based purely on merit rather than sponsorship or external influences. “Any award issued by Master Builders, we’re definitely proud of,” he says. “It’s a true reflection of the product we’re delivering.” Among the projects that TQM is particularly proud of, one recent project stands out for Mark—that would be stage two of the Newcastle East End precinct upgrade, a project valued at roughly $150 million. Mark says the company’s success there is not just a testament to their technical capabilities but also to their resilience and problem-solving abilities. The project involved preserving and incorporating five heritagelisted facades into a new, large-scale mixed-use development. Complicating matters further, the site was located below the water table, requiring a fully tanked basement that had to remain dry under challenging conditions. Adding to the complexity, that project involved building both behind and on top of the historic Majestic Theatre, blending modern architecture with heritage elements in a way that respected the past while meeting the needs of the future. All of this was accomplished during one of the most difficult periods the construction industry has ever faced. With the pandemic causing shutdowns, 2022 delivering the wettest year Australia had seen in a century, and dramatic cost escalations hitting every corner of the industry, the challenges were enormous. Yet TQM delivered the project on a fixed-price contract, absorbing the cost pressures without passing them on to the client—a rare and commendable achievement in today’s market. The project is now fully occupied, and Mark views it as a powerful symbol of what TQM stands for: technical excellence, integrity, and a AUGUST 2025
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