The Housing Industry Association (HIA) announced two recipients of the Sir Phillip Lynch Award of Excellence, one of the highest honours bestowed in the residential building industry.

Bruce Langford-Jones OAM was recognised for more than 35 years exceptional service to the industry. Bruce was honoured for his contribution to the development of the housing industry which went beyond his normal working life as Managing Director of Langford-Jones Homes, a company he established in Victoria in 1975.

As a volunteer with HIA since 1985, his commitment to the advancement of the housing industry was outstanding.

“He served as a HIA National Board Member and led the Association as National President for three years from 2006 to 2009,” cited HIA National President Mr Alwyn Even in presenting the award.

“Bruce was committed to the Association’s twin objectives of furthering the interests of all participants in the residential building industry and ensuring that all persons living in Australia have access to housing they can afford,” Mr Even continued.

Whilst making major contributions to skills formation and development in the industry, Bruce supported HIA initiatives including the Victorian Homeless Fund and the HIA Charitable Foundation. Bruce was awarded life membership of HIA in 2010 and in 2018 he received a medal in the General Division of the Order of Australia at the Australia Day Honours for his contribution to the building and construction industry.

Michael Hickinbotham, Managing Director of the Hickinbotham Group was the second recipient of the Sir Phillip Lynch Award of Excellence.

In presenting Michael with his award, HIA Managing Director Mr Graham Wolfe recognised Michael’s “significant innovation and leadership within the industry.”

“Michael works successfully with HIA on a range of initiatives including planning reform, development of the 30-year Plan for Greater Adelaide, population policy, stamp duty and tax reform. 

“This is in addition to other numerous policies and regulatory reforms which support the industry,” Mr Wolfe said. 

After receiving his award, Michael attributed the success of the Hickinbotham Group to his team, including the many trades who have worked with Hickinbotham through generations of their families. 

“My childhood days spent on building sites with my father taught me the value of hard work and the fulfilment of crafting beautiful and meaningful things. My father and grandfather started this company more than 65 years ago and they’d be amazed at where it is today,” he said. 

Michael thanked his dedicated, focussed and passionate staff and said: “Together, we are contributing to a shared vision of improving lives. 

“Over three generations, the Hickinbotham Group has sought to create neighbourhoods where South Australian communities can thrive. It is a privilege to support families on their path to home ownership, particularly as we acknowledge that the past two years have been challenging for many Australians.” 

The Award is named after the late Sir Phillip Lynch who was an outstanding Australian, member of parliament and champion of the Australian housing industry. 

Through the hard work of Sir Phillip Lynch, HIA developed a truly effective lobbying voice with the federal government, promoting a number of key industry issues. Sir Phillip went on to become a champion for HIA and the home building industry. 

Bruce and Michael join an elite group of industry leaders. Previous award recipients include Managing Director of Meriton, Harry Triguboff; former Managing Director of McDonald Jones Homes, Bill McDonald; former Managing Director of the Buckeridge Group of Companies, the late Len Buckeridge; and Managing Director of building products company Brickworks, Lindsay Partridge.

The recipients were unveiled before hundreds of industry leaders at the prestigious 2022 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards on 23 April on the Gold Coast.

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