Celebrating What Matters : Our People

At Premier Building & Construction, we’ve always believed that while projects define what we build, people define how we build them.

At the 2026 Master Builders Victoria Riverina Murray Excellence in Building Awards, this belief was reinforced in the best possible way, through the recognition of two outstanding members of our team.

🏆 Melanie Baker – Women in Building Award
🏆 Grady McCarron – Apprentice of the Year

These awards recognise individual excellence, but they also reflect something bigger, the culture, support, and shared commitment behind every successful project.

Recognising Leadership and Dedication

Melanie’s award is a testament to her consistent leadership, professionalism, and the impact she has across our projects.

Her ability to support teams, maintain strong communication, and bring calm, considered direction to complex environments makes her an invaluable part of PBC.

Reflecting on the recognition, Mel shared:

“This is a moment I will always remember. To be recognised in this way is incredibly special, but it’s also a reflection of the people I work alongside every day. The support within our team, both on site and in the office, is what makes it possible to do what we do well. I’m proud to be part of an industry that continues to evolve and create opportunities for women.”

Her words reflect what we see every day, leadership grounded in humility, consistency, and a genuine commitment to others.

Investing in the Next Generation

Grady’s recognition as Apprentice of the Year highlights the importance of investing in the future of our industry.

His work ethic, willingness to learn, and pride in his trade have set a strong foundation for a long and successful career in construction.

Speaking about his win, Grady said:

“To finish my apprenticeship with this win, I am blown away. It’s something I didn’t expect, but I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve had great support from the team at PBC and the people I’ve worked alongside on site, you learn a lot from being around the right people, and I’m grateful for that.”

His journey is a reminder that strong mentorship, opportunity, and attitude all play a role in shaping the next generation of builders.

It’s Always About the People

Construction is often measured by what is delivered, the buildings, the infrastructure, the finished product.

But behind every outcome is a team of people working together, solving problems, supporting one another, and striving for excellence.

These awards are a reflection of that.

They represent the individuals who show up every day, contribute to something bigger than themselves, and help create projects that stand the test of time.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to deliver projects across the region, we remain focused on what matters most, building strong teams, supporting careers, and creating opportunities within our industry.

Because when you invest in people, the results speak for themselves. We are incredibly proud of Melanie, Grady, and the entire PBC team. Thank you Master Builders Victoria Riverina Murray Excellence in Building Awards, for a fabulous evening!

Zac Brodie, Building Designer, Premier Building & Construction

Zac Brodie

Building Designer

Zac has grown with PBC throughout his career as a Building Designer and has contributed to several award-winning PBC projects. In his words: “PBC’s strength is being able to support growth in the role you are in.”

Highly skilled Building Designer with a keen eye for detail and innovation. He is passionate about creating functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing designs that align with client needs and industry standards.

Experienced in collaborating with architects, engineers, and construction teams to ensure seamless project execution. Dedicated to staying updated on design trends, building codes, and sustainable construction practices.

Ash Cooper, Senior Project Manager, Premier Building & Construction

Ash Cooper

Senior Project Manager

Ash Cooper has been part of the Premier Building & Construction (PBC) team for over a decade, progressing from carpenter/foreman to Senior Site Manager, and now Senior Project Manager.

Ash leads PBC’s site and project teams, with a focus on planning, quality and clear communication with clients and trades. He is skilled in managing multiple projects, problem-solving and building strong stakeholder relationships.

He also mentors PBC’s Site Managers, supporting their development while upholding PBC’s standards.

Melanie Baker, Finance and Administration Manager, Premier Building & Construction

Melanie Baker

Finance and Administration Manager

Melanie has become a respected leader in finance and contract administration, playing a key role in supporting the successful delivery of projects across the region.

Her keen attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and deep understanding of financial management have been instrumental in streamlining operations at PBC. Melanie’s expertise extends across budgeting, financial forecasting, contract negotiation, and compliance, ensuring projects run efficiently and within financial parameters.

She also plays a pivotal role in risk management, identifying potential financial and contractual challenges before they arise, while supporting strong communication between office operations and project teams.

In 2026, Melanie received the Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Victoria Riverina Murray Excellence in Building Awards, acknowledging her contribution to the construction industry and the important role operational leadership plays in successful project delivery.

Dedicated to continuous improvement, Melanie is always looking for innovative ways to enhance processes and strengthen team support. Her ability to foster strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams makes her a central part of how PBC runs day to day.

Anthony Baker, Director, Premier Building & Construction

Anthony Baker

Director

Anthony Baker is the Director of Premier Building & Construction (PBC) and is both a registered building practitioner and a registered commercial builder.

With almost four decades of experience in the building and construction industry, Anthony’s career began with a trade certificate in carpentry and joinery, followed by an Advanced Building Certificate/Clerk of Works. His extensive background spans all facets of the industry, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both fundamental and complex construction methodologies.

Anthony’s expertise is widely recognised, with consultants and solicitors frequently calling upon his advanced knowledge for detailed building inspections and reports. Dedicated entirely to PBC, Anthony plays a crucial role in ensuring the company’s continued success, upholding its commitment to delivering high-quality projects.