Whats Building 107 August 2023

what’s 

ISSUE 107 - August 2023 

BUILDING 

Superb Construction 

University of Tasmania’s River’s Edge 

is exceptional quality.

From the CEO’s Desk 

Cover Story - River’s Edge 

Report - Northern Tasmania 

Outstanding Craftsmanship - River’s Edge Joinery 

Report - Victoria 

Award-winning construction - St Francis of the Fields 

Report - Southern Tasmania 

Breaking Ground - Maryborough Hospital 

Sorell Emergency Services Hub 

Report - Fairbrother Foundation 

University of Tasmania Scholarships 

Fairbrother Developments - North Terrace 

4 

6 

10 

12 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

20 

22 

23 

What’s Building AUGUST 2023 | Page 2 

River’s Edge 

Construction North and Fairbrother Joinery 

What’s Building AUGUST 2023 | Page 3

From the 

CEO’S DESK 

Hello and a very warm welcome to the August 2023 

edition of our What’s Building newsletter – yes, another 

year is beginning to escape us, the middle of the year has 

passed already! 

To begin with, I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of our 

teams who have played a critical role in bringing several 

significant projects to completion since our last newsletter. 

Starting with the $102m Galkangu - Bendigo GovHub 

project delivered in a Joint Venture partnership with 

Icon. This project commenced in the first half of 2020, 

pre-COVID-19. The team faced all the well-publicised 

challenges throughout that period. On top of this, a large 

portion of the building is constructed using mass timber 

with Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) columns and beams 

with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floor plates. This 

one was always going to be a challenging build without 

the impacts of COVID-19. The project was successfully 

brought to completion in May 2023 through the shear 

resilience and positive attitude of the team. 

Galkangu - Bendigo GovHub 

Victoria 

Then there is 

the $45 million 

UTAS River’s 

Edge building in 

Launceston. This 

project kicked 

off in early 2021, 

at a time when 

we thought 

our COVID-19 

experience was 

all but over (at 

least in Tasmania 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

KURT ARNOLD 

anyhow). Little did we know the second wave was about 

to hit. On top of all the well-known industry-wide issues 

related to COVID-19, this project had the added challenge 

of border closures, meaning our interstate subcontractors 

couldn’t enter Tasmania. It’s a testament to the team’s 

determination and persistence that River’s Edge was 

completed to an exceptionally high standard of quality in 

mid-June 2023. 

The Elliott 

Construction South 

We have also completed the $30 million Elliott 

Apartments project in Hobart. Another project that 

commenced in early 2021 and faced all the challenges 

mentioned above. This one definitely took some serious 

grit and commitment from the team to get across the line 

in May 2023. 

The $39 million Middleton Prison project in Castlemaine, 

yet another one of our projects that commenced early 

2021. It would take much more than a paragraph to 

accurately explain the daily challenges our team faced on 

this project – site personnel requiring triple vaccinations, 

daily Rapid Antigen Tests, the mandatory wearing of P2 

masks to scratch the surface. This project has seen a 

massive display of perseverance from everyone involved 

to achieve contract completion in May 2023. You can read 

more about this project in our previous April newsletter. 

These projects are great examples of the resilience, 

the determination, the grit and commitment, and the 

positive attitudes our employees display right across the 

company – all while delivering challenging projects to the 

highest possible standard of quality for our valued clients. 

Projects we can all stand back and look at afterwards with 

an enormous sense of pride and achievement. 

A new financial year has begun, and every year we update 

our Strategic Plan along with the suite of Divisional 

Operation Plans. These plans are tailored to address our 

upcoming operational requirements and are supported 

by a construction market in both Victoria and Tasmania 

that has a positive outlook for the foreseeable future. 

Although there are distinct signs that the residential 

market is continuing to weaken, the forecasts that support 

the commercial construction market remain very strong. 

On the awards front, congratulations to all our employees, 

sub-contractors and consultants involved in our St Francis 

of the Fields Primary School project in Strathfieldsaye, 

located just out of Bendigo. On Friday 24th June the 

project won the Master Builders Victoria “Excellence 

in Construction of Commercial Buildings $3m to $6m 

category” at the 2023 Regional Building Awards – 

Western. Well done all! 

In other noteworthy news, our Developments business 

unit has been active over this past period in facilitating the 

$12 million North Terrace Visitor Accommodation project 

which recently commenced in Burnie. The project will 

be delivered by our North West Tasmanian Construction 

team. Additionally, we’ve commenced a $4.3 million 

warehouse development on our old Southern Tasmanian 

Construction yard at 16 Stanton Place after moving our 

construction yard to a new land holding at the Brighton 

Industrial Estate. 

We have had five of our long serving employees achieve 

Years of Service milestones since April. Three being based 

in our Southern Tasmanian Construction division – with 

20 years is Travis Smith, one of our key Site Managers who 

is currently leading the team on the Harrington Street 

project. Racking up 15 years is Matthew Sawdy, one of 

our experienced Sub-Foreman. And achieving 10 years is 

Senior Estimator, Stuart Eaton. 

At the other end of Tasmania, accumulating 15 years 

of service is Brad Symmons, Manager of our North 

West Construction division. Also achieving the 15 year 

milestone is Melissa Hayes, our trusty Cleaner who covers 

our whole Devonport facility. 

Congratulations to you all and look forward to many more 

years ahead! 



