Why
McIlwain
McIlwain is one of Australia’s most trusted and experienced contractors.
Since 1961, McIlwain has created outstanding community assets for hundreds of communities throughout Australia.
Our wealth of experience has enabled us to consistently exceed expectations across almost 400 projects worth over $0.5 Billion
Over this time, our industry capabilities have evolved to include works in transport, building, services infrastructure, urban, as well as the industrial and energy sectors.
We draw from our industry expertise across all sectors to offer a diverse range of cutting-edge delivery methods that are both sustainable and innovative.
In addition to our core civil engineering and construction services, we offer complete project management solutions in individual, collaborative and joint venture arrangements.
Here at McIlwain, we recognise that without the commitment and enthusiasm of our people and our providers we would not exist.
This is why we are dedicated to nurturing our internal and external relationships to ensure we create outstanding community assets for many more decades to come.
Join an established team that values you.
History
McIlwain has a diverse and long-standing history as a family owned and operated business.
Established in 1961, McIlwain has grown from humble beginnings as a small haulage and plant hire business to a well-known and widely respected contractor.
We believe this is only just the beginning.
The beginning
Arthur McIlwain’s first experience ‘on the road’ was as a seven year old when the family took 3 horses and a dray out to join his grandfather building roads at Yarrawich.
On the road
Arthur purchases his first truck on leaving the army and recommences work ‘on the road’ with his father in the Gold Coast Hinterland and Numinbah Valley.
A. McIlwain Pty Ltd founded by Arthur McIlwain
Trading commences with the purchase of Arthur’s first bulldozer to augment his contract cartage business.
Family ties
Arthur’s youngest son, Neal McIlwain, joins the family business as a plant operator.
Transformation
A. McIlwain transforms into a civil contractor and begins to complete minor civil infrastructure projects across South-East Queensland.
Strength in numbers
Arthur McIlwain’s second son, Keith McIlwain, joins the business as General Manager.
The ‘Quarter Century ’
A. McIlwain Pty Ltd celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Moving on
The company is restructured to form McIlwain Civil Engineering Pty Ltd and Arthur formally retires from the business.
Solid foundation
New headquarters are built at Hemmant
Winners!
McIlwain’s La Foresta Townhouse Development project is awarded the inaugural Civil Contractors Federation Queensland Earth Award.
Family ties continue
Neal’s son, Tim McIlwain, commences with McIlwain Civil as a Graduate Engineer.
Back 'on the road'
McIlwain Civil is awarded its first Main Roads Contract to construct the Fat Hen Creek Bridge Approaches at Kilkivan.
Worldwide recognition
The Ecovillage subdivision at Currumbin is awarded the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence award for the Worlds Best Environmental Development.
Broadening our expertise
McIlwain Civil is engaged to complete the Springfield Lakes Low Level Dam project – the company’s first major engineering structure and bridge.
Expansion
McIlwain’s North Queensland branch is opened after successfully securing multiple road and bridge contracts throughout the region.
The ‘Half Century’
McIlwain celebrates 50 years of trading.
National recognition
The AJ Wyllie Bridge Replacement & Approaches project is announced the winner of Category 3 at both the Queensland and Australian Civil Contractors Federation Earth Awards.
And again!
The Spring Creek Road Slope Stabilisation project is announced the winner of Category 3 at both the Queensland and Australian Civil Contractors Federation Earth Awards.
Innovation
McIlwain is awarded the DTMR Innovation Award for the Gatton – Clifton Road Slope Stabilisation project.
Interstate expansion
McIlwain commences work in New South Wales in a joint venture to deliver the $50M Tourle Street Duplication project in Newcastle.
2016 - Renewal
Tim McIlwain accepts appointment as General Manager and Keith McIlwain becomes Chairman of the McIlwain Group.
Refresh and rebrand
McIlwain is rebranded as the McIlwain Group to acknowledge the diversity of its service offerings.
Culture
Our mission is to achieve excellence in the safe and innovative delivery of projects underpinned by our core values and family culture.
McIlwain places a significant emphasis on our people, our relationships, our sustainability and our future as key enablers of our ongoing success.
McIlwain places a significant emphasis on achieving ‘best-for-project’ outcomes.
We value the need to understand our clients’ expectations to ensure they are ultimately met, and exceeded. Our business model is founded upon four pillars that truly reflect who we are and how we have operated since 1961.
Each McIlwain staff member embodies these core values, which are used to inform the backbone of our internal corporate culture.
Honest, Respectful, Reliable & Safe
People
We aim to be an Employer of Choice by fostering a work environment founded on zero harm, continuous development, open and honest communication, mutual respect and a work-life balance.
Relationships
We aim to be a Partner of Choice by investing in mutually beneficial relationships with client groups, service providers, suppliers and the broader community.
Sustainability
We aim to be a Leader in Corporate Sustainability by delivering successful project outcomes, maintaining our economic growth, fulfilling our social responsibility and minimising our ecological footprint.
Innovation
We aim to be an Enabler of Innovation by embracing change, adopting new technologies and encouraging thought leadership.
Leadership
With over 210 years’ of experience , McIlwain’s leadership team are renowned as respected leaders and innovators within the industry.
