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Community

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Master Builders ACT has pioneered many charitable causes and functions over the last 100 years, and a ‘give back’ culture is a trademark of Master Builders ACT membership. Community contribution is a core pillar of our vision, with a goal to make a lasting difference to the ACT region through strong community partnerships.

  • Over $3 million

    raised for charities since 2004

  • Four

    charity houses built

  • 20+ years

    of giving back

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

Philanthropy

Master Builders ACT has a strong commitment to philanthropy, having raised over $3 million for various charities since 2004.

Our core community contribution has come through our Charity House partnerships with Hands Across Canberra, which has seen the building of four Canberra homes to raise over $3 million for local charities, with a fifth launching in late 2026.

Our recent fundraising and philanthropy activities include:

  • Skills programs

    • Award-winning Woden Civil Taster Program (2025)
    • JobTrainer Women in Civil Program (2023)
    • ACT Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) Kickstart to Construction program (2023)

  • Awareness days

    • Jeans for Genes Day
    • Safe Work Month
    • Communities @ Work Christmas Appeals

  • Mental health

    • Ozhelp partnership
    • Movember
    • R U OK Day

  • Annual events

    • Push-up challenges
    • Charity golf days
    • Vinnies CEO Sleepout & Winter Appeals

  • Donations

    • Breast Cancer Foundation
    • OzHelp
    • Canberra Hospital Foundation

BUILDING GENEROUSLY

Charity houses

Master Builders ACT has delivered four Charity Houses in partnership with Hands Across Canberra, with a fifth in progress, raising over $3 million for local charities.

The charity house program sees a local Master Builders ACT member contribute their time, expertise and materials to build a home to be auctioned off for charity. Our Charity Houses reflect the idea that building well can also mean building generously, delivering family homes that benefit Canberrans in need.

  • Charity house project
  • Building for the community
  • Community partnership
  • Hands Across Canberra

Whitlam charity house 2026

Building hope for Canberra, brick by brick

  • BuilderRenaissance Homes
  • ArchitectAMC Architecture
  • BeneficiariesBoundless, Hands Across Canberra, Hartley Lifecare

The Whitlam Charity House is slated for auction in 2026 and is under construction by A&P Leemhuis Builders, with Oztal contributing its architectural design.

The guiding theme for the 2026 house is ‘Building Hope for Canberra, Brick by Brick,’ with proceeds from the auction destined for Canberra charities that provide support for survivors of domestic and family violence.

The house will have views of the Brindabellas and a playground right across the road.

Member contributions

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Past charity houses

2023 Strathnairn charity house
  • BuilderRenaissance Homes
  • ArchitectAMC Architecture
  • BeneficiariesBoundless, Hands Across Canberra, Hartley Lifecare

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2016 Deakin charity house
  • BuilderRenaissance Homes
  • ArchitectAMC Architecture
  • BeneficiariesBoundless, Hands Across Canberra, Hartley Lifecare

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2013 Franklin charity house
  • BuilderRenaissance Homes
  • ArchitectAMC Architecture
  • BeneficiariesBoundless, Hands Across Canberra, Hartley Lifecare

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2007 Jenolan charity house
  • BuilderRenaissance Homes
  • ArchitectAMC Architecture
  • BeneficiariesBoundless, Hands Across Canberra, Hartley Lifecare

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DRIVING CHANGE

Menslink: supporting mental health in construction

At Master Builders ACT, we understand the critical importance of mental health in the building and construction industry.

On average, one construction worker dies by suicide every two days in Australia[1], while apprentices are at particularly high risk, being two-and-a-half times more likely to die by suicide than other young men their age[2].

Our partnership with Menslink has the goal of enhancing mental health education and support in our sector, providing vital resources, tailored education programs and ongoing counselling services to help apprentices navigate their mental health challenges.

By raising awareness and fostering a culture of care, we are committed to ensuring that our future builders are equipped with the knowledge and support they need to thrive.

Together with Menslink, we are dedicated to driving meaningful change and improving mental well-being in our industry.