Member Portal
Student Portal
SHAPING THE ACT
At Master Builders ACT, we are proud of our legacy and commitment to the building and construction industry. We're building not just structures, but a thriving community and future for the ACT. Join us in our mission to shape and support the industry for generations to come.
A CENTURY OF LEGACY
Our history: over 100 years of building Canberra
On 18 August 1925, ten builders came together at the historic Canberra Hostel, now the Hyatt Hotel, ‘to keep in touch with each other, and to assist one another in their task of building the city of Canberra.’ And so, the Master Builders movement of the Australian Capital Territory was born.
Since 1925, Master Builders ACT has proudly represented the interests of the building and construction industry in the ACT. With over a century of experience, we have played a crucial role in shaping Canberra, contributing to the development of our beautiful city.
For a detailed timeline of our history, visit our centenary website, 100 years of building Canberra.
BUILDING AN INDUSTRY
Our contribution to the ACT
Our commitment to building Canberra is unwavering. Master Builders ACT has been at the forefront of shaping the built environment of our nation's capital for over a century. From iconic civic buildings to everyday homes, our industry has shaped the city that Australians are proud of.
“Stand up on Red Hill with a cup of coffee and look down. There’s not a single thing you see, other than the geography, that wasn’t built by our industry.”
Our commitment extends beyond our industry. We strive to make a lasting difference in the wider ACT community by:
- Actively building our future construction workforce through industry-leading education and training
- Supporting the growth of women in construction
- Protecting homeowners and builders alike through the Master Builders Fidelity Fund
- Community fundraising through our MBA Charity Houses
- Supporting mental health in the construction industry through partnerships with organisations like Menslink
COMMITTEES AND STAFF
Our people
Executive committee
At Master Builders ACT, our strength lies in our people. Our Executive Committee is made up of dedicated professionals committed to advocating for their respective sectors.
-
Frank Porreca
President
-
Nick Zardo
Civil Sector Chair
-
Bryan Leeming
Extraordinary Committee Member
-
Jason Tanchevski
Residential Sector Chair
-
Graciete Ferreira
Extraordinary Committee Member, Master Builders Australia Representative
-
Alisa Taylor
Professional Sector Chair
-
Peter Henden
Commercial Sector Chair
-
Aime Lloyd
Subcontractor and Supplier Sector Chair
MBA Training Board of Directors
-
Ben McGeechan
-
Michelle Tifan
Civil Contractors Federation ACT Board of Directors
-
Lach Haskins
President
-
Anisha Sachdeva Marar
-
Ben Helmers
-
Stuart Ritchie
-
Daniel Hill
Master Builders ACT staff
Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to support our members and industry.
-
Anna Neelagama
Chief Executive Officer
-
Ziad Zakout
Corporate Services Director
-
Karen Shaw
Member and Engagement Director
-
Scott Harris
Director - Workplace Relations & Policy
-
Dr. Allan Warren
General Manager Training
-
Lisa Dart
Safety, Cert 4 Builder Trainer & Industry Safety Advisor
-
Braeden Crosswell-Snow
Carpentry Trainer & Assessor
-
Adrian Korelin
Carpentry Trainer & Assessor
-
Geoff Wood
Careers Officer and Trainer and Assessor
-
Claudia Copeland
RTO Compliance and Quality Assurance Officer
-
Ashley Palmer
RTO Administrator
-
Tara Nichols
Communications and Marketing Manager
-
Samuel Coulter
Digital Marketing Coordinator
-
Mila Bartholomew
Memberships and Partnerships Officer
-
Melissa Fourie
Senior Workplace Relations Advisor
-
Alex Mueller
Building Advisor
-
Lin Jia
Fidelity Fund Officer
-
Mili Dukic
Executive Assistant and Office Manager
Industry committees
-
Lorem Ipsum
Dolor Sit Amet
-
Lorem Ipsum
Dolor Sit Amet
Allied bodies
-
Civil Contractors Federation
Representing civil contractors across the ACT and surrounding region.
-
Master Builders Australia
The national peak body for the building and construction industry.
-
ACT Insurance Authority
Providing risk management and insurance services to ACT Government entities.
-
CITB
Skills and training for the construction industry.