncle Terry, Aunty Deb, and all Elders who have made, and continue to make, significant contributions in their communities.  

Congratulations to our valued construction partner for being awarded the William E Kemp Award for Educational Architecture.

Congratulations to Cranbrook School, Architectus and RCC’s project team for bringing home the William E Kemp Award for Educational Architecture at the 2023 NSW Architecture Awards.

A combination of enduring architecture and connected spaces, the redevelopment will help Cranbrook School nurture students and foster learning into the next century.

“This redevelopment project incorporates two exceptional new buildings combined with beautiful outdoor settings. The Vicars Centenary Building houses purpose-designed teaching and learning spaces, a drama theatre, a chapel, and an assembly hall,” cited the Awards jury.

Key features of this project included the new Murray Rose Aquatic and Fitness Centre – situated beneath historic Hordern Oval – encompassing:

• 50m swimming pool with regulated race timing equipment and water polo layouts
• 20m Learn to Swim pool
• Grandstand to accommodate 350 spectators
• Multi-purpose sports hall catering for indoor soccer, basket and netball, cricket practice nets and a spin room
• Indoor sprint and hurdles training track
• State-of-the-art Gymnasium
• Ancillary functions across approximately 6,036sqm of new accommodation.
• New 124 space carpark

The new Hordern Oval includes:

• Full size rugby and soccer fields
• Cricket pitch and nine practice nets
• Maintenance accommodation for equipment and ground staff

Architectus led the design of the future-focused environment, with the new buildings demonstrating a strong connection to place through physical qualities inspired by “Sydney’s coastal topography of rock platforms, horizontal terraces, cantilevers and headlands.”

RCC is proud to be leading the push to future-proof education facilities across private, public and tertiary education infrastructure. We are focused on delivering outcomes that create sustainable learning outcomes for current and future generations, and are proud to have the Cranbrook School Hordern Oval Precinct redevelopment recognised in this prestigious category.