A perfect fit 

RIVER’S EDGE 

Nestled within the historic Railyard Precinct of Inveresk, 

the University of Tasmania’s River’s Edge fits snugly 

between existing buildings. An expansive glazed façade 

provides impressive views over the North Esk River out to 

Ben Lomond beyond, while thoughtfully placed windows 

within the other two facades frame a number of fantastic 

city and railyard views. 

Central to the River’s Edge project’s narrative is its 

resolute commitment to sustainability. In a conscious 

departure from conventional construction practices, 

the client aspired to achieve a 30% reduction in carbon 

impact. This ambitious goal was achieved, in part, 

through extensive use of locally sourced timbers, a 

decision that not only championed eco-friendliness but 

also showcases the beauty of Australian Eucalypt species 

throughout the building’s features. 

The project incorporated a range of innovative materials 

and techniques. Standout features include the use of 

Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for the stairs in place of 

concrete, Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) for the roof 

structure, and even the experimental use of solid 

Tasmanian Blue Gum over a hydronic heated concrete 

slab. These choices not only offer sustainable alternatives 

but also infuse the building with character and a 

connection to its local context. 

“The River’s Edge building is a prime example of how 

Tasmanian timber and recycled materials is being 

used in sustainable building initiatives, as the industry 

in Tasmania continues to make this transition,” said 

Tasmanian Premier and Minister for State Development, 

Trade and the Antarctic, Jeremy Rockliff at the building’s 

opening in July. 



River’s Edge (continued) 

“The incorporation of world-leading hardwood cross 

laminated timber, developed and manufactured by 

Tasmanian company Cusp Building Solutions, is a 

testament to Tasmania’s growing reputation as a global 

leader in design and manufacturing technology,” Mr 

Rockliff said. 

Around 1,500 students and staff from various UTAS 

faculties have now transitioned to the new building, which 

was officially opened on July 28. 

At four storeys in height, the River’s Edge building provides 

space for research and study, while also being home to the 

new Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education. 

“Providing students with access to spaces equipped 

with the resources and technology to maximise learning 

creates job opportunities. This type of investment will also 

foster the development of new industries that will benefit 

generations to come,” said Federal Assistant Minister for 

Infrastructure and Transport, and Senator for Tasmania, 

Carol Brown. 

The River’s Edge project faced its share of trials, with 

the COVID-19 pandemic introducing unprecedented 

challenges. State border closures were implemented 

that restricted entry of specialist tradespeople, social 

distancing measures were stringently implemented but 

were extremely challenging on such a small site with over 

100 people on site. These challenges created scheduling 

issues that required a significant amount of management. 

Despite these disruptions, the project’s delivery team 

exhibited remarkable resilience and adaptability. 

“The site was previously used for rail and other 

heavy industrial uses, which deposited considerable 

contamination on the site over many years,” said 

Fairbrother Project Manager, Dylan Graham. “This, 

combined with the inherent difficulties of the deep, soft 

mud, made for a complex inground works.” 

Every load of soil removed from the site required 

treatment, monitoring, and thorough testing prior 

to being transported to an approved facility for 

rehabilitation. This process took up considerable space, on 

an already highly constrained site. 

The project team successfully repurposed steel gas 

pipeline tubes into a custom, driven pile design. The 

recycling of this material not only provided a successful 

pile design, but added a strong contribution to reducing 

the environmental impact of the project. 

The building itself embraces innovation and sustainable 

practices. Throughout, most surfaces have been designed 

to have feature lining installed, made up of predominantly 

Tasmanian Timber, combined with fabric acoustic 

treatments and harder wearing decorative fibre cement 

sheet linings to the main thoroughfares. 

The central atrium is a spectacular space, towering to 

20 metres in height and is adorned with 8 monumental, 

suspended timber pods. With perimeter glazing to 

every level and the infill walls all lined with polished 

timber battens, every aspect of this project speaks to 

Fairbrother’s commitment to quality and innovation. 

Furthermore, the project’s exterior is clad in raw 

aluminium Aramax, a high-impact material that 

nonetheless boasts a long lifespan and is 100% recyclable. 

Additionally, large sections of the northern facades 

are glazed with full-height curtain wall and intricate 

aluminium sunshades. 

The River’s Edge building is one of three Fairbrother 

projects at the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk campus, 

with completion earlier in 2023 on the Stone Building, and 

works continuing on the Willis Street project across the 

river. 

The level of executed detail and high-quality workmanship 

throughout the whole project is something that 

Fairbrother is extremely proud of. 

“We’re thankful to have had the opportunity to deliver 

another key educational facility for our long-term client, 

University of Tasmania,” said Fairbrother General Manager 

- Northern Tasmania, Marcus Perkins. 

As its doors open to students and staff, the building invites 

a new era of sustainable design and construction, where 

environmental consciousness is not just a goal, but a 

guiding principle that shapes the future of the industry. 

Join the Fairbrother Team! 

It takes incredible people to deliver iconic projects, and we’re 

always looking for the best people to join the Fairbrother team. 

We’re always on the lookout for carpenters, project managers, 

design coordinators, site managers and more. 

Interested? Visit fairbrother.com.au/careers for more. 

CLIENT: University of Tasmania 

ARCHITECT: John Wardle Architects 

PROJECT MANAGER: Dylan Graham 

CONTRACT ADMIN: Rebecca de Groot and 

Ben Hawkes 

PROJECT ADMIN: Tom Yates 

SITE MANAGER: Luke Johnson 

PHOTOS: Dave Groves 



GENERAL MANAGER 

NORTHERN TASMANIA 

MARCUS PERKINS 

The first half of 2023 

has seen the completion 

of two major projects: 

UTAS Rivers Edge and 

UTAS Stone Building. 