Keith McIlwain – Director / Chairman
B. Eng (Civil), MIEAust, CPEng, RPEQ
Keith has over 40 years’ experience in design, supervision and construction within the building and civil construction sectors. He has been heavily involved with numerous industry bodies including The Institution of Engineers Construction Panel, The Civil Contractors Federation, Construction Training Queensland, Construction Skills Queensland and the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Skills Council. Keith has been responsible for the delivery of numerous civil infrastructure projects over the past decades and has fulfilled roles as Project Engineer, Project Manager and Project Director. As General Manager for over 20 years Keith oversaw the growth and success of the company. In 2016 Keith was appointed Chairman of The McIlwain Group.
Neal McIlwain – Director
Certificate III Civil Construction, Certificate IV Workplace Training & Assessment
Since entering the industry in 1974, Neal has fulfilled roles as a Construction Worker, Plant Operator, Site Supervisor and Construction Manager. He believes accountability and integrity are critical in developing strong relationships across all levels to ensure the success of the McIlwain delivery model is maintained. As Operations Manager, Neal is responsible for construction resource allocation, programming, supply chain engagement and ensuring that project teams always adhere to quality, safety and environmental standards.
Tim McIlwain – Director / General Manager
B. Eng (Civil) Hons, MIEAust, CPEng, RPEQ
Tim is a chartered professional engineer with over 15 years’ experience within the construction and engineering sectors. Tim is a strong leader who drives excellence and innovation across all business activities. As General Manager, Tim oversees the delivery of all projects, leads bidding activities and manages business operations. Tim is a strong advocate for the civil construction industry in Queensland and currently serves on the board of the Queensland branch of the Civil Contractor’s Federation.
Debbie Futcher – CFO / Corporate Services Manager
MBA, B. Commerce (Accounting), B. Business (Law), CPA, ARHI
With more than 20 years ‘experience within the finance, human resource and administration fields, Debbie brings significant finance and management expertise to the management team. Since joining McIlwain in 2012, Debbie has been responsible for the operation and integration of all corporate services including financial and risk management of all financial and reporting, human resources management as well as legal compliance and corporate governance.
Gareth Baines – Operations Manager
Diploma (Civil Construction Management), Diploma (Project Management)
Gareth has worked in the construction industry for more than 30 years on projects in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Ireland and Europe. Gareth’s proven track record in the safe delivery of high profile projects including Major Highway Upgrades, Structures, Rail, Tunnels and Renewable Energy made him the right fit when he joined the McIlwain team as Project Manager in 2018 and Operations Manager in 2019. Gareth has been responsible for ensuring the continued operational success of the company.
Craig Southon – Construction Manager
Cert. IV (Workforce Training & Assessment), Advanced Diploma (Civil Construction), Advanced Diploma (Project Management), Cert IV (Building and Construction)
Craig has over 25 years’ of operational and supervisory experience across a range of infrastructure projects. Since joining the McIlwain team in 1991 Craig has become an exceptional leader and ensures that all project team members are focused on maintaining safety, program, budget and systems compliance at all times. Craig is also responsible for resource allocation, client liaison and provides overall stewardship of all aspects of project delivery.
Leon Krelle – Systems Manager
GradCertOHSEMgt, Diploma (WH&S), Diploma (Civil Construction Management), Diploma (Project Management), Certificate IV (Civil Construction), Certificate IV (Training & Assessment), Certificate IV (OHS), IMS Lead Auditor
Leon commenced employment with McIlwain in 2006. Leon’s ‘hands-on’ experience, practical approach and passion for Systems has lead him to become a positive influence within the organisation. As Systems Manager, Leon is responsible for implementing, monitoring and reviewing the company’s HSEQ systems, planning training programs, assisting project teams and carrying out compliance audits. Leon has been instrumental in McIlwain maintaining and enhancing its third party and Federal Safety Accreditations and achieving an outstanding enterprise safety record.
Paul Robson – Precontracts and Strategic Development Manager
Associate Degree (Civil Engineering)
Joining the team as Senior Project Engineer in 2014, Paul has continued to be a fundamental member of McIlwain progressing to the role of Project Manager in 2016. Paul’s attention to detail and respected industry relationships made him the right choice when joining the Senior Management Team as Strategic Development Manager in 2019 and furthered his portfolio as Precontracts Manager in 2020.
Management
Systems
McIlwain’s ‘MCEMS’ management system has been developed to adopt a consistent and systematic approach to all operations and ensure a safe and productive work environment.
Quality
Do it once, do it right
Our Quality System has been designed to continuously improve our internal and external operations. The system assists our ability to control all documents, enhance transparency and improve overall efficiencies. This enables McIlwain to accurately capture information throughout the project lifecycle and provide clients with verifiable documentation on demand to validate the construction process. It provides ready access to all test certificates and construction records.
Risk Management
Managing risk for success
McIlwain is committed to going ‘beyond compliance’ in managing operational risks and opportunities across all business activities to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the business. In doing so, we aim to prevent the likelihood of adverse incidents, mitigate the consequences of incidents that occur, and advance our internal strategic objectives.
Safety
Keep it simple, keep it safe
The McIlwain Safety System has been developed to minimise the prevalence of workplace illness or injury and mitigate the physical and emotional costs associated with workplace accidents. It ensures that the safety of our people always remains paramount and that a safe work environmental is everyone’s responsibility.
Environmental
Creating a sustainable future
McIlwain is committed to minimising its environmental footprint in the operations of its business and the delivery of projects by educating and empowering its employees to keep the protection of the environment top of mind at all times.
Sustainability and Sustainable Sourcing
McIlwain is committed to being leaders in delivering sustainable project outcomes.
We aim to deliver projects that balance environmental, social and economic outcomes and will continually monitor and improve our sustainability performance at both a strategic and operational level to ensure effectiveness and value for money.