Awards trifecta for masters of building

Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Project major contractors A W Edwards and Fugen have scooped the pool at this year’s Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Construction Awards, taking out best health project, apprentice of the year and the safety innovation award.

Fugen Constructions scored the Health Building Up To $10 million award for their work on the technically challenging MRI Unit and theatre expansion projects at Mount Druitt Hospital.

Mount Druitt Hospital nursing unit manager Rhonda Sneddon said the hospital is highly regarded as a centre for elective surgery, and the theatre expansion is a project she is proud to show off.

“Having been there 30 plus years and seen the place develop, it’s absolutely magnificent to get this for our theatres,” Rhonda said.

“Patients love this area because they see that it’s new and I proudly show it off to people and they say ‘isn’t that great for Mount Druitt?’”

“Staff love the natural light. It makes such a difference to see the sky – the sunshine, the rain. They just love it,” she said.

Health Infrastructure project director said the Health Project Up To $10 million is traditionally a very competitive category, so winning it is a considerable achievement for Fugen, and the hospital.

“It’s important to recognise the whole team, especially when you’re working in live environments like a hospital,” Chris said.

“It’s a testament to the strength and commitment of the Fugen team and the hospital staff to win this award.”

Fugen Managing Director Stephen Flannery and Senior Project manager Joe Vitale presented the theatre staff with a copy of the award, in recognition of the team effort.

Rhonda said it will have pride of place in the Recovery Ward!

Blacktown Hospital Acute Services Building major contractor A W Edwards also took home two of the prestigious MBA awards.

In judging the Safety Innovation award, the MBA judging panel said the A W Edwards site was meticulously organised and the “pinnacle” of construction safety, for sowing the safety seed “absolutely everywhere”.

From a token gesture watch for every worker to remind them not to rush, to complimentary sunnies, drink cooler holders to encourage workers to remain hydrated, and short, sharp and colourful safety reminders all over the site, judges said the safety standard was exemplary.

“Under this site team’s supervision is where you would want your children to work – safely,” the judges’ statement said.

In a second win for the contractor, carpentry trainee Ochlan Parsons-King was named MBA 1st Year Apprentice of the Year.

It’s a well-deserved win for a diligent and enthusiastic apprentice and a valued member of the site team at Blacktown.

Ochlan said he was delighted with the award.

“I went home and told my mum and she was really proud, and I was really proud of myself for getting that award,” Ochlan said.

Congratulations to our project partners on this significant achievement.