Fairbrother wins big at National MBA awards

In only the second time a woman has won the Master Builders Australia National Apprentice of the Year award, Fairbrother’s Melanie Ransley has taken home the coveted title.

The first woman to win the award was Rheanna Chenhall, also a Fairbrother apprentice, in 2011.

Fairbrother, Tasmania’s leading construction company, is basking in the glow of a stellar evening at the Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards last night (28 November 2020).

Leading a Tasmanian-industry charge, Fairbrother won five project awards and topped the night off with the historic achievement of Ms Ransley being named National Apprentice of the Year.

Ms Ransley beat out nominees from around the country to win the coveted award, which recognises the talent, hard work and dedication of the industry’s top apprentices.

Fairbrother Chief Executive Officer Craig Edmunds said the national honour was a fantastic reward for Ms Ransley’s efforts and passion for the construction industry.

“This is a well-deserved award for Mel and a great recognition of her talent and dedication. She is passionate and driven and is always looking for personal growth opportunities,” Mr Edmunds said.

General Manager Tasmania Kurt Arnold said Ms Ransley, who has since been promoted to Sub-Foreperson, was a great asset to Fairbrother sites.

“Mel is an impressive young woman who always strives to get the best out of herself and, now in her leadership role, takes great pride in encouraging and supporting others on site,” Mr Arnold said.

In the project awards, Fairbrother – together with Joint Venture partner John Holland – won the National Health Facility Award for the Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment.

Mr Edmunds said the national award was a great reward for the project team after a long and difficult project.

“While it’s fair to say the Royal Hobart Hospital was a complicated and challenging project, the end result is nothing short of impressive,” Mr Edmunds said.

“It’s not only a landmark building for Hobart; it is a world-class hospital facility for all Tasmanians.”

“We are proud of the project we have delivered with our Joint Venture partner John Holland.”

The Cradle Mountain Gateway Precinct build won both awards for which it was nominated; Best Use of Australian Made Products – Commercial and National Commercial/Industrial Construction Award $10-$20m.

Backing up from the commercial award, Fairbrother also claimed the Best Use of Australian Made Products – Residential for House 2, Sandy Bay Road.

Rounding out the project awards was Mona Siloam winning the National Entertainment & Recreation Facility Award. This is the second national MBA award Fairbrother has won for a project at Mona.

Mr Arnold said the five project awards was the best result the company had ever achieved at a national level and the recognition was a testament to the skill and dedication of all the project teams.

“We are really happy with the excellent results we achieved across all our projects,” Mr Arnold said.

“Having our projects recognised on the national stage is a reflection of the great quality work that all of our employees and subcontractors put into delivering our projects.”

“Results such as this are achieved with great people,” Mr Arnold said.