Industry icons shine bright as Downs & Western kicks off Awards season

18 July 2025

From breathtaking new builds that celebrate local landscapes, to bold renovations, vital community work, and game-changing individuals—the 2025 Downs & Western Housing & Construction Awards were nothing short of extraordinary.

Held at Rumours International Convention Centre on Friday 18 July, the industry showcase launched Master Builders’ Awards season in style, honouring the region’s most innovative projects and inspiring people.

After taking home six goings last year, Hutchinson Builders again swept the pool with four Awards for projects crucial to the growing region, including Health Facilities over $20 million for Tara Hospital, Community Service Facilities for Drayton Fire & Rescue, and Medium Density up to 3 storeys – over 5 dwellings for Newtown Social Housing. Hutchies were also recognised for their commitment to finding innovative ways to be more productive and streamline building practices using Modern Methods of Construction, winning the inaugural Prefabricated and Modular Housing Award for Gatton Hospital Staff Accommodation.

Janke Constructions won the prestigious BMS House of the Year Award and best Individual Home from $2 million up to $2.5 million for Aurora – the stunning curved abode that blends seamlessly into its breathtaking escarpment at Mount Lofty.

GFG Projects took a hat-trick by winning the Erlandson Finance Group Project of the Year Award and Commercial/Industrial Building from $30 million up to $50 million for RDO Equipment Toowoomba – the largest of the company’s global factories – along with Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation from $5 million up to $15 million for the Rush House Refurbishment, a stunning transformation of the heritage-listed space at Baillie Henderson Hospital.

George Built Constructions also made it a triple. Brodie Kleidon’s natural talent and ‘old school’ work ethic earned him the Apprentice of the Year Award; while the team celebrated winning Home Renovation Project up to $300,000 for the beautiful makeover of Parkside Cottage, and best Individual Home from $400,000 up to $550,000 for the stylish and functional new build, Onyx.

The Corbould Constructions team celebrated a double victory for seamlessly blending past and present in their renovation and extension of 1950s cottage, Tahi, nabbing both the BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award and Best Residential Bathroom.

Revamp Renovations’ Director Eline Lunney was rewarded for her leadership and dedication to bettering the industry with the Women in Building Award. Elle’s success follows husband Thomas Lunney’s 2024 Rising Star Award win.

“Our builders have worked through another tough year, but their passion, skill and dedication never falter. Once again, they’ve delivered outstanding projects that make a real difference across the region,” Master Builders Regional Manager – Downs & Western, Linda Rosengreen said.

“This year’s entries show just how committed our members are to getting the job done – and doing it well. Their work is the heartbeat of this industry.

“With new state government investment flowing into housing and local services, and major projects like the Toowoomba Hospital and Equestrian Centre promising long-term opportunities, it’s heartening to see signs of momentum. And it’s our members who bring those plans to life.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this journey – to support such hardworking professionals and celebrate the impact they have on their communities. Congratulations to every one of you.”

Three images showing the major winners of the 2025 Downs & Western H&C Awards

Major Winners

Winner of the 2025 Downs & Western BMS House of the Year Award – Janke Constructions for Aurora

Built in 10-degree increments, Aurora’s flowing design blends sustainability with luxury. The workmanship and accuracy from Janke Constructions in marrying up the internal flooring joins and landscaping is nothing short of a technical triumph. The variety of materials used in the façade and unique roofing add to the appeal of the home. The Janke team carefully incorporated two significant stone pieces and decorative timber beams sentimental to the owner into the structure, uniting past and present in this enviable build.

Winner of the 2025 Downs & Western BUSSQ Building Super Presidents’ Award – Corbould Constructions for Tahi

Meaning ‘together in unison’, Tahi honours the Maori heritage of one of its owners, symbolising the project’s vision of unity and balance. This extensive renovation and extension seamlessly blend old and new. The existing 1950s cottage at the front has been preserved, transitioning to a stunning modern rear extension, incorporating an outdoor entertaining area overlooking a beautiful 13-metre lap pool with raised spa. The stand-alone bathtub in the main bedroom is a highlight, reflecting the commitment to push design boundaries.

Winner of the 2025 Downs & Western Erlandson Finance Group Project of the Year Award – GFG Projects for RDO Equipment Toowoomba

Tasked with designing and constructing the largest RDO Equipment factory in the world, GFG Projects excelled. The completed project spans 10,000m2 of under-roof building, complemented by extensive hardstand areas for all weather use and durability, including additional footings and concrete to the internal sales floor for showcasing large machinery. A triumph over significant complexity in construction, the modern architectural aesthetic, open-plan office layouts, high-spec finishes, and functional workspaces reflect GFG Projects’ commitment to superior craftsmanship.

