The CCF NSW Earth Award 2026 was a fantastic night, recognising the best in civil contracting throughout the state over the last 12 months.
CCF NSW President, Lee Fahey, said it best on the night.
“Each year we gather to recognise and celebrate the excellence in civil construction and to honour the outstanding businesses whose work makes a lasting contribution to our space: infrastructure and development.
“This year, with some 37 entries, we’ve once again been able to showcase the work of some of the very best in our industry.
“My congratulations to all of our category winners who will now go on to represent NSW at the National Earth Awards on the 26th of November in Canberra,” Lee said.
And those winners were:
MGP Civil in the Project Value up to $2 million category for the Menangle Stage 3 Aqueduct.
In accepting the award on behalf of MGP Civil, Managing Director Michael Graham said it was the first aqueduct his team had ever built.
“I’d first like to thank the Civil Contractors Federation for the award.
“I’d like to thank my dedicated team from the office who worked very hard for a lot of years,” he said.
Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure in the Project Value $2 million to $5 million category for the Warragamba Radial Gate Control Measures
Jonathan Sisovic, Construction Manager for Utilities at Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure, praised his team’s ability to meet the challenges of the project.
“This is a great way to cap this project.
“This project was one of many over a five-year period for Water NSW.
“It was a brilliant program of work and a great testament to the team, over five years of consistent work, this was just one project.
“So, excellent work team,” he said.
Clyde Civil in the Project Value $5 million to $10 million category for the Tallawong Public School – Civil and Public Domain Works
Tomislav Cuk, Project Manager at Clyde Civil, began his acceptance speech by saying it was a night of firsts for his team.
“Probably the first time having a group photo,” he joked.
“First year in CCF, first year coming here tonight to the awards, and it’s truly humbling to be amongst such esteemed company here.
“It’s fantastic to see all the other projects and congratulations to all the other finalists, we’re thrilled to be in your company,” he said.
Quickway in the Project Value $10 million to $30 million category for the Construction of Tatham Twin Bridges Replacement
Callum van der Walt, Project Manager at Quickway, said he was grateful for the recognition provided by the awards.
“I’d just like to thank CCF for hosting this event and giving us the opportunity to present our projects.
“There’s a lot of hard work that goes into these projects and it’s a great opportunity to present them and get recognition,” he said.
Daracon Group in the Project Value $30 million to $75 million category for Coulsons Creek Road MR358
Daniel Pitcher, Divisional Manager – Hunter Civil at Daracon, said it was a shame he had to compete against his colleagues from Arenco in the same category.
“It was great for our team here to be able to deliver such a project.”
“And people that have been in the industry for such a long time to be able to get some satisfaction out of working on a project like this,” he said.
Haslin Constructions in the Project Value $75 million to $150 million category for the Eurobodalla Southern Storage Dam
Colin Woods, Managing Director at Haslin, praised the collaborative work he and his team had done with Eurobodalla Shire Council.
“We built something we’re proud of and that’s what like to do.
“It’s my fifth dam in my career – I’d like to do a few more.
“I thank the team I’ve worked with because they’re professionals that are just growing as we grow,” he said.
AeroWest joint venture (Seymour Whyte and BMD Group) in the Project Value Greater Than $150 million category for the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport Landside Civil and Building Works Package
Colum Barrett, BMD Project Manager, accepting on behalf of the Aerowest joint venture, spoke about the lasting legacy of civil construction.
“It’s not often you get to be a part of an international airport being built from scratch, so it’s a privilege and an honour to be working on infrastructure such as this,” he said.
“It’s a really important piece of infrastructure and I know, personally, for myself it’s a great honour and privilege that we contribute to things like this and we see it for many years to come for our children,” he said.
PWG Infrastructure Pty Ltd in the People’s Choice Award category for the West Dapto Pkg 3, Lot B Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrade
Paul Ferguson, Director at PWG, took advice MC Adam Spencer had been giving to all the winners to make short speeches when he accepted the award.
“Very humbled and thankful to be up here tonight,” he said.
25-year members
The Earth Awards also recognised CCF NSW members who have been with us for 25 years or more.
This year, eight members were added to that esteemed group, there are:
- Allard’s Hire & Service Pty Ltd
- Athassel Civil Pty Ltd
- Better Heavy Movers
- Brefni Pty Ltd
- Divall’s Earthmoving Bulk Haulage
- Ladex Construction Group Pty Ltd
- Paul Culverson Earthmoving & Farm Contracting Pty Ltd
- Townes Group Operations Pty Ltd
In accepting the accolade, Tom Brady, Managing Director at Brefni, used his acceptance speech to encourage people to stand for election to the CCF NSW Board at the next opportunity.
He is particularly keen to see more diversity on the Board.
Tom also reflected on the changes he’s observed in the industry over the past 25 years.
“Despite all those changes, the thing is, we need our people, the whole industry’s about people.
“I look around the room here and I see people I’ve known for 25 years.
“If we don’t have people, we don’t have a business,” he said.
Kris Brunton stepped in for Directors Andy and Mick Divall to accept the 25-year honour on their company’s behalf.
“The membership we have with the CCF extends well beyond a partnership.
“The advocacy and support we get is what really makes it special.
“So, recognition for 25 years really does mean the world to us and I think the biggest benefit we get out of this is getting to meet other like-minded people who know no quick job is actually quick.
“So, thank you,” he said.
CCF NSW is grateful to our sponsors
The Earth Awards would not be possible without our sponsors and we’re also grateful they get involved and speak with such pride about the finalists and winners.
On behalf of our Principal Partner, WesTrac Cat, Grant Warren praised those gathered as delivering complex projects on schedule and budget, meeting stakeholder expectations, and maintaining community trust.
“These awards exist to exist to recognise and celebrate contractors performing at that exceptional level.
“The ones who’ve embedded innovation, who commit safely, and who develop their people, the ones who are pushing the industry forward,” he said.
David Glinatsis from Kreisson, our industry partner, said nights like the Earth Awards are important.
“Your industry builds things that last for generations and then when you’re finished you move onto the next job and then you do it again.
“So, it’s great to take time to pause, to look around, and to be very appreciative of the work that’s been done by extraordinary people,” he said.
And Nick Corr from Aptella, our industry partner, congratulated the finalists and spoke of his pride in civil contractors.
“We are proud of our long association with the CCF NSW and other CCF bodies around Australia.
“We are also very happy to be working with many businesses that are in this room right now.
“Congratulations to tonight’s finalists,” he said.
Thank you also to our category sponsors: Gallagher, Assignar, Coates, Komatsu, Sitech, and Constructability Recruitment.
In his closing remarks, CCF NSW President Lee Fahey singled out one of the event’s long-term backers on the eve of his retirement.
“I’d also like to make special mention of one of our staunchest supporters Peter Campbell from Gallagher.
“Peter’s an outstanding contributor to CCF for more than 20 years and this year he retires.
“We wish him happiness and all the best for a well-earned retirement,” he said.
Earth Awards Links
You can see our photo gallery here.