Welcoming Richard Brown to the RCC Family

March 1, 2023

This week we welcome Richard Brown to the RCC family, as ACT General Manager.

He has rockstar project and executive management experience and we are excited that Richard’s construction legacy will continue with the ACT business. Richard will be leading the long-tenure team, known for its commitment to delivering projects that enhance the local ACT community.

“Richard Crookes’ reputation in our industry is second to none. To be part of the heritage which has made RCC what it is today is extremely humbling” says Richard

Looking for a new challenge after delivering major commercial and aviation projects in the UK, Richard moved to Australia in 2008 with his wife and two children and never looked back. Throughout the 2010’s, Richard often worked in Canberra and formed lasting relationships and an affinity for the city, the people, and the culture. Richard is extremely proud to be appointed as GM for the ACT business and to be living and delivering projects in Australia’s capital city.

“Although the ACT business unit is already a high performing team, I hope to apply the lessons learnt over a long and varied career and secure Richard Crookes as the contractor of choice for our clients in the ACT”

An engineer, now General Manager, Richard has managed large multidisciplinary teams, from both the construction and client management perspectives. During his career, Richard has been involved in many high profile projects; Terminal 5 Heathrow, The New British Library, The Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the Sydney Opera House. His experience spans the public and private sectors in commercial, correctional, health, aviation, defence, mission critical, tertiary education, rail and civil. In more recent years, Richard has had a number of senior executive roles focused on operations and developing new business, people, and culture.

Jamie Crookes and the ACT Team would like to thank Scott Waller’s huge contribution acting as the General Manager for the past 6 months. His positive attitude and love for construction will continue to be central to the ACT team culture.

Please join us in congratulating Richard on his new position, or chortle together over the Southampton Football Club’s current performance.

ACT MBA Excellence Award Winners 2021

November 10, 2021

RCC has received Excellence in Construction Awards in multiple categories at this year’s ACT Master Builders Association awards.

Congratulations to the RCC teams and all our project partners involved in the delivery of both these exceptional developments.
Being recognised for excellence in our industry across multiple sectors is incredibly rewarding for RCC. Delivering quality outcomes for our clients, end users and our community is just what we do, so this acknowledgment excellence is a bonus.

THE HENRY, CANBERRA

Excellence in Special Purpose/Adaptable Dwelling

Design and construction of Stage 2 of this new boutique retirement village in Canberra comprising 25 Independent Living Unit townhouses and a 2-storey clubhouse, delivered in a live environment.

“The Henry is a project that we are proud to be associated with and recognise the excellent efforts of RCC in creating a product that surpasses our already high expectations.”

Richard Howarth LLB/BSc
Managing Director, The Henry Canberra

UNITING GORDON CAREHOUSE 3

Excellence in Special Purpose Commercial Building

Carehouse 3 involved the design and construction of a new 40 bed dementia specific Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF). Delivered within an operational environment, this stage added to the prior completed stages which included a 42 bed and a 40 bed RACF and community centre/administration facility.

“We are most pleased with the built works Richard Crookes Constructions have delivered for us on both Care House 3, and throughout the entire masterplan. Richard Crookes Constructions has displayed professionalism, good attention to detail and delivered a quality built outcome across all stages of the project.”

Bel Rivera
Development Manager (Amala Care House 3), Uniting

Meet Gabby – She Loves Her Job

December 20, 2019

In celebration of being awarded the 10th Best Place to Work in Australia by Great Place to Work, RCC has interviewed 10 employees who love their job. We’re honoured to have such passionate employees who jumped at the opportunity to share what they do, and why they love it.

Meet Gabby McGinness. Gabby is a Contracts Administrator based in the ACT. Since joining RCC, just 18 months ago, Gabby has grown to love her job for the mentors, and for her potential to develop and progress with the company.

“After starting with RCC a year and a half ago in the CA role, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Bob Anthony and Dave Archbold who have both been long serving RCC employees – over 20 years. They have been great mentors by always demonstrating the company values and showing me the RCC way.”