All Downs & Western Winners

Major winners

  • BMS House of the Year Award – Janke Constructions for Aurora (Mount Lofty)
  • Erlandson Finance Group Project of the Year Award – GFG Projects for RDO Equipment Toowoomba (Wellcamp)
  • BUSSQ Building Super President's Award – Corbould Constructions for Tahi (East Toowoomba)

Individual winners

  • Apprentice of the Year Award – Brodie Kleidon from George Built Constructions
  • Women in Building Award – Eline Lunney from Revamp Renovations

Specialty awards

Housing awards

  • Home Renovation Project up to $300,000 – George Built Constructions for Parkside Cottage (Highfields)
  • Home Renovation Project from $300,000 up to $450,000 – Weston Building Group for Project Franklin (East Toowoomba)
  • Home Renovation Project from $450,000 up to $600,000 – Hughes Elite Builders for The Perfect Trade Up (Rosenthal Heights)
  • Home Renovation Project from $600,000 up to $750,000 – Hotondo Homes Toowoomba for Jacaranda House (Crows Nest)
  • Home Renovation Project from $750,000 up to $1 million – Weston Building Group for Eden Cottage (East Toowoomba)
  • Home Renovation Project from $1 million up to $2 million – Gray Homes for Hodgson Vale House (Hodgson Vale)
  • Best Rural / Remote Home – GHC BUILDING SOLUTIONS for Mountain Station (Mount Tully)
  • Individual Home up to $400,000 – Gordon Bourke Constructions for Rowies Retreat (Cambooya)
  • Individual Home from $400,000 up to $550,000 – George Built Constructions for Onyx (Kearneys Spring)
  • Individual Home from $550,000 up to $700,000 – Bryant Brothers Building Group for Beauaraba House (Biddeston)
  • Individual Home from $700,000 up to $850,000 – Stroud Homes Toowoomba for 007GRA (Grapetree)
  • Individual Home from $850,000 up to $1 million – Downs Designer Homes for Grenda (Kearneys Spring)
  • David Turton Memorial Award for Individual Home from $1 million up to $1.5 million – Bryant Brothers Building Group for Dantree House (Dalby)
  • Individual Home from $1.5 million up to $2 million – Lavish Constructions for Cheltenham (Mt Lofty)
  • Individual Home from $2 million up to $2.5 million – Janke Constructions for Aurora (Mount Lofty)
  • Display Home from $400,000 up to $600,000 – Gordon Bourke Constructions for Athena  (Kearneys Spring)
  • Display Home from $600,000 up to $800,000 – Paragon Homes for Fuente (Kearneys Spring)
  • Best Use of Sloping Sites – Ross Hogno Constructions for Hooson Home (Highfields)
  • Medium Density up to 3 storeys – 2 to 5 dwellings – Paragon Homes for Seaton Villas (South Toowoomba)
  • Medium Density up to 3 storeys – over 5 dwellings – Hutchinson Builders for Newtown Social Housing (Newtown)
  • Excellence in Home Sustainability & Innovation – Lavish Constructions for Cheltenham (Mt Lofty)
  • Residential Trade Contractor of the Year – Weston Kitchens and Bathrooms for Project Franklin (East Toowoomba)
  • Prefabricated and Modular Housing – Hutchinson Builders for Gatton Hospital Staff Accommodation (Gatton)

Construction awards

  • Health Facilities over $20 million – Hutchinson Builders for Tara Hospital (Tara)
  • Education Facilities up to $10 million – McNab for St Saviour’s Primary School Upgrade (South Toowoomba)
  • Education Facilities over $10 million – Bryant Building Contractors for Mary Rice Building - St Joseph’s College (Toowoomba)
  • Community Service Facilities – Hutchinson Builders for Drayton Fire & Rescue (Drayton)
  • Retail Facilities over $5 million – Deluca Corporation for Plainland Home & Life (Plainland)
  • Tourism and Leisure Facilities up to $10 million – Newlands Commercial Construction for St George Harmony Centre (St George)
  • Commercial / Industrial Building up to $5 million – Alliance Building & Construction for Plainland Bulky Goods Retail (Plainland)
  • Commercial / Industrial Building from $5 million up to $15 million – Built QLD for NAB Toowoomba (Base Building) (Toowoomba City)
  • Commercial / Industrial Building from $30 million up to $50 million – GFG Projects for RDO Equipment Toowoomba (Wellcamp)
  • Community Accommodation – Total Construction for BlueCare Acacia Gardens Residential Aged Care, Toowoomba (Middle Ridge)
  • Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation up to $5 million – Alliance Building & Construction for Realway Office Fitout (Toowoomba City)
  • Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation from $5 million up to $15 million – GFG Projects for Rush House Refurbishment (Toowoomba)
  • Commercial Fitout up to $5 million – Cooper Commercial for ENT Specialist Rooms, Medici Medical Centre (Toowoomba)
  • Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year – Aspen Stone Construction for The Dairy (Ravensbourne)

Major Sponsors