About Us
Connecting communities since 1961
We're third generation and growing - continuing to build on our proud history while evolving to meet the needs of our clients and communities.
Proudly Australian, family-owned and operated, we have a diverse and rich history of delivering vital infrastructure solutions which sustain and connect our communities.
With over six decades of experience, we work across the transport, structures, slope stabilisation, utilities and defence sectors. Our work is guided by our core values, care, reliability, respect and honesty, and enabled through innovative construction methodologies and implementation of the latest technology.
Our ongoing success is underpinned by our people, relationships and experience. We invest locally, collaborate closely with partners and clients, and focus on solutions that create lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits.
At McIlwain, we do so much more than deliver civil infrastructure for our communities. We contribute to sustainable outcomes that leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
If it matters to you, it matters at McIlwain.
Our values
Why choose McIlwain?
Care
Care means genuinely looking out for the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of everyone we work with. We support work–life balance and encourage healthy, sustainable lifestyles, while remaining mindful of the needs of our people, partners, and communities. We believe strong performance goes hand in hand with safety, sustainability, and care at work.
Honesty
Honesty is about doing what we say we will do, with integrity, openness, and transparency. We stand by what is right, honour our commitments, and act in the best interests of our clients, our people, and the communities in which we operate.
Respect
Respect means treating others with empathy, fairness, and dignity. We value diversity and recognise the unique strengths and perspectives each individual brings. In every interaction, we act with care, courtesy, and consideration for others.
Reliability
Reliability is delivering on our commitments, every time. We take responsibility for our work and hold ourselves to a high standard, for both our colleagues and our clients. We show up, follow through, and consistently deliver outcomes people can depend on.
Meet our leaders
Tim McIlwain
Managing Director
Tim is a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 15 years’ experience across the construction and engineering sectors. A strong, visionary leader, he drives excellence and innovation across all areas of the business. As Managing Director, Tim oversees project delivery, leads bidding activities and manages overall business operations. He is also a strong advocate for the civil construction industry across Queensland and serves on the board of the Queensland branch of the Civil Contractor’s Federation.
Debbie Futcher
Chief Financial Offcer/Corporate Services Manager
With more than 30 years’ experience within finance, human resources and administration, Debbie brings extensive expertise to the management team. Since joining McIlwain in 2012, she has led the operation and integration of all corporate services, including financial, risk management and reporting across our operations as well as human resources management, legal compliance and corporate governance.
Nick Ukalovic
Operations Manager
With 30 years experience in the construction industry, Nick has delivered a range of infrastructure across the transport, resources and energy sectors. Over the past decade, he has had senior leadership roles on some of Queensland’s largest transport projects, including Gold Coast Light Rail (Stage 2), Gateway Upgrade North and the M1/M3 Gateway Merge. At McIlwain, Nick oversees project delivery and drives successful operational outcomes across a growing portfolio of projects within the organisation.
Paul Robson
Precontracts Manager
Paul joined McIlwain as a Senior Project Engineer in 2014 and has been a key contributor to the business ever since. Progressing to Project Manager in 2016, he later joined the Senior Management Team as Strategic Development Manager in 2019, before expanding his role to include Precontracts Manager in 2020. Known for his attention to detail and strong industry relationships, Paul continues to play a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success.
Leon Krelle
Systems Manager
Leon commenced with McIlwain in 2006 and continues to bring a wealth of hands-on experience and practical knowledge to the business. His proactive approach and passion have made him a highly respected leader within the organisation. As Systems Manager, Leon is responsible for the implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of the company’s HSEQ systems, as well as training, compliance and auditing. He has been instrumental in maintaining and enhancing McIlwain’s third party and Federal Safety Accreditations, contributing to McIlwain’s outstanding enterprise safety record.
We value our team at McIlwain
At McIlwain, our success is built on the strength, capability and commitment of our people. Discover what it’s like to be part of our team.
Our culture