Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini

Stria Cladding Fine Texture was used on the exterior of House 4 on The Block 2025. (Image: Julian Brenchley/James Hardie) For many builders, keeping a project moving often comes down to speed on site. When every trade is booked weeks out and schedules are tight, choosing materials that crews can install efficiently becomes more important. Stria Cladding Fine Texture is designed for this environment, allowing external walls to be completed quickly and consistently without relying on specialist trades. Stria Cladding Fine Texture is a 14mm-thick Hardie fibre cement board with a sharp V-groove and an embedded fine render texture across the surface. This texture is engineered into the board, which delivers a consistent, tactile finish without the need for hand-applied coatings. The design keeps installation familiar for carpenters and helps crews maintain a steady workflow from the first board to the last. An advantage for builders is the ability to keep the work with the team alr...

James Vassallo, TAFE NSW graduate. (Image: TAFE NSW) Former drone photographer James Vassallo has turned a technical hobby into professional practice after enrolling in the Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information at TAFE NSW. After building a small drone-photography business alongside his work in photogrammetry, the 24-year-old from Newcastle sought a qualification to elevate his capabilities and unlock new career opportunities. “I started the course just wanting to upskill for my job in drone mapping,” said Vassallo. “But once I got into it, I realised how broad surveying really is; boundary work, construction, rail, mining, you name it.” He now works as a survey assistant at DeWitt Consulting in Charlestown on projects including high-rise developments, residential sites and rail infrastructure, while also returning to aerial mapping, the field that first drew him to surveying. “The TAFE NSW course absolutely paved the way for me to get my current job,” he said. “I...

Artist’s impression: Aerial view of Bradfield City’s Central Park. (Images: Bradfield Development Authority) FDC Construction & Fitout will deliver Bradfield City’s Central Park, a two-hectare public space set to anchor Australia’s first new city in 100 years. Bradfield Development Authority CEO Ken Morrison said FDC’s appointment brings the project, described as a “world-class public space”, one step closer to fruition. “Central Park will become the heart of Bradfield City, a place for families, workers and visitors to meet, play and enjoy the outdoors,” said Morrison. “We are proud to be working with outstanding partners to deliver a park that will serve the community for generations to come.” FDC will lead the delivery of the park infrastructure, including the signature Sky Ring, Woven Play and Interwoven Heart play areas, and the multi-use Gathering Green with space for up to 5,000 people. Related stories: Preferred proponent named for Sydney’s Blackwattle Bay projec...

BMD founder and chairman Mick Power AM. (Image: BMD) BMD founder and chairman Mick Power has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Queensland University of Technology in recognition of his leadership in business and long-term contribution to communities across Australia. Since founding BMD in 1979, Power has grown the business into Australia’s largest privately owned civil construction contractor, delivering infrastructure projects nationally and internationally. Today, the company generates more than $2.4 billion in annual turnover and employs more than 2,400 people. He has built his career on a values-led approach to leadership, with a focus on projects that connect and strengthen communities. “Success is not only measured by what we build, but by the opportunities we create for others,” he said. “This philosophy has guided me throughout my career and continues to shape BMD today.” Related stories: Joint venture awarded Gateway to Bruce Upgrade Contract awarded for Per...