Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini

Jacon’s new website offers improved navigation and faster access to product and support information. (Image: fotofabrika/stock.adobe.com) In the fast-paced construction industry, quick access to reliable equipment information is crucial to the success of any project. To address this need, Jacon Equipment has launched a new website that gives construction professionals fast, efficient entry to essential resources. The new digital platform combines a streamlined, user-friendly design with enhanced functionality, making it easier for customers to browse equipment, compare specifications and find support materials – no matter where their work takes them. Jacon’s goal was simple: to help users make well-informed decisions by centralising information about equipment, services and support. Bringing equipment closer A standout feature of the website is the integration of interactive 3D models for all Jacon machines, allowing users to examine equipment features and designs in detail. Wh...

As demand for high performance fasteners grows, zinc flake coating is set to strengthen structural integrity in construction. (Images: Hobson Engineering) Hydrogen embrittlement presents a risk to fasteners in construction, but Hobson Engineering is tackling the challenge with zinc flake coatings. For decades, the engineers and specialists at Hobson Engineering have been at the forefront of fastener technology, helping the industry navigate risks and best practices. As Australia increases its use of high-tensile steels, the company is raising awareness of hydrogen embrittlement – a hidden threat that can lead to sudden failures – and how zinc flake coatings offer a reliable solution. Hydrogen embrittlement is a critical failure mechanism in high-tensile steels, occurring when specific conditions align. For embrittlement to take place, three factors must be present: high steel hardness, a high tensile load, and exposure to hydrogen. High-tensile fasteners, particularly those at Pr...

Graduate Connor Jorgensen. (Image: The Institute of Applied Technology – Construction) The Institute of Applied Technology – Construction (IATC) is helping to tackle some of the construction industry’s biggest challenges: labour shortages, a lack of housing supply, cost overruns, project delays and building defects. Through flexible, targeted training designed in partnership with industry leaders, the IATC is equipping professionals with the skills needed to lift sector capability and make construction careers more appealing. Based in Kingswood and offering many courses online, the IATC focuses on project management, leadership and digital construction skills. Its programs are delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, Western Sydney University and CPB Contractors, ensuring the training stays connected to industry needs. This co-design approach allows IATC to provide qualifications that are immediately relevant to construction workplaces. Rather than lengthy courses, the IATC offe...

Coates assigns a dedicated major projects manager to each customer. (Image: kelvn/stock.adobe.com) Australia’s domestic renewable energy sector continues to grow, with 56,000 household battery systems installed during 2023 and more than 337,000 rooftop solar installations adding 3.1 gigawatts of capacity to the energy mix, according to the Clean Energy Australia 2024 report by the Clean Energy Council. Utility-scale renewable energy is also gaining momentum. The report found that wind energy accounted for 33.2 per cent of utility-scale renewable energy and 13.2 per cent of overall electricity. Twenty-two large-scale renewable energy projects were completed, adding 2.8 gigawatts of capacity. Investment in large-scale renewable energy storage reached a record $4.9 billion, up from $1.9 billion in 2022. “In Australia, there’s a lot of construction activity focused on building wind and solar farms, but we’re also starting to see more interest in developing the infrastructure to stor...

Jordyn Allan, electrical apprentice at Gamuda. (Images: Sydney Metro) A chance conversation in a fast-food dining room led Jordyn Allan from restaurant management to electrical work on a major Sydney tunnelling project. Raised in a family with roots in the building trades, Jordyn Allan developed an early interest in hands-on work. With her mother constructing homes during pregnancy and her grandfather and uncle operating … The post Jordyn Allan: Wiring a bright future appeared first on Inside Construction . View Source

BESIX Watpac’s Lean In Circles provide practical spaces where women can connect, share experiences and build confidence. (Images: NexGen) Programs like BESIX Watpac’s Lean In Circles are changing the game for women in construction. By Lauren Fahey, executive director at NexGen. The construction industry is changing. Slowly but surely, more women are stepping into leadership roles, and proving that construction is for everyone. But while progress is being made, one of the biggest challenges isn’t just getting women into the industry; it’s keeping them here and ensuring they thrive. That’s why programs like BESIX Watpac’s Lean In Circles matter. They’re not just another corporate initiative; they’re real, practical spaces where women can connect, share experiences and build confidence in an industry where they’re often the minority. And it seems to be working. Launched nationally in 2023 after a successful pilot in New South Wales, Lean In Circles are small, peer-to-peer mentorin...

A Jacon Equipment employee conducting essential machinery maintenance. (Images: Maas Group) Backing its fleet of machinery, Jacon Equipment provides the support and training that keep construction projects running smoothly and downtime at bay. A machine is only as strong as the support behind it. At Jacon Equipment, after-sales service is built into the foundation of every sale. With rapid-response maintenance , a finely tuned spare parts network and operator-focused training , Jacon ensures its equipment delivers long after it leaves the warehouse. Downtime derails progress, and Jacon is in the business of keeping projects on track. Darryl Simms, product specialist and business development manager at Jacon, says the company’s proactive approach ensures customers have what they need, when they need it. “Providing customers with all the relevant contacts in our organisation, including after-hours support, gives them peace of mind and helps immensely,” says Simms. “Checking in wi...

Nick Fryday, general manager for NSW at Georgiou. (Image: Georgiou) Georgiou has appointed Nick Fryday as general manager of its New South Wales operations, signalling a new chapter for the business in the state. Fryday steps into the role with more than 20 years of industry experience across Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. A Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), he holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Mathematics and a Master of Project Management. His project portfolio includes senior roles on major infrastructure developments such as the M12 Motorway West project (Georgiou CPB Joint Venture), Dubbo Regional Rail Maintenance Facility, and Northern Road Stages 5 and 6. Related stories: Georgiou Group named preferred contractor to redevelop Subiaco hospital Georgiou Group wins head contractor role for $40M aged care facility Western Sydney hospital building completed early, beds available for COVID-19 patients Fryday’s expertise spans a range of delivery model...