Both projects are major 

milestones for the UTAS 

Northern Transformation 

Project, which also 

includes our Willis 

Street project, due for 

completion in mid-2024. 

While we have seen some stability back into the 

construction sector, workload and the availability of 

tradespeople continues to be a challenge. I must say a 

massive thanks to our people who, in these circumstances, 

have once again gone above and beyond to deliver on our 

project commitments. 

Construction North West is mostly focused on delivery 

of a wide range of mid-scale projects including a hospital 

upgrade, industrial facilities, work for UTAS and the 

Department of Education. 

Completion of UTAS Rivers Edge has been achieved, which 

is an enormous milestone for both Fairbrother and UTAS. 

The level of quality achieved on a project of this scale is a 

credit to our team and the subcontractors that supported 

the projected. We are very thankful for the opportunity to 

partner with UTAS on another major educational facility. 

The Mersey Community Hospital project is now in full 

swing where we are building the Outpatients Clinic and 

Operating Theatres. Structural remediation has been 

Getting it done 

NORTHERN TASMANIA 

Years of 

SERVICE 

completed to the existing C Block, which has allowed 

partitions and service rough ins to commence. E Block 

will see both of the Level 2 structural pours completed 

through the month of August. The focus for the next 

phase will be completion of service rough ins to all areas, 

partition walls and E Block roof structure, with the focus 

on a weatherproof building by Christmas. 

Work is nearing completion at Alpha Electrics’ new facility 

in Somerset, consisting of a warehouse extension and a 

new two level office block. The structure is now complete, 

with fit out works continuing through ground floor and 

Level 1. Completion is scheduled for the end of August. 

The Wynyard Machine Centre project is progressing 

well despite ongoing inclement weather. Caisson works, 

piling and transfer slabs are complete; waterproofing 

has commenced and slab / foundation prep for the main 

structure is underway. We are currently undertaking 

a three-dimensional formwork and reinforcing design 

which will assist the onsite team in prefabricating as many 

components as possible. 

The UTAS Makers Workshop redevelopment has 

commenced, with demolition completed, structural 

alterations well advanced and service rough ins 

beginning. Civil and landscaping work adjacent to this 

at the UTAS Cradle Coast Campus is underway. This 

project consists of a major carpark expansion and vast 

landscaping, including a dedicated area for the local 

penguin colony. North Terrace Apartments are now 

substantially commenced. The project is a four level, 30 

room short stay accommodation facility on Marine Terrace 

in Burnie. Inground foundations are complete, with 

10 years 15 years 20 years 

Stuart Eaton 

Matthew Sawdy 

Melissa Hays 

Brad Symmons 

Travis Smith 

St Lukes 

Construction North 

ground floor precast installed and formwork for the Level 

1 transfer slab underway. 

We have also commenced at the Bothwell District School, 

constructing a stand-alone agricultural study building. 

Work is progressing well with most of the structure 

complete and the roofing installation well underway. 

Construction North’s focus continues to remain on project 

delivery, but with the completion of the UTAS Stone 

Building and UTAS Rivers Edge, there is now a shift to 

secure the next round of major projects. 

UTAS Willis Street is progressing on schedule and remains 

a hive of activity. Externally, the main roof area is now 

installed, glazed façades are nearing completion and 

claddings have commenced. Internally, plastering is now 

well advanced on Levels 1 and 2, closely followed by 

painting and finishes trades. 

St Lukes Health has seen the mass timber installation 

completed to Level 7, the Level 8 concrete plant deck is 

now poured, the glazed curtain wall is installed up to Level 

5 and the structural steel roof installation is underway. 

Partitions have commenced on the lower levels and 

services rough ins are well advanced. 

Our Joinery division is again operating at capacity, with a 

full workload into the new year. The completion of UTAS 

Rivers Edge has been a major milestone and the quality 

of finish delivered by the Joinery team is outstanding. 

Work for the UTAS Willis Street Joinery package is now 

the primary focus with the atrium truss feature linings 

well underway, additionally, the fixed joinery and wall 

lining packages are now being site measured, shop drawn 

and constructed. This project will be a large portion of 

our workload for the next period. St Lukes Health is also 

scheduled to commence in the coming months. 

In Hobart, our Joinery team has been busy installing 

fixed joinery for the 225 Harrington Street and St 

Aloysius projects, as well as commencing on the Castray 

Apartments with site measures and shop drawings 

underway. Additionally, Glenson Place and the new 

Master Builders Tasmania facility are both scheduled to 

commence in the near future. 



CLIENT: University of Tasmania 

ARCHITECT: John Wardle Architects 

JOINERY PROJECT MANAGER: Jordan Manson 

PHOTOS: Dave Groves 


Click! 

Amid the magnificence of the River’s Edge building, 

a standout feature beckons admiration – the Atrium 

Hoods that grace the foyer. Crafted with precision by the 

skilled tradespeople of Fairbrother Joinery, these unique 

installations are a testament to innovation, craftsmanship, 

and unwavering determination. The Atrium Hoods 

represent the pinnacle of design complexity and execution 

within the project. Suspended gracefully from stainless 

M12 rods, each hood boasts a distinct shape and size, 

creating an awe-inspiring visual spectacle. The largest 

among them stands an imposing 11.5 meters in height and 

weighs approximately 4,000 kilograms. 

