|
|
We're 21 - and milestones keep coming
The end of the year is now upon us… Southern Cross Project Group’s 21st in operation. And what a year it has been.
Not only have both Southern Cross Constructions and SX Projects been awarded a significant number of prestigious and landmark projects, we’ve won a raft of awards, grown our team – and we’re expanding into other Australian states.
After many months of planning, Wednesday November 7th marked the official opening of our first Queensland office. We were joined by clients, contractors and consultants from Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast to toast the launch of Southern Cross Queensland. The team, consisting of Andrew Thackray, Lidia Galimi, Andrew Toms and Steve Blank, is now clearly focused on some exciting commercial and residential projects.
From North to West
On the other side of the country, Southern Cross has formed a strategic joint venture in Western Australia with building company Rescom Building Services. Southern Cross Rescom is an alliance which stemmed from the desire and vision to establish a new, innovative construction company in Perth. Our aim is to provide well proven Design and Construct services to the commercial end of the market.Joining with Rescom is a perfect fit for Southern Cross. The company was established in 2003 by Grant Baumann and Adrian Gagiero who, combined, have more than 40 years’ experience gained from working with major building groups in Perth and interstate. I also worked closely with both Grant and Adrian when we were at Consolidated Constructions. We look forward to taking Southern Cross Rescom to great heights.
Our expanded team means this year’s Southern Cross Project Group Christmas party will be even bigger and better than ever. Being held at Nino’s Hideaway at Bondi Junction, the party promises to be a lot of fun, with good food, refreshments, and a DJ for those wanting to dance the night away. On a serious note, it’s also when we present our Cadet of the Year and First Year Apprentice of the Year awards.
Awards for excellence
Whilst on the subject of awards, it really has been an outstanding year for the group. Just one of the highlights was the NSW Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Award won by Valencia at Homebush Bay. Valencia is a landmark development, and in the words of the Taskforce, it “has sold well in the marketplace and acted as a catalyst for the development of the whole precinct on the western side of Homebush Bay.”
At Southern Cross, we are proud of what has been achieved with Valencia. And it’s heartening to have that vindicated by an independent organisation such as the Taskforce. Tom Simpson and the team are to be congratulated for an outstanding result.
SX Projects must also be commended, with its recent MBA Excellence in Construction Award for the restoration of The Cooperage in Pyrmont. SX Projects worked within clearly defined parameters, given the heritage of the building, and the result is a superb workplace consisting of 40 strata offices.
Individual accolades
I can’t go without mentioning the individual achievements of our employees. First year apprentice David Battye is a case in point. He recently won the 2007 MBA Apprentice of the Year Award. David is our next generation of builders, and he is clearly focused on establishing a career in the construction industry. If his work to date and the MBA award are any indication, his future is very bright indeed.
At the other end of the spectrum is Southern Cross’s operations manager Bill Stavrinos. Bill has more than 21 years’ experience in construction and has made an enormous contribution to the industry. This was recognised at the MBA Sydney Division annual general meeting held in September, when Bill was elected President. The role means Bill will run and compere the quarterly Top 50 Builders Luncheons; chair the monthly committee meetings; and oversee policy direction on behalf of Sydney Division members.
Season’s Greetings
Finally, on behalf of the directors, I would like to again thank everyone at Southern Cross Project Group for their contribution in making 2007 a sensational year. We value your input, friendship and sheer hard work. Best wishes of the season to all our employees, contractors, clients and their families. We look forward to working with you in 2008 and continuing to go from strength to strength. |