Page 3524 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 22 October 2014

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MBA ACT provides its members services, including industrial relations, technical assistance, networking events, insurance, government liaison and promotional opportunities. The association also provides comprehensive training and employment through its training organisation, Master Builders Group Training, which has been operating since 1969.

Master Builders ACT is governed by the executive committee, including president Valdis Luks, treasurer Frank Porreca, and other members—Peter Naylor, Andy Crompton, Hans Sommer, Frank Porreca, Gracie Ferreira, David Colbertaldo, Nigel Forde, Stephen Wise and Marc Roland. I would also like to acknowledge executive director John Miller and deputy executive director Jerry Howard. I think members on both sides of the chamber would agree that the advice and advocacy provided by the MBA is first rate and a real credit to all involved, especially John and Jerry.

Last Thursday I was pleased to attend the MBA ACT annual dinner at the National Museum. The annual dinner was an opportunity for members of the building and construction industry, along with members of the community, to gather to recognise the achievements and contributions of those in the industry. The guest speaker for the evening was John Mackay, who spoke about his life and involvement with the Canberra business community.

Hans Sommer was awarded life membership of the MBA at the annual dinner. Hans has been involved in the building and construction industry for over 20 years. He has always been actively involved in the work of the master builders for a significant time, including as the chair of the master builders work health and safety advisory group. Hans has also been involved in the MBA’s executive committee, peak council and the professional sector council. Hans joined Village Building Co in 1998 and managed their Wollongong office. Prior to his time at Village, Hans was a director on 14 ACT government joint-venture development boards and was a public servant.

Longstanding members of the MBA were also acknowledged on the night. Members who had been involved for 20 years were: Designcraft Furniture, Trend Windows and Doors, Stramit Industries, Schiavello and Capital Landscape Supplies. Members who had been involved for 25 years were: Rider Levett Bucknall, Manteena, Village Building Co, Robinson Building Group, Wilde and Woollard and Walpett Engineering. Cercol Construction Services was recognised for 35 years of involvement with the MBA.

The master builders build the community award was presented to firms involved who contributed to the boundless Canberra all abilities playground. Firms recognised were: ACT Recycling, ActewAGL, Boss Constructions, Bradley Allen Love, Brindabella Contractors, Colliers International, Construction Control Australia, Cord Civil, Cox Architecture, D Group, Elvin Group, Hindmarsh Constructions Australia, Independent Property Group, Indesco, Koundouris Group, Milin Bros, RAM Constructions, Red Hub Documentation Services, Sellicks, Village Building Co, Waterland and Woden Contractors.


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