Community Engagement in Lajamanu
December 22, 2020

•

Community Engagement in Lajamanu

The Community Development Program (CDP) aims to support job seekers in remote parts of Australia to build skills and contribute to their communities across a range of industries. 

Working out on the medical centre project in Lajamanu for 5 months, we wanted to engage the community in any way we could. 

We met with the site manager of CDP in Lajamanu, Diana Sewers, at the start of the project to discuss hiring local employees to help with rebuilding the clinic. CDP provided MJ Builders with 7 Indigenous employees to work on the project. 

We did safety inductions and made sure the boys knew what needed to be done, giving them support whenever it was needed. 

The local employees said they learnt a range of new skills working alongside the MJ team, also building solid friendships. Our MJ team loved working with the boys and getting involved in the community. 

At the end of the medical centre project in Lajamanu, MJ Builders donated the remaining building materials to CDP, including iron roofing panels and cupboards. 

Overall, MJ Builders had a great experience working out in Lajamanu and getting local employees involved through CDP. We look forward to having more opportunities to work with communities in the future.

Letter of support from the community

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.