Apprentice Oliver Burnell and St Joseph Affordable Homes were both named as national winners at the 2024 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards.

Tasmania’s Oliver Burnell was recognised as the winner of the 2024 HIA Jim Brookes Australian Apprentice of the Year. The accolade acknowledges his commitment to the building industry.

Oliver has consistently exhibited an unwavering work ethic, positioning himself as a role model for his peers. He consistently goes above and beyond to assist other trades and ensure the utmost satisfaction for clients.

Oliver's professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and pride in his work, tools, and appearance reflect his deep commitment to representing Ronald Young + Co Builders in the best possible way.

Oliver's performance as an apprentice has been outstanding, propelling him ahead in his apprenticeship progress. This award not only celebrates Oliver's remarkable journey but also highlights the hard work and commitment of all apprentices in the construction industry. The category is partnered by Stratco.

St Joseph Affordable Homes was named the coveted HIA Australian Professional Medium Builder/Renovator. Offering affordable homes built to a 7-star rating, with a significant focus on environmental sustainability, the business has a dual purpose; to provide substantial and sustainable employment opportunities for young and vulnerable Tasmanians, and to alleviate housing stress and homelessness. The category is partnered by Companion Systems.

Victoria’s BCM Homes won the highest residential building award bestowed each year, winning the 2024 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year. Designed and built with an overarching philosophy of balancing aesthetic and environmental response, the home is suspended on the water's edge of an unbelievably steep slope, moulded to the landscape. 

The low maintenance clad exterior is ideal to withstand the coastal setting. Inside, burnished concrete floors, solid timber, and high end finishes complete this sophisticated build. 

Judges were impressed with the meticulous detail and execution. With care, attention and uncompromising quality evident at every turn, the home perfectly combines luxury living with a laid back coastal lifestyle. The category is partnered by CSR.

HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin highlighted that the HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of HIA members who are excelling in Australia’s residential building industry.

"At HIA, we’re dedicated to giving credit where it's due. HIA Awards are our way of recognising the exceptional talent within our membership. We are talking about members who not only build extraordinary homes, kitchens, and bathrooms but also run incredibly successful businesses," Ms Martin emphasised.

"The craftsmanship displayed by our award winners is simply outstanding. Their projects often redefine what's possible in terms of design and innovation, setting new standards for the industry. It brings me immense joy to extend my congratulations to each and every winner for their unwavering dedication to excellence."

Ms Martin also acknowledged the aspiring tradespeople of tomorrow - the apprentices - who are constantly striving to better themselves in their chosen fields and congratulated the professional builders and small businesses who are setting the bar high in areas like customer service, design, innovation, building quality, and overall business practices.

"It's truly inspiring to see such dedication and passion across the board. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions to the industry," Ms Martin concluded.

The 2024 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards were announced on 18 May in front of an audience of industry leaders and home building consumers.

The HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards are the ultimate platform to showcase the talents of the nation’s top builders and designers. Winners are selected from state-based finalists, with awards in 22 separate categories. The Awards are partnered by leading building products company CSR.

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