Bundaberg Recreational Precinct work awarded

Work to the entrance and Main Pavilion of the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct has taken out a top spot in this year's Master Builders Wide Bay Burnett Housing and Construction Awards.

Local company Murchie Constructions was recognised in the Community Service Facilities category for the Bundaberg Regional Council facility, with upgrades to the site finishing in October last year.

The completed project features modern ticketing booth facilities, an impressive Main Pavilion, meeting rooms and landscaping.

A pedestrian-friendly avenue was also created with space to install public art, historical images, banners, event-specific displays and information.

Andrew and Julie Murchie said they were thrilled with the outcome of the project.

“It is always exciting to be involved in the refurbishment of an existing building, especially one such as the recreational precinct which is such and important community space for the residents of Bundaberg,” Julie said.

“This project by Bundaberg Regional Council improves the functionality of the Recreational Precinct by providing a weather proof event space with ticketing offices that will be well utilised for numerous large events for many years to come.

“We are honoured to have been chosen as the head contractor on this project and to have had an impact on the region's history through the delivery of this community space.”

Julie and Andrew said many local businesses were involved in the construction.

“As usual, we aim to engage as many local subcontractors and suppliers as possible, usually only outsourcing those which are not available in the Bundaberg Region,” the duo said.

“There were 23 subcontractors that worked on the project, four of these were from out of town and the rest were local.

“There were up to 30 workers on site at any one time.

“The success of all of our projects is testament to the high quality of workmanship provided by our staff and subcontractors.”

Big year for Bundaberg's Murchie Constructions

Julie and Andrew said the Master Builders award was the cherry on top of an exciting year for the team.

“In 2022, Murchie Constructions celebrates 56 years in business, and 55 of these as members of Master Builders Queensland,” Julie said.

“We have appreciated all the support we have received from the Master Builders over the years, and are always honoured to be recognised by the association at both regional and state level.”

Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey congratulated the Murchie Constructions team on the award.

“It is fantastic to see not only a Bundaberg Regional Council building but also a local business highlighted in the Master Builders Wide Bay Burnett Housing and Construction Awards,” he said.

“The revitalised recreational precinct is a fantastic community facility and it will now be showcased at a state level.”

More than 25 builders, projects and individuals were recognized at the awards event held at Bundaberg Multiplex on Friday 5 August.

Master Builders' Wide Bay Burnett Regional Manager Ian Langer congratulated the winners across all 28 categories.

“2022 was a year of unexpected challenges and hurdles, but our industry took it in their stride and produced some truly outstanding work,” Ian said.

“From beautiful homes celebrating the coastal lifestyle, to community facilities, and even a radio station, this year's projects are nothing short of breathtaking.

“It doesn't matter whether they've taken an award home this year or not.

“Each of our 2022 entrants are a part of the Master Builders family and help cement why we're so widely trusted and respected.”

Winners list

Major awards

• President's Award – McIntosh Homes Qld for Beach Houses Estate 12 (Agnes Water)
• Project of the Year – Palm Lake Works Pty Ltd for Palm Lake Resort Bargara Country Club (Bargara)
• House of the Year – Bungalow for Pelican Foreshore (Booral)

Individual awards

• Apprentice of the Year – Warrick Fay from Nathan Groszmann Constructions
• Rising Star – Michael Rayner from Michael Rayner Building
• Women in Building – Jual Ciccone from JRZ Homes
• Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year – Coastal Wastewater Specialists for Gootchie Creek Escape (Gootchie)

Specialty awards

• Best Residential Bathroom – McIntosh Homes Qld for Beach Houses Estate 12 (Agnes Water)
• Best Residential Kitchen – Bungalow for Pelican Foreshore (Booral)
• Best Residential Swimming Pool – Mariners Pools Plus for Pantlins Saint Remy (Urraween)

Housing awards

• Home Renovation/Remodelling Project up to $200,000 – Possco Pty Ltd for Station Homestead (Abercorn)
• Home Renovation/Remodelling Project from $200,000 up to $400,000 – Bungalow for Ocean Abode (Torquay)
• Home Renovation/Remodelling Project over $1 million – Steve Coates Constructions for The Tide (Bargara)
• Display Home from $350,000 up to $450,000 – Coral Homes for Lisbon 31MKII (Nikenbah)
• Display Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – Vivid Home Builders for Mayfair Display (Nikenbah)
• Individual Home up to $350,000 – Scott Thomsen Construction for Genrich Home (Tinana)
• Individual Home from $350,000 up to $450,000 – Bright Life Homes for The Marine (Agnes Water)
• Individual Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – NH Homes for Larsen (Urangan)
• Individual Home from $550,000 up to $650,000 – Maiden Homes for Shore Thing (Agnes Water)
• Individual Home from $750,000 up to $950,000 – Bungalow for Pelican Foreshore (Booral)
• Individual Home from $1.25 million up to $2 million – Bungalow for Hummock Hilltop (Qunaba)
• Affordable Housing for Families – Vivere Homes for Jake's Place (Nikenbah)
• Best Use of Sloping Sites – Bungalow for Hummock Hilltop (Qunaba)
• Best Use of Steel Frame Housing – JRZ Homes for Malakula Project (Bargara)
• Excellence in Sustainable Living – Vivere Homes Jake's Place (Nikenbah)

Construction awards

• Sporting Facilities – Palm Lake Works for Palm Lake Resort Bargara Country Club (Bargara)
• Community Service Facilities – Murchie Constructions for Bundaberg Recreational Precinct Entrance Enhancement (Bundaberg)
• Commercial Building up to $5 million – Apollo Property for Southern Cross Austereo Fraser Coast (Urraween)