As a young cadet, Gabby says she was fortunate enough to receive invaluable mentorship from another female CA she describes as ‘strong, capable and determined’. After working hard to progress to a similar role, Gabby has now been a CA for four years – undoubtedly emulating the same hardworking attitude as her first female mentor.

“I’m working towards Senior CA at the moment, but long term I’d like to be a Contracts Manager. I’d love to manage all the head contract administration and take on more client liaison. The role also appeals to me because of the opportunity to manage and mentor a team in the same way I have been mentored.”

Gabby says that the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion with staff of various ages and levels of experience creates a positive culture and an environment where personal development and mentorship are accessible opportunities for everyone.

“There’s many times that I’ve been the only female on a project site, but I still get treated the same and have the same opportunities as my male counterparts.”

Belonging to a close-knit family herself, Gabby loves her job for the familial bond she’s formed with her team, and says site is a home away from home for her.

“My upbringing has taught me that there’s nothing more important than family, and that’s who you go above and beyond for.

When I joined RCC, I noticed this company has that same feeling within the project team and different business sectors. I think it is great that The Crookes family promote that family company mentality and invite everyone in the company to be a part of it.”

With her sights set on a prosperous career in the construction industry, it’s talented individuals like Gabby that make RCC’s team culture a supportive one. We’re proud to have a workplace that allows for progression, growth and fulfillment, but it’s our RCC family members who ultimately make this possible.

MORE ABOUT THE ANU SA8 PROJECT

The SA8 student accommodation project for the Australian National University (ANU) involves the design and construction of 1031 student accommodation beds with single occupant rooms in 8 buildings across 5-8 storeys. Designs for both SA6 and SA8 buildings are based on student surveys, emphasizing the importance of communal spaces and encouraging greater interaction between students, their families and the campus community. Having delivered the SA6 Bruce Hall Redevelopment project for ANU in 2017, RCC was honoured to be selected as the university’s construction partner to deliver the current SA8 development.

MORE ABOUT OUR 10TH BEST PLACE TO WORK STATUS

The Great Place to Work assessment is a feedback-based study obtained from a confidential survey of our 700+ employees. It involves an independent audit across areas like hiring and integration, health and wellness, as well as workplace culture.
2018 was the first year RCC entered the assessment and we were thrilled to be awarded 17th Best Place to Work. Within a year, we rolled out a number of new initiatives to better the experiences of our people. To be recognised as the 10th Best Place to Work this year is a credit to our continued commitment to ensuring that everyone at RCC genuinely looks forward to coming to work each day.

Learn more about Great Place To Work Australia and their 50 Best Places To Work Study.

Preschool Makeover in Gordon, ACT

November 23, 2017

The Amala project team in Gordon, ACT has been busy over the last few months making some upgrades to the playground at the local Gordon Primary School. The site team have been presented with a certificate of appreciation from staff and some very happy students for their time, effort and donation of supplies to give the school yard a makeover.

RCC is proud of the effort the team have put in to make a difference and give back to the local community we are building in. Particular thanks go to Site Manager, Tim and Contracts Administrator, Matt as well as some generous subcontractors who ensured the works happened. The team thank the school and parents for allowing them to be involved and create something really special for students.

“Thank you for your generous work and support in updating the Gordon Preschool outdoor area. The Preschool has a new and improved learning environment that children from the Tuggeranong Lanyon District can enjoy for many years to come” Murray Bruce- Principal

We pride ourselves on delivering important developments for our local communities, including homes, hospitals and schools; being able to assist our neighbours and local organisations around our sites is allows us to give back and make a broader community contribution.

Tuggeranong Office Park – ACT

September 25, 2017

The Tuggeranong Office Park (TOP) project has reached practical completion! A joint venture with FDC, the 50,000m2 commercial facility in Canberra will house 2500 Department of Social Services (DSS) staff.

Involving state of the art technology and high level security infrastructure, the integrated fit out will allow DSS staff to commence moving in after the official opening this week.

TOP Key Features

New 7 storey commercial building
Over 30,400sqm of net lettable office space, basement car parking, tenant storage, café, large central atrium, and rooftop BBQ facilities
5 Star Green Star, 4.5 star NABERS design, As-built rating
Integrated fitout for the Department of Social Services (DSS)