Beyond their grandeur, these hoods are characterised 

by Tasmanian Oak’s natural beauty, with grain lines 

meticulously aligned from top to bottom. “The Atrium 

Hoods were a leading feature of the project, with each 

hood having a unique shape and size ... The craftsmanship 

undertaken in the workshop was exceptional, and the 

site installation presented challenges due to the hoods’ 

considerable weight. Despite this, the determination to 

deliver high-quality work was proven, and the end result 

showcased the hoods as the highlight of the project,” said 

Project Manager Jordan Manson. 

Fairbrother Joinery’s 

STANDOUT CRAFTSMANSHIP 


The Fairbrother Joinery team’s commitment extended 

beyond the Atrium Hoods. Throughout the River’s Edge 

project, they seamlessly integrated their craftsmanship 

into various aspects of the building. Acoustic wall linings, 

Tasmanian Oak timber feature battens, and Tasmanian 

Oak perforated wall and ceiling linings all bear the mark of 

their meticulous work. 

The project wasn’t without its share of challenges, from 

scheduling changes to material procurement complexities. 

However, Fairbrother Joinery’s response was a testament 

to their resilience and dedication. This commitment not 

only ensured the project’s progress but also underscored 

their commitment to delivering exceptional workmanship. 

The Atrium Hoods and the Joinery’s other contributions 

have left an indelible mark on the River’s Edge building. As 

visitors step into the foyer, they are greeted by a stunning 

display of craftsmanship that transcends traditional 

boundaries. The Fairbrother Joinery team’s skill, 

determination, and dedication have created an enduring 

legacy within the project, reflecting the harmonious 

fusion of design and craftsmanship that defines the entire 

endeavour.


VICTORIA 

MICHAEL JOSEY 

It’s been a solid period for 

our people over recent 

months. A majority of our 

pre-COVID-19 projects – 

affectionately known as 

“Legacy” projects – are 

either complete or very 

close to it. I’m sure you’d 

agree that we have all felt 

the impacts on the industry 

since 2020, so I’d like to take 

this opportunity to thank our people, our extended teams, 

our clients, our subcontractors, and our suppliers for their 

commitment and resolve in what’s been a challenging and 

continually shifting environment. 

In June Fairbrother received the Award for “Excellence 


category” at the Master Builders Victoria Regional Building 

Awards ceremony for our work on St Francis of the Fields 

Primary School in Strathfieldsaye, Bendigo. This award was 

exceptionally special given that most of the work on this 

project was performed by Fairbrother in our own right. It’s 

something we can all be extremely proud of. 

I also want to recognise the efforts of our carpenters, 

apprentices, and labourers on the Bendigo GovHub 

project, who have filled every gap and performed the 

majority of the challenging high-level finishes on the 

project. The feature stair and terraced meeting rooms are 

something that our teams will be able to look upon with 

pride for a long time to come. 

The future is bright, and our focus moving forward is 

about expansion, growth and people development. We 

are actively recruiting across the state and, in alignment 

with our Strategic Plan, we are progressing with our desire 

to establish an office in the North West Melbourne region. 

We see this area as fundamental for the growth of our 

Victorian business unit, and I look forward to providing 

more details as they unfold. 

Project-wise, Edgarley Aged Care is so close to being 

complete! We’re working on the finishing touches 

both inside and out. This has been one of the more 

Moving forward 

VICTORIA 


challenging projects that we’ve undertaken, and I must 

thank our client Edgarley Aged Care for their patience. 

Congratulations to our team! 

Hycel at Deakin in Warrnambool has averaged 40 workers 

per day in recent months. Plastering has commenced and 

joinery is measured, with featured finishes sourced. The 

momentum is continuing to grow with external Aramax 

cladding providing an industrial element to the build. 

We’re enjoying working with Woods-Bagot Architects 

and the entire design team as well as Deakin and Root 

Partnerships. It’s great to see this project unfolding with 

positive stakeholder collaboration. 

The California Gully VSBA Project is progressing well, with 

the steel frame complete and the roof well-advanced. 

The intricate heritage carpentry work is something our 

employees are enjoying working on. 

The a2 Milk Project is a challenging one, with the facility 

remaining operational while we are on site. A live 

environment means managing logistics around multiple 

truck movements, among other challenges. The team 

is building a strong relationship with the tenants and 

momentum should build significantly in the coming weeks. 

We have two buildings going up at St Joseph’s College in 

Echuca. The program is tight, but everything is progressing 

well with in ground services complete and slabs currently 

being poured. The site looks great, and you can tell it’s 

going to be another high-quality Fairbrother project. 

At the Werribee Open Range Zoo, project design has been 

a challenge, but the architectural, services and structural 

documents have now progressed so we can focus on trade 

letting to build momentum. The project is poised to move 

forward over the coming weeks. Learning about animal 

behaviour through the design phase has been something 

new for the team to enjoy. 

Lastly, we have recently mobilised the site for the 

Maryborough Health Redevelopment and the project 

is in full swing. In ground works are well advanced, and 

structural work is the current focus. We’re looking forward 

to watching this project come out of the ground. 

Award-winning construction 

ST FRANCIS OF THE FIELDS 

CLIENT: St Francis of the Fields 

ARCHITECT: Y2 Architecture 

PROJECT MANAGER: Rick Carson 

SITE MANAGER: Mark Miller, Tim Hurford 

PHOTOS: Xavier White 

Fairbrother Victoria’s commitment to excellence in 

construction has been vividly highlighted at the recent 

Master Builders Victoria Regional Building Awards. 

Fairbrother’s General Manager – Victoria, Mick Josey 

announced the reception of the Award for “Excellence 


category” for the prestigious St Francis of the Fields 

Primary School project in Strathfieldsaye, Bendigo. 

