Gerry Heaton

Gerry has been a Chartered Quantity Surveyor for over 40 years. He relocated to Sydney in 1982 and has since worked across both the consulting and design-and-construct sectors of the building industry. His career includes key roles with Page Kirkland Partnership, Austin Australia, Leighton Contractors, and most notably, WT Partnership, where he spent 21 years.

As an NSW Director at WT Partnership, Gerry specialised in commercial office fitouts, as well as projects in the arts and cultural sectors, including theatres and galleries. Notable projects he has been involved in include the Uluru Resort Upgrade, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Australian Museum Upgrade, and the Star Casino Upgrade. He has also delivered high-profile commercial fitout projects for clients such as Baker McKenzie Lawyers, Marsh Mercer, King & Wood Mallesons, and The Work Project.
 

John Devlin

John commenced his career with A W Edwards as a building cadet in 1978 and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Building from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He remained with the company for 44 years, retiring at the end of 2022.

Throughout his tenure, John contributed to a wide range of construction projects and held various key roles including cadet, estimator, project manager, and business development manager. His leadership and dedication played a significant role in the company’s growth and ability to adapt over four decades.

In addition to his work in construction, John has been actively involved in the aged care sector for 15 years, serving as Chairman of Southern Cross Care for a decade. He is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
 

John McKellar

John embarked on his construction journey in 1971 with Mainline Constructions. Over the course of 42 illustrious years, he assumed diverse roles in site management, project management, and senior leadership positions. His career trajectory led him through several major companies, but he found his professional home at A W Edwards Pty Limited, where he dedicated the last 25 years of his career.

During his tenure at A W Edwards, John made a significant impact as a Senior Project Manager and later as the company's Commercial Manager for the final 12 years leading up to his retirement in 2013. He steered the ship on a multitude of pivotal projects, spanning sports facilities, hospitals, commercial developments, research facilities, and university education buildings.

John's academic accomplishments include a Bachelor of Applied Science (Building) from UTS, underpinning his wealth of practical experience in the construction industry. His enduring legacy continues to resonate in the projects he masterminded and the knowledge he imparted throughout his distinguished career.

Kevin Cohen

Kevin commenced his career in construction as a carpentry and joinery apprentice in 1972 attaining trade qualifications and Clerk of Works status. He became director of his family enterprise in 1987 and was integral in developing the business into a thriving third generation family owned and operated construction company – COWYN Building Group, currently celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Kevin's roles have spanned site foreman, project manager, and apprenticeship training coordinator. His project portfolio encompasses diverse sectors, from churches, schools, and industrial buildings to aged care complexes. Today, Kevin leverages his extensive expertise as a judge for the Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Construction Awards.

Owen Friend

Owen’s unwavering dedication to the construction industry began with his pursuit of a Bachelor of Building at the University of NSW in 1975, followed by his early employment as a site cadet with John Holland Constructions in 1978.

Over the years, Owen's career has been enriched with diverse companies, including Rennat Construction, Carrington Constructions and Richard Crookes Constructions. Since 2002, he has been an integral part of FDC Construction & Fitout Pty Ltd, where he held the role of Chief Estimator for two decades.

During his tenure at FDC, Owen has contributed significantly to the company's growth, witnessing it expand from a team of 50 to a workforce of over 500, undertaking a wide array of projects.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Owen has dedicated his time to charitable endeavours, staff training, and supporting interstate branches as needed, showcasing his commitment to both the industry and the broader community.

Peter Deane

Peter holds an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering from UNSW and is distinguished as a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia. With an impressive 40-year tenure in the construction industry, both in Australia and overseas, Peter's career has encompassed various pivotal roles.

He has served as a General Manager overseeing state operations for prominent firms like Lend Lease and Abigroup, undertaken responsibilities as a Project Director for major projects, representing both owners/developers and contractors. His expertise extends to managing complex Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) schemes and Alliances involving government and non-government partners.

Peter's project portfolio spans the globe, with significant contributions to locations such as Australia (including remote Northern Territory), the United Kingdom, and Singapore. Notable achievements include spearheading the development of Singapore's first major modern-designed shopping centre (Centrepoint), the Galleria Morley Shopping Centre in Perth, and making invaluable contributions to iconic Sydney landmarks like the Sydney Superdome (Qudos Bank Arena) and the P1 Car Park during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. His enduring legacy in the construction industry is truly remarkable.

Stephen Edwards

Stephen's journey in the construction industry began with a Civil Engineering Honours degree from UNSW in 1967. Shortly thereafter, in 1968, he was called up for National Service, where he graduated as a Second Lieutenant and dedicated two years to instructing at the School of Military Engineering, specializing in Demolitions and Mine Warfare.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Stephen pursued further education, obtaining a Master of Engineering Science Degree. He then ventured to London, where he gained valuable experience with a prominent commercial builder.

Returning to Sydney, Stephen and his wife Jenny established Stephen Edwards Constructions Pty Ltd in 1980.

Under Stephen's leadership, the family-owned company has thrived, growing to encompass 130 employees, and achieving an impressive annual turnover exceeding $180 Million. 'SEC' specializes in Government, Commercial, and Aged Care projects, with Stephen's sons now actively involved in its management. Stephen's enduring commitment to the industry is exemplified by his 46-year membership in the MBA, reflecting his significant contributions and lasting impact.

Tim Brook

Tim is an experienced architect, holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from 1979, and has a 40-year career in construction. In 1990, he transitioned to Lawrence Nield & Partners (LNPA) after working on commercial offices, schools, and retail spaces. His expertise evolved into specializing in health projects, continuing with BVN, where he undertook the pivotal roles of Design Architect, Project Architect, and Project Director.

In 2007, Tim took a significant step by joining Bovis - Lend Lease's Health SBU as a Project Manager/Design Manager, overseeing substantial public–private partnership (PPP) health projects. These included the PPP bid for the new Royal North Shore Hospital, the New Royal Adelaide Hospital, and the $1.35 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Tim managed design intricacies during the Schematic Design and Design Development phases.

With a remarkable 12-year stint at Lend Lease, Tim gained diverse expertise encompassing project briefing, design management, contract delivery, project management, and construction management. He now leverages this extensive knowledge as a judge for the MBA (NSW) Excellence in Construction Awards, primarily evaluating health building excellence. Tim's journey underscores his enduring commitment to excellence in the construction arena.