Congratulations to all National Excellence in Building and Construction Award Winners

The best and brightest in building and construction stepped off the construction site and headed to Adelaide to celebrate the 2025 National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn praised the outstanding achievements of the winners across 55 award categories, applauding their talent, innovation, and dedication to excellence.

The annual three-day event culminates in announcing the country’s best builders in residential, commercial and civil construction, recognising the projects that have won them acclaim and best business practices.

Four major awards were announced on the night:

• National Apprentice of the Year
• National Young Builder of the Year
• National Residential Master Builder of the Year
• National Construction Master Builder of the Year

Multiplex Constructions Queensland took out the top spot, winning the National Construction Master Builder of the Year Award for their work on the Queen’s Wharf Integrated Resort Development.

This development is among the biggest and boldest construction projects in the country – spanning more than four city blocks, including three towers, retail space and casino, hotels and a suspended sky deck.

The project has been described as a remarkable display of coordination and craftsmanship by Multiplex, delivering textures, forms and finishes that defy expectation. In the judges’ words, ‘a remarkable display of coordination and craftsmanship by Multiplex, delivering textures, forms and finishes that defy expectation.

National Residential Master Builder of the Year Jager Build from Queensland won the award for their Horseshoe Hill project.

Horseshoe Hill celebrates a harmonious blend of innovative design and technical expertise, showcasing a mastery of both traditional and modern construction techniques.

The Jager Build team perfectly executed the unique construction of the signature horseshoe shaped curve, from the precision formed concrete elements to the careful integration of recessed lighting, warm timber joinery and natural stone, displaying exceptional craftsmanship at every junction and finish in this remarkable home.

Boasting a soaring double height living area anchored by a dramatic stone fireplace, a visually seamless infinity pool and a series of stepped terraces that meet and respect the landscape, Horseshoe Hill stands as a crafted masterpiece of form, detail and enduring quality.

South Australian Luke Callery was awarded National Young Builder of the Year for his leadership, technical discipline and industry uplift.

An apprentice-trained carpenter who founded Callery Building in 2017, Luke leads a ten-strong team delivering high performance, energy efficient renovations and extensions.

Luke pairs trade craft with modern business discipline, investing in coaching, knowing his numbers and embedding practical systems such as QR-linked digital plans and stage-gated QA checklists.

Judges praised his calm, education-led leadership and outstanding people development, noting he “builds capability through education” and is a “clear frontrunner” on technical rigour.

Through his Build Insight platform and local peer networks he shares innovations openly, mentoring apprentices and lifting the wider industry. Luke’s reflective, team first approach, measured professionalism and relentless focus on quality make him a national exemplar of modern building practice.

Nathan Grant from the Northern Territory was awarded National Apprentice of the Year.

Nathan arrived on site as a determined apprentice and leaves recognised as a leader. On the $17.2 million Berrimah Farm Science Services project he mastered slab set outs, formwork, waterproofing and complex precast panel installation then stepped up to supervise core fill, operate plant and coordinate subcontractors.

While balancing study and two young children he completed rigging, dogging, EWP, telehandler, working at heights and first aid certifications and mentored Youth WorX students.

Judges highlighted his leadership and teamwork as outstanding and noted he is already operating at acting site manager level.

Now Leading Hand on the Parap Preschool and studying a Diploma in Building and Construction he combines craft, judgement and quiet mentorship. Nathan embodies the trades we need tomorrow.

Quotes attributable to Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn:

“Every project and individual recognised over the weekend is a testament to the resilience and leadership that defines our industry.

“Master Builders members continue to demonstrate their ability to deliver high-quality projects that set benchmarks for innovation and excellence in the industry.

“These awards celebrate not just the structures and projects but the people behind them – builders, subcontractors, and their teams who go above and beyond to transform communities.

“Master Builders thanks the award’s platinum sponsors Toyota and Cbus, and major sponsors Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner, WoodSolutions, and Master Builders Insurance Brokers.”

Media contact: Dee Zegarac, National Director, External Affairs & Engagement
0400 493 071 | dee.zegarac@masterbuilders.com.au