This achievement is particularly remarkable as Fairbrother 

Victoria took the lead on self-performing most of this 

project, executed by our own proficient employees. This 

involved a range of tasks, from installing concrete slabs, 

wall framing, and roof trusses to the meticulous design 

of feature timber elements, ensuring the internal fix and 

fit met high standards, and the detailed construction of 

external concrete paving. The result is a testament to 

Fairbrother’s unwavering commitment to exceptional 

craftsmanship and quality. 

The St Francis of the Fields Primary School expansion was 

a two-stage process, initiated by the growing demands 


of the population-rich Strathfieldsaye region. The first 

stage involved the relocation of existing portable buildings 

and the provision of essential accessibility features. 

Subsequently, a new 1,100 m2 building was constructed to 

cater to the evolving needs of the school. 

However, like many projects in 2022, the COVID-19 

pandemic posed challenges to the project’s continuity. 

Adhering to government regulations, dealing with labour 

force shortages due to health concerns, and rising 

material costs became an intricate task. The shortage of 

bricklayers in the local commercial sector was particularly 

challenging, leading to a significant delay in commencing 

bricklaying works. 

Amid these intricacies, Fairbrother’s commitment 

to delivering excellence in construction remained 

unwavering. The recognition garnered from the Master 

Builders Victoria Regional Building Awards is a testament 

to their exceptional work and dedication to pushing the 

boundaries of quality in every project they undertake.

The year is flying 

SOUTHERN TASMANIA 

The year is flying, can’t believe we are already in August!! 

Since our last edition, Construction South has completed 

The Elliott in Patrick Street (68 high quality apartments 

which are a blend of two- and three-bedroom layouts) and 

the first social housing project for Centacare Evolve – a 

medium density complex which delivers 22 new units at 

79-89 Allunga Road, Chigwell. Congratulations and thank 

you to the teams that have delivered these outstanding 

projects. 

Bethlehem House, another social housing project 

for Homes Tasmania is a hive of activity. The site is 

transforming quickly, with the scaffold removal unveiling 

the façade and the finishes trades progressing well 

through the floors. We are looking at an end of October 

completion target on this project. 

The St Aloysius School in Kingston is redeveloping the old 

Vodafone call centre to extend the Senior School Campus. 

We have accelerated our program and are well positioned 

for a pre-Christmas completion. Internally we have 

commenced fitting out joinery and externally the oval, 

courts and soft landscaping are nearly finished. 

With Stage 1 completed at Sorell School, we have partially 

demolished existing buildings in Stage 2, which when 

completed are for Kindergarten to Year 2 and Childcare/ 

First Years Learning Centre. Again, we are targeting a pre- 

Christmas completion to enable the school to begin using 

in Term 1, 2024. 

Brighton High School, our major project, is really taking 

shape. We have all the ground slabs poured for the five 

new buildings, structural steel is completed on two of 

these and our employees are now timber framing. 

Castray Luxury Apartments is moving through the final 

phases of the structure with the last item being the 

pour of the cantilevered pool. Once this is done, we will 

progress into the façade, closely followed by the fit out 

trades. 

The Master Builders Association Training Facility at 

Cambridge is progressing well. All ground slabs are now 

completed, and the structural steel has been installed with 

roofing underway. 

Glenson Place in 

Claremont is also now 

gaining momentum 

will a large proportion 

of the precast panels 

installed, which 

enables the Level 1 slab 

to be formed. 

Works have just 

begun on our old yard 

at Stanton Place in 

Cambridge, which we 

Find us on social media 


SOUTHERN TASMANIA 

PAUL RANSLEY 

are developing into warehouses. This project has resulted 

in our storage yard being relocated to a new site at the 

Brighton Industrial Estate. Also commencing recently has 

been our second project for Centacare, a social housing 

complex at Letitia Street in North Hobart where bulk 

excavation works are currently underway. 

Our Facility Management team delivered 2,556 total 

jobs for the previous financial year – a massive increase 

on that previously achieved. Since our last newsletter 

we have completed New Town High School with the lift 

finally being installed, a retaining wall for TasNetworks, 

upgrades to the Domain Athletic Centre for the City of 

Hobart, Saputo Burnie fire separation works, and we also 

ventured to King Island to undertake various projects for 

the Department of Health. 

The Risdon Prison Maintenance Contract finally had a 

negotiated outcome to extend our current contract for a 

1-year interim period with the option of a further year. 

Current Facility Management project commitments 

around the state remain extremely solid, with the 

Devonport Homemaker tenancy strip out; Southern 

Cross Care unit refurbishments at Launceston, Low Head, 

North West and Hobart; infrastructure packages at Risdon 

Prison; RACT major insurance projects at Swan and 

Faraday Streets; Glenorchy City Council chambers refresh, 

and the completion of the Bulk Nutrients fit out in mid- 

August, which is a complex laboratory facility. 

Click! 

Realty Developments, a joint venture company between 

Fairbrother and the Elphinstone Group, has announced a 

new private investment of $12 million for the construction 

of a multi-storey accommodation development on 

North Terrace in Burnie. The two prominent North 

West companies, both renowned for investment back 

into their local communities, are committed to building 

much needed quality accommodation for domestic and 

international business and tourist visitors to Burnie. 