Artist’s impression: Beenleigh train station. (Image: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads) The ActivUs Alliance, comprising CPB Contractors, UGL, ACCIONA, SMEC and WSP, has been awarded the design and pre-construction contract for the main works package on the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project. The alliance will work alongside the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Rail to progress design and planning for … The post ActivUs Alliance awarded Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project appeared first on Inside Construction . View Source

Hon. Colin Brooks MP, Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing and Minister for Creative Industries. (Image: Victorian Government) Colin Brooks, Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing and Minister for Creative Industries, is set to deliver a keynote at Converge 2025 . Minister Brooks was first elected to the Victorian Parliament as member for Bundoora in November 2006. He has since served as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Speaker of the House, as well as a member of Parliament’s Education and Training Committee, Law Reform Committee and the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee. Before entering parliament, he worked as an electrician on major building sites and in railway workshops. He then worked for several government ministers before being appointed as councillor at Banyule City Council from 1997 to 2005 and mayor of the city from 1998 to 1999 and 2001 to 2002. In June 2022, h...

Queen’s Wharf – Brisbane, QLD, Australia. (Image: Alexander/stock.adobe.com) The Brisbane 2032 Olympics presents both challenges and opportunities for the construction sector. With a stretched market, rising costs, potential workforce shortages and the need to balance short-term game requirements with long-term legacy infrastructure, the road to 2032 is complex. An estimated $200 billion in Queensland Government procurement opportunities has emerged from the need to deliver new and upgraded sporting venues, infrastructure and transport networks. This includes the 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park, the refurbishment and expansion of the Gabba, the new National Aquatic Centre planned for Spring Hill, the athlete’s village at the RNA Showgrounds and more. Transport infrastructure is also in sharp focus, with projects such as the new Gabba Underground Terminal, Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro and other major road and rail upgrades designed to ensure the city moves effectively dur...

Matthew Theoharous, executive general manager – Defence and Social Infrastructure at Built. (Image: Built) Built has appointed Matthew Theoharous as executive general manager of Defence and Social Infrastructure, a new role created to support the delivery of facilities that strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability. Theoharous brings more than 30 years’ experience on major Defence projects, including two decades as a client-side project manager. He has led the delivery of some of the country’s most complex developments, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and outcome-focused delivery. David Paterson, CEO of Construction at Built, said the appointment builds on the company’s established National Defence Business Unit. “As a fully sovereign, locally owned Australian company, we see great opportunity to accelerate the development of Defence capability through the delivery of major construction projects that help secure Australia,” said Paterson. “Matt’s strong leadership and...

The Pagewood Centro Uccello project includes two striking 20-level towers. (Images: National Precast) The Pagewood Centro Uccello project represents a landmark precast concrete development within the Pagewood Centro master-planned community, the first of its kind in Australia. By the National Precast Concrete Association Australia (National Precast) . Master Precaster – Advanced Precast Precast staining – ECOTONE Developer and builder – Meriton Group Architect – Woods Bagot The ambitious Pagewood Centro Uccello project features two iconic towers, each rising 20 levels and standing as the tallest structures in Pagewood and Eastgardens. Bookended by parks, the precast towers overlook a new retail precinct, which will serve as the ‘town centre’, offering a mix of specialty stores, a supermarket and an open-air laneway filled with restaurants and outdoor dining. Designed by award-winning architect Woods Bagot, it will be a residential oasis that integrates with its sur...

Visibuild brings quality full circle. (Image: Visibuild) Visibuild is built for the real world – connecting every phase of construction to simplify quality, empower teams and turn insights into real progress. Quality issues in construction often stem from the earliest project stages, yet many builds fail to address them until problems arise onsite – if they are addressed at all. This disconnect leads to costly rework, shrinking profit margins and inefficiencies that persist across multiple projects. Visibuild is changing this by integrating quality management throughout a project’s lifecycle, ensuring data‑driven improvements from planning to post‑completion. Its solution is designed with simplicity in mind, making adoption quick and practical for real-world projects. Quality begins before construction The foundation of a high-performing project is set long before ground is broken. Planning, design and pre-construction decisions shape the build, yet these stages are often discon...

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced updates to its employer-sponsored visa program, now known as the 482 Skills in Demand Visa. (Image: krumanop/stock.adobe.com) Australia’s construction industry is facing a critical skills shortage, but IMMIGATE is helping businesses access overseas talent to bridge the gap. This shortage of skilled workers is delaying construction projects and increasing costs across Australia. Traditional recruitment methods – whether local hiring or labour hire – are failing to keep up. But an often-overlooked solution is already available: employer-sponsored work visas. The construction skills shortage is driven by several factors. Intense competition within the industry makes it difficult for construction and engineering firms to attract and retain talent. Inadequate investment in training programs and apprenticeships has left too few new workers entering the industry to replace those retiring. Additionally, businesses often struggle to access ski...

Cathryn Greville, CEO of the National Association of Women in Construction. (Image: The National Association of Women in Construction) The National Association of Women in Construction is reshaping the industry’s definition of success by driving cultural change. By Cathryn Greville, CEO of the National Association of Women in Construction. We are on the cusp of a cultural shift in Australian construction, one that sees workplaces accommodate the respective needs of all workers, regardless of their background. We’re moving toward a future where businesses and the community capitalise on the myriad benefits that equitable and inclusive environments bring, such as improved financial returns, greater innovation, a positive reputation, achievement of work health and safety imperatives, better compliance and ways of working, reduced workforce shortages and lower risk. This change is long overdue. While great inroads have been made by dedicated and forward-thinking leaders and organis...