Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini

At the heart of every Aussie workplace lies connection…and coffee. It is in those spontaneous, shared moments over a cuppa with a colleague that genuine bonds form and a supportive culture thrives. (Image: NESCAFÉ in Nestlé Professional) NESCAFÉ in Nestlé Professional has partnered with public health promotion charity R U OK? as its official ‘cuppa’ partner. Throughout the three-year partnership, NESCAFÉ is encouraging Australians to connect with family, friends and colleagues over a coffee – using these moments to ask the question, “Are you OK?” Research conducted by Verian for the charity found that people who engaged in more frequent R U OK? conversations were more likely to feel a sense of belonging and be comfortable discussing their wellbeing, compared to those who had fewer such chats. Whether it is in the office kitchen, a breakroom or on a construction site, NESCAFÉ and R U OK? are working to bring people together over a cuppa. In the time it takes to share a coffee, a m...

The Aura and Harmony Water and Wastewater Program team – including Unitywater (client), McConnell Dowell (principal contractor), and Stantec (superintendent) – came together on site during early works. (Images: Aura and Harmony Water and Wastewater Program) Creative construction is McConnell Dowell’s signature – but so too is its commitment to community, a focus clearly seen on the Aura and Harmony Water and Wastewater Program. At McConnell Dowell, building infrastructure is about more than meeting deadlines and budgets. It is about creating something better – for clients, for communities and for the future. Innovation and care for people sit alongside technical milestones, shaping every project from planning to delivery. Few projects demonstrate this more clearly than Unitywater’s Aura and Harmony Water and Wastewater Program on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. McConnell Dowell is Unitywater’s delivery partner on the program, providing essential water and wastewater infrastructure f...

Mirvac has been recognised for its commitment to construction quality. (Image: Mirvac) Mirvac Constructions has been awarded the highest possible 5 Gold Star iCIRT rating for the third consecutive year – a distinction that highlights its continued commitment to construction quality. Issued by regulated ratings agency Equifax , the iCIRT (Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool) system was introduced to help identify trustworthy developers and builders in New South Wales. Developed in collaboration with government and industry stakeholders, the tool forms part of the state’s Building Strong Foundations reform agenda implemented by former Building Commissioner David Chandler. One of the six key reform pillars focuses on rating systems that assess the capability and track record of construction professionals. Mirvac was the first business to receive the 5 Gold Star rating in 2022. Stuart Penklis, CEO of development at Mirvac, said the latest rating underscores the company’s o...

A single inaccurate reading from a bulk material silo can throw off transport schedules, causing a ripple effect all the way to the construction site. (Image: sa4e4ek/stock.adobe.com) From silo to site, VEGA’s radar sensors help eliminate delays and minimise waste – supporting stronger, more reliable supply chains for concrete and other construction materials. When deliveries miss their window or trucks arrive empty-handed, the issue often starts upstream – not on the construction site, but at the batching plant or bulk material production facility where level data went wrong. Tony Scarborough, NSW business development manager at VEGA Australia. (Image: VEGA) As construction supply chains grow more complex, the pressure to get materials in the right place at the right time has only intensified. Tony Scarborough, VEGA Australia’s NSW business development manager, sees measurement as the element that holds the system together – stable when it works, and costly when it doesn’t. ...

15 Khartoum Road has topped out within Stockland’s MPark precinct. (Images: Stockland) Stockland has marked a construction milestone at its MPark precinct, with the topping out of 15 Khartoum Road and near completion of 17 Khartoum Road – the new Australian head office for Johnson & Johnson’s Innovative Medicines and MedTech businesses. Located in the Macquarie Park Innovation District (MPID), MPark is a $2 billion mixed-use precinct designed to attract leading health, pharmaceutical, life sciences and technology organisations. “We are pleased to soon welcome Johnson & Johnson to MPark as we continue our journey to create one of Australia’s largest innovation precincts for life sciences and technology here in Macquarie Park,” said Frank Ianni, head of workplace development at Stockland. “MPark will provide a modern and sustainable workplace for Johnson & Johnson – one that supports employee collaboration and wellbeing, and which maintains the long-standing presence t...

Eastwood Private Hospital delivered by BESIX Watpac. (Image: BESIX Watpac) Construction works have officially wrapped at Eastwood Private Hospital, with BESIX Watpac successfully delivering the project to practical completion. This marks the final major stage in what was a technically complex and highly coordinated build, delivered safely, on time and in compliance with stringent healthcare standards. Al Crosby, general manager for South Australia and Victoria at BESIX Watpac, acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the project. “Eastwood Private Hospital is a standout project that reflects the strength of collaboration between all parties – as well as the depth of engagement with our well-connected subcontractor networks, with 87 per cent sourced locally, over 1,600 jobs supported and 360,000 construction hours delivered,” said Crosby. “We’re also proud to support our local community by donating $5,000 to our neighbour throughout the construction phase – Cancer Council SA...