Located at 1 North Terrace, Burnie, the development will 

feature 30 guest rooms across three elevated floor levels 

to maximise ocean views, with a diverse accommodation 

layout offering a mix of two-bedroom apartments, studio 

king rooms, studio queen double rooms and queen double 

rooms. The ground floor will include a lobby entrance and 

dedicated hotel carparking. 

“We are delighted to be investing in Burnie’s tourism 

industry and providing much-needed accommodation 

for visitors to the city. We believe this development will 

be a great asset to the local community and will help to 

support the city’s economic growth and create local jobs,” 

said Realty Development Directors, Craig Edmunds and 

Kelly Elphinstone. 

New Developments 

NORTH TERRACE 

Construction commenced in May, with work anticipated to 

take approximately 12 months. 

The new development will provide a valuable asset for 

the City of Burnie, encouraging more visitors to stay and 

spend locally. 

“This announcement is further proof that Burnie is ‘open 

for business,’” said Teeny Brumby, Mayor of Burnie. 

“We could not be more excited that the city will have 

additional high quality accommodation, particularly 

for executives traveling to our region. Discussions with 

local business leaders indicate a dire need for this level 

of accommodation. We applaud Realty Developments 

for their hard work and planning to progress this much 

needed addition to our city. Moving forward, let it be 

known we are a Council that want to work ‘with’ business 

to advance our city!” 

The project is set to support local jobs and economic 

growth in the region, creating new opportunities for the 

local community. The joint venture partners, Fairbrother 

and Elphinstone Group, are committed to delivering a 

high-quality development that meets the needs of both 

business and tourist visitors. 



Community Preparedness in Sorell 

EMERGENCY SERVICES HUB 

CLIENT: Department of Police, Fire, and 

Emergency Management 

ARCHITECT: ARTAS Architects 

PROJECT MANAGER: Andrew Burns 

SITE MANAGER: Josh Arnold 

PHOTOS: Adam Gibson 

In the heart of Tasmania’s Sorell municipality, a beacon 

of preparedness and community strength has risen, 

courtesy of Fairbrother’s expert craftsmanship. The Sorell 

Emergency Services Hub, a resplendent testament to 

collaboration and foresight, stands as a symbol of safety, 

unity, and resilience for the growing communities of Sorell 

and the Tasmanian Peninsula areas. 

The Sorell Emergency Services Hub stands as a pinnacle 

of purpose-built excellence. Envisioned to house the 

south east region’s administrative and operational 

core of the Police, Fire, and State Emergency Services, 

this hub shines as a beacon of unified response during 

emergencies. The facility’s shared emergency response 

centre is an embodiment of collaborative strength, 

enabling seamless coordination among various services 

to provide a consolidated response to crises. Moreover, in 


non-emergency times, the facility’s architecture supports 

individual service autonomy, ensuring smooth day-to-day 

operations. 

The hub’s impressive architecture accommodates the 

diverse needs of its constituents. The Tas Fire Service 

facility caters to both career firefighters and volunteers, 

nurturing a harmonious blend of expertise. The SES 

facility, a hub of action, boasts an expansive operations 

centre and ample gathering spaces for volunteers. The 

grounds themselves exemplify purpose, housing dedicated 

storage areas for both Police and SES. A large car park 

and adaptable wash bay area also offer an outdoor arena 

for various operations. Notably, the structures embrace 

an ethos of comfort, as high-level insulation and acoustic 

value create an environment conducive to focused work. 

Fairbrother’s ingenuity finds expression in every corner of 

this state-of-the-art hub. Specialised bi-folding doors at 

the fire engine bays underscore a commitment to rapid 

response times, while a unique vehicle exhaust system 

stands as an innovative solution to enhance air quality 

within the facility. The installation of the Vergola open/ 

close roof system extends the hub’s utility, providing a 

versatile communal outdoor space that evolves with the 

needs of the services and the community. 

“It’s fantastic to see a proudly Tasmanian company helping 

to deliver such an impressive piece of infrastructure,” said 

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, 

Felix Ellis. “Fairbrother’s craftsmanship has generated 

significant employment opportunities for local contractors, 

reinforcing the project’s commitment to community 

growth.” 

“The collaboration and organisation on this project was 

incredible,” said Fairbrother Project Manager, Andrew 

Burns, who attributed the high levels of teamwork and 

comraderie on site to a seamless delivery and exceptional 

quality outcome. 

The Sorell Emergency Services Hub transcends mere 

architecture; it’s a testament to community value and 

preparedness. 

“The new Emergency Services Hub will help our 

emergency services meet the Sorell and surrounding 

community’s needs now and well into the future,” said 


Minister Ellis at the facility’s opening in April of 2023. 

This sentiment finds resonance in Sorell Mayor Kerry 

Vincent’s words, reflecting the municipality’s dedication to 

constructing a facility that truly serves its community. 

“It’s a long journey, and part of us handing the land 

over for a dollar was: ‘why transfer it when it’s all public 

money?’ If you put a price on it and negotiate, what’s the 

point in that? We wanted the very best facility and would 

much rather have the money go into the facility,” Mayor 

Vincent said. 

“This is going to be a tremendous advance in the 

capability that we can provide the local community, not 

only in and around Sorell but in the southern region,” said 

Executive Director of SES and Volunteers, Mick Lowe at 

the opening. 

The success of the Sorell Emergency Services Hub is 

underpinned by Fairbrother’s unwavering commitment to 

quality. 

As the Sorell Emergency Services Hub stands tall, 

it represents an ode to the power of collaboration, 

innovation, and community spirit. From the innovative 

design to the meticulously engineered features, this hub 

encapsulates the ethos of safety and service, underpinned 

by the remarkable expertise of Fairbrother and the 

collective determination to safeguard the well-being of 

the Sorell and Tasmanian Peninsula communities.

