2022 Highlights
December 21, 2022

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Gray Community Hall

At the start of the year we completed one of our biggest projects yet, the Gray Community Hall. This project involved lots of moving parts, and a group of awesome contractors to help us get the job done.

The project has taken home a few awards throughout the year, including:

  • Master Builders Commercial/Industrial Construction under $5M
  • Master Builders – Entertainment and Recreation Facility
  • Housing Industry Association – Small Commercial Project of the Year
  • Colorful glass sculpture of flowers and leaves hangs from a white ceiling.

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  • Large, empty hall with wooden floor, glass walls, and colorful ceiling art.

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  • Modern building with a corrugated metal facade, large windows, and a covered walkway; blue sky overhead.

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  • A modern building with a wooden ceiling and pathway entrance, surrounded by landscaping and greenery.

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  • Outdoor cafe with tables, chairs, and a striped awning next to a stone building.

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  • Bar interior with stainless steel countertop, open to outdoor seating under a striped awning.

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  • Outdoor bar with wooden counter, green tiles, and roll-up shutter. Tables with checkered chairs are in front.

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  • Outdoor cafe with tables, chairs, and potted plants under a striped awning. A bar is visible in the background.

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Poco Bar

We also had the chance to work with long time client Moorish again to renovate their new wine bar Poco.

We completed renovations to Moorish Restaurant in 2020, so this was a great opportunity to work with owners Mark and Gertrude again.

Poco is a great new addition to Spain Place in the Darwin CBD.

Shayne and Mark - Completed apprenticeships

Towards the end of 2022, Shayne and Mark completed their apprenticeships with us through GTNT.

They are now both qualified Carpenters and will begin transitioning into becoming site supervisors.

Shayne has spent the majority of the year working remote at the Bradshaw Training Range, while Mark worked at Robertson Barracks for the first half of the 2022 before finishing off the year at the Somerville project in Palmerston.

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  • A group of people, some shirtless, relax in a pool outdoors, trees in the background.

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  • Group of people in Hawaiian shirts and leis posing outdoors under string lights.

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  • Three people on a boat, enjoying the sun. One points, another laughs, a third sits; blue water, sunny sky.

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Company grew by 10+ staff

As a company, we were stoked to grow by more than 10 staff this year. This growth spans all aspects of M+J including site staff, apprentices and project managers.

We also had a handful of great team bonding days - golf days, barefoot bowls, fishing and of course our end of year party at Crab Claw Island.

Kalliopi and Hamish join the team

Kalliopi joined us this year to start her traineeship. She's been kept on her toes, and has learnt a whole lot about working in construction, including OHS and specific procedures that help keep the place running.

Hamish also joined the team as an apprentice. He started out doing a school-based apprenticeship, but has now come onboard as a full time apprentice carpenter.

We can't wait to watch these two grow even more in the coming year.

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Recent projects

Building with Purpose: The Story of M+J Builders

October 2, 2025
Where It All Began 
KFC restaurant exterior with a large sign featuring Colonel Sanders against a red and black background.

Building KFC Stuart Park

By Michael Hawkes • December 18, 2024
The recent completion of the KFC in Stuart Park highlights our ability to meet the demands of a high-profile franchise while maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency. The Project Situated at 43 Stuart Highway, next to Sweet Brew Café, the new KFC Stuart Park stands on a site that was once a vacant single allotment. We transformed the unused land into a fully operational restaurant designed to meet KFC’s strict global specifications. The project was completed on time, and the restaurant opened its doors in November 2024. Key Achievements Franchise Standards: Meeting KFC’s global requirements, we ensured every detail—from kitchen equipment to interior finishes—aligned with their brand identity. Efficient Design: The layout was optimised for high-volume service, durability, and operational efficiency. Local Impact: The project created 50 new jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the Darwin community. Why M+J Builders? We specialise in delivering complex commercial projects. Whether it’s a national brand or a bespoke development, we bring the same level of dedication to every build.
A modern pavilion with steps leading up, palm trees, and a sunset sky.

Revitalising Cullen Bay: Enhancing Darwin's Premier Waterfront Precinct

By Michael Hawkes • December 18, 2024
Cullen Bay has always been a favourite spot for locals and visitors, offering a laid-back, tropical waterside lifestyle just moments from Darwin’s CBD. Recently, the precinct has undergone a revitalisation aimed at strengthening the connection between the beachfront and marina, while enhancing the area’s appeal with new greening and cooling initiatives. Role in the Revitalisation As part of the Cullen Bay revitalisation project, M+J Builders played a key role in transforming the precinct into a more vibrant, accessible space: Shade Structures: We installed three new shade structures around the marina, providing much-needed relief from the harsh tropical sun and creating spaces for visitors to relax in comfort. Seating & Gathering Spaces: Our team worked on installing informal seating areas, paving, and concrete works, plus arbours over shops to create inviting spots for social interaction and relaxation. Artistic Lighting: To bring the precinct to life at night, we added lighting that creates stunning art effects, making the space a lively destination after dark. Accessibility Improvements: We made sure that Cullen Bay is accessible to everyone by building pathways for disabled access to the beach and gardens. Overcoming Challenges This project came with its share of challenges, including managing pedestrian traffic, navigating council property constraints, and coordinating works around busy roads and local businesses. With careful planning and execution, our team ensured the area remained accessible throughout the process, minimising disruptions to the public as the site always has high numbers of foot traffic. A Collaborative Effort The revitalisation was a joint effort led by the Northern Territory Government and Cullen Bay Marina Management Corporation, with funding and oversight focused on creating cooler, more attractive spaces that would draw both locals and tourists. The goal was to improve liveability and bring more visitors to this prime location in Darwin. Experience the New Cullen Bay Cullen Bay now features a refreshed streetscape with shade trees, lawns, and tropical plants, making it a much cooler and inviting place. The improvements not only enhance the look and feel of the area but also support local businesses by encouraging more foot traffic. We invite you to visit Cullen Bay and see the transformations for yourself. Whether you’re relaxing by the water, dining at one of the local cafes, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Cullen Bay offers something for everyone. At M+J Builders, we’re proud to have contributed to this exciting project and helped make Cullen Bay an even more special place.