Champions in the Industry THE KEREC FAMILY

In 1996, Ludvig (Lud) Kerec and his son, Andrew, started Renaissance Homes: a residential building company with the purpose of delivering high-quality homes for Canberra residents. For the father and son team, building was in their DNA, Andrew explained, ‘My grandfather (also Ludvig Kerec) immigrated to Australia in the late 1940’s as a stone mason with my grandma and very infant dad. They had to stay in the Cowra Camps while my grandfather worked to pay his government debt (the fare over).’

There was a special connection for Andrew and his father from the start of their business, Andrew said, ‘Renaissance Homes’ first ever contract and project win in 1996 was for an extension to a beautiful rural property out on Mountain Creek Road. It had a wing completed in natural stone walls. About halfway through the build, the clients showed me a photo of the stone mason building that section of the home – it was my grandfather. Unbelievable and a very emotional start to my building career.’

In early 2010, Lud was in a terrible accident during which he was knocked off his bike by another cyclist. The resulting damage to his spinal cord rendered Lud a complete C5 quadriplegic. Andrew explains, ‘My great mate, business partner and Dad was hit by another cyclist travelling at speed around a blind corner on the wrong side of a Canberra bike path - with both of them coming off their bikes. There were no apparent physical injuries to either of them apart from a few scratches. The other cyclist got up. Dad didn’t.’ Lud’s helmet strap caught on something in the collision and caused a dislocation of his spine around the C5/C6 vertebrae.

Andrews says of that difficult time, ‘With magnificent and cherished staff, the company got through the very tough years that followed, with dad being transferred to Sydney for surgery, treatment and rehabilitation.’

Before the accident Lud was an athletic 61-year-old who had recently completed the Canberra Half Ironman (1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, 21.1km run) and was training for the full Ironman until his accident occurred a week prior to the event.

But Andrew explains that his father hasn’t let the accident get in the way of his athletic pursuits. Living with a quadriplegic has become my family’s new “normal”. Dad has been fishing in the Northern Territory multiple times. Boating, cycling, camping, four-wheel driving.’

During 2010, while modifying their own home to create a safe, comfortable space for Lud to recuperate in, Andrew and his wife, Jodie, discovered Canberra’s need for a company that specialised in creating accessible housing. Andrew says of the process, ‘We were lucky. Most aren’t so fortunate. This experience opened our eyes to just how many members of our community are stuck in hospitals, care facilities or makedo accommodation while they wait for new housing or home modifications—years in many cases. This is often accompanied by astronomical costs and disputes with insurance companies.’

Andrew has dedicated his life to delivering outstanding residences and raising funds for valuable community organisations. Andrew explains, ‘I gave my dad a pep talk during a particularly tough time shortly after his accident and I promised him that if he got himself out of hospital, made it back to the Northern Territory on a fishing trip, caught a fish and shared a beer with the Whatley’s on Pococks Beach in Kakadu.. that I would ride my mountain bike from Canberra to Darwin. He kept up his end of the deal, so I had to do the same—and the idea of the Canberra to Humpty Doo 5551km Spine Tingling Ride was born and then achieved in 2017.’ Andrew has raised approximately $130,000 for Hartley Lifecare, Spinal Cure Australia and Livable Housing Australia. This money will go towards spinal cord injury research and high physical disability support, care and respite services.

Andrew will be completing the 6820km Spine Tingling Ride in 2023, with all the money raised going straight to charity as the ride costs are again covered by the Kerec family.

Andrew and Lud are examples of the true champions in our industry who are using their skills and experience to create change in the community.

EVENTS WRAP-UP:

Professionals from across the industry gathered to celebrate the launch of the 2023 Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards on Thursday 2 February 2023. More than sixty sponsors and MBA members enjoyed the launch, which was also the first event held at Asset Construction Hire’s impressive new depot on Cessnock Street.

After a warm welcome from MBA President, Frank Porreca, MBA ACT CEO, Michael Hopkins, took to the stage with Asset Construction Hire Director, Darrell Leemhuis. Michael and Darrell presented an informed discussion on the opportunities for growth currently available in the construction industry. Standing in the polished new warehouse, amid a huge range of neatly organised tools and equipment, it was easy to believe Darrell’s advice that there are bright opportunities available in the construction industry for those who are willing to work hard. The focus of the discussion then turned to the contributions that the Excellence Awards have provided to the construction industry. It was noted that the awards are an invaluable asset because they allow professionals from all sectors to showcase their achievements. Commitment to quality workmanship in all forms is rewarded, with categories dedicated to residential, commercial, civil and subcontractor projects, as well as individual, work health and safety, and sustainable construction achievements.

Not only does the application process give entrants the opportunity to step back and take the time to appreciate the results of their planning, skill and effort, but it also prompts them to investigate and acknowledge the contributions of their colleagues, which improves internal and external relationships. It was also pointed out that the media coverage of the finalists’ projects allows industry professionals to draw inspiration from sector leaders. This pushes the growth of the industry in directions with proven success and advertises the high standard of quality that should be expected in all projects. Consumers are also exposed to this coverage, giving them access to nuance techniques, unique ideas and refined skills that would not normally be identified or translated for those outside of the industry. Consumer exposure encourages an appropriate level of appreciation for the skills required in each role and can lead to more interest in building and construction related careers.

The interesting discussion and friendly atmosphere left attendees feeling optimistic towards the prospects for upcoming construction projects and curious about the projects that would be submitted for judging. By the end of the evening, the venue was filled with anticipation for the announcement of the Excellence Awards winners at the ceremony on Friday 1 September 2023.

EVENTS WRAP-UP: MBA International Women’s Day Luncheon

The MBA Women in Construction group hosted the International Women’s Day Luncheon at Gandel Hall in the National Gallery of Australia on Thursday 9 March 2023. Over 250 attendees enjoyed the empowering presentation from Guest Speaker, Erin Molan, during the elegant two-course luncheon.

One of the 2023 themes for International Women’s Day is Embrace Equity—meaning having fair treatment, opportunities, and access for everyone. Erin is a television sports presenter, online safety advocate, broadcaster and journalist but, despite her success, Erin revealed that she has faced more than her fair share of challenges during her career.

The Event MC and MBA ACT Member Services Director, Ashlee Berry, stated that it is vital to acknowledge the existence of advantages and barriers in the workplace, industry and community if we want to achieve equity. To forge positive change we must recognise the gender bias, stereotyping, harassment and other barriers that women face when trying to progress their careers. We must then be committed to responding appropriately to those barriers. Ashlee advised that working collectively, as men and women, will be the key to ensuring we are not overwhelmed by this goal.

Erin Molan, echoed this sentiment when speaking about her experiences as a female journalist and mother in the very public and male-dominated field of sports reporting. Erin described the many obstacles she has faced, including appalling harassment online and in person. Looking back on her career, Erin advised that the pattern of facing rejection, being persistent, backing herself and receiving the payoff was formative for her current resilience. She said, ‘Be the tenth choice and show them why you should have been the first choice.’

She acknowledged that her support network of family, friends and colleagues have been incredibly important to overcoming her obstacles, especially her sisters and her late father. It is this level of support that the MBA Women in Construction program aims to provide by offering women with an avenue to engage with women and men who actively support the development of their careers.

In keeping with this spirit, all attendees were delighted when CEO of Hands Across Canberra, Peter Gordon, awarded Jo Farrell and Kane Constructions the MBA ACT Building the Community Award. Jo gracefully accepted the surprise award for going above and beyond for the Canberra Community during her work with the Strathnairn Charity House.