Fairbrother Foundation 

CHARITY NOMINATIONS 

FAIRBROTHER 

FOUNDATION DIRECTOR 

GAYE RUTHERFORD 

The annual reach out 

to Fairbrother and 

Degree C employees for 

nominations of charities 

to provide a donation 

to was, yet again, a 

huge highlight of the 

Foundation’s work this 

year. We were able to 

donate $2,500 to six 

different local charities 

our employees have a 

close connection or feel passionately about. As you can 

see below many of the charities receiving donations in 

2023 support young people and their families affected by 

illness, and on behalf of the Foundation team I personally 

thank all our nominees for sharing their personal stories 

and embracing this opportunity for us as a business to 

make an impact in our local communities. The six charities 

who received donations are on the facing page. 

We have also reached the end of another financial year, 

and I’m proud to be able to say that our total donations 

across the course of the 2022-23 financial year totalled 

$127,656! 

Some of the recipients of support include: 

• Royal Flying Doctor Service 

• Hobart City Mission - Small Steps 

• The Smith Family 

• Speak Up stay ChatTY 

• Prostate Cancer Foundation 

• National Heart Foundation 

• Cancer Council Tasmania 

• Action Against Homelessness (aah) 

• New Horizons 

• JCP Youth 

• Hutchins 

• Police Charity Trust. 

Employees at Brighton High School celebrating 

Speak Up stay ChatTY’s Shorts Day in July. 

Koala Kids Foundation Limited, a charity focused on supporting children and young people 

affected by cancer. Their mission is “To bring happy moments to children and young people 

during cancer treatment, their families and their healthcare team.” Fairbrother Facility 

Management team member Sam Gray nominated this charity specifically because of the 

support they gave young Tasmanian Ella James, who passed away earlier this year after a 

tough battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Ella’s family requested that donations be 

made to Koala Kids at her funeral instead of flowers and other gifts as a way of saying thank 

you for the support that Koala Kids gave Ella and her family during this difficult time. 

Challenge Cancer Support Network, another amazing organisation supporting kids and their 

families living with cancer. This nomination came from Degree C’s Nic McConnell after the 

organisation provided substantial support to Nic, his partner, and their little person who had 

an extended stay in Melbourne for treatment. 

HeartKids Limited, which focuses on support for children with congenital heart disease. 

Fairbrother Estimator Stuart Eaton and his partner have a delightful 1-year old born with a 

ventricular septal defect (often called a ‘hole in heart’) and hence Stuart felt great alignment 

with this charity and its work. 

Diabetes Australia – Tasmania, which develops and delivers support, coordinated care and 

prevention services – locally and nationally – and partners with other diabetes organisations 

across Australia to positively change people’s lives. The nominee of this charity was 

Fairbrother’s Nick Freeman who has a sister managing type 1 diabetes. 

Myeloma Foundation of Australia, which exists to support, educate, inform, empower 

and bring hope to people who are living with myeloma and their loved ones. Fairbrother’s 

Joel Mahoney had a family member diagnosed with this form of blood cancer in recent 

years and saw this nomination as a way of giving back to a charity that is making a positive 

difference to his and other families with a myeloma diagnosis. 

The Trustee for Leila Rose Foundation Trust Fund, a local charity in Warrnambool that 

exists to support families facing the crisis of a rare childhood cancer diagnosis. Fairbrother’s 

Aaron Finnigan nominated this charity to give back to the local hard working team. 



Fairbrother Foundation 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

In partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) 

Tasmania, the Fairbrother Foundation is taking substantial 

strides toward supporting education and empowering the 

leaders of tomorrow through their scholarship initiatives. 

The RFDS / Fairbrother First Year Nursing Scholarship was 

established to aid a student embarking on their Bachelor 

of Nursing journey in 2024. This partnership between 

RFDS Tasmania and Fairbrother Pty Ltd provides financial 

assistance to candidates residing in the outer regional 

or remote areas of Tasmania, and offers a one-week 

experience at an RFDS Base, whether on the mainland or 

in Tasmania. 

Additionally, the Fairbrother Foundation Scholarship has 

been actively supporting the educational aspirations of 

Fairbrother and Degree C employees’ family members 

since 2008. Designed to assist full-time undergraduate 

studies in any course, this scholarship is available to 

both commencing and continuing. Over the years, these 

scholarships have evolved into catalysts for success to 

many young people in their university studies. 

This year’s recipient of the RFDS/Fairbrother First Year 

Nursing Scholarship recipient Brooklyn Turner expressed 

her gratitude for the transformative impact of the RFDS/ 

Fairbrother scholarship. Living at a considerable distance 

from her academic pursuits, the scholarship not only 

Studying at UTAS in 2024? 

You could be eligible for a Fairbrother Foundation scholarship! 


alleviated her financial burden but also enabled her to 

fully focus on her nursing education and future prospects. 

“This scholarship will change my life,” Brooklyn said in a 

letter of thanks to RFDS and the Fairbrother Foundation. 

“I’d be able to quit one of my jobs so I can focus more on 

school and can afford to travel to campus more often. 

“Thank you again for this fantastic opportunity and 

generous donation, it will impact my education and future 

career for the better.” 

“Our foundation believes in the power of education to 

shape lives and communities. By extending our support 

through scholarships, we are not just providing financial 

aid, but also instilling a sense of purpose and a path 

towards a brighter future for these deserving students,” 

said Fairbrother Foundation Chair, Gaye Rutherford. 