O’Brien AutoGlass Devonport – 11 Matthews Way, Devonport, TAS 7310 O’Brien AutoGlass has expanded its footprint in Tasmania, opening new service centres in Devonport and Burnie. The move doubles the company’s physical presence in the state, adding to its existing locations in Hobart and Launceston. The new centres will offer the full range of O’Brien’s services – including windscreen repairs and replacements, Advanced Driver Assistance System recalibrations and vehicle accessories – delivered by trained local technicians. “As a brand with more than 100 plus years of history, our story is built on trust, craftsmanship, quality and an unwavering commitment to our customers,” said Fawad Saleem, group customer, supply chain and operations director at O’Brien. “These new centres are not just part of our growth strategy; they reflect our ongoing commitment to serve local communities with care today, while investing in the services and technology that will define the future.” Relate...

Everyone – from purchasers to distributors to engineers – should focus on verifying compliance before work begins, rather than assuming that someone else has ensured everything is correct. (Image: Hobson Engineering and Pormezz/shutterstock.com) Product compliance is the bedrock of structural integrity in construction. Australian and New Zealand standards exist to safeguard this, yet some suppliers exploit loopholes by falsifying documentation to feign compliance. This not only undermines industry standards but also puts public safety at risk. According to Alex Sharp, senior engineer at Hobson Engineering, the root of the issue lies in flawed verification processes. “In the past, it was clear who was following the standards – suppliers or importers doing the right thing had proper documentation, while those who were not couldn’t provide any,” says Sharp. “Since the National Construction Code (NCC) was updated in 2022, some non-compliant suppliers have adapted by falsifying test ...

Safety and innovation in crane operations will be a key focus at Converge 2025. (Image: Sventek Cranes & Rigging and The Crane Industry Council of Australia) The crane industry is backing Converge 2025, championing collaboration as a force for tackling construction’s biggest challenges. On 17-18 September 2025, Converge will unite key decision-makers from municipal works, civil and commercial construction at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Built by Australians for Australian construction, the event is a launchpad for the discussions, innovations and partnerships that will shape the nation’s built environment in the coming years. A strength of Converge lies in its partnerships with industry bodies like The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA). By bringing together leading organisations with a shared vision for progress, the event will ignite conversations that drive real change. Brandon Hitch, CEO of CICA, says the association is thrilled to be a partner...

The Victorian Trades Hall in Carlton. (Images: Multiplex) Multiplex has been reappointed to deliver Stage Three of the Victorian Trades Hall Living Heritage Project – a long-term initiative by the Trades Hall & Literary Institute to preserve the world’s oldest continually-active trade union building. This follows Multiplex’s completion of Stage Two in 2021, which involved structural, roofing and interior refurbishments. Stage Three is being delivered under a $10 million investment through the Victorian Government’s Victorian Trades Hall Conservation Grant 2023–25 program. The hall is located at the corner of Victoria and Lygon streets in Carlton. Stage Three is being led by heritage architects Lovell Chen, with Multiplex restoring the Victoria Street Wing, including the original part of the building constructed in 1874. As part of the current works, Multiplex will unveil additional honour boards along the west and south walls of the Victoria Street ground-level foyer. Painte...

The Transmix TMX5DC is a compact, low-profile mobile concrete mixer, available through Jacon Equipment’s rental fleet. (Images: Jacon Equipment) Jacon Equipment’s rental range ensures contractors get the right machinery at the right time – without the long-term commitment. Construction is a business of problem-solving, where every project has its own blueprint for success. The right equipment can make all the difference, but with skills shortages, inflation and supply chain disruptions, locking into costly machinery purchases is not always the best move. Jacon Equipment sees rental not just as an option but as an advantage. As a global designer, manufacturer and supplier of construction equipment, the company knows that flexibility is as valuable as securing projects. That is why its rental range – spanning concrete pumping, spraying and transportation solutions – is designed to keep contractors moving without the weight of ownership. Matt Finn, product specialist at Jacon, says...

The 2023 event featured more than 2,400 exhibitors. (Images: CONEXPO-CON/AGG) Less than one year out, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is shaping up to deliver an expansive and innovative experience for the global construction industry. One of North America’s largest construction trade shows will return to Las Vegas from 3 to 7 March 2026, bringing together tens of thousands of professionals, exhibitors and industry leaders from around the world. Following the record-breaking success of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 – which welcomed more than 139,000 attendees from 133 countries and featured more than 2,400 exhibitors – anticipation is high for the 2026 event. Organisers promise new experiences, cutting-edge technology showcases and expanded educational programming to address the evolving needs of the construction sector. Dana Wuesthoff, show director, says the event’s continued growth sets a new benchmark for the industry. “Building on this momentum, we are working to make the 2026 event our most ...