Medical Centre Rebuild in Lajamanu
December 22, 2020
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Medical Centre for Lajamanu
Lajamanu is a small community about 560km south-west of Katherine in the NT. It’s located on the edge of the Tanami Desert and access is via about 100km of unsealed road off the Brutine highway.
In July 2020, MJ Builders started a 5-month project in Lajamanu to rebuild and refurbish the medical centre that was damaged by fire. We had 2 of our full-time carpenters living out in Lajamanu, with the help of various subcontractors throughout the project. Through the CDP program, local community members were also engaged in the project to work onsite.
MEC NT, Ausplumb, FRM Mechanical, ASAP Cabinetry, Skyside Roofing, Corporate Design Flooring, Prodigy Painting, Territory Projects, Remote Area Group, Curtains of Cavenagh, Danlaid and Matt Cousins Plastering were the subcontractors that made the trip to Lajamanu, making this project possible.
We rented out 2 houses from the Council and dongas at the General Store for our sub-contractors to live in. We also supplied meals to them for the duration of their stay.
The scope of works:
- Remove and dispose of all medical equipment and medical waste
- Undertake a detailed inventory of medical supplies and equipment, storing and disposing of to meet medical waste compliance
- Full internal strip out of plaster, vinyl (Corporate Design Flooring), cabinetry (ASAP Cabinetry) roofing (Skyside Roofing), trusses, electrical (MEC NT), hydraulics (Ausplumb) and mechanical (FRM) due to fire and smoke damage
- Replace all structural components that were affected by fire, in particular, the ambulance bay
- Full replacement of entire roof and solar (this included a team of 10 from Skyside Roofing)
- Full replacement of plaster, vinyl, cabinetry, roofing, trusses, electrical, hydraulics and
- mechanical
- Full paint of entire medical centre
- Full security for on-call nurse system for 24-hour emergency access to local authorities
- Full body protect electrical system
- Full duress system
- Anti-vandalism tapware
- Ambulant/Disabled access and compliance fixtures throughout the entire building
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Recent projects
Where It All Began
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.
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.