Fairbrother Pty Ltd and the Fairbrother Foundation are not 

just investing in individual students but also nurturing the 

growth and development of their communities through 

these scholarship initiatives. By creating opportunities 

and supporting education, Fairbrother is contributing to 

a brighter and more promising future for both aspiring 

scholars and the Tasmanian community at large. 

The Fairbrother Foundation scholarships are available 

for students studying in 2024. Applications open in 

September and will close on October 31. 

Valued at $5,000, the Fairbrother Foundation Scholarship is available to the child of 

an employee of Fairbrother or Degree C who is commencing or continuing full-time 

undergraduate study in any course for 2024. 

In addition, the Royal Flying Doctor Service / Fairbrother First Year Nursing Scholarship 

is available to an individual commencing their Bachelor of Nursing who currently 

resides in an outer regional or remote area. This scholarship also includes a one-week 

placement experience on an RFDS base. 

Further information can be found on the UTAS Scholarships website. 

Follow Fairbrother on social media to be informed when applications open! 

Breaking Ground 

MARYBOROUGH HOSPITAL 

The Maryborough and District Hospital is on the 

brink of a monumental transformation. Backed by an 

impressive investment from the Victorian Government, 

Fairbrother will deliver this $74 million redevelopment 

as the project is poised to reshape healthcare services, 

elevate patient care, and invigorate the local community. 

The groundbreaking ceremony marked the inception 

of a visionary journey, with Fairbrother at the helm as 

the primary contractor responsible for steering this 

transformative endeavour. 

A state-of-the-art healthcare facility is poised to emerge, 

equipped with cutting-edge facilities designed to prioritise 

patient well-being. Among the highlights are a new, urgent 

care centre, a 32-bed inpatient unit, and two advanced 

operating theatres complemented by recovery spaces. A 

contemporary day medical centre encompassing imaging 

and pathology services further solidifies the hospital’s 

commitment to comprehensive care. Most notably, the 

redevelopment plan introduces brand-new birthing 

suites, fostering an environment where more women can 

experience the joy of childbirth in the embrace of their 

family and loved ones. 

The expansion ensures that the Maryborough and District 

Hospital can extend its healing touch to an additional 

4,000 patients annually, enhancing access to top-tier 

medical care for the surrounding community. 

“[This] is going to be an amazing moment in time for this 

new world-class healthcare facility for our community 


right here in Maryborough,” said Deputy CEO and 

Executive Director of Infrastructure Technology and 

Experience, David Edwards at the sod turn event in July. 

“In my former role … I have seen Fairbrother at work 

on a number of other projects,” said Victorian Minister 

for Health and Infrastructure, Mary Anne Thomas at 

the event. “It’s great to know that we’re working with a 

regional builder with lots of regional networks.” 

The project is expected to provide around 340 jobs. 

“This is the biggest thing to happen to Maryborough 

in decades,” said Victorian Member for Ripon, Martha 

Haylett. “It’s such a huge day … and I want thank David, 

Kelly and VHBA, and Fairbrother for all of their work 

ahead.” 

Fairbrother’s prominent role in the project is set to foster 

both innovation and local growth. The collaboration 

between Fairbrother and the Maryborough District Health 

Service underscores a shared commitment to delivering 

world-class healthcare solutions that cater to the 

community’s evolving needs. 

As the Maryborough community anticipates the unfolding 

of this transformative venture, one thing is certain: the 

journey from groundbreaking to completion, led by the 

expert hands of Fairbrother, will mark a pivotal moment 

in the region’s healthcare narrative, creating ripples of 

positive change that extend far beyond the walls of the 

newly expanded hospital.

Summer Fun Runs 

HEALTH AND WELLBEING 

As part of Fairbrother’s ongoing commitment to the 

health and wellbeing of our employees, subsidised event 

registration is available for selected community-based 

health activities. This is available to employees and their 

immediate families. 

In addition, participants will receive a company-branded 

t-shirt and a water bottle, helping them represent 

Fairbrother while staying active. 

By supporting these fun run events, Fairbrother aims 

to promote physical health and foster a sense of 

unity among employees. The company recognises the 

importance of community-based health activities and 

seeks to provide opportunities for employees to engage 

in them. 

Fairbrother employee Mohammed Nihal and his 

partner after the Bendigo Ford Fun Run 2023 

Want to challenge yourself? 

As part of our Health and Wellbeing program, 

Fairbrother will support you to participate in local fun 

runs, including covering the registration cost, as well as 

receiving a t-shirt and water bottle. 

Upcoming events include: 

• Burnie 10 (29 October 2023) 

• Run 4 Geelong (12 November 2023) 

• Hobart Point to Pinnacle (19 November 2023) 

If you’d like to participate in one of these events, or know of something happening in your area that’s not listed, send an 

email to Rachel Clemens for further details: rclemens@fairbrother.com.au 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE FAIRBROTHER PROJECTS 

What’s Building, Issue 107 AUGUST 2023 

Fairbrother newsletter 

Head Office 

12 Stony Rise Road 

Devonport Tasmania 7310 

P: (03) 6420 7000 

E: info@fairbrother.com.au 

W: www.fairbrother.com.au 

Editor: 

Ph: (03) 6420 7000 

E: communications@fairbrother.com.au 

Contact the Editor if you have an article or 

project to share in the newsletter 

Next issue: DECEMBER 2023 

Connect with Us!

Whats Building 107 August 2023

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?